How to Move to the UK – six different visa routes

In 2019, the UK was globally ranked the 5^th highest country to which people wished to relocate.

Various factors contribute to the UK’s consistently high ranking in this category, such as the UK’s competitive job market and inherent employment opportunities, and the UK’s internationally recognised educational institutions.

For those who wish to relocate to the UK, the process can appear rather complex at first. However, the various immigration routes available can be broken down into distinct categories tailored to the specific reasons for one’s proposed move.It should be noted that not all available UK visa routes lead to settlement in the UK, and therefore it is crucial to understand the reasons why the applicant wishes to come to the UK.

The UK Post-Brexit

Following the recent introduction of the UK’s post-Brexit points-based immigration system, these various immigration routes have been further structured towards specific reasons for relocation, and therefore one’s specific circumstances should be fully understood when assessing what immigration route may be the most applicable.

As outlined by the Gherson immigration team, the different routes within the points-based system include the following:

Coming to the UK to work

• Skilled Worker Visa – For those who have secured a valid offer of employment in the UK with an approved employer who is able to sponsor them in the UK through a valid Certificate of Sponsorship.
• Investor Visa – This route is available to those who have access to at least £2 million to invest in the UK. Those coming under this route are able to work or study in the UK.
• Sole Representative Visa – Individuals can apply as a representative of an overseas business if they are planning to expand their business into the UK or work in the UK by either setting up a UK branch or a wholly owned subsidiary.
• Start-up visa – This is for individuals who are entrepreneurs and are looking to establish a business in the UK for the first time. You must have been endorsed by an approved UK endorsing body.

Coming to the UK to study

• Student visa – this category is for students who have been accepted by a UK educational institution which is able to sponsor foreign students. Students will be granted permission to enter the UK on the basis of their “Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies” which is issued by the sponsoring education provider.
• Graduate Route – From 1 July 2021, students who have completed an undergraduate or post graduate degree in the UK may be eligible to remain in the UK upon graduation for two years with the ability to work.

Gherson Immigration team

As an award-winning London-based immigration firm, Gherson is highly experienced in dealing with a broad range of immigration issues.

Our teams work with private clients and corporates alike, to ensure that each individual set of circumstances and requirements are satisfied. For any further information, please contact us, send us an e-mail, or alternatively, follow us on Twitter to stay informed in relation to UK immigration.

The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please don’t hesitate to contact Gherson. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.

©Gherson 2021