Immigration Rules in the UK
Most people who immigrate to the United Kingdom do so for work, to study or through a family visa. Understanding the rules will help you determine which type of immigration visa to apply for. Work-based immigration is divided into tiers, depending on skill level and education.
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Skilled Migration
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Highly skilled people who are seeking to work in the U.K. without restriction would apply for a Tier 1 visa. Applicants must hold at least a master's degree, have earned the equivalent of £20,000 in the previous 12 months and must score 95 points on a required test. This test awards points for education qualifications, work experience, ability to understand, speak and write English, and availability of funds to support the applicant as he or she settles in the U.K.
Tier 1 applicants receive a three-year visa to work and live in the U.K., after which they can apply for a two-year extension. After five years, they can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain in the U.K.
Work Permits
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An employer in the U.K. will apply for a Tier 2 work permit when they need a specific person for an available position. The employer must prove that the position can't be filled by a person within the European Economic Area, and the prospective employee must meet certain education and work experience requirements. Tier 2 work permit holders receive similar permissions for extended stay in the U.K. as Tier 1 visa holders do.
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Student Visas
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Foreign students who have secured a full-time place (minimum of 15 hours of classroom-based study a week) at a university, college or school in the U.K. can apply for a Tier 4 student visa. These visa holders cannot accept public funds and must intend to return home after finishing their schooling. They are allowed to work part time.
Other Visas
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A family visa may be an option if a person is in a relationship with a U.K. citizen or legal resident. This person becomes the applicant's sponsor for permanent residency in the U.K. Temporary workers may apply for the Tier 5 work visa. Their primary purpose for visiting the U.K. must not be paid work; this category would include charity workers, those on a working vacation and religious workers.
Considerations
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Citizens of the European Economic Area and Switzerland do not need a visa to live and work in the U.K. All other foreign citizens must apply for a work, student or family visa to immigrate to the U.K. Tier 3 work permit visas for lower-skilled temporary workers have been suspended indefinitely.
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