For a long time, UK has welcomed educated youth (highly skilled workers) to come into the country for work. Though there are different kinds of Visa available, I’m going to discuss primarily about the 3 types that are popular among people wanting to come into the UK for work.
For long term work, there are two categories:
- Tier 1 (earlier called HSMP - Highly Skilled Migrant Program)
- Tier 2 (employer sponsored work permits)
Tier 1 (high skilled migrants)
This scheme is for individuals who fall into one of these categories:
- Highly skilled migrants. You do not need to have a specific job offer but will need to demonstrate you are highly skilled, have money to support yourself and are able to speak English.
- Entrepreneurs. If you are keen on establishing a business or own and operate one, this is for you.
- Investor. If you want to invest in the United Kingdom you will need to demonstrate that you have the money to do so.
- Studies completed in UK. If you graduated from a university in the United Kingdom, you can apply to stay in the United Kingdom to work once you have completed your studies.
See the following page for more information
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/workingintheuk/tier1/
Tier 2 (sponsored skill workers)
For Tier 2 scheme, a sponsor is required to file a work permit for the individual. The sponsor has certain responsibilities to satisfy the home office before a permit is issued to the candidate.
- To apply under Tier 2, an applicant must have a sponsor. A sponsor is an United Kingdom based organisation that wishes to employ the applicant in the United Kingdom.
- In order to sponsor applicants, an employer will need to have registered as a licensed sponsor. The sponsor will need to meet the requirements for the particular category within Tier 2 and accept certain responsibilities to help with immigration control
- The sponsor will need to assign a certificate of sponsorship before the applicant can apply for leave under Tier 2. The certificate of sponsorship will act as an assurance that the applicant is able to undertake a particular job and intends to do so
For more details, visit
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/workingintheuk/tier2/
Tier 5 (Youth Mobility Scheme)
For short term work, there is a Tier 5 visa a.ka “Youth Mobility Scheme”. Highlights of this scheme are:
- The Tier 5 (Youth Mobility Scheme) is for young people from participating countries who wish to experience life in the United Kingdom
- Successful applicants will be free to do whatever work they like during their stay in the United Kingdom, except for self employment, working as a professional sportsperson (including as a sports coach) or working as a doctor in training
- Youth Mobility Scheme temporary migrants may also engage in self or privately funded studies and voluntary work
- Period of stay allowed: 2 years
- Can I switch into another category: Not permitted
- Can I extend my stay: Not permitted
- Those who have previously spent time in the UK under the Youth Mobility Scheme or under the Working Holidaymaker Scheme are not eligible to apply under the Youth Mobility Scheme.
- Can I bring my dependants: Not permitted
- Applicant must not have any children under the age of 18 who are either living with him/her or for whom he/she is financially responsible
- Applicants who are married or have partners may participate in the Youth Mobility Scheme. Although spouses or partners of Youth Mobility Scheme participants may not enter the United Kingdom as dependants, they may enter if they qualify and obtain entry clearance in their own right under the Youth Mobility Scheme, or qualify for entry in another capacity
For more information, see
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/workingintheuk/tier5/youthmobilityscheme/