A report by the UK government claims that over 600,000 people moved to the UK in 2019. Wondering why there has been a sudden upsurge to apply for a UK visa? The answer is simple.
Due to its expanding economy, professional opportunities, and vibrant social scene, the United Kingdom has become a popular destination for many globally.
However, there are certain important factors you should take into consideration to make the aspect of your move to the UK smoother.
Different Tiers Of Immigrating To The UK
There are various ways individuals can migrate into the UK. It primarily depends on the age and needs of the concerned candidates. We can categorize them into 3 sections.
- Migrants with Job Offer - Tier 2 and 3
- Students with the aim to study and settle in the UK - Tier 4
- Migrants as Entrepreneurs and Investors - Tier 1
Today, we will give you a thorough rundown of the factors to be considered while submitting a visa application for all the above mentioned categories.
Immigrating To The UK As A Migrant With A Job Offer?
Firstly, you will require a UK visa if you intend to stay in the country for longer than six months. Secondly, you must be aware that, for some, the immigration procedure can be challenging. For instance, the easiest way to move and settle in the UK is by applying for a work visa. However, in order to be given a work visa, you might need to meet certain criteria. The steps to apply for a long-term work visa are listed below.
1. Finding The Right Visa
You need to have a job offer in the UK before you can apply for a work visa. If your employer or your company will be sponsoring you for a UK work permit, you can also apply for a sponsor-based visa. There are various visa categories, with each one offering a different set of advantages. Your skills, qualifications, and the type of work you plan to do will determine the type of visa you receive. In order to find the best fit for your profile, you should explore all available visa types. The following are a few of the most common work visas:
- Skilled worker visa - Tier 2 Visa.
- Low Skilled Worker Visa - Tier 3 Visa.
You need to ensure that the type of visa you are applying for offers pathways to permanent residency in the UK.
2. Applying For The Visa
Once you've decided which form of visa you wish to apply for, gather all the required paperwork and submit your application. In general, you will need to visit a local representative office to apply for a visa and wait for them to make a decision. Depending on the type of visa you're applying for, the entire procedure could take weeks or even months.
3. Relocating To The Country
When your application is approved, the visa office will send you a letter or email with the decision and further instructions. Additionally, you will receive a sticker on your password called a "vignette" that contains information about your immigration status, such as the sort of visa you have, how long it will be valid for, etc.
4. How Easy Is This Process?
Working professionals around the world seek to activate the policies and schemes listed on the Tier 2 and 3 Visa. Therefore, it is considered to be the safest, most convenient, and easiest immigration process to apply for a UK visa.
Immigrating To The UK As Students?
The Tier 4 Visa scheme is primarily for students who reside outside the European Economic and aspire to seek education in renowned colleges and universities present in the United Kingdom. The applicants must provide proof of registered place before applying for the Tier 4 Visa.
1. The Duration Of The Tier 4 UK Visa
A student can reside in the UK for a total time period of 5 years after successfully applying for the Tier 4 Visa. The visa stays active for the entire duration of the registered course. However, it is essential to note that the maximum time period of 5 years residence is granted to the students who are pursuing PHD in a respective field of study.
2. How Easy Is This Process?
The Tier 4 Visa is designed to meet all the requirements of students around the world. Therefore, provisions are made to assist the students in every aspect [who meet all eligibility criteria] to successfully apply for the Visa.
Immigrating As Entrepreneurs And Investors
You can relocate without a job if you are well-known internationally, have exceptional talent, come from a wealthy family, or have ties to a family that lives in the UK. This type of Visa Application falls under the Tier 1 - Investor Visa Scheme. You will be eligible for this visa if you can show that you have two million euros to invest in the UK.
How Easy Is This Process?
The Tier 1 Visa is only accessible by a selected few individuals as there are various criteria that must be fulfilled. Adequate financial backing is also required in this process, making it a very difficult procedure to successfully complete for a UK visa appointment.
Other Types Of Visa Schemes
1. UK Ancestry Visa - In order to acquire this visa, you must provide evidence that your great-grandfather or grandfather was born in the UK, the Isle of Man, or the Channel Islands. Even people from the middle class can access it.
2. British National Overseas Visa - For this type of visa, you will need to provide evidence of your ties to former Commonwealth colonies.
3. International Talent Visa - If you have accomplishments in the following fields, you may qualify for a Global Talent Visa.
- Academic research
- Arts and Culture
- Digital technology
Is It Challenging To Relocate To The UK?
If you don't have a job, a family, enough finances, or internationally valued skills, moving to the UK becomes challenging. Additionally, it depends on where you live. EU citizens, for example, can obtain long-term visas more quickly than citizens of other countries. However, you won't have any trouble obtaining a work permit if you have a job offer from the UK.
When you first reach the UK, you should have at least 1500 euros to support yourself while you begin your work. The place you're moving from and the kind of visa you have impact the total expense.
Hire A Qualified UK Visa Consultant Right Away!
These were some of the most fundamental Visa Tiers that aspiring immigrants must take into consideration to apply for a UK visa. You should meet all the criteria outlined above in this article before submitting an application for a UK visa that supports your dream of immigrating to the UK. You can speak with UK visa consultants to learn more about it.