Why you should consider the Tier 1 visa

We recommend that if you’re heading to the UK and meet the criteria for a Tier 1 visa that you get it before you go.

See a comparison of the Tier 1 and Tier 5 visa features.

The benefits of the Tier 1 visa are:

1. You become more employable
   Getting a Tier 1 visa shows employers you have initiative and commitment to working in the UK and proves you are a highly skilled international candidate – putting you at the top of the selection pile. An extra £1 an hour soon covers the cost of the visa.
   
   
2. You get more money in the hand
   With a Tier 1 visa and a contract job paying more than £20 an hour you can get significant tax savings. We have a relationship with a UK provider offering a contractor solution that achieves a net pay of 80% of your income... see here.
   
   
3. You will save yourself an airfare home
   When you're in the UK, you cannot switch from the Tier 5 to the Tier 1 visa.  You must return home and apply. Not only is this likely to be a great inconvenience to your OE and your career development, you also cannot be certain how long you will need to be home waiting for the visa to be processed.
   
   
4. Get it now while you are younger
   The earlier you apply, the more points you can earn. Why spend two years on the Tier 5 visa when the delay can cost you valuable points?
   
   
5. It’s easier to get from New Zealand
   Yes, for once Kiwis get one over Australia! If you’re income was New Zealand sourced, you need to earn less money to meet the points criteria (due to a generous multiplier applied to New Zealand sourced income of 2.3). Click here to see changes to the Tier 1 visa.
   
   

If you are not convinced already, the numbers speak for themselves:

^{1. Tier 5 total outlay is an estimate only.  Depending on circumstances this could be up to as much as £4,000.}

Based on the outlay of costs alone, if you are likely to want to work for more than two years in the UK then the Tier 1 visa is a better bet for you.

So if you can, get yourself a Tier 1 visa – it will pay for itself in no time!

Whose shoes would you rather be in – John or Sally?

Sally and John are very similar.  They are both 27, have Marketing degrees and earning $60,000 and do not have previous UK experience.

Sally decides to go to the UK on a Tier 5 visa, while John goes on a Tier 1 visa. Both get jobs, but John earns £1 per hour more as his employer recognises his ability to commit to working in the UK for longer. 

• John’s visa cost £562 more, but after one year working he has earned an extra £1,200 in income.
• If they both returned home after one year, John would be £638 better off.

If they want to stay and continue working:

• There is no additional cost to John, he can keep on working.
• Sally will need to return home and may be home for a few months depending on how long her visa takes to process. This will cost her £900 for the return flight, not to mention her lost wages! Sally will also now be a year older and will be applying based on UK income. She will need to prove a greater level of earnings than required for John.
  
  

Check the UK Border Agency’s points-based calculator to see if you qualify for a Tier 1 visa.

To speak with one of our experienced UK consultants register online now.