Work in the UK

There are various routes to working in the UK, some requiring an employer to sponsor you, and others not. There is a route for innovators, graduates from certain highly rated universities, routes for those with a job offer, a route for those from British Commonwealth countries who have a UK-born grandparent, a route for young people from various specific countries, one for charity workers, religious workers, sportspersons and entertainers…it’s just a case of knowing what your specific options are!

If you are wondering which routes could apply to you simply contact de Prey Consulting with an outline of your circumstances and what work you are wanting to do in the UK, and Nikki will talk you through your options.

The Points Based System:

To obtain a visa under the Points Based System you must score a minimum number of points. Each visa has various mandatory areas under which the points must be scored, such as having a Certificate of Sponsorship, or having sufficient funds or English language level.

In addition, the Skilled Worker route (previously known as ‘Tier 2 (General)’) has ‘trade-able points’, where your minimum salary requirement can be lower based on age, or the type of job you have (such as certain jobs within health, social care and education), or by having a PhD relevant to the role.

Non-Points Based System work visas:

Alongside the above, there have always been, and continue to be, other work and study visas that have never fallen under a points based system, such as:

• UK Ancestry – for citizens of a British Commonwealth country with a UK-born grandparent, what Nikki calls the ‘golden egg’ of visas, as it is granted for 5 yrs up front, leads to permanent residency (‘Indefinite Leave to Remain’) and the person can work anywhere
• Short-term study – for those studying for up to 6 months in the UK, or coming to study an English course of up to 11 months.

Whilst UKVI caseworkers have some discretion to exercise over documentation provided with a work visa application, that discretion is not limitless, and therefore a well prepared application first time is your best asset.

Often a phone or video consultation can be sufficient to give you the information you need to prepare well.  Alternatively Nikki de Prey can walk you through it from start to finish, or conduct a document review of your self-prepared application before you submit it.

As always please e-mail or use the enquiry form if you’d like to enquire about your options or status, or would like Nikki’s support in preparation of your visa application.