| The system for the application of UK work visas | | | | Applicants from certain countries looking for UK work |
| was given a massive overhaul in 2008. A new | | | | visas for longer than six months will require a |
| points-based system has replaced over 80 routes to | | | | certificate stating that they are free from the |
| work and study, streamlining the procedures in to a | | | | infection pulmonary tuberculosis. Gaining this |
| 5-tier scheme. Migrants applying for UK work visas | | | | certificate in advance of your application can help to |
| are now attributed points according their skills and | | | | make the process run more smoothly, save you time |
| situation. Only once all the criteria have been met will | | | | and avoid rejection on health grounds. |
| an applicant be granted a work visa. Failure to meet | | | | Your application must be supported by a sponsor. A |
| the necessary requirements will result in a rejection. | | | | sponsor needs to provide information and in some |
| The new system has been designed to simplify the | | | | circumstances will be required to provide financial |
| process and to weed out any illegitimate attempts to | | | | support for an applicant. It is prudent for an applicant |
| work in the UK. Points are awarded to reflect an | | | | to research what a sponsor is required to do, so that |
| applicant’s age, experience, skills and also the | | | | they can take the appropriate steps to find a |
| need for their particular skills in the field of work in | | | | sponsor who fulfils all the necessary requirements. |
| which they wish to be considered. | | | | Those applying for UK work visas are also required |
| In order for an applicant to navigate the | | | | to supply their biometric data in the form of a |
| often-choppy waters of this application service, they | | | | fingerprint and a digital photograph. Whilst this will be |
| should undertake a degree of research into all | | | | used to check criminal records, it is also used to |
| aspects of applying for UK work visas. | | | | prevent the applicant becoming a victim of identity |
| A general familiarity with the statutes of the 5-tier | | | | theft and cases of mistaken identity. If there are any |
| system is essential. The five tiers work as follows: | | | | circumstances you are worried that might count |
| Tier 1 applies to highly skilled workers, such as | | | | against your application, honesty is the best policy. A |
| scientists and entrepreneurs. | | | | biometric data check will reveal any aberrations in an |
| Tier 2 is for skilled workers with job offers, such as | | | | applicant’s history. Failure to disclose such |
| teachers and nurses. | | | | circumstances may result in a rejection being more |
| Tier 3 is relevant for low-skilled workers filling in for | | | | likely than if it is uncovered at a later date. |
| temporary labour shortages, such as construction | | | | The application system for UK work visas can be |
| workers on a temporary build. | | | | complicated for anyone unfamiliar with the system. |
| Tier 4 applies to students. | | | | Finding an organisation that offers professional |
| Tier 5 is for youth mobility and temporary workers, | | | | services and advice on how to apply can often be |
| such as musicians coming to the UK to play a | | | | the best move for an applicant wishing to apply for a |
| concert. | | | | UK work visa. |