26 Apr How do different UK visa categories compare?
Applying for visas can be a minefield for anyone not completely up to date with the current legislation. The simple UK visa comparison table below gives you a better understanding of the requirements and differences.
| Tier 2 (General) visa | Sole representative visa | |
|---|---|---|
| Key requirements | 1. Job offer in the UK 2. Valid certificate of sponsorship (CoS) 3. Appropriate salary level | 1. Employed outside the UK 2. Hold a senior position 3. No branch or subsidiary already trading in the UK |
| Funds | N/A | There is no funds requirement for a sole representative applicant, but the parent company has to have the ability and funds to operate a registered branch in the UK. |
| Maintenance | £945 or you have a fully approved (‘A-rated’) sponsor to confirm that the company will cover the maintenance for the first month of the certificate of sponsorship | Provide evidence that you can maintain and accommodate yourself and any dependants adequately without recourse to public funds |
| English language | B1 | A1 in speaking and listening |
| TB test | Provide a TB test result if you are from a listed countries | Provide a TB test result if you are from a listed countries |
| Criminal record | Yes, if you will be working with vulnerable people. | N/A |
| Initial leave to enter/remain | It can be granted for up to 5 years | 3 years |
| Extension | A Tier 2 migrant can stay in the UK for a maximum of 6 years | 2 years |
| ILR? | Yes | Yes |
| Innovator visa | Start-up visa | Tier 1 (Investor) visa | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Key requirements | 1. Endorsement letter 2. Innovative, viable and scalable business idea 3. Business acumen | 1. Endorsement letter 2. Innovative, viable and scalable business idea 3. Must be a recent graduate | £2 million cash funds |
| Funds | £50,000 | N/A | £2 million |
| Maintenance | £945 of available funds for applicant, plus £630 funds for each dependant | £945 | N/A |
| English language | B2 | B2 | N/A |
| TB test | For entry clearance, you need to provide a TB test result if you are from a listed countries | For entry clearance, you need to provide a TB test result if you are from a listed countries | Provide a TB test result if you are from a listed countries |
| Criminal record | N/A | N/A | Yes, covering the last 10 years |
| Initial leave to enter/remain | 3 years | 2 years | 3 years and 4 months |
| Extension | 3 years | No | 3 years |
| ILR? | Yes | No | Yes |
Contact Our Immigration Team
For expert advice regarding any aspect of the UK visa application, please contact our immigration team on 0203 384 3075 or email [email protected]
The content of this article is for general use and information only. Since each case should be prepared on its own merit and in light of the constant amendments to the Immigration Rules, it is important to note that the information provided must not be relied upon unless Migra & Co has either given written consent or has been officially engaged in relation to a specific immigration matter. As a result, Migra & Co will take no responsibility for any damage, cost or loss resulting from relying on the information contained in this article, blog and website.
