Five steps to follow when applying for UK work visas

The system for the application of UK work visas was given a massive overhaul in 2008. A new points-based system has replaced over 80 routes to work and study, streamlining the procedures in to a 5-tier scheme. Migrants applying for UK work visas are now attributed points according their skills and situation. Only once all the criteria have been met will an applicant be granted a work visa. Failure to meet the necessary requirements will result in a rejection.

The new system has been designed to simplify the process and to weed out any illegitimate attempts to work in the UK. Points are awarded to reflect an applicant’s age, experience, skills and also the need for their particular skills in the field of work in which they wish to be considered.

In order for an applicant to navigate the often-choppy waters of this application service, they should undertake a degree of research into all aspects of applying for UK work visas.

A general familiarity with the statutes of the 5-tier system is essential. The five tiers work as follows:

Tier 1 applies to highly skilled workers, such as scientists and entrepreneurs.
Tier 2 is for skilled workers with job offers, such as teachers and nurses.
Tier 3 is relevant for low-skilled workers filling in for temporary labour shortages, such as construction workers on a temporary build.
Tier 4 applies to students.
Tier 5 is for youth mobility and temporary workers, such as musicians coming to the UK to play a concert.

Applicants from certain countries looking for UK work visas for longer than six months will require a certificate stating that they are free from the infection pulmonary tuberculosis. Gaining this certificate in advance of your application can help to make the process run more smoothly, save you time and avoid rejection on health grounds.

Your application must be supported by a sponsor. A sponsor needs to provide information and in some circumstances will be required to provide financial support for an applicant. It is prudent for an applicant to research what a sponsor is required to do, so that they can take the appropriate steps to find a sponsor who fulfils all the necessary requirements.

Those applying for UK work visas are also required to supply their biometric data in the form of a fingerprint and a digital photograph. Whilst this will be used to check criminal records, it is also used to prevent the applicant becoming a victim of identity theft and cases of mistaken identity. If there are any circumstances you are worried that might count against your application, honesty is the best policy. A biometric data check will reveal any aberrations in an applicant’s history. Failure to disclose such circumstances may result in a rejection being more likely than if it is uncovered at a later date.

The application system for UK work visas can be complicated for anyone unfamiliar with the system. Finding an organisation that offers professional services and advice on how to apply can often be the best move for an applicant wishing to apply for a UK work visa.