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. If you need to prove that you’re actively seeking employment in the UK to get your a visa, we can provide a letter of support that can speed up the visa application process.

Below we have listed the visas available in order of UK employer and agency preferences.


Full working rights

If you are lucky enough to have a British or EU passport, the right to work through Ancestry, Right of Abode or a Spousal visa, you have the same working rights as a British person.

 

Tier 1 visa (Highly skilled workers)

The Tier 1 visa replaced the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP). This visa is points-based and, if you meet the criteria, you can immigrate to the UK. It allows you to work for two years in any profession and can be extended for three years. You score points based on your age, income, qualifications, English language ability and having sufficient funds to support yourself.

You can apply for the  Tier 1 visa at your local British High Commission in New Zealand and Australia.


Why is the Tier 1 visa most beneficial if I don't have full working rights?

Check here for changes to the Tier 1 visa.

 

Tier 5 visa (Youth mobility scheme)

This is a popular option for New Zealanders and Australians under 31. The Tier 5 (Youth Mobility Scheme) visa allows you to work for a two year period. This is a great visa for getting to the UK quickly. It is points-based and the main thing is you must be one of the following nationalities: Australian, Canadian, Japanese, New Zealander or a British overseas citizen.

Note: Immigration rules do not allow you to switch from a Tier 5 to the Tier 1 visa while in the UK, so if you want to stay in the UK longer  you will have to return home to apply.


Find out more about the Tier 5 visa here.

See why you should consider the Tier 1 visa.

 

Tier 2 visa (Sponsored skilled workers)

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

Find out more about the Tier 2 visa here.

 

Register with us now and take the next step in your career.

TOP OF PAGE

"Thanks for all your help. I'm very happy I registered with your company - if I hadn't it would have been quite tough to get in to see the agencies when I first arrived (judging from what my friends have said)!"

KA - recent London arrival


  		•
    Focus on getting a foot in the door for your first role in the UK
  • Smile at your job interviews, it builds rapport very quickly
  • Understand your contracting and payroll options before you arrive in the UK
  • Go prepared to employer interviews with a few questions to ask
  • Attitude is just as important as skills and experience for most companies
  • Always attend all interviews that you are booked into, even if you are not 100% sure
  • Research possible companies to work for before arriving
  • Make sure that you choose a contractor solution that is compliant
  • Know your CV inside and out as it will make interviewing easier