Thursday, August 10, 2006
Visa Options for: United Kingdom (UK)
Glorious Britain!
So you've decided that you want to leave the madness that is SA and move to the UK instead. So what options do you have? There are three main visas you can choose from:
Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP)
Ancestral
Two year working holiday
I will be discussing my experience with obtaining the HSMP visa. Before I do though, please be aware that the two year working holiday visa is a ONCE off visa. Once you have had one of these visas you cannot apply for an extension or another one. It also means that it doesn't lead to anything more "permanent" in the UK like permanent residency. For PR (or indefinite leave to remain (ILR) as the Home Office calls it) you will need an Ancestral or HSMP visa. Also, you can only work for one year full time and the other year must be spent trevelling.
Visa: Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP)
Visa description: Work visa
Time taken to obatin visa: Once I had all the relevant paperwork, it took one week to assess my skills by the Home Office and one week for the embassy in Pretoria to issue the visa in my passport. So two weeks in total if you are organised and have all your employee letters ready.
Duration of visa: Initially for 2 years and then another 3 years once an extension is granted (see below)
Renewable: Yes, after the 2 years you have to prove to the Home Office that you have been earning/working and then they will grant a 3 year extension.
Cost of visa: £315 for JUST the cost of the visa application to the Home Office. Making use of an agent will cost you another £700-900 depending on who you use. I made use of Work Permit (Workpermit) and had really good service from them.
Restrictions: Almost none. You can start up your own business if you want to or take up employment. About the only restriction I am aware of is that you cannot have access to any government funds (like the dole!).
Reasons for getting the visa: Unrestricted employment in the UK and the ability to start up your own business. This visa can lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) aka Permanent Residency and ultimately a British passport. Having a British passport opens MANY doors up as you can work in the EU.
Comments:
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Save yourself some money for HSMP - use Value Visas (www.valuevisas.com). Better & cheaper than the rest!
# posted by 
: 12:16 pm
: 12:16 pm
As a South African accountant qualified in the UK, you do not need to have any visas to start a business in this country. However, it doesn't help a business if it's owner is not in the UK.
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# posted by : 12:09 am
: 12:09 am << Home
