The United Kingdom offers a variety of visa options tailored to different needs, whether for work, study, business, family reunification, or tourism. Understanding the right visa type is crucial for a successful application. At Farhan & Co Solicitors, our team of immigration lawyers in Glasgow specializes in providing expert legal guidance for visa applications, ensuring compliance with UK immigration laws.
Below is an overview of the different types of UK visas:
1. Work Visas
The UK offers several work visa options depending on the nature and duration of employment.
Skilled Worker Visa
The Skilled Worker Visa is for individuals who have a job offer from a UK employer that holds a sponsor license. This visa replaced the Tier 2 (General) work visa and is suitable for professionals such as IT specialists, engineers, and healthcare workers.
Requirements:
A job offer from a UK employer
Salary threshold of at least £26,200 per year (or £10.75 per hour)
Proficiency in English
Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from the employer
Health and Care Worker Visa
Designed for medical professionals, this visa allows doctors, nurses, and social care workers to work in the UK under an approved employer.
Global Business Mobility Visa
This category includes several routes for overseas businesses to establish a presence in the UK or transfer staff. It includes:
Senior or Specialist Worker Visa
UK Expansion Worker Visa
Secondment Worker Visa
Temporary Worker Visas
The UK also offers short-term work visas under the Temporary Worker category, such as the Seasonal Worker Visa, which is primarily for agricultural workers.
2. Student and Graduate Visas
Student Visa (Tier 4)
This visa is for international students who wish to study at a UK university or college.
Requirements:
Offer from a licensed UK educational institution
Sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses
Proficiency in English
Graduate Visa
This visa allows international students to stay in the UK for up to two years after completing their degree (three years for PhD graduates) to work or look for work.
3. Family Visas
UK immigration law allows family members of British citizens and settled persons to apply for a Family Visa under different categories.
Spouse or Partner Visa
For those married to or in a long-term relationship with a British citizen or settled person.
Key requirements:
Proof of a genuine relationship
Minimum financial requirement of £18,600 per year
English language proficiency
Parent Visa
For non-UK parents of British children or settled children who need to stay in the UK.
Child Dependent Visa
For children under 18 whose parent(s) are settled or have a valid visa in the UK.
4. Visitor Visas
Standard Visitor Visa
This visa is for tourism, short business trips, or medical treatment.
Marriage Visitor Visa
For those planning to get married in the UK but not intending to stay.
5. Business and Investment Visas
Innovator Founder Visa
Global Talent Visa
For individuals who are leaders or potential leaders in fields like science, technology, engineering, and the arts.
Start-up Visa
For individuals starting a new business in the UK. This visa does not require an investment fund but needs an endorsement from a UK-approved body.
6. Asylum and Humanitarian Protection Visas
The UK provides visas for individuals fleeing persecution and violence under the Asylum Seeker Visa and Humanitarian Protection Visa routes.
7. Settlement and Citizenship
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
This allows individuals to settle in the UK permanently after a certain period of lawful residence.
British Citizenship
Individuals can apply for British citizenship after meeting residency and good character requirements.
How Farhan & Co Solicitors Can Help
Navigating UK immigration law can be complex. Our experienced immigration lawyers in Glasgow provide expert legal advice on all types of UK visas, ensuring clients have the best chance of success. Whether you need assistance with visa applications, appeals, or compliance, we are here to help.
