Visas

This section provides details of the two most common visas for those wishing to work in the UK. Over 2008 and 2009 the visa system in the UK was changed dramatically. Unless you have immediate family or a spouse here, you will be assessed using a Tier points based system. This page explains what tier and category of the points-based system you should apply under to come to work in the United Kingdom. (You can find a full description of all visas and an eligibility test on www.ukvisas.gov.uk).

Below are explanations of the Tier 1 visa (for Highly Skilled Migrants) and the Tier 5 visa (the Youth Mobility visa). It will be one of these that you will most likely need to apply for. Application forms can be obtained online or from your countries visa application centre, for free. It varies in each national centre whether you can complete it all online or if you need to post you application. You can also visit http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/workingintheuk for more information on the visa changes and who will now be eligible. Please note, unfortunately, requirements to be eligible are now stricter, but by using the Points Based Calculator you will know in a matter of minutes which visa you can qualify for.

Please visit our FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) page for more details. This expands on all the topics discussed here. If you do have any further questions you can either visit the government websites, email us using the enquiries form on the right hand side of this page or call on 01962 600 134 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm).

Tier 1 Visa (General):

This was originally known as the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme. The permit is assessed using points in categories including age, gross annual income earned, qualifications and previous experience in the UK. You will need a Masters degree or higher, i.e. PhD. You will also need to prove your proficiency in English language and that you can financially support yourself whilst here (known as maintenance requirement). You will have needed to be earning a salary above £20,000. This will enable you to stay for, initially, 3 years. You do not need to have a job offer on this visa, allowing you to work as a locum. This is one of the only working visas that will mean you are allowed to apply to extend your stay when it expires. It can also, eventually, be a gateway to permanent residency.

Tier 5 Visa (Youth Mobility Scheme):

This has replaced the Working Holiday Visa, which was highly popular amongst young workers wishing to experience life in the UK. In order to be eligible you must be aged 18-30 and be a national of those involved in the scheme. Currently the Youth Mobility Scheme has 4 countries participating: Australia, New Zealand, Japan and Canada. However, you are also eligible to apply if you are a British Overseas Citizen, British Overseas Territories Citizen or a British National (Overseas). Every year the UK publishes a list of countries on the scheme and allocates a particular amount of places to each one*. It is true there are less countries involved in this scheme than those who participated in the Working Holiday programme. This is however reviewed every year, and you will find updates on the UK visa websites (as listed before). Your government is your sponsor for this visa, so you do not need a job before you arrive. This allows you to work for 2 years. Please note: if you have already had a Working Holiday Visa you may not apply for a Tier 5 visa.

* Unfortunately Japan has filled its quota for this year. Japanese applicants who would like to apply may do so as of 1 January 2010.