Donate
Donate

Legal routes for relocating to UK

Below article will tell you about available options for immigrating to UK

Visa sorted? let's prepare your move...

It's great you're considering the UK for your next big move. I can tell you that the UK offers several pathways for individuals looking to settle here, whether you're a skilled professional, an aspiring student, an entrepreneur with a bright idea, or someone looking to invest. Let's break down your options with the key requirements for each.

Please note that this is just a guide and not legal immigration advice. Please talk to an Immigration advisor or a solicitor for legal advice around Immigration. Also, I cannot answer any questions related to Immigration. Also, please understand that immigration rules can change, so it's always a good idea to check the official government website for the latest information before applying. The fees mentioned are approximate and subject to change.

Option 1. Coming to the UK as a Skilled Worker

If you have a specific skill that's in demand and you've found a job, the Skilled Worker visa is a fantastic route. It's designed for people who have been offered a skilled job in the UK by an employer approved by the Home Office.

Basic Requirements:

  • A Job Offer from a Licensed Sponsor: This is the absolute first step! You must have a confirmed job offer from a UK employer who holds a valid sponsor licence. They will provide you with a 'Certificate of Sponsorship' (CoS) reference number, which is a unique digital record of your job offer.

  • Eligible Job: Your job must be in an eligible occupation code, which generally means it's skilled to at least RQF (Regulated Qualifications Framework) level 3 (equivalent to UK A-levels).

  • Minimum Salary: You need to be paid at least the general salary threshold or the "going rate" for your specific job, whichever is higher. As of April 2024, the general salary threshold is £38,700 per year. There are some exceptions for certain health and education jobs, or if you have a PhD or are considered a 'new entrant'.

  • English Language Skills: You must be able to speak, read, write, and understand English to at least CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) Level B1. You can usually prove this by passing an approved English language test, having a degree taught in English, or having a GCSE, A-level, or Scottish Highers qualification in English from a UK school.

  • Financial Maintenance: You need to show you have enough money to support yourself in the UK. This is currently £1,270 held in your bank account for at least 28 consecutive days before you apply, unless your sponsoring employer certifies on your CoS that they will support you.

  • Other Potential Requirements: Depending on your country of origin, you might need a tuberculosis (TB) test certificate. If your job involves certain sensitive subjects, you may also need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate.

  • Where to Apply: You can find the application on the official government website: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa/apply-from-outside-the-uk

All the other related information for this type of Visa, such as application cost, can be found on the official UK government website: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa

Also, there are other types of visas if you feel you are not eligible for the skilled worker Visa route. Some of these do not require a prior job offer. The information for that can be found using the official link below

Option 2. Coming to the UK as a Student

The UK has a world-class education system, and the Student visa is for those who wish to pursue a course of study here.

Basic Requirements:

  • Offer from an Approved Education Provider: You must have an unconditional offer of a place on a course with a licensed student sponsor (a university, college, or school that is approved by the Home Office). They will issue you a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) number. This CAS is crucial as it links your application to your course and institution.

  • Course Eligibility: The course must be at a certain level, usually a degree level or above, or specific lower-level courses at an eligible institution.

  • English Language Skills: You need to demonstrate your English language proficiency. The required level depends on your course and institution, but generally, it's CEFR Level B2 for degree-level study and above. Your CAS will often confirm how you meet this.

  • Financial Maintenance: You need to prove you have enough money to cover your course fees for your first year (or the full course if it's less than a year) and your living costs. The amount for living costs varies depending on where you study (e.g., London is more expensive). As of recent guidance, you'll generally need:

    • £1,334 per month for courses in London, for up to 9 months.

    • £1,023 per month for courses outside London, for up to 9 months.

    • These funds must have been held in your account for at least 28 consecutive days.

  • Other Potential Requirements: You might need a TB test depending on your country of origin, and an ATAS certificate if your course is in a sensitive subject area.

Where to Apply: You can find the application on the official government website: https://www.gov.uk/student-visa/apply-online

Option 3. Coming to the UK as an Entrepreneur (Innovator Founder Visa)

If you have a truly innovative, viable, and scalable business idea, the Innovator Founder visa could be your path to the UK. This route replaced the previous Innovator and Start-up visas.

Basic Requirements:

  • Innovative, Viable, and Scalable Business Idea: Your business idea must be new, innovative (different from anything else on the market), viable (realistic for growth), and scalable (potential for growth and expansion).

  • Endorsement by an Approved Body: This is a key step! You need to secure an endorsement from an approved endorsing body in the UK. These bodies assess your business plan to confirm it meets the innovation, viability, and scalability criteria.

  • English Language Skills: You need to demonstrate English language proficiency at least at CEFR Level B2. This is generally higher than for the Skilled Worker or Student visa.

  • Financial Maintenance: You must have enough personal savings to support yourself in the UK. This is currently £1,270 that must have been in your bank account for at least 28 consecutive days before you apply. You'll also need additional funds for any dependants joining you.

  • No Minimum Investment Required: Unlike the previous Innovator visa, there is no longer a set minimum investment of £50,000 required, making it more accessible. However, you'll need to show you have the necessary funds to implement your business plan.

Where to Apply: You can find the application on the official government website: https://www.gov.uk/innovator-founder-visa/apply-from-outside-the-uk

Option 4. Coming to the UK as a High Net Worth Individual (Investment Options)

The Tier 1 (Investor) visa was closed to new applications in February 2022.10 So, if you're a high net worth individual looking to invest in the UK, the direct "Investor" visa route is no longer available. However, there are still ways you might be able to come to the UK, depending on your goals:

  • Innovator Founder Visa: As discussed above, if your "investment" is tied to launching a genuinely innovative and scalable business in the UK, this could be a suitable route. While it doesn't require a specific investment amount, you'll naturally need to invest in your business.

  • Global Talent Visa: If you're a recognised leader or an emerging leader in specific fields such as science, engineering, humanities, medicine, digital technology, or arts and culture, you might qualify for a Global Talent visa. This visa doesn't require an investment, but it's based on your exceptional talent and achievements. It offers flexibility and a direct path to settlement.

  • Skilled Worker Visa (Self-Sponsorship): In some niche circumstances, a high net worth individual might consider "self-sponsoring" through their own UK company by setting up a business, obtaining a sponsor licence for that business, and then having the business sponsor them for a Skilled Worker visa. This is a complex route and requires significant planning and compliance, as the Home Office will scrutinise the genuineness of the job and the business.

Basic Requirements (as alternatives, since the direct Investor visa is closed):

  • For Innovator Founder Visa: Please refer to the requirements listed in Option 3 above.

  • For Global Talent Visa:

    • Endorsement: You need to be endorsed by an approved endorsing body in your field (e.g., Arts Council England for arts and culture, Tech Nation for digital technology). They will assess your significant contributions and potential.

    • No Job Offer Required: You don't need a job offer.

    • English Language: No specific English language requirement for the visa, but proving your expertise might involve communicating effectively in English.

    • Financial Maintenance: You still need to show you can support yourself financially (£1,270 for 28 days), unless you're applying under specific accelerated endorsement criteria.

    • Application Link: https://www.gov.uk/global-talent (You'll first apply for endorsement, then the visa).

  • For Skilled Worker Visa (Self-Sponsorship):

    • This is not a separate visa category but a strategic use of the Skilled Worker visa.

    • You would need to establish a genuine UK business, apply for and obtain a sponsor licence for that business, and then the business would offer you a highly skilled role that meets the Skilled Worker visa requirements (salary, eligible occupation).

    • This route involves significant legal and business setup considerations.

    • Application Link: (Same as Skilled Worker visa) https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa/apply-from-outside-the-uk

Option 5: Other Visa Categories and Mobility Options

Visas you can apply for without a job offer
Visas offered to healthcare workers

A Health and Care Worker visa allows medical professionals to come to or stay in the UK to do an eligible job with the NHS, an NHS supplier or in adult social care. Use the official link here to read more about this route - https://www.gov.uk/health-care-worker-visa

Work in the UK for your overseas employer
Temporary work visas

Other work visas and permits

It's clear that the UK offers various avenues for you to come and settle, each with its specific requirements designed to attract talent, innovation, and genuine contributions to the economy and society. I highly recommend carefully reviewing the details on the GOV.UK website and considering professional advice to ensure you choose the best route for your individual circumstances. Good luck with your exciting journey to the UK!

© 2025 www.allaboutuk.info

Get in Touch

Privacy Policy

Terms and Conditions