Types of UK Visas
Obtaining a visa to live and work in Great Britain has changed considerably in a very small amount of time. Here is a brief overview of the types of visas available to those wishing to emigrate to the United Kingdom.
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Employment-Based Visas
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Employment-based visas are those that allow a foreign national to enter the UK for work purposes. The points-based system is used to manage migration to the UK, and there are several employment-related subcategories.
Tier 1: (general) migrant
Tier 1: investor
Tier 1: entrepreneur
Tier 1: post-study work
Tier 2: skilled worker
Tier 5: temporary workersEligibility for these visas is determined by the applicant's past experience, immigration history, salary and education. Through the UK Border Administration (UKBA) points calculator, an applicant may determine her eligibility before applying.
Student Visas
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Tier 4, general and child student visas, are issued to those foreign nationals coming to the UK to study. The applicant must show that he has been accepted into an accredited course of study in the UK and that he has enough funds to maintain himself and any dependents while they are living in the UK.
EEA Family Permits
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Residents of the European Economic Area have the right to live and work in the UK, as do their spouses and immediate family members. The EEA permit is for European Union citizens.
UK Family-Based Visas
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The category of family-based visas is for family members of UK citizens such as spouses, civil partners, engaged couples or proposed civil partners. To be eligible, you must show that you are legally married, in a civil partnership or you plan to marry or enter into a civil partnership within six months of arriving in the UK. You must have met before and be over the age of 21. The UK citizen must be present and settled in the UK or intend to live there permanently. You must also provide proof of support and of accommodation sufficient to prove that the migrant will not become a public charge.
UK Ancestry
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An ancestry visa is issued based on having UK heritage. It is open to Commonwealth citizens only, aged 17 and older.
If you have a grandparent who was born in the UK, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man, or the Republic of Ireland (before March 31,1922); you are able to work and intend to do so; and you can support yourself and any dependents without needing recourse to public funds, then you may be eligible for the UK ancestry visa.
Tier 5: Youth Mobility Scheme
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This scheme has replaced the working holidaymakers' route. Citizens of Australia, Canada, Japan and New Zealand are eligible to apply. As this is a points system visa, eligibility can be determined by using the points calculator on the UKBA website.
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