The United Kingdom

From 1 January 2021 onwards, the UK introduced a points-based immigration system. The advantage of the new system treats both EU and non-EU citizens equally. Under this points-based immigration system, anyone coming to the UK for work must meet some set of specific requirements for which they will score points. Visas are then awarded to the eligible candidates who gain enough points.

A total of 70 points is needed to be able to apply to work in the UK

1. Visitor visa: Visit the UK

If you would like to visit the UK, you have to apply for a Standard Visitor visa.
For example:

• for a holiday or to see family and friends
• for a business trip or meeting
• to do a short course of study

You can come to the UK as a Standard Visitor for the following purposes:

• for tourism, for example on holiday or to see your family and friends
• for certain business activities, for example attending a meeting
• to do a short course of study
• to take part in research or an exchange programme as an academic
• for medical reasons, for example to receive private medical treatment

How long can you stay?

You can usually stay in the UK for up to 6 months.

You might be able to stay for longer if:

• you are coming to the UK for private medical treatment - up to 11 months.
• You are an academic and meet the eligibility requirements - you, your spouse or partner and your children may be able to stay for up to 12 months.

2. Study Visa:

Your course length, type and place of study effect which visa to apply for.

• A Standard Visitor visa lets you do a short course of study that lasts no longer than 6 months.
• A Short-term study visa lets you come to the UK to study an English language course over 6 months and up to 11 months.
• A Student visa is usually for a longer course. It would be best to be sponsored by a licensed college or university and have a confirmed place. You may be able to do some work on this visa.
• A Child Student visa is for 4 to 17-year-olds who want to study at an independent school. If you are 16 or over, you can do some work on this visa.

3. Work Visa:

You can work in the UK on a short or long-term basis with a work visa. There are many types of work visas.

The visa you need depends upon:

• your skills and qualifications
• if you have a job offer and sponsorship
• if you want to bring your family with you
• what you will be doing - for example sporting, charitable or religious work

Skilled Work Route

From 1 January 2021, you should have a sponsor licence to hire workers from outside the UK. This does not apply to Irish citizens.

Under the new skilled worker system, anyone coming to the UK to work will need the followings:

• they have a job offer from a Home Office licensed sponsor
• the job offer is at the required skill level – RFQ 3 or above (A-Level and equivalent)
• they speak English to the required standard

In addition to this, the job offer should also meet the applicable minimum salary threshold. This is the higher of either:

• the general salary threshold set by Her Majesty’s Government on the advice of the independent Migration Advisory Committee at £25,600, or
• the specific salary requirement for their occupation, known as the “going rate.”

If the job offer is less than the minimum salary requirement but not less than £20,480, an applicant may still be eligible if they have:

• a job offers in a specific shortage occupation
• a PhD relevant to the job
• a PhD in a STEM subject relevant to the job

There are different salary rules for workers in certain health or education jobs and “new entrants” at the start of their careers.

4. Investor/Startup/Innovator Visa

You can also invest money in the UK with an Investor visa. You can set up a business with a Start-up visa or an Innovator visa.

You can apply for a Tier 1 (Investor) visa if:

• you want to invest £2,000,000 or more in the UK
• you’re from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland
• you meet the other eligibility requirements

Startup Visa

You can apply for a Start-up visa if:

• you want to set up an innovative business in the UK - it must be different from anything else on the market
• be at least 18 years old
• meet the English language requirement
• be able to prove that you have enough personal savings to support yourself while you are in the UK

Innovator Visa

You can apply for an Innovator visa if:

• you want to set up and run an innovative business in the UK - it must be different from anything else on the market
• your business or business idea has been endorsed by an approved body, also known as an endorsing body
• meet the English language requirement
• be at least 18 years old
• be able to prove that you have enough personal savings to support yourself while you are in the UK

5. Family Visa:

If you were separated from your partner or child, you can apply for them to join you in the UK.

To apply you must have been given asylum or 5 years’ humanitarian protection, and not have British citizenship.

Eligibility Criteria for Partner and Children

Partner

Your partner is someone you are in a genuine relationship with. You must be able to prove one of the following:

• you are married
• you are in a civil partnership

If you are not married or in a civil partnership, your partner may be able to join you if:

• you were given refugee status or humanitarian protection on or after 9 October 2006.
• you have lived together in a relationship like in a marriage or civil partnership for 2 years, and you have been given asylum or humanitarian protection after 9 October 2006.

You and your partner must intend to live together and continue your relationship after they apply.

Children

Your child is:

• under the age of 18
• going to live with you and your partner
• not married or in a civil partnership