The UK Work Visa Tier Tower
If you are looking to come and work in the UK, it is important to know what visa you need to apply for. One of the first things you will need to be clear on is what tier of worker you come under based on your circumstances. This helps the Home Office to streamline the immigration system for different types of professionals and investors. Each tier is based on the type of work the applicant will be doing. This handy article goes through each of the five tiers which form the UK working visa tower and will guide you in the right direction.
If you have questions or need help more urgently — get in touch with one of the experts at Waterstone Legal one of the best immigration law firms in London.
Tier One
The tier one visa is top of the tower and is for high-value individuals who can contribute significantly to the UK. This tier covers the following subcategories;
Exceptional Talent — This applies to those highly regarded in the departments of science and art.
Entrepreneur — The entrepreneur visa is for ambitious individuals who wish to set up, take over or run a business in the UK.
Investor — This is for those who intend to make a significant investment in the UK and certain thresholds must be met.
General — This visa has currently closed to most investors inside the UK and all of those outside.
Graduate Entrepreneur — This very specific visa is for non-Europeans who graduated in the UK and have been recognised for innovative or entrepreneurial skills.
Understanding if you qualify for any of the sub visas under tier one can be confusing, certain requirements and evidence is needed to substantiate your application. If you would like clear advice, Waterstone Legal provides extensive visa services and speaking to one of our expert immigration solicitors can give you the confidence and clarity on the next steps forward.
Tier Two
Next in the visa tower we have tier two which is for skilled workers. The following subcategories all come under this tier;
General — This is for those who have been offered a skilled job in a position that can not be filled by a UK resident.
Minister of Region — This applies to those who have been offered a position of faith in the UK such as priests and ministers.
Sports Person- Elite athletes and coaches with international recognition can apply for this visa.
Intra- Company Transfer — If you are an employee who has been transferred to the UK branch of a multinational organisation you can apply for this visa.
This tier is far-reaching and many workers will be applying for this type of visa. If you are in a hurry to get your visa, speak to an immigration lawyer near you for assistance with your application.
Tier Three
This tier has actually been currently suspended, it previously applied to low-skilled workers during temporary labour shortages. Onwards to tier four we go!
Tier Four
Tier 4 of the tower applies to adult students who are aged sixteen and over wish to study in the UK. The visa allows you to work for over 20 hours a week during term for one or more organisations. You will need to confirm your university or college qualifies for this visa, which most do.
Tier Five
The last tier of the tower is for temporary workers and covers the following subcategories;
Creative and Sporting — This one is for the showmen such as entertainers, athletes and creative artists.
Charity Workers — If you are coming to the UK to volunteer for charity work you can apply under this sub category.
Religious Workers — This sub category is for those who are coming to the UK to work as part of a faith-based community such as pastoral workers.
Government Exchange — This is for those who are participating in a government approved agreement.
International Agreement — If you are coming to the UK to take part in work schemes arranged under international law such as the GATS agreement.
Youth Mobility Scheme — This is for young people who wish to experience life in the UK.
How Do You Know Which Tier You Are?
The tier system can be a lot to get your head around and understanding what one to apply for can be confusing. If you are unsure and your employer or study institution can not clarify what type of worker you are, speaking to an immigration lawyer can save you money and prevent delays by guiding you and assisting you with the correct application.
The Wrap Up
The UK has a tier system for workers wishing to work in the UK to streamline the immigration process. Understanding the different tiers will help direct you towards which one to apply for. Speaking to an immigration lawyer can help make sure you apply under the correct category and is highly recommended as the best way to kick-start your adventure.
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