UK Work Visas
UK Tier 1 (General) Visa Extension
The Tier 1 (General) visa is available to highly skilled foreign workers who are currently in the UK and want to extend their stay to continue to live and work in the UK.
The Tier 1 (General) visa is no longer available to applicants outside the UK.
Tier 1 (General) Visa Extension Requirements
To qualify for an extension of stay in the UK under the Tier 1 (General) points-based system, applicants must currently be in the UK on an eligible visa type and score a minimum of 95 points (or 100 points for HSMP applicants) for attributes including age, English language ability, qualifications, previous earnings, UK experience and maintenance (available funds).
Eligible visa types are:
- Tier 1 (General)
- Highly Skilled Migrant Program (HSMP)
- Writer, Composer or Artist
- Self-employed Lawyer
Applicants must score 10 points each for English language ability and maintenance (available funds) to be eligible to apply. Similarly, the point’s allocation is configured such that applicants must hold a recognised qualification to score the minimum points.
Tier 1 (General) Visa Extension Entitlements
Successful applicants who are granted an extension of stay under the Tier 1 (General) visa program are entitled to continue to live and work in the UK. An extension is usually granted for a maximum of 2 years for Tier 1 (General) applicants or 3 years for other visa applicants.
At the end of the extension, Tier 1 (General) visa holders may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) which entitles individuals to permanent residency in the UK.
Tier 1 (General) Visa Processing Time and Costs
| HIGHLY SKILLED WORKER (TIER 1 GENERAL) | OUTSIDE THE UK (ENTRY CLEARANCE) | INSIDE THE UK (FLR) |
|---|---|---|
| Government Main Application Fee | NA | UK£1000 |
| Government Partner Application Fee | NA | UK£500/1000 |
| Government Child Application Fee | NA | UK£500/1000 |
| Advanced Migration Service | US$399 | |
| Premium Migration Service | US$1999 | |
| Processing Times | 1-12 weeks | 4-16 weeks |
Advanced Migration Service Apply for this visa with help from a registered Migration Consultant. PURCHASE
* The reduced fee will be applicable when the dependent applies at the same time with the main applicant.
- Other Work Visas
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Tier 1 (Post-Study Work) Visa
The Tier 1 (Post-Study Work) visa provides international graduates in the UK an opportunity to find work in the UK without a sponsor. -
Tier 2 (General) Visa
The Tier 2 (General) visa allows those with a job offer from a UK-based organisation to live and work in the UK as a sponsored worker. -
Tier 2 (Intra-Company Transfer)
The Tier 2 (Intra-Company Transfer) visa allows those with an offer of transfer or secondment to live and work in the UK as a sponsored worker. -
Tier 2 (Minister of Religion) Visa
The Tier 2 (Minister of Religion) visa allows religious workers with a job offer from a UK-based organisation to live and work in the UK as a sponsored worker. -
Tier 2 (Sportsperson) Visa
The Tier 2 (Sportsperson) visa allows internationally established sportspersons and coaches to live and work in the UK as a sponsored worker. -
Tier 5 (Temporary Worker) Visa
The Tier 5 visa category includes a range of temporary work visas which allow specific types of workers to undertake short term and temporary work in the UK. -
Tier 5 (Youth Mobility Scheme)
The Youth Mobility Scheme allows 18 - 30 year olds from participating countries an opportunity to holiday and work in the UK for up to two (2) years. -
Bulgarians and Romanians
The EEA Association Agreement is designed to allow Bulgarian and Romanian nationals to start their own business or work in the UK. -
Domestic Worker Visa
A Domestic Worker visa allows those employed as domestics in a private household to accompany their employer when they visit or move to the UK. -
Sole Representative Visa
A Sole Representative permit allows a representative of an overseas company to set up a branch or subsidiary of the company in the UK.
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