UK Visas
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UK Tier 1 Visa (General) Migrants
The UK Tier 1 visa is by far the UK visa of choice for highly skilled
migrants as it does not require a sponsoring employer in the UK. It will allow you
to live and work in the UK for an initial period of 3 years, after which you may
apply for a visa extension.
UK Tier 2 (Skilled Workers) Visa
The UK Border Agency (UKBA) has replaced the old-style work permit with the new
Tier 2 visa for skilled workers. In order to apply for the Tier 2, you must already
have an offer of employment, and your employer must have obtained a sponsorship
license from the UK Border Agency.
Permanent Residence & Indefinite Leave to Remain
The correct terminology for full or permanent residency is indefinite leave to remain
(ILR). You can apply for ILR in several ways depending upon your UK immigration
status. ILR allows you to remain in the UK for an indefinite period, on condition
you intend to remain present and settled here. If you leave the country for a continuous
period of 2 years or more, it is usually deemed by the authorities that you are
no longer present and settled, and you may have your ILR revoked.
Naturalisation and Registration as a British Citizen
It is possible to become a British citizen by naturalisation or registration. Generally,
naturalisation as a British citizen will occur after residing for a qualifying period
of time in the UK on Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
Spousal Partner Visas
This visa relates to marriage and civil partnerships. In order to apply for the
De facto spouse visa you will need to prove that you have been in a relationship
and living together for at least 24 months, and be able to provide evidence of this.
You will need documents such as Joint tenancy or mortgage agreements, utility bills
addressed to you both or individually at the same address, Joint Bank account statements,
and any other correspondence addressed to you both at the same address.
UK Ancestry Visas
If you are a Commonwealth citizen and you are able to show that one of your grandparents
was born in the UK (including Southern Ireland prior to 31 March 1922) you may apply
for a visa that will allow you to stay here for a period of up to 5 years. ILR applications
will then need to be lodged to gain permanent residence on the path to naturalization.
UK Ancestry Visa Extension
Policy changes which came into effect on 3rd April 2006 stipulate that Ancestral
visa holders will only qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain following 5 continuous
years on the Ancestry visa.
European Citizens
EEA Nationals have various treaty rights with the United Kingdom, as do A8 Nationals
whom however will require worker registration permits. European Citizens are reviewed
accourding to their primary nationality.
UK Tier 5 Visa
To be eligible to come to the UK under Tier 5 Youth Mobility Scheme you must be
between the ages of 18 and 30 and hold a passport from one of the participating
countries.
Certificate of Approval to Marry
If you are a national of a country outside the European Economic Area (EEA) who
is subject to immigration control, and you wish to marry in the UK you must obtain
a certificate of approval (COA) from the UK Home Office.
Long Residency Visa
If you have lived in the UK for a long period of time, you may be eligible to apply
for indefinite leave to remain (ILR).
Worker Registration Scheme
This scheme relates to A8 Nationals.
Visitors Visa
The majority of UK visitor visas are granted at the port of entry. However, if you
are a citizen or national of one of the visa national countries, you will require
a visitor visa before you arrive in the UK.
Working Holiday to Ireland
The Irish Working Holidaymaker visa is for a period of 1 year. It allows Australian
Nationals entry into Ireland to work while on an extended holiday.
Fiancé/Fiancée Visa
This is a entry clearance visa granted for 6 months for the express purpose of marriage
to a person who is present and settled in the United Kingdom. This is strictly a
entry clearance visa which holds no rights to work or access to public funds within
the United Kingdom.