Available Visa Options for Employee Immigration to the UK
If you’ve received a job opportunity from a UK firm, it’s time to hire a reputable UK immigration lawyer to navigate the process. Qualified employees have many routes to working in the UK, but all involve applying for a visa. The new points-based system accommodates skilled migrants taking up positions in various occupations. You can qualify for skilled, semi-skilled, and low-skilled jobs. Here's an overview of the top three visa options you can use to migrate to the UK as an employee.
1. Skilled Worker Visa
The Skilled Worker visa is the most popular option for employee immigration to the UK. It replaces the previous Tier 2 (General) Visa and is designed for workers with a skilled job offer from a UK employer. Applicants must provide a Certificate of Sponsorship from a licensed employer. Companies recruiting skilled workers will also pay an Immigration Skills Charge.
Applicants of a Skilled Worker visa must meet specific requirements, including having adequate financial support and English proficiency to a set standard. Once approved, holders of this visa can work in the UK for up to five years. You can also renew/extend a Skilled Worker visa as many times as needed, provided you meet the relevant requirements. Workers who migrate to the UK using this route can apply to settle permanently after five years in the UK.
If you have a job offer from a legitimate UK employer and a Certificate of Sponsorship, the Skilled Worker visa is your best route to working in the UK.
2. Intra-Company Transfer Visa
This visa is for employees of a multinational company being transferred to work in the UK branch or subsidiary. It also applies to graduates selected to work in the UK under a structured graduate training program. Applicants of the Intra-Company Transfer visa must have a Certificate of Sponsorship from the employer with UK offices/subsidiaries.
The Intra-Company Transfer visa replaces the Tier 2 Long-Term Staff and Graduate Trainee categories. It allows companies to transfer their employees across connected subsidiaries within the larger group. Applicants must meet the minimum skill, salary, and financial maintenance requirements but don't have to satisfy an English language requirement. The maximum length of stay for the Intra-Company Transfer visa is five years in any six-year period (or nine years in any ten-year period if you’re paid £73,900 a year or more). It’s one of the best routes for migrants looking to live and work in the UK on an assignment/shorter term basis.
3. Sole Representative Visa
The Sole Representative visa is another possible route for employee immigration to the UK. It’s for companies without a UK subsidiary/office and looking to establish a UK entity, presence, or branch. Such companies can deploy a senior sales executive to initiate the mission. Regardless of how long the representative stays in the UK, they'll need a Sole representative visa and this visa route leads to settlement in the UK after five years.
Sales representatives and executives staying for up to six months in the UK may apply for a business visitor visa but representatives cannot work under the visit provisions. This route only works if the planned activities are permissible within the visitor visa rules. Applicants should review their itinerary and planned activities to determine the best visa option. The Sole Representative visa offers more freedom for the employee to carry out their set mission.
Other Visa Options
There are several routes and sub-routes for employee immigration to the UK. Here's a brief overview of the popular options you should discuss with your UK immigration lawyer:
Minister of Religion Visa (T2): For employees who’ve received a missionary or minister of religion job with a registered religious community organization in the UK.
International Sportsperson Visa: Designed for elite coaches and sportspeople endorsed by a recognized sport’s governing body.
Health and Care Worker Visa: A sponsored UK visa for overseas medical professionals working in eligible positions with the NHS, NHS supplier, or adult social care.
Graduate Visa: For overseas graduate students staying in the UK to work or looking to work for at least two years (three years for doctoral students).
Global Talent Visa: Designed for leaders/potential leaders in various fields, including research or academia, arts and culture, and digital technology.
Temporary Worker Visa: A short-term sponsored work visa for employees looking to take temporary roles and seasonal employment needs. It also covers the creative sector.
The Investor Visa and the Start-Up & Innovator visas are other options for people seeking work-related migration to the UK. The two possibilities suit self-employed investors looking to set up a business in the UK and need to work to support their stay as they develop ideas.
UK Immigration Lawyer
Moving to the UK can be a fun experience but comes with its concerns. You need to plan and get all documents ready for the process. Settling abroad also calls for a bit of research. Working with a UK immigration lawyer can bring clarity to the process, helping you to a smooth relocation.
At Eversage Associates, you can speak to experienced lawyers online to start planning your immigration. We specialize in UK-bound immigration and simplify the process to give clients peace of mind. You can expect modern approaches to communication, complete ownership of the immigration process, and tailored advice.