The United Kingdom is famous for its infrastructure, its cityscapes, and its beautiful countryside. It is a major attraction for tourists, and a sought-after destination for students, skilled workers, and entrepreneurs.
If you would like to go, don’t forget that you may need a UK visa. The type of visa will depend on what you will do in the UK. Here are some suggestions–the Top 5 UK visa options to consider.
UK Ancestry Visa
The UK ancestry visa is by far the most attractive option. It is only available if your grandparents were born on the British Islands, including Guernsey and Jersey, the Isle of Man, and Ireland before April 1922.
If you are eligible, ancestry visa requirements are not burdensome. All you have to do is show your intention to work in the UK and sufficient funds to cover your expenses.
The advantages of this visa are its extreme flexibility, you are expected to work in the UK, but you are free to take up any kind of employment and you can also set up your own business. You can also study in the UK and you can travel abroad.
This visa is granted for five years and there is no option of applying for a shorter period. The only disadvantage of having the visa for five years is the Immigration Health Surcharge which is charged upfront for each year of the duration of the visa. It is quite costly and the fee will go up in January 2024, so best not to delay it if you are interested.
You will be eligible for permanent resident status in the UK after five years of residence. Your family members, spouse, and children, will be entitled to permanent status at the same time as you and, unlike dependants in other immigration categories, will not be required to spend a continuous five-year period in the UK before that.
Skilled Worker Visa
The most common type of work-related visa to the UK is the skilled worker visa.
To be eligible for this type of visa, you will need a UK-based sponsor who will also be your employer.
The prospective employer has to have a sponsor license and a job vacancy offered to you. The job has to be classed as a “skilled job”–i.e. will require a certain level of specialist knowledge and experience.
Examples of skilled jobs in high demand in the UK are in a variety of industries and professions. This includes construction workers – roofers, plasterers, carpenters, bricklayers, masons, care workers, veterinary surgeons, engineers and scientists.
Finding employment is difficult, but if you persevere, there is a good chance you will get a sponsor.
You will have to pass the English language test and have a TB test certificate to apply for the visa.
The advantage of the Skilled Worker visa is that it is linked to a paid job and leads to settlement after five years. The disadvantage is that the visa is specifically tied to the sponsored employment and changing employment will require a new visa application. This type of visa does not allow you to work as a freelancer or set up your own business.
Health & Care Worker Visa
Health and Care Worker visa is a special type of Skilled Worker visa designed specifically for medical professionals and care workers. It has all the same features as a skilled worker visa for any other type, but in addition, it has a significant advantage in that the Immigration Health Surcharge (the IHS) does not apply. This means a huge saving in the visa application fee for both the main applicant and the dependents.
Health and Care worker visa is linked with jobs related to the NHS or organizations providing adult social care. There is an enormous demand for Health and Care workers but you have to look for positions advertised on British websites.
Student Visa
Outside sponsored employment, the best way to taste life in the UK is by studying at a British University.
Upon completion of studies, students can stay for a few years and work for an employer without sponsorship or even set up their own enterprise.
It is a great way to integrate into British society and decide about your future career.
Tourist Visa
If none of the above sounds like an actionable plan, apply for a tourist visa and enjoy an exciting visit you will never forget.
Britain does not have Kenyan safari parks and nature reserves, but it has dramatic landscapes, beautiful coastlines, historic towns, modern cities, and vibrant life for any taste.
Whatever visa you choose, you won’t be disappointed!
