This is one frequently asked question by foreign individuals outside the UK who wish relocate to UK. There are broadly three main options we recommend. You can come to the UK to study, work or start a business in the UK. Here is a quick start guide of what you need to consider and where you can start from on these three options.
Decide what you want to do:
First step is to decide what you want to do in the UK. Are you looking for a job, to start a business or to study in the UK. This helps determine what kind of a visa you will need in order to stay in the UK.
Work in the UK:
In most cases you will need a visa which grants your right to work in the UK. This is sponsored by an employer with a certificate of sponsorship (CoS). Anyone applying to work in the UK under a work visa needs a certificate of sponsorship to enter or remain. When the worker is assigned the CoS reference number, they can apply for their visa. To be sponsored, a worker must be eligible for the role they are applying for. There are different types of work visas, the most common ones are skilled worker visa and health and care worker visa.You may be eligible for other types of visas to work in the UK.
Not all jobs qualify for the currently available work visas, consider the eligible occupations under the different visa types to help you decide on which jobs to apply for such as for example the skilled worker visa eligible occcupations.
It’s ideal get a job offer from an employer who is offering visa sponsorship and they will support you with the rest. There are other visa types which don’t necessarily need a job offer to apply, these include graduate visa, global talent visa and high potential individual visa to mention but a few.
Start a business:
You can apply for an Innovator Founder visa (formerly Innovator visa) if you want to set up and run an innovative business in the UK.
- The business must be unique and different from anything else on the market.
- Your business / idea must have been endorsed by an approved body i.e endorsing body.
- You will have to meet the other eligibility requirements.
Study in the UK:
If you’re 16 or over and want to come from abroad to study in the UK, you will need a student visa . You must have been offered a place on a course by a licensed student sponsor. Your education provider will send you a reference number (called a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)) once they’ve offered you a place on the course. A CAS is needed before you can apply for your visa.
- You must have have enough money to support yourself and pay for your course – the amount will vary depending on your circumstances.
- You must be able to speak, read, write and understand English. You must have consent from your parents if you’re 16 or 17 – you’ll need evidence of this when you apply.
- Here is how you can find university places in the UK. Some social work courses can be found on Social Work England’s website.
Get in touch!
Want a chat with Meaningful Careers or advice about these different routes?
Email us [email protected]
Call: +44 7784 376427
