Who has the right to live, work and travel in the UK?

British and EU nationals do not require a visa to live, study or work in the UK, all other foreign nationals will need to obtain a visa prior to travelling. There are many different visa routes available to Non-EU nationals wishing to enter the UK on a short or long term basis. The most common ways to obtain the right to remain in the UK to live, study or work is through qualifying for one of the family based visas or points based system visas. The 5 Tier points based system was launched in 2008 by UKBA and so far only Tier 1, 2, 4 and 5 have been introduced. The system was created in such a way that it would provide transparent, flexible and clear requirements for employers and individuals for visa applications. The way in which it works is that points are awarded to non-EU nationals on the basis of previous earnings, age and qualifications. Tier 1, 4 and 5 are for individuals to apply, however, Tier 2 of the system has replaced the work permit scheme as we knew it. Tier 2 allows an employer willing to sponsor a non-EU candidate possessing the right skills and qualifications to be employed in the UK, to fill a permanent position in the local labour market, that cannot be filled by a British or EU national already in the UK.

  General Information for UK Immigration, Work Permits and Visas.

Tier 1 General
The Tier 1 General represents a fantastic opportunity for individuals looking to work in the UK based on their qualifications and experience obtained in their home country. To qualify candidates need to score points in 3 different areas namely age, qualification and previous earnings. Visa holders are entitled to work in the UK unrestricted for an initial period of two years with the option to extend.

Tier 1 Post study worker
This visa type is for overseas students resident in the UK who would like to enter the UK work force upon completion of their studies. This visa is valid for 2 years with most applicants moving onto the Tier 1 General and Tier 2 General visa types.

Tier 2 General
The Tier 2 General is for employers who would like to employ No EU nationals who either have skills that are on the national shortage occupation list or have the right qualifications or experience to fill a vacant position which cannot be filled by a British or EU national. Visas are usually granted for an initial period of 3 years with the option to extend.

Tier 4 Student
The UK is a world leader in international education with thousands of overseas students enrolling in Colleges and Universities across the country. Students enrolled at degree level or higher are able to work for 20 hours a week with their married dependant able to work fulltime. Students will have the opportunity to apply for a student extension on completion of their initial visa period provided they are meeting their course requirements.

Tier 5 Youth Mobility scheme
Nationals from Japan, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Monte Carlo can take advantage of the opportunity to travel to the UK and work for two years. Candidates would need to be between the ages of 18 -30 to qualify.

Ancestry visas
Commonwealth nationals aged 17 or over with a grandparent born in the UK will qualify for an UK Ancestry visa. Most visas are granted for 5 years and enable individuals to work, live or study in the UK. Ancestry visas lead to permanent residency or indefinite leave to remain if the holder satisfies certain requirements.

Marriage/Spousal visas
Foreign nationals with partners who are British and EU nationals are able to apply for a visa to live and work in the UK based on their relationship.

Dependency visas
Ancestry, Tier 1, Tier 2, Tier 4 and Post Study work visa holders are also able to make an application for their partners to live and work in the UK. If you are interested in travelling to the UK for a short stay or something more permanent, there are plenty of options available.

Travel and Schengen visas
Foreign nationals wishing to visit an EU or Non-EU country for business or pleasure may need to obtain a visa before travelling. The need to obtain a travel or Schengen visa will be dependent on an individuals nationality, destination, duration of stay and purpose of visit. In order to qualify to apply for a travel or Schengen visa individuals must possess a minimum of 6 months on their initial visa allowing them to remain in the UK for a short or long term period. Travel or Schengen visas are provided for single or multiple entry. A Schengen visa is designed to allow travel between countries that have signed the Schengen Agreement, including all member states of the European Union whereas other countries EU and Non EU have standard travel visas that allow travel from the UK to a specific country only.

This information has been supplied by www.smoothmigration.com and their team of OISC qualified Advisors who would be happy to discuss your options in more detail should you wish to relocate to the UK, obtain a travel visa or simply extend your stay.