How Can I Apply to Live and Work in the UK?

The following is an overview of the requirements needed for non-EEA nationals to live and work in the UK as a skilled worker. There are many requirements involved in order to be granted with a visa to live and work in the UK, and this will be different for each individual.

I often receive enquiries from those wishing to come to the UK to work. Please note that I DO NOT and CAN NOT help with finding and securing a job for those living outside the UK, and who want to live and work here .

How can someone from outside the UK and EU apply to live and work in the UK?

Generally, there is a 2-stage process for obtaining the right to live and work in the UK:

1. Obtain a job offer from a UK-based company that has been licensed by the Home Office as a Sponsor AND then

2. Apply for entry clearance as a Skilled Worker to live and work in the UK.

1. The First Stage: How Can Someone Obtain a Job Offer from a UK-based Sponsor?

This is the first step to meet in order for an individual to live and work in the UK. The process includes:

• The person must first look for a job that meets their qualifications and/or work experience;
  
• The applicant must also ensure that the employer has been granted a licence by the Home Office to sponsor migrants from outside the EU. The Home Office provides a list of licensed employers on their website, and this is updated periodically. This is the link to the UK-based employers who are licensed by the Home Office as sponsors, to employ non-EEA/EU Nationals from outside the UK: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/register-of-licensed-sponsors-workers
  

Additionally, the respective job role must meet the job suitability requirements, which includes that the job has a suitable rate of pay and skill level, or meets the other criteria needed for the skilled worker visa.

2. Second Stage: Applying for a Visa to Enter the UK as a worker

Once the non-EEA national has secured a job offer and a COS from their Home Office- licensed Sponsor, they must then apply for a visa or entry clearance to enter, live and work in the UK. This is when I can provide advice and assistance.

There are many requirements for obtaining a visa as a worker in the UK. This is called a Skilled Worker Visa:

• One of the requirements is already mentioned above, which is to secure a job offer from a UK-based licensed Sponsor;
  
• Other requirements include earning a certain level of salary for the role,
• meeting the accommodation and maintenance requirements,
  
• meeting the English language requirement, and
  
• for some nationals, obtaining a Tuberculosis test certificate, and
  
• depending on the role, a criminal record certificate from either their country of origin, or their country of residence.
  

As can be seen, applying for a UK Work Permit Visa (Skilled Worker Visa) is not a straightforward matter. If you would like detailed legal advice, contact us Today on 0203 302 6864 or email: info@immigrationadvicelondon.co.uk