UK Visas and British Citizenship

Since we entered 2020, this is one of the most common questions: Return of post-study work visa. This visa category was very popular until its closure in 2012. There are now plans to revive it for foreign students (EU and non-EU) who begin a degree course during 2020/21 intake at UK universities (but not to those who are already studying here now). There are no further details yet, but if it is based on the past, graduates would be able to stay in the UK for 2 years with the right to work. It won’t lead to Settlement but 2 years could be enough to find sponsorship for a work visa. Or to set up a business. Or qualify as a parter of a UK citizen under Unmarried Partner category that requires 2 years of living together. The Guardian article  UK work visas for foreign graduates to be extended to two years As always, we are here to offer individual advice, you can  book here on our website . A consultation can be face-to-face at our London office, on Wha...

This review came Kathryna who was switching from Tier 4 to a Spouse visa: I highly recommend 1st 4Immigration. Initially I was determined to work through the Home Office's rules and documents, but increasingly I found that the wording was confusing and at times contradictory. Jules and Sebastian at 1st 4 Immigration were very helpful even from the first email, many times going out of their way to answer my questions and alleviate my concerns. The expertise offered by them provided a calm and guiding hand during my visa application process -- if you are still unsure about whether to use their services, I say it is definitely worth it. Here is a copy of Google review, which can also be found here:  https://goo.gl/maps/YLxSEPtSpYq     Although we often say “switching” (and it even appears on some Home Office policies), it is not a legal term. It simply means changing a visa category while in the UK, as opposed to leaving the UK and applying abroad. Examples: switc...

Last time we covered the levels of salaries that sponsors (employers) have to pay those migrants they are about to sponsor under Tier 2 sponsored visa to work for them in the UK. In fact, Tier 4 migrants, ie students, make very attractive candidates for the employers to sponsor. Why? Here are a few benefits of being a Tier 4 visa holder switching to Tier 2. Benefit #1 : employers don’t have to advertise the job to settled workers before hiring a Tier 4 migrant. They still have to have a genuine vacancy, which you are qualified for, but there is no need to try and find a local worker first for 28 days. Particularly useful for generic non-specialist vacancies.   https://www.gov.uk/uk-visa-sponsorship-employers/job-suitability Benefit #2 :  employers can offer you a New Entrant level of salary. This level is lower and hence, makes them more willing to sponsor you.  They will have to increase your pay at the extension stage but after that, you may become an indispensabl...

If you currently have a UK Tier 4 Student visa, you must be wondering what to do after completing your course. We have a dedicated webpage on our website:  http://www.1st4immigration.com/whats-next-after-tier-4.php Please note: below is only a simplified summary. For individual advice please book our Advice Session, which can be conducted over email or face-to-face at our office in the City of London. Option 1: Tier 2 (General) sponsored work visa. You need to be offered employment by a licensed Sponsor (employer) and a Certificate of Sponsorship. There is no need for the employer to advertise your job. Minimum skill level NQF6, minimum salary £20800 or as on the Code of Practice, whichever is higher. More on salaries on our post here:  http://1st4immigration-visas.blogspot.ru/2018/01/whats-next-after-tier-4-student-visa.html The outcome is a visa for up to 3 years (can be longer but the rules will be stricter than above). You can only work for your sponsor. Same-day service ...

Last time we covered the levels of salaries that sponsors (employers) have to pay those migrants they are about to sponsor under Tier 2 sponsored visa to work for them in the UK. In fact, Tier 4 migrants, ie students, make very attractive candidates for the employers to sponsor. Why? Here are a few benefits of being a Tier 4 visa holder switching to Tier 2. Benefit #1 : employers don’t have to advertise the job to settled workers before hiring a Tier 4 migrant. They still have to have a genuine vacancy, which you are qualified for, but there is no need to try and find a local worker first for 28 days. Particularly useful for generic non-specialist vacancies.  https://www.gov.uk/uk-visa-sponsorship-employers/job-suitability Benefit #2 :  employers can offer you a New Entrant level of salary. This level is lower and hence, makes them more willing to sponsor you.  They will have to increase your pay at the extension stage but after that, you may become an indispensa...

If you currently have a UK Tier 4 Student visa, you must be wondering what to do after completing your course. We have a dedicated webpage on our website: http://www.1st4immigration.com/whats-next-after-tier-4.php Please note: below is only a simplified summary. For individual advice please book our Advice Session, which can be conducted over email or face-to-face at our office in the City of London. Option 1: Tier 2 (General) sponsored work visa. You need to be offered employment by a licensed Sponsor (employer) and a Certificate of Sponsorship. There is no need for the employer to advertise your job. Minimum skill level NQF6, minimum salary £20800 or as on the Code of Practice, whichever is higher. More on salaries on our post here: http://1st4immigration-visas.blogspot.ru/2018/01/whats-next-after-tier-4-student-visa.html The outcome is a visa for up to 3 years (can be longer but the rules will be stricter than above). You can only work for your sponsor. Same-day service – ...

This post covers most scenarios, whether you are a Tier 4 student trying to switch, switching a sponsor, applying for permanent residency etc. A Tier 2 sponsored work visa is a popular way for students to remain in the UK at the end of their course, we are providing this much needed (we feel) clarification: how much is the minimum salary in this category? If you found a sponsor (employer), how much should they offer you? Your starting point should always be the Code of Practice , which is here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/immigration-rules/immigration-rules-appendix-j-codes-of-practice-for-skilled-work Each occupation code says how much you should be offered. Beware of the catch – those salaries are based on the certain number of working hours. If your hours differ, your salary may need to be amended accordingly (but usually still subject to some minimum). You will see New Entrant level and Experienced level. The Code of Practice explains when to use them. For example, Tier 4 mi...