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
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.
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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:
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.
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.
This visa allows foreign nationals to work in the UK for a temporary period of time.
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.
This visa allows individuals to take part in voluntary work with registered charitable organizations and other not-for-profit organizations in the UK.
This type of visa that permits individuals to participate in work or study-based exchange programs in the UK.
For individuals who wish to come to the UK for temporary work experience, training or research through an approved government authorised exchange scheme.
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
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.
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.
This visa allows senior staff members to work for their overseas employer’s UK branch in an eligible position.
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.
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.
Is a temporary work visa which allows persons to come to the UK to provide services to a UK business or organisation.
This type of visa is most commonly used when an employee is sent on a work assignment abroad for a specific period of time
Allows individuals who are internationally recognized athletes, coaches, and other sports professionals to work and reside in the United Kingdom.
Designed for artists, entertainers, athletes, and academics who are invited to undertake short-term work assignments or activities in the UK.
Used when an employee is sent on a work assignment abroad for a specific period of time
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.
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
This visa is granted to those who are already on a Spouse Visa and want to continue living with their partner in the UK
This visa is granted to those who are already on a Spouse Visa and want to continue living with their partner in the UK
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.
Is a type of visa that allows a person to come to the United Kingdom to marry their UK-based partner
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.
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
Is a type of visa that allows dependent children to join their family members who are already in the UK
A pathway for individuals with ancestral ties to the United Kingdom to live, work, and study in the country.
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:
A complete list of documents needed for a sponsor licence application
Renewal applications should ideally be initiated at least three months (90 days) prior to the licence expiry date.
A Certificate of Sponsorship is a reference number given to a sponsored work visa applicant by their proposed sponsor.
To qualify, you must have an innovative, viable, and scalable business idea that can benefit the UK economy
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.
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.
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
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.
Allows foreign nationals to visit the UK for tourism, leisure, or to visit family members.
The UK Visa Application Process
- Gather the required documents and evidence
- Complete the online application form.
- Pay the application fee.
- Book and attend a biometric appointment (if required).
- Submit your application and wait for a decision.
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.
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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.
Living in the UK
Housing and accommodation
Before you arrive in the UK, research and find suitable accommodation. This will help you settle in more
quickly.
Banking and finance
Research the different types of bank accounts available and choose one that suits your needs.
Healthcare
The UK has a National Health
Service (NHS) that provides
healthcare to UK residents. Private practices are also of the highest global standards.
List of countries that do not require a visa to enter the UK
Citizens of certain countries can enter the UK without a visa. It’s important to check the latest entry requirements before traveling.
- Mexico
- Micronesia
- Monaco
- Namibia
- Nauru
- New Zealand
- Nicaragua
- Palau
- Uruguay
- Vanuatu
- Tonga
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Tuvalu
- United States
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Get startedUK Citizenship Eligibility requirements
- You must have lived in the UK for at least five years
- You must have had your ILR at least 12 months before submitting your application
- Completed & passed the “Life in the UK” test
- Prove that you have enough knowledge of the English language
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Travel to the UK Requirements by Country
If you are traveling to the United Kingdom from any of the countries below, check out our evergreen travel guide from your country to the UK:
- Travel to the UK from France
- Travel to the UK from Spain
- Travel to the UK from Usa
- Travel to the UK from Belgium
- Travel to the UK from Bulgaria
- Travel to the UK from Croatia
- Travel to the UK from Cyprus
- Travel to the UK from Denmark
- Travel to the UK from The Eu
- Travel to the UK from Serbia
- Travel to the UK from Slovakia
- Travel to the UK from South Africa
- Travel to the UK from Albania
- Travel to the UK from Australia
- Travel to the UK from Austria
- Travel to the UK from Bangladesh
- Travel to the UK from Barbados
- Travel to the UK from Brazil
- Travel to the UK from The Caribbean
- Travel to the UK from Uae
- Travel to the UK from Canada
- Travel to the UK from Germany
- Travel to the UK from Ghana
- Travel to the UK from Greece
- Travel to the UK from Hungary
- Travel to the UK from Italy
- Travel to the UK from Lithuania
- Travel to the UK from Malaysia
- Travel to the UK from Malta
- Travel to the UK from Sri Lanka
- Travel to the UK from Thailand
- Travel to the UK from Czech
- Travel to the UK from Esto thenia
- Travel to the UK from Gibraltar
- Travel to the UK from Iceland
- Travel to the UK from Indonesia
- Travel to the UK from Ireland
- Travel to the UK from Jamaica
- Travel to the UK from Japan
- Travel to the UK from Jordan
- Travel to the UK from India
- Travel to the UK from Pakistan
- Travel to the UK from Netherlands
- Travel to the UK from Poland
- Travel to the UK from Portugal
- Travel to the UK from Romania
- Travel to the UK from Turkey
- Travel to the UK from UKraine
- Travel to the UK from Afghanistan
- Travel to the UK from Latvia
- Travel to the UK from Lebanon
- Travel to the UK from Luxembourg
- Travel to the UK from Mexico
- Travel to the UK from Moldova
- Travel to the UK from Nepal
- Travel to the UK from Qatar
- Travel to the UK from Saudi
