UK Work and Family VISA | Application Process and Requirements

Moving to the United Kingdom for work is an exciting opportunity for both you and your family. The UK’s work visa system is intended to support skilled workers from all over the world, allowing them to bring their families with them. In this article, we’ll look at the various UK work visas, explain how to apply for a family visa, and take you through the procedure step by step. By the end of this piece, you’ll have a solid grasp of how to begin a new life in the UK with your family.

Why Move to the United Kingdom?

The United Kingdom has always been a popular location for people looking for international employment possibilities. It’s more than just obtaining a job; it’s about embracing a work-family-life balance in a diverse and lively community. Moving to the UK provides far more than just employment opportunities, with top-tier healthcare services, excellent education for children, and a vibrant cultural environment. Here are some of the main reasons to consider shifting to the UK:

• Competitive Salaries: The UK pays well, particularly in fields such as healthcare, technology, finance, and engineering.
• Quality of Life: Residents of the United Kingdom have access to free or low-cost healthcare through the National Health Service (NHS), and the country is home to some of the world’s greatest educational institutions.
• Cultural Experience: The United Kingdom is rich in history, and its cities provide a blend of modern amenities and historic charm.
• Family-friendly: The UK immigration system allows you to bring your spouse and children, making it easier to adjust to life overseas.

Now, let’s look at the specifics of the work and family visa application process.

The Differences Between UK Work and Family Visas?

The UK offers a variety of work visas that enable non-citizens to reside and work in the country. These visas are classified according to your profession, skill level, and the nature of your job. Depending on the type of visa and your family’s condition, you can apply for a work visa immediately, or after you’ve settled in.

You can apply for a work visa and a family visa to the UK!

The United Kingdom makes it easier for families to stay together. When applying for a work visa, you can request that your spouse and dependent children accompany you. This means your loved ones won’t have to wait months to join you. Whether you are a healthcare worker, skilled professional, or entrepreneur, bringing your loved ones is a simple process.

Alternatively, you can apply for your family’s visa after you’ve moved to the UK under the family reunion category. This allows family members to join you after you have obtained residency.

Types of UK work visas

The UK has five basic types of work visas. Each visa category is intended to accommodate different sorts of professionals and has its own set of eligibility requirements. Let’s look at the most popular work visas available:

Skilled Workers Visa

This is the most popular work visa in the United Kingdom. It is aimed at people who have a job offer from a UK firm that meets certain skill and income requirements. To qualify, the employment must provide a minimum income, which normally starts around £26,200 per year. Your employer must be an approved sponsor, and this visa allows your family to accompany you.

Global Talent Visa

This visa is intended for extraordinarily talented workers in science, technology, engineering, the arts, and humanities. Recognized leaders or prospective leaders in their industries may apply. The application process is quite competitive, although individuals are allowed to bring family members with them to the UK. Unlike the Skilled Worker Visa, applying for the Global Talent Visa does not require a formal employment offer.

Intra-company Transfer Visa

This visa is for employees of multinational companies with offices in the United Kingdom. It allows staff to transfer to the company’s UK office. The position must be specialist or managerial, and the compensation must meet a certain level. You can apply for this visa with your family, allowing them to join you in the UK.

Health and Care Worker Visa

This visa is specifically created for healthcare workers and is open to doctors, nurses, and other qualified professionals who have been offered a job by the NHS or a linked organization. The UK has a significant demand for healthcare workers, and this visa allows you to migrate with your family.

Innovator Visa

This visa is intended for entrepreneurs with creative business ideas. If you want to start a business in the UK, you can apply for the Innovator visa. You must be approved by an approved body, and you may bring your family along to share in the experience of starting a new life.

Who in Your Family Can Apply for a Family Visa to the UK?

When applying for a family visa, you may include the following family members:

• Spouse or Partner: Your legally married spouse, civil partner, or long-term partner may accompany you.
• Children: Dependent children under the age of 18 may accompany you to the United Kingdom.
• Other Dependents: In some situations, dependent adult children or other family members may be eligible, however, this is less typical.

Eligibility Requirements for UK Work and Family Visa

Understanding the qualifying requirements is critical to your work and family visa application. Here are the essential needs for each:

Work Visa Eligibility Requirements:

• Job Offer: You must have a work offer from a UK-based employer with a valid sponsor license.
• Skill and Salary Threshold: To be eligible for a visa, your work must have the requisite skill levels and your salary must meet the minimal criteria for your visa category. For example, the Skilled Worker Visa requires a minimum annual salary of £26,200.
• English Language Proficiency: You must demonstrate your ability to speak and understand English through an approved language test.
• Financial Stability: Provide proof that you can support yourself and your family while in the UK.
• Health Surcharge: The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) covers NHS healthcare expenditures throughout your stay.

Family Visa Eligibility Requirements:

• Relationship Proof: To prove your link with your spouse, partner, or children, you must show documents such as a marriage certificate or birth certificate.
• Financial Proof: Financial proof is required to demonstrate your ability to sustain your family while in the UK.
• Accommodation: Please provide proof of acceptable housing for your family in the UK.
• Health Surcharge: To obtain healthcare in the UK, you and your family members must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).

Application Process for UK Work Visa and Family/Spouse Visa

Now that you’ve learned about the various visa kinds and qualifying conditions, let’s walk through the application procedure.

Step 1: Secure a job offer.

Before applying for a work visa, you must have an employment offer from a UK employer who carries a sponsor license. You can find job openings on sites such as the UK government’s job portal (Find a Job), LinkedIn, and specialized recruitment companies such as Reed and Hays.

Step 2: Get a certificate of sponsorship (CoS).

Once you’ve accepted a job, your employer must supply you with a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) confirming that they are supporting you for the position. This electronic document is required for your visa application.

Step 3: Apply for your work visa.

Using the CoS, you can now apply for your preferred visa (e.g., Skilled Worker Visa, Global Talent Visa, Health and Care Worker Visa) through the UK government’s visa site.

Step 4: Pay the application fee and health surcharge.

Visa application fees normally range between £625 and £1,423, depending on the type of visa. You will also have to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge, which is £624 per year for individuals and £470 for children.

Step 5: Attend a biometric appointment.

You must attend a biometric appointment to produce your fingerprints and photograph, which will be used to generate your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP).

Step 6: Receive your visa decision.

After your application has been processed, you will receive a decision. If your application is approved, you will be issued a visa vignette that permits you to visit the United Kingdom.

Step 7: Apply for Family Member Visas.

Once you have arrived in the UK, your family members can apply for visas by producing evidence showing their relationship to you, as well as completing the financial and accommodation requirements.

Step 8: Collect biometric residence permits.

When your family arrives in the UK, they will need to acquire their Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) as part of the process of officially becoming UK residents.

Conclusion

Moving to the UK for employment is an exciting journey, and the immigration system is meant to allow families to stay together. Understanding the prerequisites and following the methods indicated in this book will allow you to make a smooth transition and begin your new life in the UK with your loved ones by your side. Whether you’re a skilled worker, healthcare professional, or entrepreneur, the UK has Visa alternatives to suit your needs. So, why wait? Begin planning your relocation today.

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