In the year ending September 2015 290,000 migrants entered for work - 59% of which had a confirmed job to go to.
| Applications from: | Total |
|---|---|
| EU Citizens | 60% |
| Non-EU Citizens | 24% |
| British Citizens* | 15% |
*Gov.UK - National Statistics
The UK has one of the most globally strong business infrastructures. A crucial part of this strength comes from business immigration. The UK is always keen to attract investors and entrepreneurs and to support those entering the UK for business purposes. To this end, there are a number of different visas and programmes to encourage the smooth flow of those hoping to migrate to the UK under UK immigration law. Specialist immigration lawyers will be able to help you with your specific query about UK business immigration regulations.
There are separate eligibility criteria for each category of visa, but some conditions are constant throughout. You must have a good grasp of and understanding of the English language and you will normally have to sit a test to confirm this. You must also be resident outside of the EEA and Switzerland.
| *Gov.UK - National Statistics | YE JUNE 2014 | YE JUNE 2015 | % CHANGE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Work-related visas granted | 159,231 | 168,544 | +6% |
| Tier 1 visas | 10,308 | 7,922 | -23% |
| Tier 2 visas | 84,613 | 92,590 | +9% |
| Tier 3 visas | 42,378 | 44,660 | +5% |
These statistics show an overall rise in the numbers of migrants entering the UK to work and it is reflective of the popularity of the UK for business immigration.
This type of visa relates to business people looking to enter the UK with money to set up and run a new business. Paragraphs 245D and 245DF of the Immigration Rules apply and there are firm conditions in place for holding a tier 1 entrepreneur visa which include:
This is an important visa as it directly allows the UK to support non-EEA investors considering opportunities within Britain. To apply for a tier 1 investor visa you must:
Crucially, you will only be eligible for this visa if you have secured endorsement as having a credible and genuine business idea. There are two options for this endorsement; it can either come from UK Trade and Investment as part of Sirius – a global, elite, graduate entrepreneur programme - or a UK Higher Education Institution, but this must be part of an authorised endorsing body.
This visa is for workers who have a firm job offer from a UK-based company. This company must hold a sponsorship licence and once this has been granted the company concerned can then award certificates of sponsorship which are necessary as part of an immigration application from a non-EEA national. There are a number of eligibility criteria to fulfil to apply for this visa.
In order to apply for this type of tier 2 visa you must have established yourself as an elite sportsperson or coach at the very highest international level. There are various other conditions which apply and your chosen Oratto member immigration lawyer will be able to explain these to you.
As the name suggests, this visa applies to those wishing to enter the UK to study. In order to qualify for this visa you must:
This is a Government authorised exchange visa and applies if you wish to enter the UK for a short period of time in order to carry out one of the following:
Click here to download this page
Each one of these requires that you must have certificate of sponsorship from a licensed sponsor before you are eligible to apply.
For all of these visas there are further eligibility criteria and your chosen Oratto member lawyer will be able to analyse your circumstances and discuss your options with you.
Scroll To Lawyers