If you want to work in the UK, it is essential to understand your visa options. So, if you are someone who is planning to shift UK, firstly make sure to have all the required documents. These documents include a passport, English proficiency test, and other documents. Here’s a simple guide to help you know which visa might be right for you. Keep reading it to learn more.
Skilled Worker Visa
If you have a job offer in a skilled job from an approved employer, you can apply for a Skilled Worker Visa. This visa lets you work for that employer in the job they offered. If you find another job with a different approved employer, you can switch, but you’ll need a new visa. Make sure your employer is licensed to sponsor visas and that your job matches the required skill level and salary.
Health and Care Worker Visa
Health professionals with job offers from the NHS, an NHS supplier, or in adult social care can apply for this visa. You can only work for the employer who sponsored you and in the specific job they offered. If you want to change jobs, you’ll need a new visa. This visa has lower fees and quicker processing times.
Student Visa (Tier 4)
If you’re studying full-time at a licensed UK institution, you can get a Student Visa. During term time, you can work up to 20 hours per week (10 hours for some courses). You can work full-time in holidays especially. After you graduate, you can apply for a Graduate Visa too. This is important to work for up to 2 years (3 years for PhD graduates). And yes! Be careful not to work more than allowed during your studies. But why so? As it could affect your visa.
Graduate Visa
Recent graduates from eligible UK universities can apply for the Graduate Visa. This visa lets you work in most jobs or be self-employed for up to 2 years (3 years for PhD graduates). It’s a great way to gain work experience in the UK without needing an employer to sponsor you.
Intra-company Transfer Visa
If you work for a multinational company and they want to transfer you to their UK office, you can apply for an Intra-company Transfer Visa. You can only work for the employer who is transferring you. This visa is perfect if you already work for a multinational company and they’re moving you to the UK.
Temporary Worker Visa (Tier 5)
Coming to the UK for temporary work? You might need a Temporary Worker Visa. This visa is for roles like charity workers, creative and sports workers, and those on government exchange programs. You can only work for the employer and in the role specified on your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). These visas usually last 12-24 months, depending on the type of work.
Ancestry Visa
If you have a grandparent who was born in the UK and you are from a Commonwealth country, you are eligible to apply for an Ancestry Visa. This visa allows you to work for any employer or be self-employed in the UK. It’s valid for a period of almost 5 years. So at this time, you can live and work in the UK without any job restrictions.
One of the appealing benefits of the Ancestry Visa is its flexibility. After living in the UK for a certain period under this visa, you can also apply to extend your stay or for indefinite leave to remain. This also allows you to live in the UK permanently without any renewal of your visa.
Start-up and Innovator Visas
The Start-up and Innovator Visas are for entrepreneurs. It is essentially aiming to launch innovative businesses in the UK. These visas allow you to focus on developing your business idea. So, this may permit you to work for other employers to sustain yourself. To apply for these visas, you must first receive the endorsement.
This endorsement should be from a recognized organization in the UK. They should support entrepreneurs. It is essential as it demonstrates that your business idea is viable and innovative. You have the opportunity to establish and grow your business with this Visa. It will give you the vibrant entrepreneurial environment of the United Kingdom.
Family Visa
Joining family members who are British citizens or settled in the UK? You can apply for a Family Visa. This visa lets you work without restrictions in the UK. This visa is essential if you want to live with your family, fiancée, wife, and children. So, if you are planning to apply for a family visa, each of your family members should have a visa and all the required documents.
Visit Visa
If you’re planning to have a short visit to the UK, you can apply for a Visitor Visa! This visa allows you to stay in the UK temporarily for activities like tourism. You can also do it if you are visiting family or friends, or attending business meetings or conferences. However, it’s important to note that you cannot work or do any business activities that generate income with this visa. It’s strictly for non-employment purposes. You should be returning to your home country before your visa expires. And yes! Check the specific conditions and duration allowed for your visit when applying for a Visitor Visa to the UK.
Takeaway
It’s really important to pick the right visa for working in the UK. Each visa has its own rules and things you can do with it. So, make sure you look at all the options and choose the one that fits your needs best. First, learn about what each visa needs from you. This will help you feel sure about the visa process and get ready to work in the UK. So these are different types of visas. If you have any confusion regarding it, CLICK HERE and get a helpful consultation from us!
