The Difficulty of Obtaining a UK Work Visa
Obtaining a UK work visa can be a difficult and complex process. The level of difficulty depends on factors such as the individual’s nationality, the type of job or industry they are looking to work in, as well as the duration and purpose of their stay. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the key considerations applicants must be aware of when attempting to secure a work visa for the United Kingdom.
Overview of UK Work Visa Types
The UK offers a variety of different work visas, each of which are tailored to suit different needs. The Tier 2 (General) visa, also known as the Work Permit visa, is the most common type of work visa and provides permission for eligible individuals to come to the UK for up to five years for employment in a specific role. The Tier 5 (Temporary Worker) visa is designed for non-EEA citizens who wish to come to the UK for up to 12 months and work in the creative and sporting industries, as charity workers, or to undertake a religious role. The Tier 1 (Investor) visa is intended for investors and professional individuals who wish to transfer to the UK, while entrepreneur visas with attractive benefits can also be obtained if certain criteria is met.
Eligibility Requirements for UK Work Visas
The eligibility requirements for obtaining a UK work visa differ depending on the type of visa applied for, but all applicants must satisfy certain fundamentals criteria. All applicants must be over the age of 18, possess a valid passport, possess proof of financial stability, and provide criminal record checks from all countries visited in the five-year period prior to the application. Additionally, most visas require applicants to demonstrate their proficiency in the English language by providing either IELTS or equivalent accreditation.
Applying for a UK Work Visa
The process for submitting a UK work visa application varies depending on the category applied for and applicants’ nationalities but, in general, the process involves applying online via the UK government’s website. Once the application is received, applicants will be invited to attend an interview at the nearest UK visa application center where further assessments will be conducted. It is important for applicants to submit the original document at the center, so they should make sure to have all original documents ready prior to the interview.
Cost of UK Work Visas
Each type of UK work visa carries its own fee, and the amount depends on the category of visa applied for. Generally, the Tier 1 visa and Tier 2 visa cost £608 and £704 respectively, while other Tier visa fee costs can range from £244 to £636. Once the fee has been paid and the application accepted, the visa will be issued within 3 weeks.
Alternatives to Obtaining a UK Work Visa
In some instances, those looking to work in the UK may need to look at alternatives to applying for a work visa. An individual may be exempt from obtaining a visa if they are either an EEA national, a family member of an EEA national, a Commonwealth citizen, or a British overseas citizen. Additionally, individuals who hold a visa from Australia, New Zealand, Canada or the United States of America may be eligible for a Youth Mobility Visa designed to enable people between the ages of 18 to 30 to live and work in the UK for up to two years without the need for a work visa.
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