Visa Information for the UK 

Getting the right visa type is crucial and UK employers definitely have a preference for those with full working rights.  We recommend you get the best visa you can before you leave.  Below we have listed the visa's available in order of UK employer (and UK agency) preferences.

Full Working Rights

If you are lucky enough to have a British passport, the right to work through Ancestry, Right of Abode or a Spousal Visa, you have the same working rights as a British person.  EU passports also provide this (though some EU countries are more restrictive than others).

Highly Skilled Migrants Programme Visa (HSMV)

This is a points-based visa where, if you meet the criteria, you can immigrate to the UK. The HSMV allows you to work for two years in any profession.  It can be extended thereafter, providing you are still in employment.

This visa is changing to the Highly Skilled Visa although the criteria for qualification are remaining much the same - with the notable exception of now needing evidence of funds for maintenance.  This visa will now last for three years (instead of two) with the right of renewal.

Click here to see why this visa is the most beneficial if you don't have full working rights.

Working Holiday Visa (WHV)

A previously popular option for New Zealanders and Australians under 31.  A WHV gives you access to many of the best jobs available in the UK.  With a WHV you can work in contracting roles for 52 weeks during a two-year period.  However, the recent immigration rule changes do not allow you to switch from a WHV to a highly skilled visa (previously you could).  This has reduced the attractiveness of the visa.

Click here to see why you should consider the Highly Skilled Visa.

Work Permit

People are sponsored work permits in the UK all the time, but it is not something that is guaranteed and it is exceptionally rare without being in the UK.

Proposed Changes: UK Migration Policy

As part of the ongoing roll out of the government's five year strategy on asylum and immigration reforms which was launched in February 2005, the Home Office has now released the next phase of proposed changes.

To find out more information, download the PDF below.

Resources - click icon to download PDF

Proposed Changes to UK Migration Policy