Apply for Students, Marriage and Work Visa in UK
Moving to the UK for study, work, or with a partner promises a multifaceted experience. The country’s rich cultural diversity creates a dynamic atmosphere, offering a blend of traditions and languages. Whether you’re a student enjoying vibrant campus life or working professionally, the UK offers not just bustling cities but also picturesque countryside for weekend escapes. However, to enjoy all of these, it is important to get the right visa. In this article, we will show you how you can apply for student, marriage and work visas in the UK among other relevant information.
About UK Student Visa
The UK student visa, also known as the Tier 4 (General) student visa, is designed for international students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland. It allows individuals to pursue academic courses in the United Kingdom. To obtain this visa, applicants commonly need an offer of admission from a licensed educational institution in the UK. The visa’s duration is determined by the length of the course. It often permits part-time work during studies and full-time work during scheduled breaks. It’s an essential document for those seeking to pursue higher education in the UK and is subject to the country’s immigration regulations.
UK Student Visa Requirements
1. Passport
Ensure your passport which is essential for a UK visa application, is not expired and possesses at least one blank page for visa stamps. Renew your passport promptly if it’s close to expiry to avoid any travel complications.
2. Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies
The CAS number, or Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies, is a vital requirement for a UK student visa. It serves as proof that the UK institution supports your visa application, affirming your unconditional acceptance into the course. Without this reference number, your application for a UK student visa won’t be considered. Upon payment of any necessary fees confirming your enrollment, the university issues the CAS digitally. If pursuing multiple courses, a combined CAS number covers the entire study period. This number is valid for six months, requiring visa application within this timeframe. Remember, the CAS number is a one-time use and non-transferable, necessitating a new application and CAS for a fresh student visa request.
3. Academic certificates
When applying for a course, your academic qualifications listed in the CAS require supporting evidence in the form of transcripts or certificates, especially for undergraduate programs. Ensure all original awards/certifications include your full name, award title, date, and institution name. Original transcripts should clearly state your full name, institution name, course title, and confirmation of the award. This documentation is crucial when submitting your visa application.
4. Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)
For a student visa lasting over six months, obtaining a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) is necessary. During the visa application, your biometric info is collected, and details are added to the BRP, serving as proof of legal residence and study in the UK. The BRP includes your identity (fingerprints and photo), immigration status, and eligibility for public benefits and health services. You can collect the BRP within 10 days of arriving in the UK, generally from your university sponsor or a designated Post Office near your study location.
5. Tuberculosis Test
International students intending to study in the UK for over six months must undergo a tuberculosis test at a UK Home Office-approved clinic. Submitting the results, along with the issued certificate from the clinic, is a mandatory requirement for qualifying for a student visa. This ensures compliance with health conditions during the visa application process.
6. ATAS Certificate
For certain courses in the UK involving sensitive subjects or advanced technologies, international students may require an ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme) certificate. This security clearance, mandated by the UK government, is aimed at preventing the misuse of education in fields like science, engineering, and technology for potential security risks. If your chosen course falls under these specified subject areas, obtaining an ATAS certificate is a prerequisite before applying for a student visa to study in the UK.
7. English Language Proficiency
To secure a student visa, you might need to prove your English skills through a Secure English Language Test (SELT) by an approved provider. This means showing your ability to read, write, speak, and understand English at a specific level on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) scale. For degree-level studies, you should demonstrate proficiency at CEFR level B2, equivalent to an overall IELTS score of 5.5 or above. For studies below degree level, a proficiency level of CEFR B1 is required. Many international students prefer the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) as it’s widely accepted to meet these language requirements.
8. Proof of Funds
The financial requirements for a UK student visa depend on your course location. If outside London, you need £1,023 per month for up to 9 months or £2,046 per month for the Doctoral Extension Scheme. In London, it’s £1,334 per month for up to 9 months or £2,668 per month for the Doctoral Extension Scheme. Beyond this, there are course fees starting at £11,400 per year for undergraduates, varying by institution. However, if your sponsor provides written consent, these financial demands may be waived. Ultimately, you must prove you can financially support yourself during your stay.
9. Intention to Leave
Show strong ties to your home country or current residence, emphasizing your clear intention to leave the UK after your authorized stay. This can include evidence of stable employment, family connections, or property ownership in your home country, establishing a compelling reason to return.
About UK Work Visa
The UK Skilled Worker Visa is the most common type of UK work visa. It is a work visa allowing international workers with essential skills to work in the UK for licensed employers. It took over from the Tier 2 visa at the end of 2020. The UK Skilled Worker Visa, a long-term work permit, is initially issued for up to five years, aligned with your Certificate of Sponsorship duration. It’s essential to understand that the visa remains valid as long as you stay in your current role with the sponsoring employer. If you intend to switch roles or employers, you’ll need to apply for a new Skilled Worker visa.
UK Work Visa Requirements
1. Job Offer from a Licensed UK Employer
To successfully apply for a Skilled Worker visa, securing a valid job offer from a licensed UK employer is important. This offer must originate from an A-rated business on the list of licensed sponsors, align with eligible occupations, and meet specific salary criteria. Additionally, you need a valid Certificate of Sponsorship from your UK employer.
2. Employer Approval and License
Ensure your prospective employer is included in the Home Office’s list of licensed sponsors. Confirm that they hold a license for international hiring under the Skilled Worker Route, and importantly, they maintain an A-rated status. Note that B-rated employers cannot issue new Certificates of Sponsorship until they meet compliance requirements.
3. Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
To proceed with your Skilled Worker visa application, you must possess a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your UK employer. This digital document contains essential details about your sponsored role, including your job title, type, work dates, salary, sponsor licence number, and expiry date.
4. Eligible Occupation
Verify that the job for which you are being employed is listed among the eligible occupations for the Skilled Worker visa. Additionally, ensure you possess the necessary skills and/or experience required for the specific role.
5. Skill Level Requirement
Applicants for a Skilled Worker role and visa must demonstrate skills at least equivalent to RQF level 3, equivalent to an A-level qualification in the UK. This does not necessarily require a specific level of qualification but rather skills equivalent to or above RQF level 3.
6. Minimum Salary
Meeting the minimum salary requirement for a skilled worker visa is vital. The minimum salary is presently set at £26,200, although this figure may change in the future. However, exceptions exist based on factors like occupation shortage, age, education, or specific qualifications.
7. Financial Proof
As part of the application process, you must provide evidence of having at least £1,270 in your bank account. In certain cases, your employer may provide a letter confirming their commitment to cover this financial requirement.
8. English Language Proficiency
Skilled Worker visa applicants must demonstrate sufficient knowledge of the English language. This can be achieved through passing an approved English test, possessing academic qualifications taught in English, or meeting exemptions based on nationality.
Additional Required Documents
Apart from the aforementioned, various additional documents are needed, including your passport, job title and annual salary details, occupation code, employer’s name and sponsor licence number, proof of personal savings, relationship proof for spouse/partner and children, criminal record certificate (if applicable), TB test results (if required), and UK PhD certificate or Ecctis reference (if applicable).
Unskilled UK Job with Visa Sponsorship for Nigeria in 2024
1. Warehouse Operative
Being a Warehouse operative is actually the first unskilled job on our list, Warehouse operatives are well sorted out in the UK, Most companies are ready to provide you with Visa sponsorship once you are able to show that you can do the work perfectly.
Working as a warehouse operative is not that complicated, all you need to do is to pay attention to details of how your company operates.
As a warehouse operative, you’ll play a very good role in the running of a warehouse. Your duties will include receiving and dispatching goods, that’s not all, you’ll also be responsible for picking and packing orders, and most companies in the UK are concerned about a healthy working environment, so you’ll equally be tasked with maintaining a clean and safe working environment.
If you are bothered about experience then you actually don’t need to, this is because no experience is necessary, as training will be provided. Salary: For your salary, you should expect something very satisfactory, an average Warehouse operative in the UK earns about £18,000 – £22,000 per annum.
Like I said earlier, you are not short of companies that will offer you visa sponsorship, this is because Companies like Amazon, Tesco, and DHL offer visa sponsorship for this role.
2. Care Assistant
Another lucrative unskilled job you can get in the UK is that of a Care Assistant. There’s actually a high demand for caregivers who are willing to work with love and care for their money.
If you’re someone who’s compassionate and dedicated, then I think a care assistant role might be perfect for you. Being a caregiver means you’ll be given the responsibility of taking care of senior citizens within the UK.
Your job will be to provide support and care to vulnerable adults, you will be helping them with daily tasks and activities. You don’t need to bother about Experience as a caregiver because you will be trained on the job. Salary: As for salary, you’re expected to earn something good, in the UK, an average caregiver earns about £18,000 – £22,000 per annum, not bad for a start as it could even exceed. Companies like Care UK, Four Seasons Health Care, and Bupa offer visa sponsorship for this role.
3. Food Production Operative
We all know how important food is to our lives, we all need to eat in order to sustain ourselves, but before you even think about eating, food needs to be produced first right? yes of course. In the UK, Demand for food assistants by food processing companies is high, most companies are ready to offer you Visa sponsorship just to be a food production assistant.
In this role, you’ll work in a factory production facility, Your major job of course is to be preparing and packaging food products that are ready for distribution. You don’t even need to bother about Experience, this is because No experience is really necessary. Once you are brought to the UK, the company will give you all the required training to succeed.Salary: Salaries for food Production operatives are quite competitive, you can make from £18,000 – £27,000 per annum. As for companies that will provide you with Visa sponsorship, you have a lot to choose from, Companies like Nestle, Unilever, and Kraft Heinz offer visa sponsorship for this role.
4. Cleaning Operative
As they say, cleanliness is next to godliness, if you are someone who’s enthusiastic about clean environment and lifestyle, then this job opportunity is definitely for you. Most companies and offices within the UK are actively looking for cleaning operatives to help keep their environment clean and hygienic. Once you’re recruited as a cleaning operative, you’ll be tasked with cleaning and maintaining public areas, as well as offices, and other facilities, you should always ensure they’re kept to a high standard.
You’re not expected to have any experience for these jobs, when hired by the company or office, you’ll be trained on how to do your work perfectly. Salary: Their salary is okay for an unskilled job, you will be paid around £16,000 – £25,000 per annum. Companies like ISS, Mitie, and Compass Group offer visa sponsorship for this role.
5. Farm Worker
For every nation to sustain feeding, Farming can never be neglected. The UK pays serious attention to Farming because it’s such an important aspect of the national economy and food growth. Because of this, demand for farm workers from different parts of the world are high, if you are someone who loves and enjoy farming, then be ready to make some money as a farmer in the UK.
As a farm worker, you’ll assist with crop and animal production, you will also be tasked with maintenance, and other farm-related tasks. You don’t need to bother if you have experience or not, the hiring Companies will make sure to Provide you with the best available training. Salary: The Salary for Farm workers in the UK is Very okay, for a start, you can earn around £17,000 – £29,000 per annum.
You aren’t short of companies that are willing to bring you with Visa sponsorship, Companies like Farmcare Trading, RSK Group, and AB Agri are ready to give visa sponsorship for this role.
6. Hospitality Staff
With so many landmark event centers as well as hotels and bars and restaurants, hospitality staff are always in high demand in the UK. If you are someone who enjoys giving good customer service and who is ready to serve people very well, then you might have to consider coming to the UK.
As a hospitality staff, the pay is quite attractive and the working conditions are international standard. In this role, you’ll work in hotels, restaurants, or bars, you will be tasked with providing excellent customer service and ensuring a smooth operation.
There’s absolutely no experience that is necessary for this role, this is because training will be provided by the hospitality company that hires you. Salary: salaries for hospitality staff aren’t bad, you’ll be going home with around £15,000 – £27,000 per annum.
There are a lot of companies that are on the lookout for foreign workers in the hospitality sector. Companies like Marriott Hotels, Hilton Worldwide, and Compass Group are ready to offer visa sponsorship for this role.
7. Landscaping/Grounds Maintenance Operative
In the UK people pay attention to beautification and the Aesthetics of their environment. If you are employed as a landscaping/grounds maintenance operative, your major responsibility will be to maintain and improve outdoor spaces, including the gardens, parks, and public areas.
You don’t really need to be bothered about experience when applying for landscaping and ground maintenance operatives positions; the company will train you through everything you need to know about the job. Salary: salaries are quite competitive and attractive; you are expected to earn within the ranges of£20,000 – £26,000 per annum.
There are a host of companies that are willing to pay for your visa sponsorship in order to get you recruited.Companies like Serco, Mitie, and Idverde give visa sponsorship for this position.
8. Manufacturing Operative
A lot of companies and factories in the United Kingdom are always looking for reliable and trusted foreign workers who are ready to work hard and earn their money. If you are someone who loves productions, then you might be interested in the position of a manufacturing operative in the United Kingdom.
In this job, you’ll work in a manufacturing facility, your major duty will be to assist with production, you will also help with assembly, and quality control. You don’t need to have any prior experience before you get this job, you will be trained on how to effectively discharge your duties. Salary: you should expect to earn around £25,000- £38,000 yearly.
There is a lot of companies that are ready to get you on the job with Visa sponsorship, Companies like Jaguar Land Rover, Siemens, and 3M can provide visa sponsorship for this opportunity.
9. Delivery Driver
Due to High number of companies and production factories in the UK, demand for delivery drivers is high. As a delivery driver, you’ll have the responsibility of transporting packages and goods from one location to another. you will need to make sure that your delivery is timely.
You won’t be needing any experience before getting hired, the company will give you the basic training that you need to have. Salary: Their salary is not bad, you can earn around£22,000 – £28,000 per annum.
A whole lot of companies are ready to get you on board. Companies like Amazon, DHL, and UPS can give you visa sponsorship to work for them.
10.Laundry Operative
We all know the importance of laundry in our day-to-day activities. Most hospitals, hotels and bars as well as offices in the UK are always on the lookout for laundry operatives.
As a laundry operative, you’ll sort, wash, dry, and fold laundry for these hospitals, hotels, and other organizations. you don’t need to have experience in order to succeed here the company will provide you with equipment and training on how to go about your job. Salary: salaries are good enough for your position as a laundry operative you should expect to earn around£16,000 – £25,000 per annum. Companies like Elis, Berendsen, and Sunlight Laundry can give you visa sponsorship for this opportunity.
11. Warehouse Cleaner
Warehouses in the UK need foreigners who can help keep their environment and offices clean. As a warehouse cleaner, you’ll have to maintain the cleanliness and organization of the warehouse you’re employed in, your duty is to make sure that it’s a safe working environment.
When hired, the company will train you on how to do your job very well. Salary: the salary is okay for the job, you will have to earn around £28,000 – £32,000 per annum. Companies like Amazon, Tesco, and DHL are ready to get you on board by giving you Visa sponsorship.
12. General Labourer
If you are fit and strong enough to work as a general laborer, then opportunities abound for you as a general laborer, you’ll assist with manual labor tasks, such as lifting, carrying, and moving materials, on construction sites or in warehouses.
You will be trained very well on how to do your job perfectly. Salary: expect to earn about £15,000 – £29,000 per annum. Companies like Balfour Beatty, Skanska always give visa sponsorship to general laborers.
13. Recycling Operative
With lots of recyclable materials in the UK, there’s demand for Recycling operatives. As a recycling operative, you’ll sort and process recyclable materials, You don’t need any experience as you will be trained. Salary: you will make about £20,000 – £33,000 per annum. Companies like Veolia, SUEZ, and Viridor offer visa sponsorship for this job.
14. Street Cleaner
In this position, all you’ll have to do is to maintain the cleanliness of public areas, including streets, sidewalks, and parks, you will make sure that it’s a safe and welcoming environment for the community. You don’t need to have experience for this job. Salary: you will receive about £14,000 £24,000 per annum. Companies like Serco, Mitie, and Idverde are ready to support you with a visa.
About UK Spouse Visa
The spouse visa, also known as the partner and spouse visa, allows a qualified foreign national to reside with their partner in the UK, provided the partner is a British citizen or a settled person (e.g., someone with Indefinite Leave to Remain or EU Settled Status).
UK Spouse Visa Requirements
1. Genuine Relationship
Ensure your relationship is genuine and subsisting to avoid suspicions of a “sham” marriage or relationship. Seek legal advice if unsure.
2. Financial Requirement
Applicants and UK-based partners must meet a minimum gross annual income of £18,600, increasing to £29,000, £34,500, and eventually £38,700. Additional funds are required for dependent children. Sources of income considered include employment, self-employment, pensions, and specified allowances or benefits. Exemptions are available for specific allowances.
3. English Language Proficiency
Confirm sufficient English language knowledge through an approved test or academic qualifications. Exemptions apply based on age, physical or mental conditions, or nationality.
4. Accommodation Requirements
Show suitable accommodation in the UK owned or occupied exclusively by the applicant and family, meeting living space and public health standards.
Other Required Documents Checklist
Submission of various documents, including completed application form, valid passport, evidence of the genuine relationship, proof of English language proficiency, financial documents, details of previous immigration applications, criminal convictions, national insurance number, proof of accommodation, biometric information, and tuberculosis test results if required.
Easy Way On How To Apply for Student, Marriage and Work Visa in the UK
1. Research
You need to explore the suitable visa for your journey, whether it is a student, spouse or work visa. For detailed guidance on visa types and required documents, please visit the official UK Visas and Immigration (GOV.UK) website. As highlighted earlier, different visa categories have specific document requirements, so carefully identify your visa type. If your documents are not in English, consider obtaining translations before proceeding.
2. Apply
Once you have decided on a suitable visa for you, you can start your visa application. Proceed to the UK Visas and Immigration (GOV.UK) website to start your visa application process. Ensure you provide every information required correctly and submit your documents.
3. Pay Your Fees
The UK student visa costs £490, the spouse visa costs £1,846 (if you are applying outside the UK) and the work visa costs £719 to £1,500 depending on your circumstances. As part of your application on GOV.UK, be prepared to cover your visa fees and, if applicable, the healthcare surcharge. Upon payment, you’ll receive a reference number beginning with GWF; keep a record of this for potential adjustments to your application or appointment.
4. Schedule Appointment
Pick a Visa Application Centre and book your biometric appointment on the VFS Global website after completing your payment on GOV.UK.
5. Attend Appointment
Be present at your appointment; attendance is mandatory, and you cannot delegate this task to someone else. Ensure you come to the centre early at your designated time to avoid any problems.
7. Track Application
You have to stay updated on your application progress. You would receive email notifications or you can opt for SMS updates at applicable Visa Application Centres for a fee.
To Apply for Migrate, Student, Work and Marriage Visa click on following links below.
You have several options to choose, wishes you best of luck.
Conclusion
The Study Visa (Tier 4) is for those looking to study in the UK, requiring a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from the educational institution. The Marriage Visa (Spouse Visa) is for joining a British or settled partner, necessitating proof of a genuine relationship. The Work Visa (Skilled Worker) allows working for a licensed UK employer, demanding a valid job offer and meeting salary requirements. Each serves a specific purpose, ensuring individuals enter the UK for legitimate reasons.
