Common questions about relocating

Visa nationals must always obtain entry clearance (a visa) before traveling to the UK, while non-visa nationals can visit for up to 6 months without a visa.

ETA is a pre-travel authorization required for non-visa nationals, including Europeans from April 2, 2025, to travel to the UK without a full visa.

The CTA allows Irish citizens and UK residents to move freely between the UK, Ireland, and Crown Dependencies without visas or permits.

You cannot directly apply for a CoS. It must be assigned to you by a UK employer who holds a valid sponsor license. The employer will need to demonstrate that the job meets the skill level and salary requirements set by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).

A CoS includes details about the employer (sponsor), the job being offered, the applicant's personal information, salary, job duties, and other relevant information needed for the visa application.

If the CoS expires before applying for a visa, you'll need a new CoS assigned to you by your sponsoring employer. CoS have a validity period, so it's essential to apply for the visa promptly after receiving it.

The UK offers various routes for family members to join those already in the UK, including spouse/partner visas, child visas, parent visas, and dependent visas attached to work or study routes. Eligibility criteria typically include relationship requirements and financial thresholds.

To sponsor a spouse or partner for a UK visa, the UK-based partner typically needs to meet a minimum income threshold or have sufficient savings. The couple must prove their relationship is genuine and subsisting. The foreign partner generally needs to meet an English language requirement and pass a tuberculosis test if from certain countries.

ILR grants permanent residence in the UK, allowing you to live, work, and study without immigration restrictions. Unlike a visa, ILR does not expire, and you are not tied to a specific employer or activity.

Requirements typically include residing legally in the UK for a qualifying period (usually 5 years), meeting English language proficiency requirements, passing the Life in the UK test, demonstrating good character, and complying with immigration laws. Specific requirements vary based on your visa category.

Gaps in employment may affect your eligibility for ILR, especially if you're applying under a work-related visa. UKVI will assess whether you've maintained continuous residence and complied with your visa conditions during any periods of unemployment.

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) allows foreign nationals to live, work, and study in the UK without any time restrictions. To qualify, individuals typically need to have lived in the UK legally for a specified period (usually 5 years), pass necessary tests, maintain continuous residence, and not breach immigration rules or criminal laws.

Most routes require 5 years of continuous residence; some allow accelerated settlement after 2-3 years depending on criteria like investment levels or job type. Short-term visas do not count toward this period.

A sponsor licence allows employers to hire foreign workers legally under specific visa routes. It’s mandatory for issuing Certificates of Sponsorship and sponsoring employees for work visas.

Employers must apply online through UKVI, pay applicable fees (£536 for small entities/charities; £1,476 for large sponsors), submit supporting documents, and undergo compliance checks by UKVI.

Employers must operate lawfully in the UK, have HR systems to manage sponsored employees, offer genuine jobs meeting visa requirements, and have no unspent criminal convictions for immigration offences or fraud.

Visa or permit renewal typically involves submitting a new application before your current visa expires. You must meet the eligibility criteria for the specific visa category you are applying under, including demonstrating continued compliance with the visa conditions.

If you change jobs, you'll generally need a new visa sponsored by your new employer. Your new employer must hold a sponsor license and assign you a new CoS. You'll need to apply for a new visa based on the new job and sponsor.

Employers should ensure employees meet renewal requirements (e.g., continued job eligibility) and provide updated Certificates of Sponsorship if needed. Renewals must be submitted before current visas expire to avoid legal issues.

Employers must obtain a sponsor license by proving their legitimacy and compliance capabilities. They issue Certificates of Sponsorship for worker applications.

The Tier 2 visa was replaced by the Skilled Worker visa in 2020. The Skilled Worker visa is the current route for skilled workers sponsored by UK employers. Tier 2 visas are no longer issued to new applicants.

To switch from a Tier 4 (Student) visa to a Skilled Worker visa, you need to find a job offer from a licensed sponsor that meets the skill level and salary requirements. You can only switch if you've completed your course, and meet specific requirements. The Student visa has limited switch options until studies are complete.