As a tech professional looking to relocate to the UK, there are several viable immigration pathways available to you. The two most commonly utilised visa routes by UK employers for bringing in overseas tech talent are the Global Business Mobility (GBM): Senior or Specialist Worker and the Skilled Worker visa routes.
1. Senior or Specialist Worker Visa
If you are currently employed by a tech company outside the UK, the Senior or Specialist Worker visa allows you to transfer your employment to the UK branch of your company.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Certificate of Sponsorship: You must have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship from your UK employer.
- Employment Duration: You must have been employed by your company, or within the same corporate group, outside the UK for at least 12 months prior to your application. This requirement is waived if you are a high earner.
- Eligible Occupation: Your job must be on the list of eligible occupations.
- Salary Requirement: You must be paid the minimum eligible salary for your job.
- Financial Maintenance: You must demonstrate sufficient funds to support yourself in the UK unless your sponsor certifies maintenance.
- Suitability Grounds: You must not fall under any general grounds for refusal.
Advantages:
- No English Language Requirement: There is no need to meet any English language requirements, making this route attractive for some applicants.
Additional Information:
- Dependants: You can apply with a dependant spouse, civil partner, unmarried partner, and children under 18.
- Study Options: You can study in the UK while working, subject to certain conditions.
- Time Restrictions: You cannot be sponsored under this route for more than 5 years in any 6-year period unless you are a high earner, in which case the limit is 9 years in any 10-year period.
- Settlement: This route does not lead to settlement in the UK on its own.
- Switching Visas: It is possible to switch from a Senior or Specialist Worker visa to a Skilled Worker visa if you meet the relevant criteria.
2. Skilled Worker Visa
The Skilled Worker visa is a preferred option for tech professionals as it offers a path to settlement in the UK after five years of continuous residence, provided you meet other relevant requirements.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Certificate of Sponsorship: You must have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship from your UK employer.
- Eligible Occupation: Your job must be on the list of eligible occupations.
- Salary Requirement: You must be paid the minimum eligible salary for your job.
- English Language Competency: You must demonstrate competency in English to at least the B1 level on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) in reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
- Financial Maintenance: You must demonstrate sufficient funds to support yourself in the UK unless your sponsor certifies maintenance.
- Suitability Grounds: You must not fall under any general grounds for refusal.
Additional Information:
- Dependants: You can apply with a dependant spouse, civil partner, unmarried partner, and children under 18.
- Study and Work Flexibility: You can study and undertake additional work in certain circumstances.
- No Time Restrictions: There are no limits on the cumulative periods of sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route.
Both visa options have their unique advantages and requirements. As a tech professional, your choice between the Senior or Specialist Worker visa and the Skilled Worker visa will depend on your specific circumstances and long-term plans in the UK. If you need tailored advice or assistance with your application, consulting with a qualified UK immigration lawyer can help ensure a smooth and successful immigration process.
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