Make an Enquiry Now
Working in the UK
Investing in the UK
Spouses & Partners
EU Immigration
Nationality & Citizenship
Other Visas
Visa Refusals
Working in the UK
Applying for a Sponsorship Licence and Tier 2 (Work Permits) can be a minefield for anyone not completely up to date with the current legislation. Since there are several types of Tier 2 visas, we can help by placing your recruitment needs at the forefront of the process. We also routinely advise overseas companies in opening a UK branch by ensuring that the relocation of their staff to the UK is as smooth as possible.
How do different UK visa compare?
| 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 contact us here.
