{"id":868,"date":"2024-02-05T09:19:05","date_gmt":"2024-02-05T09:19:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.relocationmum.co.uk\/?p=868"},"modified":"2024-02-05T09:19:09","modified_gmt":"2024-02-05T09:19:09","slug":"visa-routes-uk","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.relocationmum.co.uk\/blog\/visa-routes-uk\/","title":{"rendered":"Visa Types For The UK"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
If you’re considering moving your family to the UK<\/a>, whether for a fresh start, a new job, or just a change of scenery, getting your head around the different visa options is a good place to start. Relocating takes more than putting all your belongings in boxes and catching a plane. You’ve got to make sure you’ve got the paperwork and visa sorted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The kind of visa you\u2019ll apply for will depend on the reason for your move. Are you going over for work, to study, or to be closer to family? Or perhaps you’re just after a long holiday to see what life on this side of the pond is like? Whatever the reason, there’s a specific visa for each. So, let\u2019s help you find the right one and make your move as smooth as possible. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The UK visa system can seem like a maze, especially when you’re juggling the needs of a family. If you’re not from the UK or the Republic of Ireland, you’ll likely need a visa to live, work, or even visit. As mentioned above, the type of visa depends on what you plan to do in the UK.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The application process is pretty straightforward but does require a bit of legwork. You’ll need to fill out an application online, pay the visa fee, and then schedule a slot at a visa application centre<\/a> to give your fingerprints and a photograph. For families, this means ensuring everyone’s documents are in order.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The timeline for hearing back about your visa can vary. It might take a few weeks for a visit visa or even longer for other types, like a work or family visa. It’s a good idea to look at the official UK government website<\/a> for the most accurate information. They’ve got a handy section that covers everything you need to know, including the list of required documents, which can be specific.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are loads of different UK visas, and picking the right one makes a difference. Each type has its own set of rules and boxes to tick, so you’ll want to take a good look at what suits your situation best. I know it can be a bit of a headache, but getting it right from the get-go can save you a ton of hassle later on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Work visas are your gateway to legally working in the UK. They’re your ticket to earning a living, contributing to the economy, and integrating into British society. Without a work visa, you can’t just up and decide to start working in the UK, even if you’ve landed your dream job. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The type of visa you’ll need depends on the kind of work you’re planning to do, your skill level, and sometimes even your salary. It’s not one-size-fits-all, and finding the right fit is key to making your transition as smooth as possible for you and your family. There are many types of UK work visas, but we\u2019ll go over the ones that are most sought after.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you’re in the health and social care sector, this one’s for you. This visa is for doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals moving to the UK to work in the NHS or an NHS supplier. In the past couple of years, the UK healthcare sector has faced severe medical worker shortages, which is why, in 2022, around 73,000 applicants<\/a> were granted work visas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But to be eligible, you need a job offer from the NHS, an NHS supplier, or an adult social care provider. Also, your job needs to be on the list of eligible occupations, and you\u2019ve got to have the right qualifications for the job. The application process itself is pretty straightforward. You apply online, prove your identity, and provide your documents. It’s also worth noting that this visa has a few perks, like a fast-tracked application process and reduced visa fees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This one’s broader and covers a range of jobs, from IT to finance and more. If your job offer is from a UK employer and fits into the eligible occupations list<\/a>, you’re on the right track. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The catch here is that you need to meet a minimum salary threshold<\/a> of \u00a338.700, which generally depends on the specific job you’re being offered. It’s all about making sure skilled workers coming to the UK are being paid appropriately for their roles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For this visa, you’ll need to show you have a job offer from an approved employer, meet the job’s skill level, and hit that salary threshold. The application process involves many of the same steps as the Health and Care Worker visa, with an emphasis on proving your job offer and salary meet the requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This type of visa is for high-flyers, think scientists, researchers, artists, and the like. People who are recognised as leaders or potential leaders in their fields. To get your hands on one of these, you’ll need to be endorsed by an authorised body that says, “Yep, they’re the real deal\u2019\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You need more than just your skills. There’s a rigorous application process<\/a>, and you’ll need to show that you’ve got recognition at a high level for your work. But if you tick all the boxes, this visa can give you and your family a good route into the UK.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These are for folks who intend to work in the UK but only for a short while. In 2023, the number of temporary workers in the UK<\/a> dropped 0.79%, so we could always use more folks to fill in the gaps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The types of work covered and the length of stay allowed vary quite a bit. Generally, you’re looking at a period of a few weeks to a couple of years, depending on what you’re doing. It’s perfect if you’re not looking to settle permanently but still want to experience living and working in the UK for a bit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The UK has a whole menu of work visas you could apply for<\/a>, each tailored to different needs and circumstances. Whether you’re coming over as a skilled worker in a specific industry, setting up a business, or transferring within an international company, there’s likely something that fits your situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n After the release of the Harry Potter series, many of us fantasised about roaming the halls of an old university like Oxford or Cambridge or spending hours in a library surrounded by tall shelves of books. With a UK study visa, you have a chance of fulfilling that dream. Whether it’s for your kids, yourself, or another family member, the UK offers several visa options depending on the kind of study and the duration. So, let\u2019s see what\u2019s on offer:<\/p>\n\n\n\n When you’re thinking about moving to the UK with your family, or perhaps you’re already here and looking to bring over loved ones, getting your head around the different types of family visas can feel a bit like you’re trying to solve a puzzle without the picture on the box. Let’s make it simple so you can figure out what applies to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A visa for those of you married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen or someone settled in the UK. Your relationship needs to be genuine and recognised by UK law, so no funny business. You’ll also need to prove that you and your partner can financially support yourselves (and any dependents) without dipping into public funds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Currently, the financial requirement stands at earning a minimum annual income<\/a> of \u00a318,600, but this increases if you’re also sponsoring children. And yes, you do need to have a good grasp of English, so now’s the time to brush up on your language skills if you need to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This visa is aimed at parents who want to move and live with their children in the UK. To be eligible, your child must either be a British citizen or settled in the UK. One of the criteria here is that you need to prove you have sole responsibility for your child or at least access rights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It’s worth mentioning that you’ll have to deal with the healthcare surcharge as part of your application, but once you’re through, you’ll have access to the National Health Service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you have children who want to come and live in the UK with you, this is the visa to apply for. The age limit here is under 18, and you’ll need to show that the child doesn’t have a spouse or a civil partner. You\u2019ll need proof that they\u2019re not leading an independent life and are financially supported without relying on public benefits. If you’re already in the UK and want to bring your child over, you’ll need to show that you have the right to stay in the UK permanently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When you’re planning a short trip to the UK, whether it’s for a bit of sightseeing or attending a mate’s wedding, you’ll likely need a Visitor Visa. Two common types that might catch your eye are the Standard Visitor visa and the Marriage Visitor visa. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Let\u2019s look at both types in a little more detail:Overview of the UK Visa System<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Different Types of Visas<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Work Visas<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Health and Care Worker Visa<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Skilled Worker<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Global Talent Visa<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Temporary Work Visas<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Other Types Of Work Visas<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Study Visas<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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<\/li>\n\n\n\nFamily Visas<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Spouse Visa<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Parent Visa<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Child Visa<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Visitor Visas<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Transit Visas<\/h2>\n\n\n\n