Application Process and Requirements Explained
Moving to the United Kingdom for work is an exciting opportunity, not only for you but for your family as well. The UK’s work visa system is designed to support skilled workers from all over the world, allowing them to bring their loved ones with them. In this guide, we will explore the different UK work visas, explain how you can apply for a family visa, and walk you through the process step by step. By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of how to start a new life in the UK with your family by your side.
Why Move to the United Kingdom?
The United Kingdom has long been a top destination for professionals seeking global career opportunities. It’s not just about finding a job; it’s about embracing a lifestyle that balances work and family life in a diverse and vibrant society. With top-tier healthcare services, outstanding education for children, and a rich cultural environment, moving to the UK offers much more than career growth. Here are some of the top reasons to consider relocating to the UK:
- Competitive Salaries: The UK offers excellent wages, especially in industries like healthcare, technology, finance, and engineering.
- Quality of Life: The UK’s National Health Service (NHS) provides free or low-cost healthcare to residents, and the country is home to some of the best educational institutions globally.
- Cultural Experience: The UK is steeped in history, and its cities offer a mix of modern conveniences and historical charm.
- Family-Friendly: The UK immigration system allows you to bring your spouse and children, making it easier to transition into life abroad.
Now, let’s dive into the details of the work and family visa application process.
UK Work Visas and Family Visas: What Are They?
The UK provides various work visas that allow non-citizens to live and work in the country. These visas are divided based on your profession, skill level, and the nature of your job. When you apply for a work visa, your family can either join you immediately or apply after you’ve settled, depending on the type of visa and your family’s situation.
You Can Apply for a Work Visa with a Family Visa for the UK!
The UK makes it easy for families to stay together. When you apply for a work visa, you can also apply for your spouse and dependent children to come with you at the same time. This means your family won’t have to wait months to join you. Whether you are a healthcare worker, skilled professional, or entrepreneur, bringing your loved ones is a streamlined process.
Alternatively, you may apply for your family’s visa once you’ve already moved to the UK under a family reunion category. This allows family members to join you once you have established residency.
Types of UK Work Visas
The UK offers five primary types of work visas. Each visa category is designed to cater to different types of professionals, and each has its own eligibility requirements. Let’s take a look at the most common work visas available:
- Skilled Worker Visa
This is the most common work visa in the UK. It is intended for individuals with a job offer from a UK employer that meets specific skill and salary thresholds. To qualify, the job must meet a minimum salary requirement, which typically starts around £26,200 per year. Your employer must be an approved sponsor, and this visa allows your family to move with you. - Global Talent Visa
This visa is for exceptionally talented professionals in fields like science, technology, engineering, arts, and humanities. Recognized leaders or future leaders in their fields can apply. The application process is highly competitive, but it allows individuals to bring their family members with them to the UK. Unlike the Skilled Worker Visa, there is no need for a specific job offer to apply for the Global Talent Visa. - Intra-Company Transfer Visa
If you work for a multinational company that has offices in the UK, this visa is for you. It allows employees to transfer to a UK branch of the company. The job must be specialized or managerial, and the salary must meet a set threshold. You can apply for this visa with your family, enabling them to join you in the UK. - Health and Care Worker Visa
Specifically designed for healthcare professionals, this visa is available to doctors, nurses, and other qualified professionals who have a job offer from the NHS or related organizations. The UK has a high demand for healthcare workers, and this visa makes it easy for you to relocate with your family. - Innovator Visa
This visa is for entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas. If you’re looking to start a business in the UK, you can apply for the Innovator Visa. You must be endorsed by an approved body, and you’ll be able to bring your family along to share in the experience of building a new life.
Who in Your Family Can Apply for the Family Visa for the UK?
When applying for a family visa, you can include the following family members:
- Spouse or Partner: Your legally married spouse, civil partner, or long-term partner can join you.
- Children: Dependent children under 18 can move with you to the UK.
- Other Dependents: In certain cases, dependent adult children or other family members may also be eligible, although this is less common.
Eligibility Terms for UK Work Visa and Family Visa
Understanding the eligibility criteria is crucial for your work and family visa application. Below are the basic requirements for each:
Work Visa Eligibility Requirements
- Job Offer:
You must have a job offer from a UK-based employer that holds a valid sponsor license. - Skill and Salary Threshold:
Your job must meet the specific skill levels required for the visa, and your salary must meet the minimum threshold for your visa category. For example, the Skilled Worker Visa has a minimum salary requirement of £26,200 per year. - English Language Proficiency:
You will need to prove your ability to speak and understand English, typically through an approved language test. - Financial Stability:
You must show that you have enough money to support yourself and your family while in the UK. - Health Surcharge:
You will need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which covers healthcare costs through the NHS during your stay.
Family Visa Eligibility Requirements
- Relationship Proof:
You must provide documentation proving your relationship to your spouse, partner, or children, such as a marriage certificate or birth certificates. - Financial Proof:
You will need to show that you have enough financial resources to support your family during your time in the UK. - Accommodation:
You must provide proof that you have suitable housing for your family in the UK. - Health Surcharge:
Your family members will also need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) to access healthcare in the UK.
Application Process for UK Work Visa and Family or Spouse Visa
Now that you know the visa types and eligibility requirements, let’s go through the application process.
Step 1: Secure a Job Offer
Before you can apply for a work visa, you need a job offer from a UK employer who holds a sponsor license. You can find job openings through platforms like the UK government’s job portal (Find a Job), LinkedIn, or specialized recruitment agencies like Reed and Hays.
Step 2: Obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
Once you’ve secured a job, your employer must provide you with a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), which confirms they are sponsoring you for the role. This electronic document is needed for your visa application.
Step 3: Apply for Your Work Visa
Using the CoS, you can now apply for your chosen visa (e.g., Skilled Worker Visa, Global Talent Visa, Health and Care Worker Visa) via the UK government’s visa portal.
Step 4: Pay the Application Fees and Health Surcharge
The visa application fee typically ranges from £625 to £1,423, depending on the type of visa. You will also need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge, which costs £624 per year for adults and £470 per year for children.
Step 5: Attend a Biometric Appointment
You will need to attend a biometric appointment to provide your fingerprints and photograph, which will be used to create your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP).
Step 6: Receive Your Visa Decision
Once your application is processed, you will receive a decision. If approved, you will be issued a visa vignette, which allows you to travel to the UK.
Step 7: Apply for Family Members’ Visas
Once you are settled in the UK, your family members can apply for their visas, providing documentation proving their relationship to you and meeting the financial and accommodation requirements.
Step 8: Collect Biometric Residence Permits
After arriving in the UK, your family will need to collect their Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) as part of the process of officially becoming UK residents.
Conclusion
Moving to the UK for work is an exciting adventure, and the UK’s visa system is designed to make it easy for families to stay together. By understanding the requirements and following the steps outlined in this guide, you can make the transition smoothly and begin your new life in the UK with your loved ones by your side. Whether you’re a skilled worker, healthcare professional, or entrepreneur, the UK has visa options that fit your situation. So why wait? Start planning your move today
