Are you considering making the UK your long-term home? Navigating the maze of immigration options can be overwhelming, but fear not – we’ve broken down the key routes that allow non-British citizens to settle in the UK. Whether you’re reuniting with family, pursuing a work-related opportunity, or aiming for higher education, here’s your guide to understanding the pathways to permanent residency.
1. Joining Family in the UK
If you have a UK citizen spouse or partner, indefinite leave to remain, or an EU national with settled or pre-settled status, you can opt for the UK Family Visa. There are also limited options for parents of British children and adult dependent relatives in extreme compassionate circumstances. You can find more details on the GOV.UK website.
2. UK Ancestry Visa
If you have a British-born great parent (born on the British Isles, not in former colonies), you may be eligible for the UK Ancestry Visa. There’s no age limit, but you must demonstrate an intention to work in the UK and have sufficient funds to support yourself during your job search. Plus, your partner and children can apply for visas or join you later, enjoying certain advantages. You can find more details on the GOV.UK website.
3. Work and Business Related Routes
– Skilled Worker Route (formerly Tier 2 General): The most common route requiring a job offer meeting minimum skills and salary criteria. If you are in IT and Tech, Finance etc. this is the route you will normally take, however it can be difficult to land an eligible job that would sponsor your visa. Luckily, you can have experienced professionals search and apply on your behalf at Sponsored Workers. You can find more details about this visa on the GOV.UK website.
– Health and Care Worker Route: This route allows medical professionals (i.e. doctors, nurses, and other qualifying health professionals) and care workers to come to the UK to do an eligible job with the NHS, an NHS supplier or in adult social care. This is a special route that was created specifically to address the inadequate workforce in the NHS and care sector, allowing companies to rapidly recruit foreign workers to plug the shortage in the health industry. More than 120,000 people came to the UK on this visa in the year leading to June 2023. For this visa you would need to secure an eligible job in the UK first. You can find more details about this visa on the GOV.UK website.
– Innovator Founder Route: For entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas endorsed by accredited bodies, leading to settlement after only three years. Your Idea must be something that’s different from anything else on the market. Read more here.
– Global Talent Route: For leaders and potential leaders in science, technology, arts, research and academia, also leading to settlement after only three years. You can find more details on the GOV.UK website.
4. Student Visa and Beyond
If you’re heading to the UK for studies, you’ll apply for a Student Visa. While it doesn’t lead directly to settlement, you can obtain a Graduate Visa (also commonly known as Post Study Work Visa) after your studies, offering opportunities for employment or transitioning to the Skilled Worker Route. Completing a PhD or MPhil course can also extend your stay (See Long Term Residence) . You can find more details on the graduate visa here: GOV.UK website.
5. High Potential Individual Visa
If you graduated from a globally recognized university in the last five years, you might qualify for this visa, allowing you to work in the UK for a limited period. Although it doesn’t lead to settlement, it provides a chance to explore and switch to other routes. Read more here on the GOV.UK website
Long Term Residence
While this isn’t a visa route on its own, it’s worth mentioning, especially as most people aren’t aware of it. Many of the visa routes above will lead to indefinite leave to remain (ILR or permanent residence) in 3 to 5 years. However if for whatever reason you are not able to complete the 3-5 year period on any of those visas but have accumulated 10 years of legal residence in the UK, you can still apply for ILR on this basis. A good example is if you studied a 3 year bachelors, followed by a 4 year PhD and a 3 year Graduate Visa. Then while each of those student visas are not eligible for ILR, you can still apply for ILR as you have been resident in the UK for the last 10 years. You can find more details on the GOV.UK website.
Important Application Details
Remember, each immigration route has specific requirements and regulations. Make sure to thoroughly research and understand the criteria relevant to your situation before applying. Good luck on your journey to calling the UK your permanent home!
Disclaimer: We are not immigration consultants, legal advisors or solicitors. This article is shared for informational purposes only. If you find anything wrong, leave a comment or contact us at info@sponsoredworkers.co.uk
Are you considering moving to or settling in the UK? We can help you secure an eligible job that would sponsor your skilled worker or health and care visa. Embark on your adventure today at sponsoredworkers.co.uk !
Dear Immigration Admin,
I am writing to express my interest in seeking your expertise in obtaining an H2A visa for temporary agricultural work in the United States. As a Nigeria citizen with more then 5 years of experience in Agricultural Field under Nigeria incentive base risk sharing system for agricultural leading. [ NIRSAL], I am eager to explore opportunities in the U.S. agricultural sector. I came across your company, [Company Name], while researching reputable immigration services. Your team’s expertise in navigating the complex H2A visa process and dedication to delivering successful outcomes impressed me. I believe your guidance would be invaluable in helping me achieve my goal. I am particularly interested in your support with the following aspects of the H2A visa application process:
– Labor certification and petition preparation
– Ensuring compliance with USCIS and Department of Labor regulations
– Gathering required documents and evidence
– Preparing for and attending visa interviews
Please my resume and a brief summary of my qualifications and experience. I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss my application and how your team can support me in achieving my objectives if requested.