UK Work Permits
The UK regularly revises its entry requirements, but for Contract workers there are 4 main forms of entry:
- Sponsored migration through TIER 2 visa (formerly Work Permit)
- Skilled migration through TIER 1 visa (formerly Highly Skilled Migrant Permit)
- Youth mobility scheme migration TIER 5 (formerly working holiday visa)
- Ancestry visa
Fill the form to the right for more information
- Permits processed in 2 to 6 weeks!
All visas under the TIER system are points based, meaning minimum criteria need to be met for you to qualify. Please visit the individual pages for more information about each visa type or CONTACT US if you can't find the answers you are looking for.
For Freelancers seeking sponsored employment our partners are able to assist you. FIND OUT MORE
The Tier 2 - Sponsored UK Work Permit regulations changed from 6th April 2011. The Tier 2 (General) category will be subject to a limit on numbers to 20,700 per year. The limit will apply to Tier 2 (General) positions that have a salary of less than £150,000 per annum and are to be filled by individuals entering the UK from overseas.
The limit will not apply to; ICT's, Tier 2 CoS with a salary of £150,000 or more, any in-country change of employment/extension/switch of immigration category. Currently it is possible to transfer Tier 1 (General), Tier 2 (ICT) and Tier 2 (Dependent) applications in country meaning the processing times are drastically reduced - and you don't have to travel home to reapply for Entry Clearance!
General Visa Information
The new UK visa system has the following 5 tiers or categories of visa:
* Tier 1: for people of 'exception talent' from April 2011.
* Tier 2: work permits (sponsored employment for people who have a job offer).
* Tier 3: low-skilled workers.
* Tier 4: students.
* Tier 5: temporary entry, including working holiday makers.
There are a number of other visa categories which still exist like Ancestral (GrandParent) Visas, Unmarried Partner (Defacto) Visas, Dependent Visas, etc. Note that the regulations for entry to the UK are under regular review and we advise you to check with UK Border Agency if you're unsure.
If you would like more information about your circumstances please contact us, we can pass you to Immigration Attorney's in the UK who can assist you with your questions and handle visa applications.
* Tier 1: for candidates of 'exceptional talent'
(replaces the old highly-skilled migrant programme)
The old Tier 1 Visa is effectively abolished from April 2011. 1,000 Tier 1 Visas will be issued from April 2011 to April 2012 to individuals who have won international recognition in scientific and cultural fields, or who show sufficient exceptional promise to be awarded such recognition in the future. Applications by those with exceptional promise will be endorsed by a competent body in the relevant field.
Those already holding a Tier 1 visa won't have their regulations altered by the new legislation.
Contractor Summary: Tier 1 was an excellent visa for contractors but from April 2011 this will no longer be an option.
* Tier 2: Work Permits
From April 2011 the Tier 2 regulations will change. An annual limit of 20,700 Tier 2 visas will placed on applications from candidates applying from outside the UK. The limits will not apply to: ICT's, Tier 2 extensions, those switching from other visas to Tier 2 in-country.
Contractor Summary: The Tier 2 work permit is set up primarily for permanent staff. Recruitment Agencies can't sponsor under Tier 2 and each time you change employer you need to have your Permit processed again with a related fee. So its an expensive exercise and administrative nightmare if you had a series of 6 month permits with different end clients. But for Freelancers its still possible to - choose your assignments (client, location, rate and duration) - receive the lions share of the net billing if you choose to be employed by a small consulting company. Our partners may be able to help you, contact us to find out.
* Tier 3: low-skilled workers
* Tier 4: students
Tier 4 visa holders will be able to switch to Tiers 1 and 2 from within the UK. Can work 20 hours a week whilst a student.
Contractor Summary: If you wanted to combine work and study it can work, but its not common for employers to accept part time Contractors.
* Tier 5: temporary entry
including working holiday makers
Working holiday maker visas have been replaced by the new Tier 5 (Youth Mobility Scheme) visa. To get a Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS) visa you'll need to accrue 50 points:
* 30 will be awarded for a certificate of sponsorship from your home country. It's likely Australians and New Zealanders will be exempt from this.
* 10 for being aged between 18 and 30
* 10 for having £1600 in the bank.
Rules of the new visa
* You can stay in the UK for up to 24 months
* You can work for the full 24 months in any job (except for setting up a business, playing professional sport or working as a doctor in training)
* You will have to leave the UK once the visa expires. If you then want to apply for a Tier 1 or Tier 2 visa, you will have to return to your home country.
Previous YMS or working holidaymaker visa holders are ineligible for the YMS. Existing working holiday makers cannot switch to the YMS.
Contractor Summary: YMS is a great way to get started in the UK. Work experience and salary gained under the YMS doesnt count towards a Tier 1 visa application so its difficult if you want to extend your stay. You can consider a change from a working holiday visa to a work permit
* Other Visas:
- UK Ancestry Entry Clearance allows a person to work freely in the UK for five years if they have a grandparent who was born in the United Kingdom, Channel Islands and Isle of Man at any time; or a grandparent born in what is now the Republic of Ireland on or before March 31, 1922. After 5 years you can get ILR.
Contractor Summary: An excellent visa if you qualify.
- Unmarried Partner or De Facto Visa allows a person who can demonstrate 2 years of cohabitation with a UK citizen - what is termed a relationship akin to marriage - will qualify for a visa. After 2 years on this visa they can apply for ILR.
Contractor Summary: An excellent visa if you qualify.
* Indefinite Leave To Remain and Settlement:
After 5 years on an HSMP, Work Permit or Ancestral Visa you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). This allows you to enter and leave the UK freely, and work freely as long as the UK is still your primary residence. After one year of ILR you can apply for British Citizenship and a British Passport. Obviously then there are no restrictions on your stay or your employment.
Contractor Summary: If you wish to get a British passport - which also qualifies you to work anywhere in the EU - then you will want to get this!
"Managed migration" is the term used for all legal work permits and visas and this accounts for a substantial percentage of overall immigration figures for the UK. Many of the immigrants who arrive under these schemes bring skills which are in short supply in the UK. This area of immigration is managed by the Border Agency - formerly the Home Office. Applications are made at UK Embassies or Consulates or directly to Work Permits (UK), depending upon the type of visa or permit required.
Indefinite Leave to Remain
ILR is effectively permanent residency of the United Kingdom. It means you can settle permanently in the United Kingdom without any immigration controls. It is the last step before Citizenship.
"Indefinite leave to remain (ILR) is an immigration status granted to a person who does not hold right of abode in the United Kingdom, but who has been admitted to the UK without any time limit on his or her stay and who is free to take up employment or study, without restriction."
Most contractors will get it after 5 years on a Tier 2 Work Permit or a Tier 1 Highly Skilled Work Permit. You can work freely, study, and live throughout the United Kingdom. Any children that you have after having ILR status are automatically British Citizens.
After 1 year on ILR you can apply for British citizenship. If you are on Indefinite Leave to Remain and you spend more than 2 years outside the UK you may risk losing the status, however typically you can reapply for ILR to enter the UK.
When indefinite leave is granted to persons outside the United Kingdom it is known as indefinite leave to enter (ILE).
Tier 2 - Sponsored UK Work Permit Information
Tier 2 visa's (UK Work Permits) require an employer to sponsor you. Your stay in UK is tied to that employer. After 5 years of sponsored employment you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (Residency) and after a further year you can apply for citizenship and a British passport.
**NEWS FLASH** If you are a skilled contractor in IT, Finance, Telecommunications or Engineering who will earn more than £250 per day our partners can sponsor you on a UK work permit! You can net more of your gross earnings! Permits processed in 1 to 5 weeks! Direct path to a British Passport!
"With over a decades experience in the UK working with international contractors we have the experience and ability to assist experienced professionals obtain the Work Permit / Tier 2 visa / Sponsorship you need to do contract work in UK."
Please contact us now for more information **END NEWSFLASH**
The Tier 2 - Sponsored UK Work Permit regulations changed from 6th April 2011. The Tier 2 (General) category will be subject to a limit on numbers to 20,700 per year. The limit will apply to Tier 2 (General) positions that have a salary of less than £150,000 per annum and are to be filled by individuals entering the UK from overseas.
The limit will not apply to; ICT's, Tier 2 CoS with a salary of £150,000 or more, any in-country change of employment/extension/switch of immigration category.
Please contact us now for more information
The Entry Clearance application process will also change with the points system to be streamlined. A Valid CoS will provide 30 points, the appropriate salary for the role 20 points, maintenance 10 points and a B1 level English language 10 points. Minimum of 70 points required.
Means that the points will no longer be awarded for an an individuals qualifications.
Work Permits for Freelance Contractors
Work Permits UK
Have you ever wanted to work as a contractor in the lucrative UK Contractor Market? Our partner companies can make this happen. Just fill in this brief form and we will get back to you straight away.
Our service is completely free and will take 2 minutes of your time so why not contact us and find out whether our partner companies could sponsor you on a Tier 2 Work Permit.
We have lots more information on Tier 2 Work Permit Sponsorship,
including examples of how we've helped many Contractors get a Work Visa for the UK
Case Study
Simone, a New Zealand SAP Consultant was working in a permanent position for a global company in London.
Many of her colleagues were working in the same position but as contractors, earning over 60% more than she was. Her Work Permit was tied to the company but a colleague referred her to www.contractortaxation.com and now her Work Permit is sponsored by a Contractor Management Company and she is working as a contractor in London. Her job is more enjoyable, she's earning more than double and she gets to choose each assignment. Who doesn't want more freedom & more money?.
ContractorMan action figure courtesy of HappyWorker
Tier 2 Switching Guide
A Tier 2 switch means that you transfer your visa from a different category to a UK Work Permit (Tier 2 Visa) without leaving the UK or making a new application for entry clearance. NB: This is different from changing Tier 2 sponsors - where you already have a Tier 2 visa but want to change employers.
It is a simple process and has become very popular in recent years due to the extensive changes to other immigration categories like scrapping the HSMP programme, removing the Tier 1 (general) category, changing the Tier 1 PSW criteria and repeated tweaks to the Tier 5 / Working Holiday Visa.
The Tier 2 program has been relatively stable - especially for those working within IT, Finance, Engineering and Telecommunications. These industries haven't been as badly affected by the introduction of caps and reduction in Tier 2 quota. Contact us if you'd like to discuss moving to a Tier 2 permit as a contractor.
You can switch into Tier 2 (General) from the following immigration categories (this information is from the UK Border Agency - you can check the most recent here) :
- any Tier 1 category
- Tier 2 (Sportsperson)
- Tier 2 (Minister of religion)
- any Tier 4 category
- dependant partner of a Tier 4 migrant
- Highly Skilled Migrant Programme
- innovator
- Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland Scheme
- International Graduates Scheme (or its predecessor, the Science and Engineering Graduate Scheme)
- Business and Commercial work permits (except multiple entry work permits)
- Sports and Entertainment work permits (except multiple entry work permits)
- Jewish agency employee
- Member of the operational ground staff of an overseas-owned airline
- minister of religion, missionary or member of a religious order
- overseas qualified nurse or midwife
- person writing up a thesis
- postgraduate doctor or dentist
- representative of an overseas business
- student
- student re-sitting an examination
- student nurse
- student union sabbatical officer
*November 2011 newsflash*
If you are on a Tier 1 visa (any category) then you can switch to a Tier 2 (General) Work Permit in-country. This means your application will be processed without you having to leave the UK. This greatly reduces the expense and hassle of moving onto a work permit.
Tier 2 Switching Sponsors
If you are already sponsored on a Tier 2 UK Work Permit and want to change your employer the process is simple. If you are currently in permanent work and want to go contracting on a Tier 2 permit then please contact us immediately.
Our partners will arrange to switch your work permit sponsor and you can more than double your permanent salary with your freelance earnings.
You can start contracting in just 2 weeks. They just have to fill in a simple Tier 2 change of employment application. As long the new role has a similar salary rate and job description as your current sponsored employment then there is no need to re-apply, your permit is just transferred to the new employer.
Want to know more? Please contact us.
Change from a Tier 5 Visa (Youth Mobility Scheme) to Tier 2 Visa (Work Permit)
This is what's more commonly known as changing from a Working Holiday Visa to a Work Permit.
So you moved to the United Kingdom on a Working Holiday Visa, you've made great progress and now - just when you are earning great money, enjoying the benefits of London life, getting terrific contracting opportunities and exposure at a level that just isnt available back home - your two years are up and you have to leave. Or do you?
Our sponsorship partners are able to assist Working Holiday Makers in moving onto Sponsored (Tier 2) Work Permits. You can keep working at the same client sites and pursuing the same contracts and netting a terrific % of gross billing, normally 65%++!!
Contact us for more information please be sure to mention you want to change from a Working Holiday Visa to a Work Permit in your application.
Switching from Tier 1 to Tier 2 UK Work Permit
If you want to switch from a Tier 1 visa to a Tier 2 (General) Visa whilst you are on a Tier 1 visa in the UK, it is simple under the current rules. This includes the Tier 1 PSW Post Study Work category.
Our partners can transfer Contractors Tier 1 visa to a Tier 2 work permit in just 1 week, contact us to get started. You can keep contracting and continue to earn 65%+ of your gross billing.
It doesn't matter which category of Tier 1 you are under - all these sub-classes are included:
- Tier 1 PSW (Post Study Work)
- Tier 1 General
- Tier 1 Investor
- Tier 1 Entreprenuer
Even permits from the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP) can be switched to a Tier 2 Visa under this process. You can see our full Tier 2 switching guide here.
Fill in this form to get a free summary of how to switch your Tier 1 visa to a Tier 2 Work Permit - it's free! We will let you know which of our partners can help with the transfer and then its up to you if you want to change over.
UK Work Permit - common questions
Common questions we get from people about UK work permits:
Will it lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain?
Normally yes. All our sponsorship partners support applications for settlement and British citizenship.
How much will I earn?
It varies according to your rate, how much you work and your personal circumstances (whether you have a family, etc). You will earn roughly twice the equivalent permanent salary after taxes, fees and all deductions.
How long will it take?
If you are in UK on a Work Permit already it can be as quick as 2 weeks. Otherwise from outside the uk it wiill take 2-6 weeks but this is dependant on the processing times with UK government and what time of the month your application is made.
Note for contractors seeking sponsored employment our partners are able to assist you. FIND OUT MORE
Why a Work Permit?
You are more likely to get a work permit sponsor if you are a high earning individual in a specialised or high demand industry like Information Technology, Finance, Medical, Management, Insurance, Education, Pharmacy, Mining and Energy.
In the contracting and temporary sector it helps to engage a specialist sponsor because often endclients may not have experience of organising work permits. Additionally it will solve the expensive exercise of obtaining a fresh work permit and entry clearance each time you change end client. Recruitment agency involvement tends to muddy the waters, but often a mutually agreeable solution can be found between the sponsor and the agency.
If you already have a UK company who has offered you a job but the sponsorship is proving difficult, or you know from research there is a strong demand for your services in the UK but havent organised a position yet, or you wish to explore the options of contract work in the UK and would need a work permit to do so, please get in touch. Just give us the details of your circumstances. We can discuss the options with you in more detail, and one of our partners should be able to assist you. There is no fee for a consultation.
If you wish to have the flexibility of choosing your end client, assignment length and rates - and avoid the unneccesary expense and hassle of applying for a new work permit permission each time you change contracts - then you should explore the options of a sponsorship company.
If you're looking to settlement and getting a UK passport you can stay with the one primary employer for that whole period as well. Your spouse and dependents will be able to travel with you and, pendant on their age, work freely. It also has the benefit of offering you a great retention rate and given most people cite making money as one of the main attractions to UK contracting, surely a little more in your back pocket wouldnt go astray? APPLY NOW to find out more.
Work Permit changes for Contractors
Are you currently sponsored on a Tier 2 UK Work Permit and working permanently for an employer? Or are you currently contracting on a sponsored visa through a consulting company but want to work in a fully IR-35 and Inland Revenue compliant scheme that allows you to NET more of the gross billing? 
Do you feel you could be doing more with your career but are limited due to your Work Permit? Would you like to try more lucrative and flexible contract assignments but don't understand how its possible under the Work Permit system? Do you want to ensure you get Permanent Residency after your 5 years in the UK? If so, you've come to the right place! Enquire now to find out more
Changing your work permit is quick, easy and painless. And of course with www.contractortaxation.com it costs nothing at all to explore your options! Our sponsorship partners can sponsor you to do contract work in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
Pendant on circumstances they can sponsor your Tier 2 UK work permit and subcontract your services to clients, even to your existing employer! It will allow you much greater choice in the terms and conditions of your employment and more importantly increase your earnings dramatically. Enquire now to find out more! All your details will be kept confidential.
Tier 1 Highly Skilled Worker Permits
The Highly Skilled Work Visa, formerly the HSMP or Highly Skilled Work Permit was designed to encourage the migration of young, skilled and talented. You could work in any capacity for any employer, or start up a business or be self employed. Its was great for contractors.
However, from April 2011 it was effectively abolished. Just 1,000 Tier 1 visas will be granted from April 2011 to April 2012 and these will be to people of 'exceptional talent'. This will cover individuals who have won international recognition in scientific or cultural fields, or that show sufficient promise to be awarded such recognition in the future.
If you have a Tier 1 Visa then the previous regulations will remain. The Visa is initially awarded for 3 years at which point you need to re-qualify by the same criteria to get an extension. The extension will cover you for the additional 2 years you need to apply for Indefinite Leave To Remain.
*** News Flash
You may still qualify for the Tier 2 Work Permit or the Tier 5 Permit / Working Holiday Visa / Youth Mobility Scheme
End NewsFlash ***
*If you're considering getting an Tier 1 / Highly Skilled Worker Permit or you have an HSMP and want to be sure you can extend it then contact us for a financial management solution that will ensure your earnings qualify for the maximum points AND that you will net 80%+ of gross billing. Its unbeatable!
If your earnings were outside of the UK, you may be able to apply an uplift ratio - obviously £18,000 is a much higher salary in Kenya than it is in London. Details of the ratios are found here: http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/policyandlaw/immigrationlaw/immigratio...
PREVIOUS UK EXPERIENCE
If its your initial application, you can score five points for United Kingdom experience if:
- you have successfully scored points under previous earnings and those earnings were made in the United Kingdom; or
- you have been in full-time study in the United Kingdom for at least one full academic year, and have been awarded a qualification at bachelor's degree level or above. The qualification should have been awarded within the last five years. If its an extension application, you can only score points for previous earnings. You can get five points if:
- you have successfully scored points for previous earnings and those earnings were made in the United Kingdom.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE
If you don't get 10 points in this category you'll automatically fail your application.
You'll get 10 points if you:
- are a national of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, USA, Antigua & Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St Kitts & Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent & the Grenadines, Trinidad & Tobago; or
- pass an English language test; or
- hold a degree assessed by UK NARIC as being taught in English and is equivalent to a United Kingdom bachelor's degree or above.
- are applying for an extension to an HSMP or Tier 1 visa.
MAINTENANCE
If you're already in the UK you must show £800 in your bank account. If you're not in the UK you must show at least £2800 (or local equivalent) has been in your bank account for the last 3 months. If you can't show these funds, your application will be refused. Source: http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk
Highly Skilled Migrant Permit
The HSMP or Highly Skilled Migrant Permit scheme was, as the name suggests, for Highly Skilled Workers including contractors and freelancers to freely provide their services in the UK.
It was replaced by the Tier 1 (General) Visa. It's similar to the work permit hsmp but has some significant changes to the application form. As of April 2011 the Tier 1 (General) Visa has been closed for applicants outside the UK.
A summary of the changes to the hsmp application process are here. You can also check on the Home Office Border Agency Official Tier 1 General Visa Points Calculator to see if you qualify but bear in mind this is only for those who are already in the UK on a Tier 1. You may also want to consider switching from a Tier 1 to a Tier 2 visa.
We also have alot of information for contractors who were on HSMP and now need to extend or switch their visa to Tier 1 in our Immigration Questions and Answers.
Lastly if you're on the HSMP and worried about your renewal - check Tier 1 Highly Skilled Worker (HSMP) Visa Compliant Tax Structures for payment structures that will help you!
Tier 5 / Youth Mobility Scheme / Working Holiday Visas
This is a two year visa that allows you to work freely. Its great if you can get it. There are only two down sides to it:
1) You can stay for 24 months, but can only work for 12 months of that time. As you can imagine its quite difficult to police whether you work 12 or 15 months of your 24 month stay.
2) The time spent in the UK under a working holiday doesnt count towards Indefinite Leave to Remain applications. So if you want to qualify for residency at some point, the working holiday isnt the best choice.
To Qualify you must be able to show that you:
* are a citizen of a country listed in Appendix 3 which details all countries participating in the Working Holiday Maker scheme of the Immigration Rules, a British Overseas Territories citizen, a British Overseas citizen or a British National (Overseas)
* are aged between 17 and 30
* want to come to the UK for an extended holiday, and intend to take employment as part of your holiday for no more than 12 months during your stay
* do not intend to set yourself up in or run a business, or work as a professional sportsperson during your stay
* are single, or that you are married to, or the civil partner of someone who also qualifies as a working holidaymaker and you plan to take the working holiday together
* do not have any dependent children aged five or over, or who will be five before your holiday ends
* can support yourself in the UK without needing any help from public funds. In practice this means you need to show enough money to pay for transport to the UK and two months worth of living expenses.
* have not spent time in the UK on a previous working holidaymaker visa, and
* intend to leave the UK at the end of your holiday. For more information or help with your application please ask us.
Tier 5 Transfer Guide
Switching from Tier 5 to Tier 2 Work Permits
We get asked this quite regularly on our chat service on our website, by recruiters and contractors themselves. If you are a contractor and would like to discuss your options please get in touch with us via our form.
The Tier 5 or as it is more commonly referred to, the Working Holiday Visa, is valid for 2 years. Once the visa expires it is not renewable.
Previously contractors could move onto Tier 1 Visas (Highly Skilled Migrants Visa) but the Tier 1 has been largely scrapped. If you do wish to remain in the UK to work as a contractor your only option now is to look at Tier 2 Work Permit sponsorship.
From April 2011 the UKBA split Tier 2 applications into ‘in country’ and ‘out of country’ applications. Those able to switch ‘in country’ are those currently holding existing Tier 2 (General) visas, Tier 1 (HSMP) or Post Study Work visas.
For anyone applying from outside the UK and also for those changing visa statuses from a Tier 5 Youth Mobility Visa to a Tier 2 General Visa the application will be considered ‘out of country’. The process if which is as follows;
1) Sponsorship Company completes the RLMT (Residence Labour Market Test) which takes 28 days.
2) Company sponsoring the Tier 2 Work Permit lodges an application with the UKBA for a COS (Certificate of sponsorship). UKBA now only sit once a month to approve ‘out of country applications’ and all applications for a given month need to be lodged by the 5th of that month.
3) The applications are approved between 11th and 13th of that month. The UKBA informs the sponsorships company of the success of the application and issues the COS.
4) Sponsoring company sends a copy of the COS to the candidate.
5) Candidates takes COS along with an Entry Clearance form and other substantiating documents to a British Consulate in their country of residence to obtain ‘Entry Clearance’. It’s also worth noting that some nationalities have to complete an English language test.
So if you’re planning to remain contracting in the UK after your Tier 5 expires these are the issues you’ll need to consider;
1) Have you got a Management Company that can sponsor your Tier 2 Work Permit so you can keep contracting?
2) You will need to return to your country of origin to obtain ‘Entry Clearance’.
For further information and a free assessment please get in touch with us via our form.
List of Countries participating in the Working Holidaymaker Scheme
Australia
Canada
New Zealand
Monaco
The countries listed above are the only countries currently participating in the YMS -
all have Deemed Sponsor status. This may change and you should check with the UK Border Agency website for more information.
Ancestry Visa
On an Ancestry (Grandparent) Visa you can work in UK for any employer or under any terms. You can start your own business, set up a company or any other employment activities that UK citizens can pursue.
It's an excellent option for contractors. Ancestry Visa's only suit a very small number of people - Commonwealth citizens with Grandparents who were born in the United Kingdom before 31 March 1922. It can be either your Grandmother or Grandfather who qualifies you for this.
After 5 years on an Ancestry Visa you can apply for residency (Indefinite Leave to Remain) and after a further year on ILR you can apply for a British passport. You must obtain your Ancestry Visa Entry Clearance before you enter the UK. For more information on whether you qualify please contact us and we can refer you to our immigration partner.
UK Immigration and Work Permits Summary
There are 4 Tiers of Visas which can help you contract in the UK (in order of popularity):
- TIER 2 visa / Sponsored Visa
- TIER 1 visa / Skilled migration
- TIER 5 / Youth Mobililty or Working Holiday
- Ancestry / Grandparent Visa
The UKBA runs a points based assessment system for all these visas and you must have sufficient points for your application to be successful. Please CONTACT US if you can't find the answers you are looking for or want to know more about being sponsored as a contractor on a Tier 2.