In the UK, immigration laws are particularly strict in the workplace. If you are not a British or EU citizen, or have been resident in the UK for less than 5 years, then you cannot work in the country unless you're allowed a work permit. You can work in the UK if you have the appropriate immigration status. This requires a 'leave' which may be temporary or permanent.
Under the following circumstances you get the right to work visa in the United Kingdom :
- If you have a British or if you have citizenship of Ireland
- You have pre-settled or settled status from the EU Settlement Scheme- or you ’ve applied and you ’re staying for a decision
- The EU Settlement Scheme has approved you a family permit
- You have limitless leave to travel in and out of the UK
- You have right of residence in the UK
What is Right to Work?
In order to work in the UK, you need permission by law. You cannot start working until you have evidence that Right to Work permission has been granted.
Different kinds of Work Visas in the UK
The UK, the main immigration country, is through the Points Based System. The first thing that migrants do when they apply is to pick out one of 5 tiers based on their desire. They then have to get a number of points that are based on their age, qualifications, language, earnings, and funds.
- Tier one: The quick application process and short turnaround time make this visa option very appealing for high skilled workers, entrepreneurs, investors and graduate students. They don’t need an offer to apply.
- Tier two: Skilled workers can apply for tier two visas if they have a job offer and can fill gaps within the country's labour force.
- Tier three: The government has removed the tier three visa, which originally existed for low-skilled workers providing temporary labour.
- Tier four: Students who are over 16 years old and not from the European Economic Area should apply for a visa if they want to attend school in the United States.
- Tier five: In this category workers may hold positions regarding creativity or sports, work for charities, be in religious professions, or are young adults who are spending a short time in the UK to experience life.
There are many visa and work permit options available to people in the UK. For example, those with a British grandparent may apply for an ancestors visa if they meet other eligibility criteria. You may also have a right of abode to live in the UK. If you left a company in the UK for more than two years with ILR, you may only need a returning resident visa when you decide to come back and work.
Is the application process critical?
Your application should be submitted three months before you start working in the UK. Processing of these applications takes up to three weeks and should be submitted early at an application centre or online through the UK Home Office Visas and Immigration Services website. The process for getting a visa changes from tier to tier, so make sure you are aware of what is needed for which tier.
What are the chances of UK Work Visa rejection?
One may think the process of obtaining a visa is easy, but the work that goes into each application must be completed thoroughly before they are approved. Thousands of applications are rejected annually, with Bangladesh, Ghana and Algeria being among the countries most affected by rejections.
Most common reasons for rejection are
- You haven’t filled up the form correctly
- Negligent attitude towards application - This can lead up to 6 months of waiting time before you can re-apply.
- Fund requirements are not met / Suspicious bulk transactions from your bank account
- Visa category hasn’t been clearly mentioned
- You have a criminal record in the past
- You do not meet the minimum fund requirements
- Improper documentation
- Proving your relationship with the applicant is a must, this can also lead to rejection
- Missing document / proofs
Can I get a work visa for the UK without a job offer?
If a job offer or sponsorship is unattainable, you can still qualify for an Entrepreneur visa by going to the UK and setting up as self-employed or volunteering. This visa can only be granted once but it is not available to those who have a graduate visa.
How much bank balance do I require for a UK work visa?
If you want to apply for a UK visa, you must have £1,270 in your bank account. In order to prove that you can bear your own expenses and you are not a burden on the country.
Seeking an expert will help you to avoid the stressful task of applying for a visa. Expert guidance can be found to help ease your concerns and worries when it comes to this process.
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