How to get a working visa
The rules regarding coming to work in the UK changed in 2008. Now all working visa applications are decided by a points-based assessment. The assessment helps to classify applicants into different categories according to skill. Those applicants who are deemed to have a skill that a UK or 'settled' worker cannot fill will be considered for a working visa. Most applicants will need to have a job offer and a person willing to sponsor them before completing the assessment.
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Instructions
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Applying for a working visa
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Look for a job. You will need a job offer and a sponsor, who will usually be your employer. If you are coming to the UK as an investor or entrepreneur however you do not need to have a job offer, but you will still need to complete the points assessment. Investors will be awarded points based on their ability to invest £1million into the UK.
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Complete the points-based assessment form on the website of the UK Border Agency. The points you score will determine which category you fall into, which could be highly skilled, skilled, temporary worker, or other.
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Fill in the visa application form via the UK Border Agency website. (See Resources below)
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Send off the form along with the applicable fee, which can vary between £250 if you are a skilled worker applying from outside the UK, to £1,095 for a domestic worker applying in person. Fees are entirely dependent on the type of application. The current costs are valid as of July 2010, but they are subject to change.
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Tips & Warnings
If you wish to come to the UK as a domestic worker, you can only do so if you are already employed as a member of staff by a family and are moving or visiting with them.
Most EU nationals do not need to apply for a working visa, with the exception of nationals from Bulgaria and Romania. Nationals from countries that joined the EU in 2004 need to apply under a slightly different scheme called the Workers Registration Scheme, this is to allow the UK government to monitor the amount of labour coming in from these countries.
There are slightly different rules regarding Turkish citizens. Check the UK Border Agency website for details. Similarly if you are a Commonwealth citizen you can apply in the Commonwealth category.
It's a good idea to start the application process 3 to 4 months before you wish to travel to the UK.
Skilled workers are normally issued a visa for a maximum of 3 years and 1 month, or for as long as their certificate of sponsorship lasts. After this time it is possible to apply for an extension for a maximum of a further 2 years. For other types of worker the length of their visa will depend on their employment and category.
References
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