Tier 1 - Those who wish to start-up a business, Innovators, Investors and Globally Talented people

In order to qualify for a start-up visa you will first need to have your business assessed by an approved body. You will also need to meet the English language and financial requirements.


Try our Points calculator to check your eligibility
 

Tier 2 (General Work visa) - Long-term visas for skilled workers with a job offer to fill gaps in the UK labour force such as Intra-Company Transfers, Ministers of Religion and Sports people.

A licensed sponsor will be required under this category. You can remain for up to a maximum of 5 years and 14 days.

This category is for medium to highly skilled workers who have received a job offer, a Certificate of Sponsorship (COS) from a UK employer (Licensed Sponsor).  They must also score 50 points from the following areas.  Points are available for NVQ3 skill level job, qualifications, future salary, Resident Labour Market Test (RLMT) where the licensed sponsor has to show that no suitably qualified resident worker is available to fill the vacancy and Shortage Occupations (ones for which there are not enough resident workers to fill available jobs).  You must also satisfy the relevant English language and maintenance requirements.

Tier 5 - Short-term work visas (Temporary workers and Youth mobility scheme)

A sponsor is required under this category.

Tier 5 (Temporary workers) For migrants required to work temporarily in the UK.  These include creative artists, sports persons, entertainers, religious workers (non-pastoral), charity workers, government authorised exchange and international agreement workers such as employees of overseas governments and international organisations, private servants in diplomatic households.

Tier 5 (Youth mobility scheme) For young migrants (aged between 18 to 30) from certain participating countries who wish to work temporarily in the UK for up to 2 years whilst experiencing the diverse culture in the UK.  The sponsor will be the national government of the participating country.

Visas to UK can help employers who wish to obtain sponsor licences and employees who wish to apply for entry clearance or switch (in-country) into any of the above categories.