From Tourist to Resident: A Guide to Immigration To The UK
Are you dreaming of trading in your passport for a British one? There are hundreds of reasons why hundreds of thousands of people apply for settlement within the UK, whether it be for family reasons, better job opportunities, they love the British culture or for safety reasons. As this country is relatively small in size, it is still by far one of the most powerful countries, making it a very attractive destination and settlement location amongst many others.
Understanding UK Visa Categories
The UK offers a range of different visas that you may be eligible for; this is all depending on specific requirements and it’s not unheard of for this criteria to change with new additions to meet and so forth. It’s important to keep up to date with the latest requirements before going through the application process, as missing key information can result in a rejection or a much longer wait for the decision.
Here are the types of visas that the UK offers:
Work Visa’s
These are specifically for individuals who may have been transferred by their current employer to an office in a different country or those who are seeking employment within the UK.
Skilled Worker Visa
This is usually offered to individuals who may have the skills for a job that is in demand in the UK, such as teachers, health care professionals, and so forth. It also could be when a UK company reaches out and offers you a role in the UK.
Global Talent Visa
This is for highly skilled individuals who are more dime by the dozen and are experts within fields such as science, research, and technology.
Study Visas
For international students who are looking to live and study here, there are many prestigious schools that hold space for international students.
Visitor Visa’s
If you are simply interested in coming for a short stay and want to check out the sites and enrich yourself with the British culture, visit old friends and family, or handle some business, you will be eligible for a visitor visa. It’s important to note that you won’t need a visa if you are already a citizen of an EU country.
Family Visa’s
If your family are British citizens or have also applied for settlement, there is a strong likelihood you will be eligible for indefinite leave to remain within the UK.
Key Considerations
Before you embark on your application process, there are some key considerations that you need to be aware of.
Eligibility Criteria
As mentioned, there are specific requirements for each visa type; therefore, while staying up to date with the most recent requirements is crucial, you also need to carefully review and consider if you do actually qualify. While you are able to apply to extend your visa or change your visa type while in the UK, initially applying can be a time-consuming process, so ensure you aren’t wasting your time.
Financial Requirements
You may need to demonstrate sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay in the UK. This is especially important if you are on a tourist visa; those for 2 weeks plus for travel may be required to show how much they have brought to the country; without sufficient funds, this may lead immigration to believe you are going to try to work illegally or not get on your return flight. While this is not always the case and people are savvy with their spending, it’s part of the job, and it does unfortunately happen.
English Language Proficiency
English people are renowned for learning their own language and keeping it that way so this puts a lot of pressure on individuals wishing to immigrate over if they are not from an English-speaking country and have no knowledge of basic words. It’s common now to find many visas that require proof of English language proficiency through tests like IELTS or TOEFL.
Application Process
Now it’s time to gather all relevant documentation and information, including your passport, photographs, and supporting evidence that your visa type requires. It’s always better to be overprepared than underprepared in these cases so ensure that whether it’s filled out online or through an immigration office, you are well-prepared and have all the information and answers on hand.
Tips For a Successful Application
There are a few things that you can do to ensure that you aren’t getting rejection letters through the door, such as. Through research you are handing over all the necessary documents and not missing anything key out, and also through seeking professional guidance, this will help you through the entire process so look into local immigration lawyers or advisors. Lastly, patience is a virtue during this process, as they can take time and don’t leave them till the last minute. It’s better to schedule for expected delays.
Final Thoughts
This guide provides a general overview of what to expect when applying for a visa to the UK. Be sure to check out the government’s official website regularly for any changes in requirements and consult with an immigration expert who is able to give objective advice.