Britain–also known as the UK—as it is too well known is one of the most successful world economies and, as such, good possibilities are always there for the industrious and talented immigrants, eager to develop a fresh life out-of-the-country.
The well-known immigration destination has a rather long practice of giving a red-carpet welcome to immigrants even as presently London requires skilled overseas workers much more than ever before, to keep the British economy right on the top, and as one of the globe’s most successful. The rates of wages in the UK are, perhaps, one of the best across the globe. And this makes the Island Nation tremendously appealing, rightfully so, for those who wish to do a rewarding job in the nation.
Certainly, the UK is a hot destination for people who intend to live and work in a foreign country. However, the nation’s immigration procedure is somewhat complex and lengthy. Since the year 2008, applicants–interested in a Work Visa–can move to the nation, through a 5-Tier program, based on point system, under which the applicants are assessed on the parameters of various criteria–especially designed to analyze their eligibility and capability to work in the nation.
Since 2010, Britain’s immigration process has been made tougher for the workers from outside the European Economic Area (EEA). The main Work Visas for UK are as follow:
Work Visa for UK
Tier 5 Temporary workers: It is a point based system and is valid for a period of 12 to 24 months. Depending on your specific requirements, you can bring along your immediate family members. It is applicable for those candidates who want to land on the shores of the UK for a short stay.
In total, there are 5 different categories through which Temporary Workers can come to the UK provided they have an authorized sponsor. The classes are as follow:
- Creative and Sporting Worker Category
- Charity Worker Category
- Government Exchange Category
- Religious Worker Category
- International Agreement Category
As per the stream, individuals coming to the UK with a job offer for specific requirements should have a valid sponsor and a valid Certificate of Sponsorship, before applying.
Tier 2 (General): It is for workers who have a job offer of skill work and a valid certificate of sponsorship from a UK employer, along with a Tier 2 sponsorship license. The applicant must not be a resident of European Economic Area (EEA) & Switzerland. The job offer must be of such sector that cannot be filled by a worker already living in the country. Since 2011, a cap of 20,700 visas per year has been imposed.
Today, if you apply for a Tier 2 visa, initially, you will be granted a visa for a period of three years and one month, or the time mentioned duration on your sponsorship certificate plus one month. Whichever is shorter of the two comes into force.
Since April 6, 2014, the UK government has made certain amendments they are as follow:
- Fees have been increased up to a 4%. It means you will have to pay £514 instead of £494.
- If your occupation has been mentioned on the shortage occupation list, then you will have to pay lower fees.
- A new provision has been included which will allow applicants to be granted a leave, to remain for a period of five years, instead of three years.
Tier 2 (Intra Company Transfer): It is for the applicants who are employed by the multinational companies, and are transferred to the UK branch office, in order to fill a skilled position. To submit an application, it is essential that the candidates, who have been transferred to the UK division, have a valid certificate of sponsorship from their UK recruiter. Four following sub-categories are there, i.e., Short-term staff, Graduate trainee, Long-term staff, and Skills transfer. The duration of stay varies from one to another.
