General Information for the United Kingdom (UK)

The United Kingdom is noted for its liberal, tolerant society but it is also home to a growing and buoyant economy, which leads the world in many fields.

Its immigration system allows entry in a range of different categories. It has an open, efficient application process for work permits and is a major destination for overseas students. Furthermore, the system does allow for the exercise of a large discretion on behalf of immigration officials, even where applicants do not meet the exact rules.

It is, of course, possible to change one’s status while in the U.K., but this is complicated and bureaucratic – make sure you use Commonwealth Immigration’s expert advice.

The range of UK immigration services are available for people wishing to immigrate to Britain is broad and varied, encompassing economic-based routes such as UK work permits, and the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme or as well as family immigration visas and visitor visas designed for those wishing to visit Britain for a short period.

UK Business Visas

Economic migration is a key component of the British economy allowing skilled migrants to bring desirable skills and experience to the domestic workforce. The Highly Skilled Migrant Program is a points-based visa service specifically designed to attract the most gifted individuals to the United Kingdom. In addition, applying for a UK work permit, allows a British company to sponsor an overseas worker to come to Britain and contribute to the British economy by bringing their skills to the domestic workforce.

Business based British visas take a variety of forms to gain UK entry clearance and to apply for business immigration through several routes. The Entrepreneur visa allows experienced business people to live and work in Great Britain, investing capital, and starting a business within the United Kingdom. Alternatively, applicants may come to Britain on a self-employed visa, with a pioneering idea under an innovator visa or simply to invest in the British economy through an Investor visa. British visa applications under all of these routes offer the potential to apply for Indefinite leave to remain in the UK (ILR) or permanent residency as it is often known. We can help applicants to switch when appropriate from one route to another and can manage applications for permanent residence and later British naturalization as a UK citizen.

Other UK Immigration visas

As well as business-based applications for visas for Britain, there is large range of visas for UK immigration, which allow people to train or study in Britain, and to experience life in the United Kingdom. A study permit, or student visa application, allows international students to study in the UK experiencing the culture and environment of the United Kingdom whilst at University. Beyond a study visa for the UK, schemes such as the International Graduate Scheme, and the Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland program allow students to experience working in the UK for a limited time.

You can take advantage of the Training and Work Experience Scheme or (TWES) allowing overseas naturals to undertake work experience or training in Britain, or to participate in the Working Holiday scheme which allows a combination of both visiting and working in Britain.

Family-Based Visas

You can get a relationship immigration visas, for people with British connections who wish to settle in the United Kingdom by means of a UK Marriage visa, UK Fiance visa, or De Facto visa, often known as an unmarried partner visa. In addition, you can be tourists and business visitors to gain entry clearance through a temporary UK visit visa, frequently referred to as a travel visa or tourist visa.