CakesMoving to a new country is an exciting yet challenging experience. The United Kingdom offers wonderful opportunities for work, life and cultural experiences. However, relocating requires careful planning and consideration of the immigration rules. This extensive guide aims to provide all the important information needed for foreign nationals who wish to relocate to the UK with visa sponsorship from an employer.
Choosing a Visa Route
There are several visa routes available for skilled workers seeking employment in the UK:
Tier 2 (General) Visa
The Tier 2 (General) visa is intended for skilled workers with a job offer from an approved UK employer who is licensed to sponsor overseas staff. The employer must advertise the job internally for at least 28 days and prove no suitable settled worker was available for the role. A Certificate of Sponsorship from the employer is required as part of the visa application process.
Tier 2 (Intra-Company Transfer) Visa
This visa route is for skilled employees being transferred by an overseas parent, subsidiary or branch of a UK employer. It allows movement of highly skilled staff within a multinational corporation. The UK entity must have a minimum annual payroll of £25 million or £1 million per 100 staff.
Start-up Visa
A startup visa offers an option for innovative entrepreneurs to establish a business in the UK. Applicants need a business idea, adequate funding of £50,000 and an endorsement from an approved business sponsor. This visa lasts 3 years with the possibility to transition to other long term route such as Innovator visa later.
High Potential Individual Visa
Launched in 2021, this new route aims to attract globally mobile individuals with exceptional talent. Applicants must be endorsed by an approved body and meet the minimum experience and skill level criteria set by the endorsement body. It enables two years in the UK to develop career and business opportunities.
Employer Sponsorship Process
To hire overseas staff, UK employers must be licensed as a Home Office Sponsor under the UK’s points-based immigration system. The sponsorship process involves:
- Checking job role meets theoccupation code Sol (Skilled Occupation List)
- Completing a strictsponsorship application process which assesses HR systems, payroll practices, Immigration offender checks
- Obtaining a Sponsor Licence that must be renewed every four years
- Issuing a unique Certificate of Sponsorship (COS) number for each sponsored employee alongside a job offer for at least 30 hours a week
- Paying an Immigration Skills Charge per non-EEA employee to fund the system
- Strictly following sponsorship duties such as keeping payroll/attendance records of sponsored staff.
Choosing an employer with an established track record of sponsorship can help the application process. New sponsors will need to demonstrate adequate HR structures.
Visa Application Process
The main steps involved are:
- Accept job offer from Home Office licensed UK sponsor and obtain a COS number
- Pay Immigration Health Surcharge for access to NHS services
- Fill online visa application form, provide documents like passport, qualification proof, salary details etc.
- Schedule biometrics appointment at a Visa Application Centre for fingerprints and photograph
- Submit application and wait for decision – visa processing typically takes 3-8 weeks
- If approved, receive 30 month leave to remain in the UK as a skilled worker
- After 2.5 years in the UK, meet Resident Labour Market Test criteria to switch to another long term visa route.
Having all the required documents ready helps avoid delays. Applicants must prove English language ability and meet the minimum salary threshold for their occupation.
Living and Working in the UK
Relocation also requires practical preparations:
- Securing accommodation – Employers may offer temporary housing or relocation assistance
- Opening a UK bank account
- Applying for National Insurance number to work
- Registering with a GP (General Practitioner) doctor’s surgery
- Arranging travel such as flights, obtaining visas for any family members
- Getting familiar with UK laws, customs and cultural norms
- Joining communities or networking groups to build new social networks
- Looking into schools and childcare requirements for family members
Adjusting to a new country involves time and effort but also unforgettable life experiences. With proper planning and compliance with visa conditions, overseas employees can securely build their careers in the UK. Regular catch-up with employers helps tackle any issues promptly.
Settling in the UK Permanently
After working in the UK for 2.5 years, Tier 2 visa holders can apply to settle permanently through either the Skilled Worker or Start-up route depending on their circumstances. Both routes assess characteristics like the salary level, career progression and English proficiency, as well as any criminality or immigration violations:
- Skilled Worker Route: Meet specific skills, salary and English Language requirements at time of applying for indefinite leave to remain
- Start-up Route: Demonstrate at least £50,000 funding for your business and that it is still active/traded for 3 years with accounts submitted
Obtaining indefinite leave to remain gives visa-free life in UK along with the right to work permanently and apply for British citizenship in the future after living continuously for 5 years in UK with settled status. Family members also acquire indefinite leave.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long does the employer sponsorship process take?
It normally takes between 6-8 weeks to obtain a Sponsor Licence once licensed sponsors submit a complete application. New employers will need to demonstrate adequate governance structures are in place. Existing sponsors apply to add or remove roles from their licence which may take shorter time.
2. What challenges can there be in relocating with a family?
Adjusting to a different country and lifestyle along with kids can be challenging. Important considerations are school admission for children, arranging childcare, finding suitable family accommodation and managing higher living expenses in UK cities. Employers with relocation assistance programs help smoothen the process.
3. What immigration rules apply for family members?
dependants of skilled workers like spouse, partner and children under 18 can apply to join the visa holder in UK but they cannot work until granted separate permission. Applications for family visas must prove adequate funds to support the family without recourse to public funds along with proof of accommodation. Family members must also meet English language requirements.
4. Is it difficult to find accommodation in UK cities?
Rental accommodation in major cities like London is typically in high demand with limited availability and competitive prices. Visa sponsoring employers assist with temporary housing or relocation services to help new arrivals. Meanwhile, remotely working in smaller towns has become an attractive alternative with lower costs of living. Advance planning and temporary housing arrangements are highly recommended.
5. What healthcare is available to expat employees?
Each visa type has different rules regarding access to state-funded National Health Service (NHS). Tier 2 sponsored employees and dependents must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge as part of the visa application which entitles them to emergency and primary NHS care. Employer provided private medical insurance can offer more comprehensive cover. It is important to understand the healthcare implications of each visa route.
In conclusion, relocating to the UK with employer sponsorship can enable highly skilled professionals to further their careers while appreciating a new country and culture. With proper research and planning for the visa process, along with practical preparations, overseas employees and their families can settle confidently in the UK on a long term basis. Regular compliance with visa conditions also ensures a secure future in the country. For innovative entrepreneurs, startup visas offer an exciting route to establish a business venture in Britain. With dedication and hard work, those who relocate have the opportunity to eventually obtain permanent residency rights.
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