The United Kingdom

If you're considering emigrating to the United Kingdom, you're not alone. The UK is one of the most attractive destinations for migrants around the world. In this guide, we'll explore everything you need to know about emigrating to the United Kingdom, to help you make an informed decision about your move.

Emigrating to the UK

The United Kingdom has historically been a popular destination for migrants from around the world. The UK’s diverse economy and cultural landscape have attracted individuals seeking better job opportunities, higher education, or a better quality of life. The country’s immigration policies have evolved over time, with various changes and reforms made in response to political and social factors. The UK’s departure from the EU has significantly impactedimmigration policy and free movement within Europe.

In recent years, the UK’s immigration system has undergone significant changes, including the introduction of a points-based system for skilled workers and changes to visa requirements for students. These changes have been driven by a desire to control immigration levels and ensure that only individuals who can contribute to the UK’s economy and society are granted entry.

Understanding the Visa options for emigrating to the UK

If you are thinking about moving to the UK, there are various ways to do so, whether it is for work, family, visit, business, or settlement. In this section, we will cover all the visa options available for emigrating to the United Kingdom. The first point to note is that the visa you apply for will depend on your circumstances and the reason for your move.

Latest UK Immigration Updates

Substantial Surge in UK Skilled Worker Visa Expenses Effective October 4, 2023

UK Unveils Significant Alterations to Immigration Regulations on October 23rd

Effective January 31, 2024, Changes to Youth Mobility Scheme Announced in September 2023 Take Effect

Introduction of the UK’s ETA Scheme Starting October 2023

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UK Work Visas

If you are moving to the UK for work, you will need to apply for a work visa. The most common work visa is the skilled worker visa, which is for skilled workers who have a job offer in the UK. To be eligible, you will need to have a job offer from a UK employer who has a valid skilled worker sponsorship license. Below is a list of visas that can allow you to work in the UK:

Health and Care Worker Visa

This visa category is open to doctors, nurses, social workers, paramedics, and other healthcare professionals from around the world who wish to work in the UK health and care sector.

Skilled Worker Visa UK

The Skilled Worker Visa allows non-EEA individuals to work in the UK and It requires a job offer from a licensed sponsor and meeting specific criteria.

Temporary Worker Visa

This visa allows foreign nationals to work in the UK for a temporary period of time.

Religious Worker Visa

This visa is ideal for those who want to travel to the UK for a temporary period to carry out religious activities, such as preaching, teaching and performing sacraments.

Charity Worker Visa

This visa allows individuals to take part in voluntary work with registered charitable organizations and other not-for-profit organizations in the UK.

International Agreement Worker Visa

This type of visa that permits individuals to participate in work or study-based exchange programs in the UK.

Government Authorised Exchange Visa

For individuals who wish to come to the UK for temporary work experience, training or research through an approved government authorised exchange scheme.

Creative Worker Visa

The visa allows creative professionals to come to the UK and take up short-term employment in the field of their specialism. Applicants must have a job offer from a licensed sponsor in the creative field

Domestic Worker Visa UK

This visa allows employers to hire overseas domestic workers who can work in the UK for up to six months in every 12-month period.

Seasonal Worker Visa UK

This visa allows employers to hire overseas domestic workers who can work in the UK for up to six months in every 12-month period.

Senior or Specialist Worker Visa

This visa allows senior staff members to work for their overseas employer’s UK branch in an eligible position.

Expansion Worker Visa

An expansion worker visa is a type of UK visa that allows you to work in the UK for an overseas business. The overseas businesses must meet a set of criteria before they can apply for an expansion worker visa on behalf of their employees.

Graduate Trainee Visa

Service Supplier Visa

Is a temporary work visa which allows persons to come to the UK to provide services to a UK business or organisation.

Secondment Worker Visa

This type of visa is most commonly used when an employee is sent on a work assignment abroad for a specific period of time

Sportsperson Visa

Allows individuals who are internationally recognized athletes, coaches, and other sports professionals to work and reside in the United Kingdom.

Permitted Paid Engagement Visa

Designed for artists, entertainers, athletes, and academics who are invited to undertake short-term work assignments or activities in the UK.

Scale-Up Visa

Used when an employee is sent on a work assignment abroad for a specific period of time

High Potential Individual Visa

The visa is intended for individuals who have the potential to make significant contributions to the UK economy and society.

Family visa

If you have family members in the UK and want to join them, you may be eligible for a family visa. A UK family visa is available for partners, children, parents, and other family members of someone who is a British citizen or settled in the UK. Below is a list of family visas available in the UK.

Spouse Visa Application

Allows individuals who are married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen or someone who has settled status in the UK to live and work in the UK

Spouse Visa Extension

This visa is granted to those who are already on a Spouse Visa and want to continue living with their partner in the UK

Spouse Visa Refused

This visa is granted to those who are already on a Spouse Visa and want to continue living with their partner in the UK

Spouse Visa Curtailment After Divorce

You will generally have a period of 60 days to take one of the following actions: Apply for a different visa or settlement scheme in order to stay in the UK; or Begin making arrangements to leave the UK.

Fiance Visa Application

Is a type of visa that allows a person to come to the United Kingdom to marry their UK-based partner

Unmarried Partner Visa

A type of visa that allows unmarried partners of UK citizens or permanent residents to enter and remain in the UK for an extended period.

Civil Partnership Visa

Allows a foreign national to enter and live in the UK as the partner of a British citizen or permanent resident who is in a civil partnership with them

Dependent Child Visa

Is a type of visa that allows dependent children to join their family members who are already in the UK

UK Ancestry Visa

A pathway for individuals with ancestral ties to the United Kingdom to live, work, and study in the country.

Skilled Worker Dependent Visa

A dependent of a skilled worker is someone who is the spouse or child of a skilled worker with a valid UK visa

Business Applications

Businesses in the UK need to apply for a sponsor licence to be able to sponsor a foreign national to work in the UK. Sponsorship comes with its own duties and responsibilities that sponsors must comply with. Here are a list of business immigration applications available in the UK:

Sponsor Licence Application

A complete list of documents needed for a sponsor licence application

Sponsorship Licence Renewal

Renewal applications should ideally be initiated at least three months (90 days) prior to the licence expiry date.

Certificate of Sponsorship

A Certificate of Sponsorship is a reference number given to a sponsored work visa applicant by their proposed sponsor.

Innovator Visa

To qualify, you must have an innovative, viable, and scalable business idea that can benefit the UK economy

Global Talent Visa

To be eligible to apply for the Global Talent visa, you must either be internationally recognised as a leader in your chosen field, or have the potential to be recognised as such.

Turkish Businessperson Visa

Allows Turkish citizens to gain entry to the United Kingdom, allowing them to travel and stay in the country for up to six months at a time.

Start-up Visa

The Start-up visa is a type of immigration route that allows individuals from outside the UK to come to the UK and establish a business

High Value Migrants UK Visa

The criteria are divided into three categories: financial contributions, spending activity, and professional achievements.

Visit Visa

If you want to visit the UK for a short period, you may need to apply for a visit visa. This visa allows you to stay in the UK for up to six months and is suitable for tourism, visiting family or friends, or attending business meetings.

UK Visit Visa

Allows foreign nationals to visit the UK for tourism, leisure, or to visit family members.

The UK Visa Application Process

When is the best time to start a visa application to the United Kingdom?

The best time to apply for a visa to the United Kingdom generally depends on the type of visa, the applicant’s circumstances, and current processing times. As a general rule, the UK government advises applicants to start their visa process 3 months before their intended travel date. This is to accommodate potential delays during the processing of the application, which can be influenced by the type of visa and the country the application is made from.

Top Cities in United Kingdom for Expats

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UK Immigration Resources

Find employment

Find a job in a UK company and easily identify which ones have a sponsor licence.

Absences Calculator

Enter the departure and arrival dates for each of the trips on your passport.

Document expiry reminder

Add the expiry dates of your documents and set the intervals you want to be reminded. Our bots will do the rest.

CGM Documents

Have your documents organised and ready for review and submission for your next immigration application.

Taking Action

If you are an expat currently in the UK looking to meet fellow expats in the country, or you are outside the UK looking for a job in the UK, you have come to the right place. If you are a business currently in the UK or a business person looking to set up a branch or headquarters in the UK, you have also come to the right place. We’ll show you everything you need to know about sponsorship in the UK and guide you through your compliance.

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Expat Events & Networking in the UK

We keep tabs on all the major and minor events organised by expats for expats and immigrants all over the UK. Meet old and new friends; expand your connections.