The UK is out of the European Union, a new immigration regime has been brought in, and people might imagine that the UK is losing its appetite for foreign talent. But it is not so. The UK is now more selective on entry but the opportunities are still there for qualified workers, entrepreneurs, and investors to migrate to the UK and work their way into the UK’s expanding economy. The United Kingdom offers a diverse range of visas tailored for work and investment purposes. Here’s an overview of the Best UK Visas for Work options for individuals looking to work or invest in the UK.
So if you want to work or invest in the UK here are the top visas you can get:
Work Visas
- Skilled Worker Visa
- Eligibility: Requires a job offer from an approved UK employer and a specific skill level.
- Duration: Typically up to 5 years, with the possibility of extension and eventual settlement.
- Application Fee: £625 to £1,423 depending on circumstances.
- Graduate Visa
- Eligibility: For international students who have completed a degree in the UK.
- Duration: Allows graduates to stay for up to 2 years (3 years for PhD graduates) without needing a job offer.
- High Potential Individual Visa
- Eligibility: For graduates from top global universities, allowing them to work in the UK without a job offer.
- Duration: Up to 2 years.
- Intra-Company Transfer Visa
- Eligibility: For employees of multinational companies transferring to a UK branch.
- Duration: Varies based on employment status.
- Global Business Mobility Worker Visas
- This category includes several routes such as:
- Senior or Specialist Worker Visa: For senior managers or specialists transferring temporarily.
- Expansion Worker Visa: For those establishing a branch of an overseas business in the UK.
- This category includes several routes such as:
Investor Visas
- Innovator Visa
- Eligibility: For experienced businesspersons with an innovative business idea endorsed by an approved body.
- Investment Requirement: At least £50,000 in investment funds is needed.
- Duration: Valid for 3 years, with options for extension and settlement.
- Start-Up Visa
- Eligibility: For new entrepreneurs starting their first business in the UK, requiring endorsement from an approved body.
- Investment Requirement: No initial funding is required, but applicants must demonstrate viable business ideas.
- Duration: Valid for 2 years.
- Investor Visa (Tier 1)
- Eligibility: Requires a minimum investment of £2 million in UK businesses.
- Duration: This can lead to settlement after 5 years.
Summary Table
| Visa Type | Purpose | Duration | Investment Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skilled Worker Visa | Employment with a UK employer | Up to 5 years | None |
| Graduate Visa | Work post-graduation | 2-3 years | None |
| High Potential Individual Visa | Work without job offer | Up to 2 years | None |
| Innovator Visa | Establish innovative business | 3 years | £50,000 |
| Start-Up Visa | Start new business | 2 years | None |
| Investor Visa (Tier 1) | Investment in UK businesses | Indefinite | £2 million |
How Law and Visas Can Help?
At Law and Visas, our team of expert immigration consultants is here to make your travel to the UK for a work or investor visa straightforward and successful. Whether you’re applying for a work Visa or an Immigrant Investor Visa, we handle every step—from preparing your application to gathering the required documents.
Our immigration lawyer consultants and Lawyers ensure that your application meets the highest standards, with no details missed. We’ll also keep you informed throughout the process, coordinating with the immigration office or embassy on your behalf.
Law and Visas has a strong record of helping clients secure the visas/permits they need to do work or invest in Ireland. Call us today at +234 812 5505 986 to learn how we can assist you.
