Business Advisory Services for UK Relocation

Global Talent Visa: Key Information

Overview:

– Introduced in 2020, the Global Talent visa is designed for professionals in various fields like science, technology, arts, and humanities.

– It does not require a job offer, making it more flexible than other UK work visas.

– The visa permits different types of work within your endorsed field and offers a fast-track path to settlement in the UK.

Eligibility:

– Open to both established leaders and promising individuals in fields such as science, research, digital technology, arts, engineering, humanities, and medicine.

– Applicants typically need endorsement from one of the approved endorsing bodies, unless they have received certain prestigious awards.

Work and Study Options:

– No requirement to find a job; you can work for an employer, be self-employed, or start a company within your endorsed field.

– Studying is allowed, subject to the Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) conditions.

Visa Duration:

– Applicants can apply for visas ranging from one to five years, with no fixed minimum duration.

– Eligible for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) after 3 or 5 years, depending on your talent category.

Endorsing Bodies:

– Six approved endorsing bodies, including UK Research and Innovation, Royal Society, British Academy, Royal Academy of Engineering, Tech Nation (until March 2023), and Arts Council England.

Visa Costs:

– Application fee: £623 for most applicants, payable in two parts if based on endorsement.

– Immigration Health Surcharge: £624 per year for adults and £470 per year for children.

Application Process:

– Typically involves a two-stage process: endorsement followed by the actual visa application.

– Endorsing bodies assess applicants based on specific criteria and industry requirements.

Settlement (ILR):

– Eligible for ILR after 3 years (exceptional talent) or 5 years (promising talent).

– Time spent in certain other UK visa categories can count towards the residence requirement for ILR.

Language and Life Knowledge:

– No specific language test required for the Global Talent route.

– English language and Life in the UK test required for ILR.

FAQs:

– Fast-track processing available for applicants endorsed in the digital technology sector.

– Dependents can accompany Global Talent visa holders.

– No job is needed for eligibility; meeting endorsing body criteria is key.

– The Global Talent visa began in February 2020.

– It is considered a work visa, allowing employment in specific fields without employer sponsorship.

Innovator Founder Visa: Key Information

Innovator Founder Route:

– Launched in April 2023 for foreign entrepreneurs starting businesses in the UK.

– Replaces the Innovator and Start-up visas.

– Offers advantages like no £50,000 investment requirement, fewer endorsement checks, and the ability to have secondary employment.

What You Can Do:

– Work on your business and take other jobs (skill level of RQF Level 3).

– Pursue studies while running your business.

– Initial 3-year stay, with an option for indefinite leave to remain.

– Family members can join as dependents.

Application Process:

– Need an endorsement letter from an authorised body within 3 months.

– Similar process to previous routes, but endorsement must confirm fund legitimacy.

Endorsement:

– Requires endorsement from authorised organisations listed on the Home Office website.

– Legacy endorsing bodies can endorse previous Innovator applicants for the same business idea.

Visa Requirements (Total 70 Points):

– New or Same Business Criteria (50 Points):

  – Business plan.

  – Innovation, viability, scalability.

– Mandatory Criteria for Both (20 Points):

  – English language proficiency (level B2).

  – £1,270 for 28 days (unless 12 months lawfully in the UK).

Visa Costs:

– Main applicants: £1,036 (overseas) or £1,292 (in-country to switch/extend).

– Immigration health surcharge: £624 per year (reduced to £470 for dependent children under 18).

Settlement and Family:

– Time under this route counts towards indefinite leave to remain.

– Family members can join as dependents.

If Your Application Is Refused:

– Explore options with our guidance.

Differences from Start-up and Innovator Routes:

– Start-up route closed in July 2023, available only for prior endorsements.

– Innovator Founder combines the best of Start-up and Innovator routes, offering a capital-free start, work alongside business, and a direct path to permanent UK settlement.

FAQs:

– Innovator Founder Route: Replaces Innovator and Start-up routes for foreign entrepreneurs in the UK.

– Visa Requirements: Seek professional advice for the best option based on your situation.

UK Expansion Worker Visa: Key Information

Overview:

– The UK Expansion Worker Visa is designed for skilled workers from overseas who wish to work in the UK in specific industries where there is a shortage of labour.

– It is part of the UK’s new points-based immigration system, offering flexibility and opportunities to eligible workers.

Eligibility:

– Open to skilled workers in industries like construction, health, hospitality, retail, and social care.

– You must have a confirmed job offer from an approved UK employer to apply.

Work and Study Options:

– The visa allows you to work for the sponsoring employer in a specific role.

– Study is allowed, but there may be limitations, and you must leave the UK to apply for most student visas.

Visa Duration:

– You can stay in the UK for up to 3 years with the option to extend.

– After 3 years, you may be eligible to apply for settlement (indefinite leave to remain) if you meet the criteria.

Sponsorship:

– Your employer must be an approved sponsor under the UK’s points-based system.

Costs:

– Visa fees vary depending on factors like the length of your stay and whether you’re applying from inside or outside the UK.

– You also need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS).

Application Process:

– Apply online for the visa, providing necessary documents, biometrics, and paying the required fees.

– You may also need to attend a visa application centre in your home country for biometric data collection.

Settlement (ILR):

– After 3 years of continuous residence in the UK under this visa, you may be eligible for settlement (ILR).

Language and Life Knowledge:

– No specific language test required for this visa.

– English language and Life in the UK test required for ILR.

Additional Information:

– Family members (dependents) can often join you in the UK, and their visa status depends on your circumstances.

– Switching to the UK Expansion Worker Visa from other visa categories may be possible in some cases.

FAQs:

– The UK Expansion Worker Visa is for skilled workers in specific industries.

– You need a job offer from an approved UK employer to apply.

– Visa duration is typically up to 3 years.

– Settlement (ILR) may be possible after 3 years.

– English language and Life in the UK test are required for ILR.

– Family members may be able to join you in the UK.

– You may be able to switch to this visa from other categories.