The United Kingdom has become an excellent destination among numerous talented workers and researchers worldwide. This phenomenon opens doors for the best employment opportunities. Everything in the UK, from free education and healthcare systems to excellent infrastructure, only the sky’s the limit there.
The United Kingdom has a significant and prospering economy. Numerous great corporations are working and investing in the UK. Also, there has been a considerable demand for Skilled workers post Brexit from different sectors such as Healthcare, Tourism, Finance, Tech, Entertainment, Humanities and Hospitality. The US also has quite a spectacular economy, mainly relying on exports, tourism, the health sector, investments, mining and resources, show business, and the information technology sector.
Top 6 reasons why the UK is open to the arrival of skilled professionals
Need for Skilled Staff – In social care and other crucial sectors of the economy, the UK needs skilled workers to fill the positions, some of which are on the shortage occupation list.
New Points-based immigration system – With the new points-based system in place, an applicant will need a job offer, education qualifications, and appropriate salary to accomplish a score of 70 points from assorted areas of assessment to be eligible for a worker visa. Some of these points are tradeable, which means that you can still come to the UK by trading your points with other characteristics if you do not meet the minimum salary requirements.
Start-up and innovator visas – The Home Office of the UK has made improvements to the Startup and Innovator Visas. In both of these visa routes, the Home Office’s approach has always been to leave the business assessment to the endorsing bodies because it is their expertise. The Home Office will only decide on the final application once the clearance has been ensured. Now, the higher education providers can apply for Innovators as well as Start-up visas.
No Immigration Cap Post-Brexit – The UK government has withdrawn the immigration cap on the number of the qualified, skilled workforce coming to the UK from 2021. The ending of the immigration cap is an excellent message for several employers as it will prevent the tension that used to generate at times where the cap has been full. It will also avoid the hesitations or uncertainties in applying for a certificate of sponsorship.
The Resident Labour Market Test (RLMT) abrogation – Now, the resident labour market test is not required. Companies would not be asked to advertise the job they need to fill within 28 days. It means less paperwork, a short procedure, and more assurance. The removal of the RLMT will lower down at least 4 weeks off the typical timescales when applying for a Certificate of Sponsorship. Besides, employers will have more assurance in recruiting and sponsoring an applicant that they have acknowledged without going through the resident labour market test procedure.
What are the Visa options you have in the UK?
The UK provides several types of working for those interested to make a move in their life. Foreign-based employees have to meet the eligibility and suitability criteria to enter the UK. Some of the most popular visas are –
1. Global Talent Visa
The Global Talent Visa is a type of visa that welcomes talented candidates to engage and participate in the UK’s growing economy. You can bring your dependents also through this visa. Each applicant is expected to verify to the endorsing body a successful career history as an innovator in their respective fields:
- as a recognised leader (exceptional talent)
- as a self-employed leader (exceptional promise)
Generally, it takes between 4 weeks to 8 weeks to apply for the UK’s Global Talent Visa. This process can be broadly categorised into two stages:
The first step of the process includes endorsement, which takes between 2 weeks to 4 weeks. This stage is all about the ‘Endorsement Application’ submitted to the relevant endorsing body.
The second step, if your endorsement application has been approved, is to apply for a visa online. The Home Office will investigate Immigration aspects and things for refusal in this stage and make their final decision, whether to provide you with a visa. This visa category leads to settlement.
2. Sole Representative Visa
Sole Representative Visa is a type of visa category which allows a business overseas to send a senior employee to the UK with the wish of setting up a UK branch of an already working company or a wholly-owned subsidiary of that business. A person can bring their family with them.
An eligible applicant must be employed from outside the UK by the company aiming to set up a branch or subsidiary in the UK. The applicant has to be skilled and experienced in their field and be a senior employee of the company who has real authority to make decisions on behalf of the company. This visa category leads to settlement.
3. Skilled Worker Route Visa
An applicant can apply for a Skilled Worker Visa if they have received a job offer from an appropriate sponsor licence holder, meeting the minimum salary requirements. The applicant will also need to meet the English requirement and have sufficient funds to maintain and accommodate himself in the UK. This visa category leads to settlement.