UK SCALE-UP VISA
The UK Scale-up Visa is for talented individuals recruited by a UK Scale-up Sponsor, who have the skills needed to enable the Scale-up business to continue growing. You will need to have a highly-skilled job offer from a qualifying Scale-up business at the required salary level.
The UK Scale-Up route provides a path to settlement in the UK and allows applicants to bring along their partner and dependent children. There are two application routes available: Sponsored and Unsponsored.
However, the Unsponsored route is only accessible to individuals who have previously been granted permission as a Scale-up Worker.
Requirements for a UK Scale-up Visa – Sponsored Application
In order to qualify for a UK Scale-up Visa via a Sponsored Application, you will need to satisfy UK Visas and Immigration that:
- You are aged 18 or over
- You have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship issued by your UK sponsor for the job you are planning to do
- The job you are planning to do is genuine
- The job you are planning to do is at an appropriate skill level
- Your salary will be equal to or exceed both £33,000 per year, £10.58 per hour and the ‘going rate’ for the job
- You are competent in the English language to at least CEFR Level B1 (equivalent to IELTS 4.0)
- You have enough money to support yourself without relying on public funds
- You have provided a valid TB certificate if required
Requirements for a UK Scale-up Visa – Unsponsored Application
In order to qualify for a UK Scale-up Visa via an Unsponsored Application, you will need to satisfy UK Visas and Immigration that:
- You are aged 18 or over
- You have previously been granted permission as a Scale-up Worker
- You had monthly PAYE earnings in the UK equivalent to at least £33,000 per year during at least 50% of your most recent grant of permission as a Scale-up Worker
- You are competent in the English language to at least CEFR Level B1 (equivalent to IELTS 4.0)
- You have enough money to support yourself without relying on public funds
- You have provided a valid TB certificate if required
In either case, the exact requirements you will need to satisfy may vary depending on your circumstances. You may want to speak to an immigration lawyer for expert advice.
UK INTERNATIONAL SPORTSPERSON VISA
The UK International Sportsperson visa is for elite sportspersons and qualified sports coaches who are recognised as being at the highest level of their sport internationally. You will need to be sponsored on a short or long-term contract and have been endorsed by an appropriate UK sports governing body.
The UK International Sportsperson visa can be granted for either 12 months or more and allows sportspersons to settle in the UK if they have been granted leave in this category for more than 12 months.
Dependents such as partners and children may also be included in the application.
Requirements for a UK International Sportsperson Visa
In order to qualify for a UK International Sportsperson visa you will need to satisfy UK Visas & Immigration that:
- You are aged 16 or over
- You have an offer of a job as a sports person from an approved sponsor that holds an International Sportsperson sponsor licence (which requires a valid Certificate of Sponsorship for the role you wish to undertake)
- You have been endorsed by an appropriate UK Sports Governing Body
- You genuinely intend, and are able, to undertake the role for which you are being sponsored and do not intend to undertake other employment
- You satisfy an English language requirement (if applying for a UK International Sportsperson visa for a period exceeding 12 months)
- You have sufficient personal savings to support yourself in the UK
- Your application does not fall for refusal under the general grounds for refusal
- You have provided a valid TB certificate if required
The exact requirements you will need to satisfy may vary depending on your circumstances. You may want to speak to an immigration lawyer for expert advice.
UK MINISTER OF RELIGION VISA (T2)
The UK Minister of Religion Visa (T2) is for individuals who have been sponsored to perform a mainly pastoral leading role within a bona fide faith-based organisation or religious order in the UK.
The UK T2 Minister of Religion category allows for settlement in the UK and permits dependent partners and children under 18 to join or accompany applicants.
The Temporary Work-Religious Worker Visa is an option if you want to conduct religious work or non-pastoral work for a religious order for up to 2 years.
Requirements for a UK Minister of Religion Visa (T2)
In order to qualify for a UK Minister of Religion Visa (T2) you will need to satisfy UK Visas & Immigration that:
- You are aged 18 or over
- You have an offer of a job as a minister of religion from an approved sponsor that holds a T2 Minister of Religion Visa sponsor licence (which requires a valid Certificate of Sponsorship for the role you wish to undertake)
- You genuinely intend, and are able, to undertake the role for which you are being sponsored
- You satisfy an English language requirement
- You have personal savings to support yourself in the UK
- Your application does not fall for refusal under the general grounds for refusal
- You have provided a valid TB certificate if required
The exact requirements you will need to satisfy may vary depending on your circumstances. You may want to speak to an immigration lawyer for expert advice.
UK REPRESENTATIVE OF AN OVERSEAS NEWSPAPER, NEWS AGENCY OR BROADCASTING ORGANISATION VISA
The UK Representative of an Overseas Newspaper, News Agency, or Broadcasting Organisation visa is designed for individuals who are staff members of media organizations that are being assigned to the UK for a long-term period as a representative of their overseas employer.
What is a UK Representative of an Overseas Newspaper, News Agency or Broadcasting Organisation visa?
The UK Representative of an Overseas Newspaper, News Agency or Broadcasting Organisation visa allows an employee of an overseas newspaper, news agency or broadcasting organisation to be posted to the UK on a long-term assignment to work as a full-time representative of their overseas employer. Indefinite leave to remain (ILR) can be achieved after 5 years in the Representative of an Overseas Newspaper, News Agency or Broadcasting Organisation visa category.
Requirements for a UK Overseas Newspaper, News Agency or Broadcasting Organisation visa
In order to qualify for a UK visa as an employee of an overseas newspaper, news agency or broadcasting organisation you will need to satisfy UK Visas & Immigration that:
- You are employed by an overseas media agency or organisation
- You were recruited outside of the UK
- You are being posted to the UK on a long-term assignment
- You intend to work full-time for your employer and will not take other work
- You satisfy an English language requirement
- Your employer’s principal place of business is outside of the UK
- You will be able to maintain and accommodate yourself without recourse to public funds
The exact requirements that you will need to satisfy will vary depending on your circumstances. You may want to speak to an immigration lawyer for expert advice.
UK TEMPORARY WORK - CREATIVE WORKER VISA
The UK Temporary Work – Creative Worker visa is for individuals who have been offered short-term work in the UK for up to 12 months within the creative sector.
To work in the UK's creative industries, individuals who can make unique contributions (such as actors, dancers, musicians, fashion models, and film crew) can apply for a UK Creative Worker visa, which allows them to be accompanied by technical or support staff.
Although not a route to settlement, the visa can be extended for up to two years with the same employer and allows for dependents under the age of 18 to join the visa holder.
UK TEMPORARY WORK - SEASONAL WORKER VISA
The UK Temporary Work – Seasonal Worker Visa is for workers who have a job offer in the UK to do seasonal horticulture work with a sponsor who is an approved scheme operator.
The UK Seasonal Worker visa allows a person to stay in the UK for up to six months in any 12-month period, but it is not a route to settlement and dependent partners and children cannot join the applicant.
Requirements for a UK Temporary Work – Seasonal Worker Visa
In order to qualify for a UK Temporary Work – Seasonal Worker Visa, you will need to satisfy UK Visas and Immigration that:
- You are aged 18 or over
- You have a valid ‘Certificate of Sponsorship’ from your employer (who is an approved scheme operator) with information about the role you have been offered;
- You will be working in an eligible role, which falls within the list of ‘horticulture
- You have funds of at least £1,270 held for 28 days or your employer has agreed to cover your costs during your first month in the UK to an amount of at least £1,270
- You have paid the visa application fee and Immigration Health Charge and provided any required biometric information
- You do not fall for refusal under the general grounds for refusal
The specific requirements you need to meet will depend on your individual situation. It may be helpful to seek guidance from an immigration attorney for professional advice.
UK TEMPORARY WORK - CHARITY WORKER VISA
The UK Temporary Work – Charity Worker Visa route is for individuals who have a job offer to undertake voluntary work in the UK for up to 12 months.
Although the UK Temporary Work - Charity Worker Visa does not lead to settlement, dependents such as a partner and children under 18 can apply to accompany the applicant on this visa.
Requirements for a UK Temporary Work – Charity Worker Visa
In order to qualify for a UK Temporary Work – Charity Worker Visa, you will need to satisfy UK Visas & Immigration that:
- You are aged 18 or over
- The charity work meets certain specified requirements
- You hold a valid Certificate of Sponsorship for the role
- You genuinely intend, and are able, to undertake the role for which you are being sponsored
- You satisfy a financial requirement
- You have not had permission as a Religious Worker or Charity Worker in the previous 12 months (unless you were not in the UK throughout)
- You do not fall for refusal under the general grounds for refusal
- You have provided a TB certificate if required
The specific criteria you must fulfill will differ based on your situation. Consulting an immigration lawyer for professional guidance may be beneficial.
UK TEMPORARY WORK - RELIGIOUS WORKER VISA
The UK Temporary Work – Religious Worker Visa is for persons who want to support the activities of a UK religious institution by conducting religious work such as working in a religious order or undertaking non-pastoral work for a religious order, for no more than 2 years.
Although the UK Religious Worker visa does not provide a path to settlement, Religious Workers may bring a dependent partner and children under 18. If a Minister of Religion intends to lead a congregation in performing religious duties and preaching, they should apply for a Minister of Religion (T2) Visa instead.
Requirements for a UK Temporary Work – Religious Worker Visa
In order to qualify for a UK Temporary Work – Religious Worker Visa, you will need to satisfy UK Visas and Immigration that:
- You are aged 18 or over
- You have an offer of a job as a religious worker from a sponsor that holds a valid UK Temporary Work – Religious Worker sponsor licence (which requires a valid Certificate of Sponsorship for the role you wish to undertake)
- You genuinely intend, and are able, to undertake the role for which you are being sponsored and do not intend to undertake other employment
- You satisfy a financial requirement
- You have not had permission as a Religious Worker or Charity Worker in the previous 12 months (unless you were not in the UK throughout);
- Your application does not fall for refusal under the general grounds for refusal
- You have provided a valid TB certificate if required
The specific conditions you need to meet can vary based on your situation. Seeking advice from an immigration lawyer could provide expert guidance.
UK TEMPORARY WORK - INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENT VISA
The UK Temporary Work – International Agreement Visa is for individuals who wish to come to the UK to provide a service covered by international law, such as private servants in diplomatic households or employees of overseas governments and international organisations.
The UK International Agreement Visa allows a maximum stay of two years, but it does not provide a path to settlement. Dependents such as partners and children under 18 can accompany the visa holder.
Requirements for a UK Temporary Work – International Agreement Visa
In order to qualify for a UK Temporary Work – International Agreement Visa, you will need to satisfy UK Visas and Immigration that:
- You are at least 18 years old
- You are applying for a role as a private servant in a diplomatic household or as an employee of an overseas government or other international organisation established under an international treaty signed by the UK
- You meet the additional role-based requirements for the role that you will work in
- You have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship for the role you wish to undertake, issued by a sponsor that holds a valid Temporary Work – International Agreement sponsor licence
- You genuinely intend, and are able, to undertake the role for which you are being sponsored and do not intend to undertake other employment;
- You have sufficient personal savings to support yourself in the UK
- Your application does not fall for refusal under the general grounds for refusal
- You have provided a valid TB certificate if required
The exact requirements you will need to satisfy may vary depending on your circumstances. You may want to speak to an immigration lawyer for expert advice.
UK TEMPORARY WORK - GOVERNMENT AUTHORISED EXCHANGE VISA
The UK Temporary Work – Government Authorised Exchange Visa is open to individuals who wish to come to the UK to take part in an approved internship, training, work experience or research programme.
Although the UK Government Authorised Exchange Visa does not lead to settlement, individuals under this route may be accompanied by a dependent partner and children below 18 years of age.
Requirements for a UK Temporary Work – Government Authorised Exchange Visa
In order to qualify for a UK Temporary Work – Government Authorised Exchange Visa, you will need to satisfy UK Visas and Immigration that:
- You have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship for the role you are planning to undertake, issued by an overarching body (sponsor) that holds a valid UK Temporary Work – Government Authorised Exchange sponsor licence
- The role you are planning to undertake meets the requirements of an approved Government Authorised Exchange scheme
- The role does not fill a vacancy in the UK workforce
- The role appears in Table 1 or Table 2 of Appendix Skilled Occupations
- You have sufficient personal savings to support yourself in the UK
- Your application does not fall for refusal under the general grounds for refusal
- You have provided a valid TB certificate if required
The specific requirements you need to meet may differ based on your situation. Consulting an immigration lawyer can provide you with professional guidance.