The purpose of this content is to guide users on how to get permanent residence in the UK, various types of UK visas, work in UK visas, study in UK visas, and other UK immigration visa programs available for international citizens.
United Kingdom (UK) is a well-known country for accepting immigrants with hundreds of thousands of people migrating to the UK yearly with the intention of staying for more than 12 months. However, most of these immigrants end up being permanent residents in the UK.
There are various UK immigration visas, or should I say, there are various types of UK visas. As known, before you can migrate to the UK, you’ll need a visa as it serves as an authorizing document that gives you the right to enter, stay temporarily or live permanently in the UK.
The UK visa is a must-have for other foreign citizens entering the UK but the Citizens of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, and Commonwealth countries are not required to apply for a UK visa prior to entering the UK. However, there may be changes in the future because the UK already voted to leave the EU, but till then, no changes yet.
Types of UK Visa
There are various types of UK Visa and these includes;
- Work visa
- Study visa
- Visitor’s visa
- Business visa
- Family visa
- Settlement visa
- Transit visa.
Each of these visas has its functions. Every foreign citizen that wants to apply for any of the above visas has one reason or another. Some foreign citizens want to work and do business in the UK, a study in the UK, go to the UK for tourism, join the family in the UK, become UK permanent residents, and many more. Your reason to migrate to the UK determines the type o Visa you should opt in for.
Read also: Study and Work in the UK: The Ultimate Guide
Work and Business Visas
The UK immigration system is point-based for work visas. This system is divided into five tiers which include;
- Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) visa: This tier of visa is majorly for highly qualified foreigners. However, there are 1000 visas allocated to foreigners on this tier and such visa is valid for up to 5years which can also be extended for another 5years.
- Tier 2 (General) visa: This type of visa can be obtained from foreign individuals that have been offered a skilled job with at least a £25,000 salary annually. This type of visa is usually valid for 6 years
- Tier 2 (Intra-company Transfer) visa: There is some overseas employer who may transfer their employee to the UK branches, on the condition of sponsorship. In this case, this type of UK works visa the foreign individual should obtain. It can last from 9 months to even 9 years depending on the position of employment.
- Tier 2 (Minister of Religion) visas: This type of UK work visa is for foreigners offered jobs in religious communities on the condition of sponsorship. Usually, this visa lasts up to 3years and can be extended.
- Tier 2 (Sportsperson) visa: This UK works visa type is being obtained by sports personnel endorsed by their national bodies to coach a team or related offer. This UK works visa or permit last up to 3years and can be extended.
- Tier 5 (Temporary Worker) visa: There are temporary works related to charity volunteer work, religious work, sports persons, or creative work. As long as these works are being engaged on authorized government exchanges or international agreements, then the sponsorship is secured and foreigners can go through this visa program. However, the visa can last up to 2years.
- Tier 5 (Youth Mobility Scheme) visa: This visa type is meant for citizens of Australia, Canada, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, Hong Kong, South Korea or Taiwan, or British Overseas Citizens or a British national of ages 18 to 30 and have at least £1,890 in savings, who want to work and live temporarily in the UK. This visa is valid for up to 2years.
Other UK work visas may include domestic workers in private household visas and permitted paid engagement visas.
Read also: Beginners Guide: Steps to Apply for Jobs in the UK
Study visa or permit
This type of visa is being issued to international citizens outside of the UK who wish to study in the UK. However, the UK study visa is divided into three categories. This includes;
- Tier 4 (Child) Student Visa: This category of student visa is obtained for foreign kids between the ages of 4 to 17 coming to school in the UK.
- Tier 4 (General) Student Visa: Every international citizen except EEA citizens can apply for this visa and must be at least 16 years and want to enroll to study in the UK.
- Short-Term Study Visa: This type of visa can be obtained for foreigners who wish to learn short-term programs like learning the English language or any other short-term vocational program. This type of visa is usually valid for up to 11 months depending on the program.
That’s all for the UK study visa
Read also: UK Student Visa: Requirements, Processing time & Cost
Tourist or Visitors visa
The UK is also a very common destination for tourism. International citizens who wish to visit the UK for tourism; events, short-term study, tours, holidays, or any other related short-term purpose can easily apply or should obtain a UK visitor’s visa.
Family Visa
This type of visa is obtained by international citizens who wish to immigrate to the UK because they have family members like parents or spouse who lives and work there. They can join them over there for more than 6 months as their dependants.
Other visa includes the transit visa and refugee visa.
Permanent Residence UK
So many foreign citizens are looking forward to becoming permanent residents of the UK. However, to become a permanent resident UK, you need to apply for a permanent residence card. This is made possible if you’ve lived in the UK for up to 5years.
There are certain criteria being looked upon to become permanent residents in the UK. That is, you must’ve lived with your EEA family member in the UK for up to 5years, and also they must have a permanent right of residence.
You can apply for the permanent residence UK card online. If you wish to apply for any of the above UK visas, you can visit their official website to apply.
If you’ve any questions relating to permanent residence in the UK, immigration visa programs in the UK, how you can assess yourself, eligibility, the processing time for a UK immigration visa, and other related topics, please do let me know via the comment section.