UK Work Visas

We have put together all the work visa routes in this category "UK Work Visa". If you are looking to come to the UK to work or visa help uk, set up a business or invest, you may want to look at one of the visa categories here. We have tried to give a short synopsis for each category on this page and would urge you to click through to any category that may be of interest to you. It is important that you read through and understand the requirements thoroughly as well as check with one of our immigration lawyers or on the current immigration rules as the rules change from time to time. Please see our Disclaimer.

Tier 1 General

Previously called Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP), the Tier 1 General visa category is no longer open for entry clearance, initial or extension applications. It is now available only for Indefinite Leave To Remain (ILR). Holders of leave to remain as a Tier 1 General migrant may apply for settlement after a continuous period of 5 years under the Tier 1 General route. Click here to read more about the Tier 1 General visa

Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa UK

This visa category allows overseas entrepreneurs to invest in the UK by establishing or taking over an existing UK business; being actively involved in the day to day running of the business for the purpose of creating jobs and value to the United Kingdom. The following applications currently exist under the Tier 1 entrepreneur visa route

Tier 1 Investor Visa UK

This visa category is designed for high-net-worth individuals who are looking to invest substantially in the UK. The qualifying period for settlement would normally depend on the level of investment. Under this route, an investment of GBP10 million will allow for an ILR after 2 years. A GBP 5 million investment would allow for settlement after 3 years while an investment of GBP 5 million will allow for settlement after 5 years.

The following applications currently exist under the Tier 1 entrepreneur visa route

Tier 1 Exceptional Talent Visa UK

This visa category is designed for internationally recognized world leaders as well as potential world-class talents (non-EEA) in the fields of science and arts who wish to live and work in the United Kingdom. The international recognition would normally have to be at the highest level and/or the individuals must have demonstrated ‘exceptional promise’ such that they are expected to be world leaders in their field. If you wish to apply on this route, you may apply for entry clearance as a Tier 1 Exceptional talent Migrant if you are not already in the UK. Prospective applicants already in the UK may apply to switch into this category from their current visa into this visa category.
Importantly, after 5 years on this route, you may be able to apply for settlement in the UK (Tier 1 Exceptional Talent ILR) subject to you meeting the requirements.
Also, if you have dependants, they may also be able to apply to enter or extend their stay as a PBS Dependants of Tier 1 exceptional talent migrant.

Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur

The Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur (GE) route is designed for overseas graduates who have been identified by their respective UK Tertiary education as having developed genuine business ideas and skills. Participating institutions must have been satisfied that the applicant has genuine entrepreneurial abilities which will be beneficial to the UK, as such are willing to endorse the applicant’s application under the tier 1 graduate entrepreneur.

You may be able to make an entry clearance application into this category as well as switch into the tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur visa category. Your dependents may also make a PBS dependant visa application to remain with you in the UK.

This visa is usually granted for an initial period of 1 year, after which it may be extended for only an additional year provided the sponsoring institution remains willing to sponsor the applicant. Please note that applicants can only extend just once under this route. They would need to switch into the tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa after the second year.

Tier 2 Intra Company Transfer (ICT)

The Tier 2 ICT visa category is designed for employees of multinationals who have been transferred by an overseas branch to the UK branch. This may be either long term or for frequent visits. The following are applications allowable under the Tier 2 ICT visa category.