UK Immigration, Work Permits and UK Visas

The UK offers a range of UK immigration categories. The type of visa for which you should apply will depend on the purpose of your entry to the UK or reason for continued stay in the UK.

UK Visas - The Points Based System

Most immigration categories are covered by the Points Based System. This is comprised of 5 distinct Tiers:

• Tier 1 Visas
  There are a number of UK Visa categories within Tier 1, including the Tier 1 General category (formerly HSMP) and the Tier 1 Post Study Work category (PSW, formerly known as the International Graduates Scheme). These visas are intended to allow highly skilled workers to work for any employer in any capacity in the UK without needing the employer to sponsor a visa.


• Tier 2 Visas
  The Tier 2 category is the replacement for the old Work Permit scheme, including Intra-Company Transfers (ICT), Sportspersons and Ministers of Religion. You need a Certificate of Sponsorship (offer of employment) from the UK employer before you can apply for your Tier 2 Visa.


• Tier 4 Student Visas
  The Tier 4 Visa category is the replacement for the previous Student Visa category, allowing individuals to study in the UK the potential to extend into Tier 1 of the points-based system if they are successful at a suitable level in their studies.


• Tier 5 Visas - Youth Mobility (Working Holidays)
  Tier 5 Visas (Youth Mobility) replaced the previous Working Holiday Visa and allow for up to 2 years working in the UK for those between the ages of 18 and 30 from qualifying countries.

We can also help if you need to bring your family or dependents to the UK, perhaps to join you after you have gained your UK work permit or Tier 1 Visa and settled in the UK. You can also find further information on Residency and Naturalisation in the UK Immigration section of this web site.