• Do not take any of public funds;
• Be registered with the police;
• Do not get a job in the UK as a doctor or dentist in training;
• Do not get a job in the UK as a professional sportsperson
• Meet the condition to hold an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) clearance certificate – For candidates aged 18-over when given a visa, or, who will become 18 before the termination of the visa period.

In this article we have explained in details what one should do in order to obtain this visa, the requirements, criteria, application process and other.

Who needs a Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Visa?

This visa is for foreign UK graduates who are endorsed for entrepreneurial skills combined with genuine and brilliant business ideas, and for foreign UK graduates recognized as elite global entrepreneurs, who want to open a business in the UK. They must not be nationals of any of the the European Economic Area (EEA) member states or Switzerland.

Foreign persons who can apply for this visa type, must fulfill the following criteria:

• They must seek to start a business in the UK within the within the following areas:
  • Sole ownership;
  • Partnership;
  • In a business that is registered in the UK.
• Must not come from the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland;

How to apply for Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur?

Third country nationals will have to go through a certain process in order to be able to obtain the visa. However, though the application process does not change a lot, it still depends on the situation of the visa applicant. A foreigner can obtain the Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur visa in three different ways:

By applying for a Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur visa

This application is done when the candidate is out of the UK and wants to enter the country. In such case, they need to apply for an Entry Clearance or visa to enter in Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur.

By switching into Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur

This application is done when the candidate is within the UK with another temporary visa (known as Leave to Remain) and wants to switch into Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur from such a visa;

By extending their Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur

This application is done when the candidate is within the UK with a Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur and wants to stay even longer. The application to extend the stay in the UK should be done right before the end of the existing visa period, not after the expiration of such visa.

Keep in mind that there is no possibility to get an Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) – to settle in the UK with this visa type.

Application Process for Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Visa

This visa type is somewhat more specific because it has 2 stages of the visa application, as below:

• The Endorsement (validation) – Where one of the following authorized bodies makes the endorsement:
  • Higher Education Institution (HEI) that is listed as an authorized endorsing body;
  • The Department for International Trade (DIT) as part of The Elite Global Graduate Entrepreneur Programme (Sirius)
• The Visa Application for Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur)

Stage 1 – The Endorsement

A foreign graduate cannot be known for having a genuine and brilliant business idea, or as an elite global entrepreneur, if the aforementioned competent authorities do not endorse them first.

The endorsement letter is not a visa-alike formal application, but is a document, which shows that the education, capabilities, ideas, creativity and entrepreneurial skills of the candidate are evaluated by competent establishments (UK HEI or DIT).

Conditions to get the Endorsement Letter from a UK Authorized HEI

An authorized UK HEI will issue the endorsement letter, if a foreign UK graduate has:

• A UK recognized Bachelor, Master or PhD Degree – As a replacement, a degree that is qualified as equal to that by NARIC is accepted also;
• Genuine and Brilliant Business Idea;
• The Readiness to Remain in The UK for Working and Developing in That Business Idea;

HEIs are allowed to endorse mostly 1,900 graduates during one year.

Conditions to get the Endorsement Letter from DIT

You will have to fulfill the following requirements in order for DIT to issue you the endorsement letter:

• Have a Degree that is equal to UK Bachelor Degree;
• Have a properly Researched and Developed the Business Idea;
• Answers Questions of the Application Form with information about the candidate, business and team members;
• Prepared a Pitch Desk – Describing the business and a business plan (a short powerpoint or Prezi presentation consisting of introduction, team, problem, advantages, solution, product, traction, market, competition, business model, investing,
• Created a Business Team – usually with up to three members;
• Included links of the LinkedIn profiles of each business team member;
• Prepared a short Video to describe their Business Idea

DIT is allowed to endorse mostly 100 graduates during one year.

Stage 2 – The Visa Application

At this stage, the candidate must be able to comply with the conditions to get a visa. From the moment the candidate gets the Letter of Endorsement (from any of the approved authorities), they are prepared to apply for the Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Visa.

The endorsement letter can be used within three months from the date of issuance, so the candidate must apply for the visa in accord to that. This does not mean that the letter needs to be extended after they get the visa, because in case of a successful visa application, the letter becomes valid for as long as the visa is valid. In this case, extension of the period of this letter will be made at the time the candidate applies for visa extension.

Compile the Tier 1 Graduate entrepreneur document file

Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur visa applicants must fulfill the following conditions:

• Fulfill general requirements of application for UK visa;
• Pass general grounds for refusal;
• Have 75 points for attributes
• Have 10 points for understanding the English language – The Level of English equivalent to B1 level. The candidate is exempt from this requirement if:
  • The study program where they took their degree was held in English Language which is qualified by NARIC for equivalence with a UK Bachelor, Master or a PhD Degree;
  • They are endorsed by the same UK HEI where they took their university degree;
• Was never issued the following visas:
  • Tier 1 (Post-Study Work);
  • As a participant in the Fresh Talent Working in Scotland;
  • As a participant in the International Graduates Scheme;
  • As a participant in the Science and Engineering Graduates Scheme
• The unconditional written consent of the sponsor to the visa application
• Maintenance funds of £945 per month
• Don’t have a history of overstaying in the UK

Requirements for Holders of a HEI Letter of Endorsement

A foreign person with a valid Letter of the Endorsement can apply for a visa if:

• UK recognized Bachelor, Master or PhD Degree
• Endorsement letter from an authorized HEI;
• Approval letter from a financial sponsor – In cases when a candidate was a financially covered student from a Government or from an International Scholarship Awarding Institution (in the last year);

Requirements for Holders of a DIT Letter of Endorsement

A person who is endorsed from DIT must be of the following situations:

• Degree equal to a UK Bachelor degree;
• Endorsement letter from DIT;
• Confirmation letter from NARIC – To confirm the equality of a foreign degree with a UK Degree

Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Visa Extension

When a candidate wants to stay even longer in the UK as a graduate entrepreneur, beyond the period the existing visa, they should apply for a Leave to Remain (LR) in Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur.

The longest extra period one can get by a LR in this visa category is six other years.

Graduate Entrepreneur extension requirements

A foreign person who is ready to apply for an extension of the Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur visa should:

• Fulfill the criteria to apply for a Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur;
• Have 10 points minimum for maintenance – The candidate must give documents to evidence having £1,890 saved, to support himself financially while in the UK.
• Is a holder of a permit to work as a postdoctoral researcher (in the institution issuing the endorsement letter)

Switch to Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Visa

To switch into Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur visa while being in the UK with the following visas:

• Tier 4 General Visa;
• Tier 2 General Visa – but only if such visa allowed the candidate to work as a post-doctoral researcher for the same UK Institution which issued them the Endorsement Letter

Requirements to switch into Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur visa are:

• Endorsement letter from an authorized HEI in UK;
• Endorsement letter from DIT;
• Maintenance funds of £945 per month – there is not needed to show maintenance funds if DIT Endorsement covers such costs for the candidate;
• Unconditional written consent of the sponsor to the visa application;
• Bachelor, Master of PhD degree recognized in the UK;
• Biometric Information (fingerprints and photos)

Points of attributions in Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur

For candidates applying for EC or LR in Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur):

• 25 Points – are given if the candidate has an endorsement letter from a UK Higher Education Institution (HEI), only if that institution has one of the following statuses:
  • Sponsor Tier 4 visa holders;
  • Licensed A-class Sponsor for Tier 2;
  • Licensed A-class Sponsor for Tier 5;
  • Is a degree awarding institution with the authority and competence to find, promote and develop entrepreneurs amongst undergraduates and postgraduates;
• 25 Points – are given for having an endorsement letter from the Department for International Trade (DIT) endorses the candidate;
• 25 Points – if the candidate holds Degree that is recognized in the UK, taken in the UK or abroad, if it is qualified as equal to UK Bachelor Degree (only if confirmed by UK NARIC);
• 25 Points – If the candidate holds The Endorsement Letter – with the approval of the competent endorsing body, indicating that the candidate is qualified as having a genuine and brilliant business idea; and, that they are ready to stay in the UK for working and developing that business idea in a specific business sector (which should be mentioned in the letter).

Financial Means Requirement

The following money should be in a hold of the candidate for their dependents living and accommodation costs. When applying from within the UK the main applicant must show they have at least £945 per month, and £1,890 per month when applying from outside. Whereas, they must show they have at least  £945 per month for each of their applicant when applying from within the UK, and £1,890 per month when applying from outside

Maintenance money must be kept in a bank account of the candidate, at least three months before the application.

You will have to submit the following documents in order to prove that you can support yourself and your dependents financially while in UK:

• Personal Bank or other Financial Institution Statements – They must cover a period of three consecutive) months before the application
• Financial Institution Pass Book – Covering the period of three consecutive months before the application
• Letter from a Bank or other regulated Financial Institution – UK (FCA) or other home regulatory body must regulate Bank or Financial Institution for saving accounts;
• DIT Endorsement Letter – If the candidate has a type of Endorsement from DIT, which also covers maintenance costs of the candidate and their dependents, then the they are not needed to give other documents to prove they have enough funds for living in the UK.

The letter should include the period of three consecutive months before the application. It must contain the name of the candidate, their account number, date of letter issuance, name and other official information of the issuing institution, and the amount of money in the account of the candidate.

When the money is in other foreign currency, they must be converted to pounds sterling. Money must be held in the form of cash, both in a saving account or existing account.

Fees for Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur

The cost of application for Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Visa depends on whether you are applying from within or outside the UK. There are also lower fees for Turkish and Macedonian nationals.

Candidates applying from outside the UK will need to pay a fee of £349, aside of Turkish and Macedonian nationals who will pay a lower fee of £294. Whereas, every applicant will need to pay an extra £294 for each of their dependants is they are planning to bring them to the UK.

On the other hand if the applicant is already in the UK and is applying to switch to or extend their Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Visa then they will have to pay a fee of £474, while Turkish and Macedonian citizens will have to pay a lower fee of £419. As for dependants, each applicant needs to pay an amount of £474 for each of their dependants no matter of their nationality.

The endorsement letter

The letter should provide the following information:

• Reference number;
• Date of issue and validity;
• Applicant’s name, birthday, nationality, passport number;
• Information for dependant) of the candidate (those inside the UK already and those seeking to join him);
• Name and contact details of the endorsing institution;
• Name and contact details of the authorizing body of the endorsing institution;
• Name, degree level, date of taking the degree;
• Information about the business idea, including business plan and the sector;
• Reason for endorsement of the candidate;
• Confirmation that the candidate’s business idea is genuine and brilliant;
• Confirmation that the candidate plans to remain in the UK in working and developing on that business idea;
• Confirmation that the endorsing institution is contented with the work made by the candidate in developing their business idea (only needed to apply for LR)

Candidates who are Endorsed (given a Letter of Endorsement) from the same HEI where they took their Bachelor, Master or PhD Degree (before being endorsed), they are RELEASED from brining documents to prove their level of education (degree).

Candidates who hold a letter of endorsement issued by DTI or, from another UK HEI must also provide:

• Awarding certificate of qualification – It must be original, with the name of the candidate, the title of the qualification, date of receiving it, the name of the issuing institution – if the candidate has graduated already
• The academic certificate – It must be official and original, with the name of the candidate, title of qualification, date of receiving it (or date they will be receiving it), date of issuing certificate (if candidate yet has not undergone the graduation ceremony), a letter of confirmation from the issuing HEI for the impossibility to reproduce the certificate or awarding certificate of qualification – if the candidate has not undergone yet the graduation ceremony, or, if the Issuing body cannot reproduce the academic certificate;
• The academic transcript – It must be original and official, with the name of the candidate and of issuing HEI, title of the course, and the confirmation of the award – if the awarding certificate of qualification cannot be reproduced
• Academic reference from university – Is allowed as a substitute of aforementioned documents – The issuing university must be that where the candidate took their degree and IT IS TOLERABLE only for candidates who have a qualification in exceptional research areas, i.e., a doctor and they cannot provide original documents, yet such reference must include the aforementioned information.

Degrees not permitted for endorsement in Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Visa are:

• Foundation Degrees
• Honorary Degrees
• Qualifications Awarded In The UK By Overseas Awarding Bodies
• Qualifications Undertaken At Overseas Campuses of UK Institutions
• Professional And Vocational Qualifications
• Postgraduate Certificates or Diplomas

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There are few ways through which you can get a UK family visa:

• As a spouse or partner of a UK resident.
• As a parent of a UK resident.
• As a child of a UK resident.
• As a sickened, disabled or aged relative in need for long-term care from a UK resident.
• On the basis of a private life.
• As a widowed partner of a former UK resident.
• As a separated spouse or partner.

Do I Qualify for a UK Family Visa?

You cannot get a UK family visa if your circumstances are as follows:

• You’re already in the UK with a UK work visa, or a UK temporary student visa.
• You’re living in the UK with a UK visitor visa with validity period of 6 months or less. The rule doesn’t apply for UK visitor marriage visa, or if you’re awaiting for a final court decision on a family or divorce matter.

What are the UK Family Visa Types?

There’s a range of UK family visa categories you may get depending which is your personal circumstances and your relationship with the sponsoring UK resident.

Spouse Visa

The UK Spouse Visa is issued to those who want to join their spouse in the UK or other partner who is either a British citizen, a settled person, a refugee or someone under the humanitarian protection.

Your relationship with your partner must be either a marriage, a durable relationship or civil partnership.

Parent Visa

The UK Parent Visa is issued to parents of British citizens or settled persons or persons that have spent at least 7 continuous years in the UK.

To qualify for this visa the child must be younger than 18, or must have been that age when you’ve first applied for the UK family visa.

Child Visa

The UK Child Visa is issued to children of a settled person in the UK.

You have to be the dependent child living in the UK with your parent, who is making a joint application with you for a UK visa or an extension of stay in the UK.

Family visa for an adult who needs a long-run care by a relative

The Visa for adults in need of care by a relative is issued for the purpose of taking long-term care from a relative who is a British citizen, settled person, refugee or under humanitarian protection in the UK. The person that needs this type of care has to be an adult of age 18 or older suffering from a disability or a medical condition, or who has reached the old age.

Family visa on the basis of your private life

The Family visa on the basis of your private life is given to remain permanently in the UK, after having lived there for quite some time, due to your unfavorable personal circumstances for leaving the UK, or overlong residence in the UK.

Settle in the UK if Your Partner Dies

Dependents of a deceased partner visa is issued to those who want to permanently remain in the UK, as a former spouse/civil partner/partner in a durable relationship, of a deceased British citizen or a settled person in the UK. You must have a valid family visa appropriate to the aforesaid relationship with the deceased sponsor, i.e. Spouse visa

Visa as a separated or divorced dependent partner

Separated or divorced dependent partner visa is issued for the purpose of remaining permanently if your relationship has broken down due of domestic violence from your partner. You must have had your last visa was as a spouse or partner of the aforesaid sponsor and public funds until application for settlement is processed.

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A UK family visa, is the type of visa you will need if you want to enter and remain in the UK to live with a family member for more than 6 months. Besides the Parent Visa, other types of UK Family visas include:

• Spouse visa
• Child visa
• Visa for a relative who will provide long-term care for you

What is the UK Parent Visa?

UK parent visa, is a type of visa established for cases when a parent wants to join their child who is a citizen or a resident of the United Kingdom with no immigration restrictions. Keep in mind that you can only apply for this type of visa if your child is a dependent UK resident under 18.

How to Apply for a UK Parent Visa?

The UK Parent Visa application process is very similar to the other application processes. It really depends on the way you apply. You will need to apply online if you are applying from outside of the UK. You will also have to complete the application form VAF4A.

Whereas, if you are in the UK you have two choices. You can apply online, or by post. You can also apply at a premium service center. In order to do so you will have to fill in the form and book an appointment, or make an online application and book an appointment.

UK Parent Visa Requirements

The UK child resident, and the parent that wants to join him / her in the UK, both must fulfill some criteria set by the Immigration Authorities in the UK.

If you are planning to join your dependant child, the main thing you have to know before applying for this type of visa is that if your partner is living together with the child and is a UK resident, then you will have to apply for the UK spouse visa. You can apply for the UK Parent Visa only if you are no longer in a relationship with the other parent of your child residing in the UK.

The other eligibility criteria are as follows:

• Your child must be under 18 on the date you apply, and not live an independent life
• You must be a parent of a British child, or have an indefinite leave to remain
• You need to have shared or sole parental responsibility for your UK resident child
• If you share responsibility, the other parent of the child must not be your partner
• If you share responsibility, the other parent of the child must be a British citizen, or settled in the UK
• Throughout your application you will have to prove that:
• you are taking an active role in your child’s upbringing and plan to continue doing so
• you have a good knowledge of English
• you can financially support yourself and your child in the UK

Parental responsibility requirement

You will have to prove to the consular officer that you are taking an active role in your child’s upbringing and you plan to continue doing so. You will have to prove through documents as:

• School confirmation that you take part in parent evenings and meetings,
• School confirmation that you also take your child to school,
• Confirmation from the dentist that you take your child to appointments.

If your child has been living for too long in the UK and you don’t have any of the above mentioned evidences, then you can just submit pictures of you two whenever you met. You can submit photos that you took your kid to the park, cinema, theater, bookstore, etc. This requirement comes as a result of the Immigration Authorities wishing to know if they are bringing to the UK someone who will really care for their child and take an important role in their child’s upbringing.

UK Parent Visa Financial Requirements

The failure to fulfill the financial requirement is the main reason that many people fail to obtain a UK parent visa. The main reason behind this requirement is that the UK does not want to bring over people that are not capable of financially maintaining themselves, therefore they are requiring from them to be capable to show proof they can earn (or possess) a minimum amount of money.

If you want to join your child in the UK then you will have to prove that you have enough financial funds to sponsor both, you and your child. That is why you must prove that you have an income of at least £18,600 per year. You might also use your saving to prove you have enough funds.

If you are planning to bring to the UK, other children who aren’t British nationals or European Economic Area (EEA) nationals with you, you will have to:

• earn an extra £3,800 per year for your first child
• earn an extra £2,400 per year for each child you have after your first child

Every legal source of income can be counted in order for you to meet the income requirement, as:

• your salary, if you earn it in the UK
• cash savings above £16,000
• pension money
• non-work income, i.e. property rentals or dividends
• In order to prove your income you will have to submit proof, as:
• bank statements
• 6 months of payslips
• A letter from an employer which includes the job title, the period you have worked there, the current salary and also payslips

Parent Visa Language Requirement

The English language requirement is a very important requirement without the fulfillment of which you cannot obtain a UK parent visa. When you submit your visa application, you will have to submit some document as an evidence of your English knowledge.

You can prove your knowledge in English by:

• submitting a document or academic qualification that was taught or researched in English, which is recognized by UK NARIC as being equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree or higher
• taking an approved English language test and passing it with at least a CEFR level A1 in speaking and listening.

Here you can find a list of approved English language tests and providers.

The residents of English speaking countries are exempt from English knowledge requirement, as listed below:

• Antigua and Barbuda
• Australia
• The Bahamas
• Barbados
• Belize
• Canada
• Dominica
• Grenada
• Guyana
• Jamaica
• New Zealand
• St Kitts and Nevis
• St Lucia
• St Vincent and the Grenadines
• Trinidad and Tobago
• USA

Exempted from the English language requirement are also the individuals that belong to one of the categories listed below:

• Children
• Applicants over 65
• Applicants coming to be cared for by a relative
• Applicants with a physical or medical condition that prevents them from meeting the requirement

Parent Visa Fee

Visa fees depend on the way you apply. If you apply outside the UK to join your child, you will have to pay a fee of £1,464. Whereas if you apply in the UK online or by post the fee will cost to you £993, and £1,583 if you apply in the UK in person with the premium service.

You will have to pay an extra £1,464 for each dependant you are planning to bring with you to the UK, if you apply outside the UK, £993 if you apply in the UK online or by post and £1,583 if you apply in the UK in person with the premium service.

Required Documents for Parent Visa Application

For a UK parent visa you will have to submit the common documents that are usually required by applicants, as listed below:

• Valid passport with at least an empty page in order to be able to affix visa
• Previous passports
• 2 passport sized color photos according to the ICAO standards
• Proof of English language requirement (as explained above)
• Proof of financial means (as explained above)
• Proof of parental responsibility as photos of you two together (as explained above)

Aside of these documents you will also have to submit other supporting documents that will give the following information:

• Your full name
• your date of birth
• details of any previous immigration applications, if any
• details of any criminal convictions, if any
• your national insurance number, if any
• your parents’ date of birth and nationality if you’re applying from outside the UK
• your tuberculosis test results if you’re from a country where you have to take the test
• You will have to provide a translation of any document that isn’t in English or Welsh

How Long Does it Take to Get a UK Parent visa?

The fastest way to get an answer for your visa application is to apply in person in the UK, since then you will get an answer regarding your visa application, within a day.

However, the process takes us to 12 weeks to be processed when you apply outside the UK, or up to 8 weeks if you apply within the UK either online or by post.

Still, the application processing might take longer if:

• you do not meet the income requirement
• cannot prove your English knowledge
• need to attend an interview
• have a criminal record
• haven’t provided all of the required documents

Visa Validity

In general, if you have applied to join your child, you will get a permit to stay in the UK for 2 years and 6 months. After this period you will have to extend your stay.

UK Elderly Dependent Visa

Whereas, if you are the parent of an independent child residing in the UK, and wish to join him or her because due to your age, physical or mental health, you need somebody to take care of you, then you will have to apply as an adult coming to be cared for by a relative.

To be fully eligible for this type the following requirement must be fulfilled by you and the child you are planning to join in the UK:

• Your child must be over 18 and independent,
• your child must be a British citizen settled in the UK,
• your child and you must fulfill the financial requirement,
• you must show proof that you need long-term care to do everyday personal and household tasks because of illness, disability or your age,
• the care you need is not available in your country of residence.

The child who is sponsoring their parent to join him or her in the UK must be capable of financially supporting the parent, accommodating and caring for him or her without claiming public funds for at least the first five years of stay in the UK. If the applicant has enough savings, even if the child does not have enough financial means to sponsor the parent, they can prove through a bank statement that the parent will not be a burden to the UK public funds, because he or she has enough savings to maintain oneself.

A person who applies as an adult coming to be cared for by a relative does not need to fulfill the English language knowledge requirement.

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The UK spouse visa, also known as Marriage Visa in the UK, is a UK family visa, and it is the type of visa you will need if you want to enter and remain in the UK to live with a partner (spouse/fiance) for more than 6 months.

Do I Qualify for the UK Spouse Visa?

To qualify for the UK Spouse visa, the UK resident, and the applicant that wants to join them in the UK, both must fulfill some criteria set by the Immigration Authorities in the UK. The main condition for the Spouse visa is that both, the resident and the applicant must be over 18 since the British law does not recognize marriages under the age of 18.

The other eligibility criteria are as follows:

• The person you want to join must be a British citizen.
• Your marriage or civil partnership must be recognized in the UK.
• Your relationship must be at least two years old when you apply (this is to prevent arranged marriages which the British law does not recognize).
• If you are a fiance you must show proof you will marry within 6 months.
• If you are a proposed civil partnership you must show proof that within 6 months, you will be entering into a civil partnership.
• The partner living in the UK must meet the financial requirement.
• The applicant must meet the English language requirements.

Relationship Legitimacy for UK Spouse Visa

In order for you to be eligible for a UK Spouse Visa, your relationship must be recognized by the UK authorities. This is the first part of your application towards obtaining a UK visa.

You should be very careful when submitting proof for your marriage/relationship because if the embassy or consulate where you are applying at suspects that you are in a fake marriage/relationship for visa benefits, they will automatically refuse your visa application.

Clarifications of terms

UK Spouse Visa Document Checklist

The UK Spouse visa required documents that you will have to submit when you go to meet with the consular officer are the below listed:

• UK visa application form. For the spouse visa you will need to submit the form VAF4A.
• Valid passport with at least an empty page in order to be able to affix visa.
• Your previous passports.
• Two passport-sized color photos that are in line with the requirements set by the UK.
• Proof of English language requirement.
• Proof of financial means.
• Proof of relationship as photos of you two together, etc.
• Your full name.
• Your date of birth.
• Details of any previous immigration applications, if any.
• Certificate of criminal record.
• Your national insurance number, if any.
• Your parents’ date of birth and nationality if you’re applying from outside the UK.
• Proof of accommodation. You will need to present a document that shows where you will be accommodated while in the United Kingdom.
• Biometric information. This includes giving your fingerprints and a digital photograph taken at the appropriate application center.
• Proof of paid spouse visa fees. You should submit the receipt that confirms you have paid the visa fee as required.

What Are the Financial Requirements for the Spouse Visa UK?

If you are bringing your spouse to the UK you must prove that you both have a combined income of at least £18,600 a year.

This is the most important part of your application, that many fail to fulfill, therefore have their visas rejected. The UK doesn’t want to bring people that are not capable of financially maintaining themselves, therefore they are requiring them to be able to earn a minimum amount of money.

What counts as proof of financial subsistence?

The following sources of income can be counted in order for you to meet the UK Spouse Visa income requirements:

• your salary, if you earn it in the UK.
• cash savings above £16,000.
• pension money.
• non-work income, i.e. property rentals or dividends.

Documents to prove financial subsistence for UK Spouse visa

In order to prove your income, you will have to submit proof, as:

• bank statements of the partner already residing in the UK.
• 6 months of payslips.
• A letter from an employer which includes the job title, the period he or she has worked there, the current salary and also payslips

If bringing your children

If you are planning to bring to the UK your children who aren’t British nationals or EEA nationals, alongside with your partner, you will have to:

• earn an extra £3,800 for your first child.
• earn an extra £2,400 for each child you have after your first child.

Spousal Visa UK Language Requirements

One of the very important UK Spouse visa requirements is that of English language knowledge. When you submit your visa application, you shall also submit some document that proves your English knowledge.

You can prove your knowledge of the English language by:

• submitting a document or academic qualification that was taught or researched in English, which is recognized by UK NARIC as being equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree or higher
• taking an approved English language test and passing it with at least a CEFR level A1 in speaking and listening.

Who needs to provide proof of English language proficiency?

Exempt from English knowledge requirement are the residents of the countries listed below:

• Antigua and Barbuda
• Australia
• The Bahamas
• Barbados
• Belize
• Canada
• Dominica
• Grenada
• Guyana
• Jamaica
• New Zealand
• St Kitts and Nevis
• St Lucia
• St Vincent and the Grenadines
• Trinidad and Tobago
• USA

And also applicants that belong to one of the categories listed below:

• Children.
• Applicants over 65.
• Applicants coming to be cared for by a relative.
• Applicants with a physical or medical condition that prevents them from meeting the requirement.

UK Spouse Visa Application

You will need to apply online if you are applying from outside of the UK. To begin your UK spouse visa application you have to complete the form VAF4A.

Whereas, if you are in the UK you have two choices. You can apply online, or by post. You can also apply at a premium service center. In order to do so, you will have to fill in the form and book an appointment, or make an online application and book an appointment.

UK Spouse Visa Fee

The UK Spouse Visa fees depend on the way you apply. If you apply for a UK spouse visa from outside the UK to join your partner you will have to pay a fee of £1,464. Whereas if you apply for Spousal Visa in the UK online or by post the fee will cost to you £993, and £1,583 if you apply in the UK in person with the premium service.

You will have to pay an extra £1,464 for each dependant if you apply outside the UK, £993 if you apply in the UK online or by post and £1,583 if you apply in the UK in person with the premium service.

How Long Does it Take to Get a UK Spouse Visa?

To get a UK spouse visa it takes up to 12 weeks, or up to 8 weeks if you apply within the UK either online or by post. On the other hand, if you apply in person in UK then you will get an answer regarding your UK Spouse Visa application, within a day

However, application processing might take longer if:

• you do not meet the income requirement.
• cannot prove your English knowledge.
• need to attend an interview.
• have a criminal record.
• haven’t provided all of the required documents.

How Long Can I Stay in the UK With a Spouse Visa?

If you have applied to join your spouse, you will get permission to stay in the UK for 2 years and 6 months, whereas if you have applied as a fiance or proposed civil partner, you will be permitted to stay for six months. After this period you will have to extend your stay.

How Can I Apply for an Extension of the Spouse Visa in the UK?

You will be permitted to apply for a UK spouse visa extension, 28 days before the expiration of your current UK visa. Among others, you will have to prove that you and your partner have been continuously living together during your time in the UK, in order to get a visa extension.

What Are Other Types of Family Visas for the UK?

Besides the Spouse Visa, other types of UK Family visas include:

• Parent visa
• Child visa
• Visa for a relative who will provide long-term care for you

The post UK Spouse Visa appeared first on Visa Consulate - Visa Information For Any Country.

You are eligible for a UK transit visa if:

• You can prove that you are in transit to another country with sufficient means and the intention to travel on; and
• You can prove that the only purpose of your visit to the UK in transit.

Who Needs a Visa to Transit in the UK

ALL nationals of the countries and territories listed below need visas to enter or transit through the UK.

ALL nationals of the countries and territories listed below need visas to enter or transit the UK landside.

Types of Transit Visas

There are three types of Transit visas:

• Direct Airside Transit visa (DATV)
• Visitor in Transit visa
• Long-term Visit visa.

Direct Airside Transit visa (DATV)

If you will be changing flights in the UK without going through immigration control and you are outside the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, you may need a Direct Airside Transit Visa.

Visitor in Transit visa

You may apply for a Visitor in Transit visa if:

• On your way to another country, you will be changing flights in the UK,
• You will go through UK border control for reasons such as: checking in your luggage, or you have a connecting flight
• You will be leaving the UK in 48 hours
• You won’t be studying or working in the UK.

Long-Term Visit Visa

If you need to transit through the UK over a longer period, a long-term visit visa enables you to stay in the country for a maximum of 48 hours on each visit, and your visa can last for two, five, and ten years.

How to Apply for a UK Transit Visa?

You have to apply for a UK transit visa online, on the official visa website of the UK government. You will also be required to submit certain documents and your biometrics to a visa application centre in your country. The step-by-step application process is as follows:

• Prepare the documents. For your application to be admissible, you must provide evidence that:
  • You are entering the UK to carry out permitted activities
  • You will leave the country at the end of your visit
  • You have sufficient means to support yourself
  • You are able to pay for yourself, e.g., your onward and return ticket and all other costs
• Apply for the UK transit visa online. You have to complete the online application form in the visa and immigration website of the UK government.
• Upload the required documents. You may be required to upload certain documents on the application portal. The exact documents for your visa type and destination are listed on the application form.
• Pay the visa fee. Once you complete the application form, you will be redirected to the fee payment, which you have to pay online.
• Submit your documents and biometrics at a visa application center. After you complete the online application, you have to submit your documents and biometrics at a visa application center in your country. You can find a UK visa application center in your country here. You must attend the appointment in person, as your biometric data, both fingerprints and photographs will be taken.

You will be notified about the decision on your visa after the appointment.

Processing Time for a UK Transit Visa

The official processing time for a UK transit visa is three weeks. However, if there is a larger number of applications, the processing time could be extended to six weeks or longer. You should apply well in advance of your trip if you know it is upcoming.

Documents Required for UK Transit Visa

The documents you may be required to submit for a UK transit visa application depend on the type of transit visa you are applying for. As such, they are:

UK Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV) Documents

• Valid passport/travel document
• Proof that you are allowed to enter the country which you plan to enter by providing either a:
  • Residence permit
  • Green card
  • Valid visa
• Proof of onward or booked journey, such as a flight booking email, printed tickets, or confirmation from a travel agency.
• if you are not a national or resident of the country that you are traveling to, you must:
  • Provide proof of why you are traveling there
  • Provide details of where you will stay

You should bring your documents with you when you travel through the UK.

UK Visitor in Transit Visa Documents

• Current passport or valid travel document,
• Proof that you are allowed to enter the country which you plan to enter by providing either a:
  • Residence permit
  • Green card
  • Valid visa
• Proof of onward flight, which is within 48 hours of arriving in the UK. E.g. a flight booking, email printed tickets, or confirmation from a travel agent.
• If you are not a national or resident of the country that you are traveling to, you must:
  • Be able to explain why you are going there
  • Provide details of where you are going to stay

You should bring your documents with you when you travel through the UK.

Long-Term Visit Visa Documents

• Proof that you have a legitimate reason to frequently transit through the UK.
• Proof that your reason to transit through the UK will not change while you are in the UK.
• Proof that the only purpose of your visit to the UK is transit.
• Proof that you will leave the UK within 48 hours.

Note: If you are traveling to or from Ireland, the Channel Islands, or the Isle of Man, you may need to apply for another type of visitor visa.

How Long Is the UK Transit Visa Issued For?

UK transit visas are issued for 24 to 48 hours. It is a long-term visit visa for transit, it may be valid for 2-10 years, but you cannot stay in the UK for more than 48 hours on each entry.

If you plan to stay in the UK for more than 48 hours before traveling onward, you will need to apply for a standard visitor visa instead.

Transit Visa Fees

The UK transit visa fees are as follows:

The post UK Transit Visa appeared first on Visa Consulate - Visa Information For Any Country.

A UK Turkish Businessperson Visa is a UK Business and Work visa established only for Turkish nationals. It enables its holder to come to the UK and start a new business, or help run an established business.

The UK Turkish Businessperson Visa enables you to stay in the UK for 12 months. You can then extend your stay for another 3 years. You can also bring family members with you as your dependents.

Who Can Apply for a UK Turkish Businessperson Visa?

The main criterion for applying for a UK Turkish Businessperson Visa is to be a Turkish citizen. Yet, you will also need to meet the rest of the remaining criteria to be eligible.

The main eligibility criteria to apply for a UK Businessperson Visa are as follows:

• You must have sufficient funds to establish your business or to pay the share of costs running the business.
• Your part of the earnings will be enough to support you and your family.

How to Apply for a UK Turkish Businessperson Visa

To apply for a UK Turkish Businessperson visa you need to complete several procedures.

The first thing you need to do is to apply online. You should apply at the official website of the UK government. Completing this application is free of charge.

The application form includes the following questions:

• Your name & surname.
• Date & place of birth.
• Country of residence & nationality.
• Questions about your parents.
• Previous trips to the UK and other countries of the world.
• If you have committed any crimes in the past.
• The reason for traveling to the UK, etc.

You will also need to book an appointment at the visa application center in your country. On the day of your appointment, submit the documents you have been required to collect.

When to Apply for a UK Turkish Businessperson Visa

Apply for a UK Turkish Businessperson visa within three months before the date of your trip to the UK. Note that the earliest you can apply, is three months before this date.

Required Documents for a UK Turkish Businessperson Visa

A very important part of the application process for a UK Turkish Businessperson visa is gathering the required documents. Based on these documents, the UK authorities will decide whether you meet the criteria to get such a visa, or not.

The main required documents for a UK Turkish Businessperson visa are as listed below:

• Your current passport. Make sure your passport is valid and has at least one blank page before you apply.
• Proof that you have the financial means to support yourself and your dependents, if any,
• Proof of your living costs. This could be a tenancy agreement, mortgage agreement, utility bills, council tax statement, bank statements, or documents relating to transfer of money to relatives abroad.
• Proof of state benefits you have received in the UK, if applicable.
• Tuberculosis test results. Turkish residents do not need to submit such a document. Yet, if you have been residing in a country the citizens of which need to submit these results, you should too.

In addition, you will need to submit proof for the business you want to establish or join. This includes:

• The business plan.
• Documents for your business premises.
• Partnership agreements.
• Insurance documents.
• HM Revenue and Customs Documents.
• Qualifications for running the business.
• Evidence of your finances and investment in the business.
• Evidence of financial assistance from a third party.

Be aware that the UK embassy or visa application center in the country from where you are applying, may ask you to submit additional documents.

UK Turkish Businessperson Visa Fee

When applying for a UK Turkish Businessperson visa, you will not need to pay any fees.

UK Turkish Businessperson Visa Processing

The UK authorities will take a decision on your application for a UK Turkish Businessperson visa within 12 weeks of your application.

UK Turkish Businessperson Visa Validity

You can stay in the UK with a Turkish Businessperson visa for a period of 12 months. Before the end of your visa, you can apply for a visa extension of another 3 years.

However, to extend your visa, the following statements must apply to you:

• Your business is still going.
• You are still able to pay your part of the expenses of running the business.
• Your profits are enough to support you and your dependents.

Bringing Family Members to UK with a Turkish Businessperson Visa

If you are a holder of a UK Turkish Businessperson Visa, you can bring to the UK your spouse and your children under the age of 21.

To apply, they must also submit the documents listed below, aside of the commonly required documents:

• Proof for your relationship.
• Proof they will live with you permanently.
• Proof that you can support and house yourself and your dependents during your stay.

The post Turkish Businesspersons and Turkish Worker Visa appeared first on Visa Consulate - Visa Information For Any Country.

If you are a domestic worker at a private household and you need a visa to accompany your employer, then the following guide on how to apply, what you need for application and whether you qualify or not, will be very helpful to you.

Who Can Apply for a Domestic Worker Visa?

You will be eligible to apply for a Domestic Workers in a Private Household Visa if are from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland, and you also meet the following conditions:

• You are 18 or older.
• You are a domestic worker in a private household (cleaner, nanny, chauffeur, cook and others providing personal care for the employer and their family).
• You have worked for your employer for a minimum period of one year, in the same household as your employer, or one they use regularly.
• You intend to travel to the UK alongside with your employer, their partner or children.
• You plan to work as a full-time domestic worker in a UK household your employer will live in, in the UK.
• You will leave the UK at the end of 6 months or at the same time as your employer, whichever is sooner.
• You are capable to support yourself in the UK without the need for public funds.
• If you meet the above criteria, and the common eligibility requirements to get a UK visa, then the UK Home Office will grant you with a visa for Domestic Workers in a Private Household.

Moreover, your employer should also meet the following, for you to be able to get the visa:

• He/she is a national of the European Economic Area (EEA) who lives outside the UK and does not intend to remain in the UK for more than six months.
• He/she is a foreign national who is coming to the UK on a visit and does not intend to remain for more than 6 months.
• He/she will pay you at least the national minimum wage.

How to Apply for a Visa for Domestic Workers in a Private Household?

When to apply?

The earliest you can apply for a visa for Domestic Workers in a Private Household is up to 3 months before your date your intended trip to the UK.

Application Process

To apply for this visa, you must first complete the online application form. Then, you will need to show up at the UK visa application center in your country of residence and submit the required documents. You will also have your fingerprints and photograph taken.

Required Documents for a Domestic Workers in a Private Household Visa

You will need to collect several required documents, as a part of your visa application for a Domestic Workers in a Private Household Visa. These documents are:

• A valid passport or another travel document.
• Proof you have enough money for the whole period of your stay in the UK. This could be a bank statement or payslips from the recent 6 months.
• Tuberculosis test results (if from a country who must do the test).
• Travel itinerary, details about the accommodation and dates of travel.
• The employer’s letter to confirm your past work experience for him as a domestic worker in a private household (for at least 1 year).
• The signed and stamped work contract with terms and conditions.
• The employer’s letter of statement to confirm you will be paid at least the national minimum wage for the work in the UK.
• Any document related to the work done before for the same employer
• Bank statements or pay slips where the salary transaction is shown.
• Proof of paid tax.
• Paid health insurance.
• Past visas or other equivalent (if traveled before to work in the same job for the same employer).
• Work visa, or another permit (if not a national of the country where you currently work for the employer).

Pay the Visa Fee

You will need to pay a fee for the processing of your application. The fee for Domestic Workers in a Private Household Visa is £516.

Visa Processing

The processing of your visa application can take up to three weeks.

How Long Can I Stay?

The maximum period of time you can stay in the United Kingdom with this visa, is either six months, or until your employer leaves the UK, whichever comes first.

Can I extend my visa?

The only way to extend a visa for Domestic Workers in a Private Household is if your previous visa was issued for less than 6 months. You must apply for an extension before your current visa expires and continue to meet the eligibility criteria of your first visa.

The application fee for the extension of a Domestic Workers in a Private Household visa is £1,033.

Domestic Workers Who Applied Before 5 April 2012

If you are a domestic worker who applied for entry to the UK on or before 5 April 2012 different rules apply to you. You can apply to extend your stay in the UK every 12 months, and you can apply to settle here permanently, after 5 years.

What Can I Do with a Domestic Workers in a Private Household Visa

When traveling to the UK with a Domestic Workers in a Private Household Visa the activities you can perform while here are limited. You must be very careful to respect these limitations since if you try to engage in activities outside the ones you are permitted to, there will be consequences.

You are permitted to do the following:

• Remain in the UK while your employer is in a short trip to another country.
• Travel to another country and return to the UK, as long as your visa is valid. A
• Change your employer, under two conditions:
  • You will work as a domestic worker in a private household for the other employer.
  • The total period of your stay does not exceed 6 months.

Domestic Workers Who Applied Before 5 April 2012

If you are a domestic worker who applied for entry to the UK on or before 5 April 2012, you can bring your partner and children under 18 years old, with you to the UK. You can also move to a similar job in the UK.

The post Domestic Workers in a Private Household Visa appeared first on Visa Consulate - Visa Information For Any Country.

With a Global Talent Visa for the UK, if you are a “leader or potential leader” in the fields of academia and research, arts and culture, and digital technology, you can work in the UK for up to five years, without a sponsor or a job offer.

You can also renew the visa as many times as you want and can change jobs without notifying the immigration authorities.

Eligibility Criteria for the Global Talent Visa for the UK

You can use a Global Talent visa to work in the UK if you’re a leader (exceptional talent) or potential leader (exceptional promise) in one of the following fields:

• Academia or research
• Arts and culture
• Digital technology

Academia or research

To qualify for a UK Global Talent Visa in the fields of academia and research, you must be an exceptional talent/promise in one of these fields:

• Science
• Medicine
• Engineering
• Humanities

You must also fit into one of the following categories:

• You have a job offer as a senior academic or researcher (e.g. a university professor) in the UK
• You have received an individual fellowship in the UK
• You are part of a research grant that is approved by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)

If you do not have any of the aforementioned, you can still apply for the Global Talent Visa for the UK if your application is endorsed via peer review. In this case, someone with an eminent position and with “internationally recognised expertise” in your field must write you a letter of recommendation.

Arts and culture

To qualify for a UK Global Talent Visa in the fields of arts and culture, you must be an exceptional talent or exceptional promise on one of the following:

• Combined arts
• Dance
• Literature
• Music
• Theatre
• Visual arts

Additionally, you must fit into one of the following categories:

• In the last five years, you have worked regularly in your field and have produced work which is recognized internationally and considered “outstanding” by the Arts Council England
• For application as a leader in your field: You can prove that your work is well known in at least 2 countries

Architecture

To qualify for a Global Talent Visa in the field of architecture, you must:

• Have worked continuously as an architect for the last 5 years
• Have produced work that is published internationally
• Have produced work which the RIBA judges as ‘outstanding’

Fashion design

To qualify for a Global Talent Visa in the field of fashion design:

• You must be considered an exceptional talent or exceptional promise in your field
• You must have worked continuously in the field of fashion design for the last 5 years
• You must be known as a leading figure in the industry.
• You must have work which is sold or exhibited internationally and shown on catwalk exhibitions.
• Your work must be recognised by leading figures in the fashion industry.

Film and television

To decide whether you qualify for a Global Talent Visa in the field of film and television (which also includes animation, post-production, animation, and visual effects),the Producers’ Alliance for Cinema and Television (PACT) will judge whether you are a leader or exceptional talent.

Digital technology

To be considered an exceptional talent or exceptional promise in the field of digital technology, you must fit in one of the following categories:

• You have set up or held a senior position in an innovative product-led tech company.
• You have worked in an innovative digital field or concept.
• You have taught, mentored, or taken part in collaborative projects to help the digital technology sector.

Additional requirements include having won awards, developed new skills (commercial or technical) during your career, or having had your research works published or endorsed by an expert.

Required Documents to Apply for the Global Talent Programme in the UK

The documents you have to submit when applying for a Global Talent Visa will depend on your field of qualification. This includes:

• For researchers or academic leaders: A letter from the head of HR of the organisation where you will work. The letter must:
  • Include your name, position, and department
  • State that got the position after applying via an open competition, which was advertised.
  • State that you were interviewed by 4 senior academics from the organisation where you will work.
  • State that you handed in at least three references.
• For work on a research grant: A written confirmation from the funder, stating that the fund was at least £30,000 and it will last at least 2 years.
• For peer-reviewed endorsements: A letter from someone of eminence in your field with “internationally recognised expertise”. The letter must state:
  • How that person knows you
  • That they believe you have exceptional talent or promise
  • That you would contribute to the UK and benefit from being in the UK
• For leaders in arts and culture:
  • Your CV
  • Three recommendation letters, which states how the writer knows you, lists your achievements and details why you would benefit from this program as well as what you can bring to the UK.
  • Up to ten pieces of evidence which attest to your achievements, such as international media recognition, international awards, international appearances, or exhibitions.
• For leaders in digital technology:
  • Three letters of recommendation from organisations which is established in digital technology. Each of the letters must state how the person knows you, including proof of their position, showcase your achievements in digital technology, as well as state how the writer believes you are a leader or potential leader.
  • Evidence of any digital technology business which you have set up or in which you have been a senior member in the last 5 years.
  • Up to ten pieces of evidence which support your qualifications and eligibility.

How to Apply for a Global Talent Visa for the UK?

The application process for a Global Visa for the UK is divided into two parts:

1. Applying for endorsement from an organization that is recognized as an expert in your chosen field.
2. Applying for the Global Talent Visa.

Applying for Endorsement

You have to get an endorsement to attest to the fact that you actually are a leader or potential leader in your field. To submit your application, you must visit the Visas and Immigration website of the UK Home Office and register using your email address.

You must submit the required documents (see below) and pay the endorsement fee. If you do not have all the documents, you can close the application and restart where you left off later.

Then, depending on which field you will work in, the UK Home Office will forward your endorsement application to one of these so-called “endorsements bodies” for review.

The endorsement application can take from one to eight weeks to process, depending on which organization is reviewing your application.

Applying for the Global Talent Visa

Once you receive your endorsement, you have to apply for a UK Visa by submitting the endorsement letter and any requested supporting documents. You must apply no earlier than three months before you intend to depart for the UK. You and all your dependent family members can apply at the same time

You will usually receive your visa within three weeks.

What Is the Duration of a Global Visa?

A Global Talent Visa for the UK is valid for five years, with the possibility of renewal.  If you apply as a leader or exceptional talent, you can apply for settlement in the UK after three years of residence. If you apply as a potential leader, you can apply for settlement after five years.

Global Visa UK Fees

The overall fee for a Global Visa is £608 per person:

• £456 for the endorsement
• £152 for the visa (£97 if you’re from Turkey or North Macedonia)

Can I Bring My Family to the UK with a Global Talent Visa?

Yes, if you are eligible for a Global Talent Visa, you can bring your family to the UK with you, and you can all apply at the same time. This includes your spouse and any minor or dependent children. For each of your dependent family members, you have to pay an extra application fee of £608 and bring the relevant documents.

Can I Switch to a Global Talent Visa?

If you are already in the UK via one of the following visas, then you can apply to switch to a Global Talent Visa:

• Tier 1 Visa
• Tier 2 Visa
• Tier 5 for temporary workers on a Government Authorised Exchange (exchange scheme for sponsored researchers)
• Start-up visa
• Innovator visa

Make sure your visa is still valid at the time of application. If your visa has expired you will have overstayed. If your visa is about to expire, you may not be able to wait out for your application to be processed.

If you are in the UK under another visa category, then you have to leave and apply for the visa from your home country.

The post Global Talent Visa UK appeared first on Visa Consulate - Visa Information For Any Country.

However, the Investment Visa for the UK is not a direct citizenship-by-investment program, like in many other countries. This means that you actually have to live in the UK before you can apply to become a citizen.

Is a UK Investor Visa a Golden Visa?

The Tier 1 (Investment) Visa is the UK’s version of the Golden Visa, in the sense that it offers residency to individuals who make substantial investments in the British economy. However, the minimum qualifying investment for a Tier 1 visa is higher – starting from £2 million – and investment in real estate (i.e. buying a house) does not qualify.

Unless you have expert knowledge of UK legislation and financial matters, you will need legal help to settle your investment.

To get assistance with the required paperwork and procedures of getting a Golden visa for the UK, it is advisable to hire legal representatives that specialize in these matters.

Additionally, you cannot renew the UK Investment visa or apply for permanent residency or citizenship without actually living in the UK for the majority of the year.

UK Investor Visa Benefits

The benefits of the UK Investor Visa are:

• You can live, work, study, and do business in the UK.
• You can bring your close family members with you.
• You will enjoy the benefits of living in one of the biggest economies in the world.
• You enjoy the benefits of one of the best healthcare systems in the world.
• You and your family can eventually become British citizens, which would allow you to travel visa-free to more than 187 countries.

Who Can Apply for a UK Investor Visa?

You can apply for the UK Investor Visa if you invest at least £2 million into the British economy and you fulfil the following eligibility requirements:

• You are over the age of 18.
• You have a clean criminal record.
• You can prove that the money you wish to invest belongs to you, or your spouse/partner.
• You are not from an EEA country or from Switzerland.
• You have opened a bank account in the UK to use for your funds. The bank must be a “regulated financial institution”.
• Your money must be disposable in the UK (free to spend).

Residency Requirements for UK Investor Visa

Unlike most countries which issue residency by investment visas, in the UK, you have to actually spend time in the country if you wish to renew the visa or apply for permanent residency.

UK Investment Visa Options

To qualify for a UK Investment Visa, you must invest at least £2 million* in one of the following options:

• An active and trading UK registered company. This means that the company must be:
  • Registered in the UK (or at least have a registered office in the UK)
  • Actively trading – not dormant or non-trading.
  • Have a UK bank account which shows recent transactions and payment of taxes.
• UK Corporate bonds, by way of share capital or loan capital.
• Investment in Government Bonds is no longer a viable option, as of March 29, 2019.

*The amount of investment is decisive on when you receive permanent residence (Indefinite Leave to Remain):

• If you invest £2 million, you can get ILR after five years.
• If you invest £5 million, you can get ILR after three years.
• If you invest £10 million, you can get ILR after two years.

Required Documents for a Tier 1 UK Investor Visa

To apply for a UK Investor’s Visa you will need to submit several documents as a part of your application process. Based in these documents, and the online application form, the UK authorities will take a decision on your application.

The required documents for a UK Tier 1 Investor Visa are as follows:

• Valid Travel Document. Your passport must have at least one blank page in order to be able to put the visa sticker on it.
• Tuberculosis test results. Check if you are required to take a tuberculosis test, since only the nationals of certain countries do.
• A criminal record certificate. You should obtain this document from any country you have stayed in for at least 12 months, over the last 10 years.
• Evidence that you have the required funds. You will also need to submit proof where that money came from, and if it can be transferred to the UK and converted to sterling.
• If the money is provided by your partner you should submit the following as well:
  • A certificate of marriage or civil partnership, as applicable.
  • A confirmation from your partner that they will allow you to control the funds in the UK.
  • A letter from a legal adviser stating that the statement is valid.
• Evidence you have a UK bank account. This document should be dated within three months of your application. It should be on the headed paper of the bank and state your name and account number. It must confirm that the bank is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and that the checks for money-laundering have been carried out.
• Certified translations of all documents that aren’t in either English or Welsh.

You may need to provide additional documents depending on your circumstances.

When to Apply for a UK Investor Visa?

The earliest that you can file an application for a UK visa for investment is three months prior to your intended trip to the UK. Yet the latest you are advised to file an application is three weeks before this day since this is the amount of time necessary for visa processing.

How to Apply for a UK Investor Visa?

You have to apply for a UK Investment Visa via the Visas and Immigration website of the UK Government. The application process is as follows:

1. Complete the online application form.
2. Provide the required documents.
3. Pay the visa fee.
4. Pay the health surcharge.
5. Once you submit the application online, you must locate the nearest UK visa application centre to submit your biometric information and fingerprints, as well as any other required documents.
6. Wait for the visa application to be processed. This usually takes up to three weeks.
7. Once the visa application is processed, you can collect your biometric residence permit.

Seeing as the required investment is so high, most applicants hire experts with strong knowledge of British finance and immigration laws.

Online Application Form for a UK Investor Visa

As explained above, before you start any other procedure to apply for an Investor Visa, you should complete the application form.

The application form for a UK Investor Visa contains questions regarding:

• Your name & surname.
• Your date and place of birth.
• Nationality
• Parents, their names, date and place of birth and nationality.
• If you have traveled to the UK before.
• If you have traveled anywhere in the world before.
• The purpose of your trip to the UK.
• The visa type you are applying for.
• Whether you are meeting the requirements, etc.

Can I Switch to an Investor Visa if I Am Already in the UK?

Yes, if you are in the UK with one of the following visas, you can switch it into a Tier 1 Investment Visa before your current visa expires, provided you fulfil the requirements:

• Tier 1 (General)
• Tier 1 (Entrepreneur)
• Any Tier 2 Visa
• Tier 4 (General Student)

If you have any other visa, you have to leave the UK and apply via the regular method.

UK Investor Visa Fees

The Investor Visa application fee is £1,623. When applying to extend your Investor Visa you will also need to pay the same fee again. There are no exceptions.

UK Investor Visa Processing

The UK authorities take up to three weeks to process a UK Innovator Visa (Tier 1) application.

How Long Is the UK Investor Visa Valid?

A UK Investor Visa is valid for up to 3 years and 4 months. When your visa is about to expire, you can apply to extend it for another 2 years. After five years of residency, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain.

If you invested £5 million, you can apply for ILR after three years of residency, whereas if you invested £10 million, you can apply for ILR after only two years.

UK Citizenship by Investment

Since the UK investor visa makes way for settlement in the UK, it is also known as UK Citizenship by Investment.

To get a UK Citizenship by Investment you first need to get a settlement permit in the UK, You can do so after a particular period in the UK with an Investor visa. This period depends on the amount of money that you invest, as follows:

• You can apply to settle in the UK after 2 years if you invest £10 million.
• You can apply to settle in the UK after 3 years if you invest £5 million.
• You can apply to settle in the UK after 5 years if you invest £2 million.

After 12 months in the UK with a settlement permit, you are eligible to apply for UK Citizenship by Investment. You will need to pay a fee of £1,330 in order to apply.

Can I Get UK Citizenship by Investment?

Yes, an Investment Visa for the UK can lead to British citizenship – a few years down the line. After receiving the Investor Visa, you have to maintain your investment and you and your family members have to live in the UK continuously to qualify for citizenship.

To be eligible for a British passport, you must:

• Live in the UK for at least six years.
• During the five years before applying, you must have been in the UK 75% of the time. In other words, the time you spent outside the country must not be longer than 450 days out of five years.
• In the year before the citizenship application, you cannot have been out of the country for longer than 90 days total.
• You must not have broken any British laws.
• You must be of good moral character.
• You must have knowledge of the UK culture and knowledge of either English, Scottish, or Welsh language.

Can My Family Join Me With a UK Investor Visa?

Yes, your family members can join you in the UK if you receive an Investor Visa. dependent family members include:

• Your spouse or your partner.
• Your minor child (under 18).
• Adult children if they are dependent or if they are already in the UK with you (i.e. they reached adulthood while living in the UK).

They have to apply online via the Visas and Immigration website of the UK Government and have a clear criminal record from all the places they have lived in (adult family members only).

Can I Work in the UK with an Investor Visa?

Yes, if you have a UK Investment Visa, you can work and study in the UK as well. The same applies to your dependent family members.

You cannot work as a professional sportsperson or sports coach. You also cannot work as a doctor or dentist in training, unless you have a degree from a UK institution or have worked in the UK previously in those positions.

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A UK Visa Sponsorship for Employers is the authorization empowering UK employers with the right to assign Certificate of Sponsorship for foreign nationals that come to the UK under a work visa. Those seeking to get a sponsor employer, must have the needed qualification, experience and skills for the position which should be suitable for sponsorship.

A UK employer that wants to hire foreign workers in their organization will be asked to sponsor them in their visa application, by granting them with a certificate of sponsorship for work. The longest an employer can sponsor a foreign worker is five years.

The purpose of a Certificate of Sponsorship is, primarily, to support foreign workers’ visa application but, equally, is to assure the UK authorities that the UK employer will take the needed responsibilities and obligations for activities of the sponsored employee during their employment in their company.

What is a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)?

Certificates of sponsorship (CoS) are not regular paper documents, they are electronic records with a unique number reserved for each foreign employee. This number is to be used by the employee during their application for the work visa (amongst a list of other application documents), and it cannot be put in use later than three months from the issuance day.

Who can get a Certificate of Sponsorship to work in the UK?

Any foreigner who has the required skills, qualification and experience to do a job in either Tier 2 or Tier 5 of the point-based system, is eligible to get a sponsor employer in the UK.

Tier 2 skilled workers:

• Tier 2 General – persons that have a job offer in a  skilled job position or a position ranked in the shortage list that cannot be taken by the settled or EEA workers
• Tier 2 Intra-company transfer – foreigners working in a multinational company willing to either get a job position that cannot be taken by the settled or EEA workers, or to follow a training program within the UK branch of the same company.
• Tier 2 Sportsperson – foreigners with a job offer as an elite sportsperson or coach in the UK who are internationally recognized and whose contribution would be of a benefit for further development of the UK sport field
• Tier 2 Minister of religion – foreigners with a job offer for a position in a faith community as a minister of religion, engage in preaching and pastoral activities, missionaries or are members of religious orders.

Tier 5 temporary workers:

• Creative and sporting: foreigners with a job offer for a position that lasts up to 1 year as a sportsperson, or lasting up to 2 years for a job as an entertainer or artist
• Charity worker: foreigners with a job offer for an voluntary position lasting up to 1 year
• Religious worker: foreigners with a job offer lasting up to 2 years as a preacher, pastor or non-pastor
• Government authorised exchange: foreigners with a job offer lasting up to 1 year for work experience purposes, or lasting up to 2 years for attending a training or research projects for exchange purposes
• International agreement: foreigners they have a short-term position covered by the international law – i.e. a position as foreign government staff, or as a private servant in a diplomatic household

Who Can Sponsor Foreign Workers?

Almost any UK employer is entitled to employ foreign staff in their company.  Yet, they must be authorized for issuing Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS).  To issue a CoS, an employer must first get the sponsor license – a license that is appropriate to the type of job they will be occupying with foreign staff.

The legitimacy to sponsor employment of the foreign staff within their company is reserved only to those employers who are capable of coping with the necessary requirements, conditions and procedures set for the UK employment sponsorship.

How to Get a CoS?

A CoS has to be created by the assigned staff of the sponsor employer using Sponsorship Management System (SMS), after the staff was given the login details of a licensed sponsor (following the successful application for the license).

The sponsor has to complete all the mandatory fields in the system with the needed information regarding the sponsored foreign employer. The information includes ID information, passport info, current home address, identification numbers, work address, work dates, home address in the UK, migrant employment, labour market test, other as required in the online form.

There is a fee to be paid by the sponsor employer for assigning a certificate of sponsorship as in the following:

• Tier 2 CoS – £199
• Tier 5 CoS – £21
• Free to nationals of the Turkey, Croatia and North Macedonia

Another fee known as “Immigration Skills Charge” is applicative when it comes to issuing Tier 2 (General) and Tier 2 (Intra-Company Transfer) CoS. The fee needs to be paid latest 10 days from assigning the CoS; otherwise workers visa will be cancelled.

What are the Types of CoS?

Depending on the job a foreign employee will be performing in their business, the employer must require a sponsor license to issue certificates of sponsorship for either in Tier 2 – skilled workers with long term contracts, or Tier 5 – temporary workers with short-term.

When the employer applies for the license, they have to estimate the number of CoS they are attentive to issue in the first year of the license.

For specific jobs, employers are restricted as regards of the number of CoS allowed to assign each month. These are known as restricted certificates. While, for some jobs there is no limitation on the number of CoS employer can assign, and these are called unrestricted certificates.

Restricted certificates are issued on the following categories:

• Tier 2 (General) out of the UK, with a salary offer under £159,600/year
• Dependants of Tier 4 foreigners willing to switch into a Tier 2 visa

How to apply for a Sponsoring Licence?

Briefly said, the organization can assign CoS and support a foreign employee to come and work with them in the UK if the following conditions are met:

• have open job positions suitable for sponsorship,
• prove that their organization is an eligible business,
• successfully apply for and receive the appropriate sponsor license,
• demonstrate having the necessary staff and capacity to properly administrate with the sponsorship process

UK employers have to undergo the following steps of applying to get a sponsor license:

1. Complete, sign and send the online application form for sponsor license
2. Pay the application fee
3. Send the supporting documents to show you are located in the UK
4. Show documents which prove being an eligible and suitable business/organization
5. Send planning permission, or local planning authority consent to operate the type of business at your trading address (if required)
6. Offer the registration certificate with the food authority (if being a food business)
7. During the application, the tiers, categories and subcategories under which the employer wishes to be licensed must be chosen, in order to get the appropriate sponsor license

Table of fees involved in the application for sponsor license

What is considered a job suitable for sponsorship?

Job suitability means that the job position a UK employer offers for the foreign national worker meets the criteria as regards of the salary offered and skills required.

This because for every category there is a criterion for sponsorship, as in the following:

• Tier 2 (General) and Tier 2 (Intra-Company Transfer) – must reach the level 6 and higher of the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF)
• Ballet dancers, other dancers, film and TV performers, theatre and opera performers, film and TV workers

The sponsor has to take the procedure known as “the resident labour market test” in some cases to assure that the job position that can be occupied by the foreign worker could not be filled by either local or EEA nationals.

The case includes Tier 2 (General), Tier 2 (Minister of Religion) or Tier 5 (Religious Workers) important positions only, excluding cases when of living within a religious order (such as a monk or nun), as well as for Tier 5 (Creative and Sporting) in the creative and entertainment sector.

The test means advertising the job position in minimum two job advertising mediums for 28 days.

What is an Immigration Skills Charge?

Immigration skills charge is a fee to be paid from the sponsor employer when assigning CoS for Tier 2 (General) and Tier 2 (Intra-Company Transfer) foreigners.

The fee is charged for the aforementioned cases if they are expecting to get a job lasting 6 months or longer while they are out of the UK. While, if the foreigner is already in the UK the fee will be charged for any sort of extent of the job period.

Excempt to pay this fee are cases when the sponsor wishes to assign a CoS to the following cases:

• A foreigner with Tier 4 (General) student about to switch into a Tier 2 (General)
• A foreigner already having a Tier 2 (Intra-Company Transfer) Graduate Trainee
• A foreigner who is about to get a job within the PhD level of the SOC code
• Dependants of the worker that the sponsor wishes to assign CoS for

The fee depends on the size of the sponsor employer and the length of the contract with the sponsored foreign worker, but the general fee is presented below:

• First year / small or charitable employers – £364
• First year / medium or large employers – £1,000
• Every further half-year / small or charitable employers – £182
• Every further half-year / medium or large employers – £500
• For persons working less than a year and more than half-year – £364 or £1,000

Which are responsibilities of the sponsor?

Assigning a Certificate of Sponsorship to a foreign worker will make the sponsor responsible as in the following:

• Properly examine skills, education, accreditations related to the job requirements
• The issuance of the CoS has to be for a suitable job for sponsorship
• Inform UKVI about any break of the visa conditions from the sponsored worker
• be informed about workers’ immigration status
• keeping dossier of sponsorship for any foreign worker
• keep information and registers about workers presence in the work place and inform IKVI in case of any unexplained absence
• update contact information of the worker
• For any change in the business process – must inform UKVI within 20 working days, if any of the following happen to the sponsor employer:
• Insolvency
• change in the business’ scope of work
• part-taking in a union or take-over

The change must be registered using SMS.

Who cannot be sponsored to work in the UK?

Employers are not allowed to sponsor the following:

• Persons aged below 18 for the category of Tier 5 (Youth Mobility Scheme), Tier 5 (Temporary Worker – International Agreement) for a job as a private servant in a diplomatic household, or in the household of an international organization
• Persons aged below 16 for the any Tier 2 category

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