VISA CATEGORIES
STUDY / TRAINING VISA
Student visa is a type of visa that allows individuals to study in a foreign country for a specific duration. It is typically granted to individuals who have been accepted into an educational institution in the host country and intend to pursue full-time studies.
Purpose
The primary purpose of a student visa is to enable individuals to pursue academic studies in a foreign country. Eligibility
The duration of a student's visa is usually linked to the duration of the course of study. In some cases.
Restrictions
Student visas often come with restrictions on employment, with many countries allowing only limited work hours during term time and more flexibility during vacation periods.
Application process
The Application process typically involves submitting an application form, proof of acceptance into an educational institution, evidence of financial support, a valid passport, and sometimes medical and police clearance certificates.
Renewal
Depending on the country and the duration of the course, student visas may need to be renewed periodically. This usually involves providing updated documentation and proof of continuing enrollment.
Post-study options
Some countries offer post-study work visas or pathways to permanent residency for international students who meet certain criteria. These options can vary significantly depending on the country's immigration policies.
Overall, a student visa provides the opportunity for individuals to pursue educational opportunities abroad, enriching their academic and personal experiences while contributing to cross-cultural exchange and understanding.
TEMPORARY / VISITOR VISA
A temporary visa, also known as a visitor visa or tourist visa, allows individuals to enter and stay in a foreign country for a temporary period for purposes such as tourism, visiting family or friends, attending business meetings, or participating in short-term educational or cultural activities.
Purpose
The primary purpose of a temporary visa is to permit individuals to visit a foreign country for a temporary period for specific purposes such as tourism, visiting family or friends, attending business meetings, or participating in short-term educational or cultural activities. Eligibility
Eligibility criteria for a temporary visa vary depending on the country and its immigration policies. Generally, applicants must demonstrate ties to their home country, such as employment, property ownership, or family relationships, to ensure they have reasons to return home after their temporary stay. They may also need to show proof of sufficient funds to cover their stay and return journey.
Restrictions
Temporary visas often come with restrictions on activities such as employment, study, or engaging in business activities. Visitors are usually not allowed to work or engage in any activities that generate income unless specifically authorized by the visa.
Application process
The application process for a temporary visa usually involves submitting an application form, providing supporting documents such as proof of sufficient funds, travel itinerary, accommodation arrangements, and a valid passport, and sometimes attending an interview at the consulate or embassy.
Renewal
In some cases, temporary visas can be renewed or extended if the visitor's circumstances warrant it, such as a change in travel plans or unexpected delays.
Exit Requirements
Temporary Visa holders are typically required to leave the country before the visa expires. Failure to do so can result in overstaying, which may lead to penalties or future immigration issues.
Overall, a temporary visa provides individuals with the opportunity to visit a foreign country for a temporary period for a various purposes, enriching their experiences and fostering cultural exchange and understanding.
BUSINESS VISA
A business visa is a type of visa that permits individuals to travel to a foreign country for business-related purposes. It is typically granted to entrepreneurs, businesspeople, and professionals who need to engage in activities such as attending meetings, conferences, negotiations, or exploring business opportunities.
Purpose
The primary purpose of a business visa is to facilitate travel for individuals engaging in business-related activities in a foreign country. These activities may include attending meetings, conferences, trade shows, negotiations, or exploring potential business opportunities. Eligibility
Eligibility criteria for a business visa vary depending on the country and its immigration policies. Generally, applicants must demonstrate that their purpose of travel is strictly for business-related activities and that they have ties to their home country.
Duration
The duration of a business visa varies depending on the country and the specific purpose of the visit. It can range from a few days to several months, typically allowing for multiple entries during the validity period.
Activities Permitted
Business visa holders are usually permitted to engage in a range of business-related activities, including attending meetings, conferences, seminars, trade shows, and negotiations.
Application process
The application process for a business visa typically involves submitting an application form, providing supporting documents such as an invitation letter from a business partner or host organization, proof of business activities, travel itinerary, accommodation arrangements, and a valid passport.
Restrictions
Business visas often come with restrictions on activities such as employment or long-term business operations within the host country. Visa holders are usually not allowed to work for a local employer or engage in activities that generate income within the host country without proper authorization.
Renewal
Business visas can usually be renewed or extended if the traveler's business activities require a longer stay or if there are unexpected delays or changes in travel plans.
Exit Requirements
Business visa holders are typically required to leave the host country before the visa expires. Failure to do so can result in overstaying, which may lead to penalties or future immigration issues.
Overall, a business visa facilitates international business travel, enabling individuals to pursue business opportunities, foster business relationships, and contribute to economic cooperation and development across borders
THE HEALTH AND CARE WORKER VISA
The Health and Care Worker visa provides a pathway for medical professionals to enter or remain in the UK for eligible roles within the NHS, an NHS supplier, or adult social care.
Eligibility
To be eligible for a Health and Care Worker visa, the following conditions must be met:
- Possession of qualifications as a doctor, nurse, health professional, or adult social care professional
- Engagement in an eligible health or social care role
- Employment with a UK employer sanctioned by the Home Office
- Possession of a 'certificate of sponsorship' from the employer, delineating the offered role in the UK
- Receipt of a minimum salary, contingent upon the nature of the work undertaken
You must have a confirmed job offer before you apply for your visa.
Applications that require an English language test
There are two distinct assessments, each tailored to the varying language proficiency requirements of different immigration pathways. The specific test you are required to undertake is contingent upon the nature of your application.
The following immigration routes necessitate the completion of a comprehensive test evaluating proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, and listening:
- Health and Care Workers
- High Potential Individuals
- Innovator Founders
- Ministers of Religion
- Scale-up Workers
- Skilled Workers
- Start-up
- Student
SKILLED WORKER VISA
The Skilled Worker visa enables individuals to enter or remain in the UK for the purpose of undertaking an eligible role with an authorized employer.
Eligibility Criteria
- Employment with a UK-based employer approved by the Home Office.
- Possession of a 'certificate of sponsorship' (CoS) from the employer, containing details of the offered position in the UK.
- Engagement in a job listed under the eligible occupations.
- Receipt of a minimum salary, the specific amount of which depends on the nature of the work and the date of receiving the CoS.
You must have a confirmed job offer before you apply for your visa. You need to have proficiency in the English language, including speaking, reading, writing, and understanding.
How long you can stay
Your visa can remain valid for up to 5 years before you need to renew it. You will need to apply to renew or update your visa when it expires or if you change jobs or employers.
If you wish to stay in the UK for a longer period, You can apply to renew your visa as many times as you like as long as you still meet the eligibility requirements.
After 5 years, you may be eligible to apply to settle permanently in the UK (also known as ‘indefinite leave to remain’). This will give you the right to live, work, and study here for as long as you like, and apply for benefits if you’re eligible.
How to apply
You must apply online.
If you are outside the UK and planning to come to the UK, or if you are inside the UK and want to extend your current visa or switch from a different visa, how you apply depends on your situation. If you wish to change your job or employer, you must apply to update your visa. Additionally, if eligible, your partner and children can apply to join you or stay in the UK as your dependents.
How long it takes
You are eligible to apply for a visa up to 3 months before your scheduled start date for work in the UK, as indicated on your certificate of sponsorship. As part of the application process, it is necessary to provide documented proof of your identity. Depending on the circumstances, you may need to allocate additional time for appointment scheduling. Further guidance on this requirement will be provided at the onset of your application process.
Getting a decision
Once you have applied online, verified your identity, and submitted your documents, you will typically receive a decision on your visa within the following timeframes:
- 3 weeks if you are outside the UK
- 8 weeks if you are inside the UK
You may have the option to expedite the decision process by paying an additional fee. The process for doing this varies depending on whether you are outside or inside the UK.
How much does it cost? Each applicant, including your partner or children, will need to pay the application fee, the healthcare surcharge for each year of your stay, and prove that you have enough personal savings.
GRADUATE VISA
A graduate visa, often referred to as a post-study work visa or a graduate work visa, is a type of visa that allows recent graduates to remain in a country after completing their studies to gain work experience. These visas are typically offered by countries with competitive education systems to attract and retain talented international students.
Eligibility
To be eligible for a graduate visa, you usually need to have completed a degree or higher qualification from a recognized institution in the country where you studied. Some countries may have specific eligibility criteria regarding the type and duration of the course you completed.
Duration
The duration of a graduate visa varies depending on the country. It can range from several months to several years. Typically, the duration is linked to the level of qualification obtained. For example, a master's degree graduate might be eligible for a longer visa duration compared to a bachelor's degree graduate.
Work Rights
Graduate visas generally come with full or restricted work rights, allowing graduates to work either full-time or part-time. Some countries may require graduates to find employment relevant to their field of study to maintain their visa status.
Pathway to Permanent Residency
In many cases, graduate visas serve as pathways to permanent residency. Countries may offer graduates the opportunity to transition from a graduate visa to a skilled worker visa or other permanent residency pathways if they meet certain criteria, such as securing employment or meeting language proficiency requirements.
Application process
The application process for a graduate visa typically involves providing proof of graduation, financial stability, health insurance, and other relevant documentation. There may also be additional requirements such as health checks or language proficiency tests.
Benefits
Graduate visas offer several benefits to international students, including the opportunity to gain work experience in their field of study, explore career opportunities, and potentially settle in the country long-term
It’s important to note that the specific details and requirements of graduate visas vary from country to country, so it's essential to research the specific visa options available in the country where you studied or wish to work. Additionally, visa policies and regulations may change over time, so it's advisable to consult official government sources or seek advice from immigration experts for the most up-to-date information.
PARTNER VISA
To apply as a partner, both you and your partner need to be eighteen (18) or over and must intend to live together permanently in the country after you apply. Your partner must be a citizen of the country, have settled status or protection status, or have permission to stay as a full-time student.
Key requirements
You must be able to provide evidence for one of the following:
- You’re in a civil partnership or marriage that’s recognized in the specific country
- You’ve been living together in a relationship for at least 2 years when you apply if you do not have a marriage certificate
- You are a fiancé, fiancée, or proposed civil partner and will marry or enter into a civil partnership in the specific country within 6 months of arriving
- You’ve been in a relationship for at least 2 years when you apply, but you cannot live together, for example, because you’re working or studying in different places or it’s not accepted in your culture
In addition, you need to prove that you have a good knowledge of English and meet the financial requirements.
If you cannot provide this proof, you may still be able to apply for a visa or extend your permission to stay if it would breach your human rights to stop you from coming to the country or make you leave.
If you’re applying as a fiancé, fiancée, or proposed civil partner, you must prove that any previous marriages or civil partnerships have ended and that you plan to marry or become civil partners within 6 months of arriving in the country. You will not be able to work or study during your engagement. After your marriage or civil partnership, you’ll need to apply for permission to extend your stay in the specific country. If your application is approved, you’ll have the right to work or study in the said country.
ASYLUM VISA
