UK Business Visa

Tier 1 - Investor

The Tier 1 Investor visa is designed for those who intend to make a substantial investment in the UK.

Although this is also a requirement of the entrepreneur category, the investment sum for those in this category is much larger and no requirements to engage in business activities are in place.

For these reasons proficiency in the English language is deemed unnecessary as is the mandatory requirement that applicants must be able to financially support both themselves and their dependents.

By definition those investing sufficient funds to pass the requirements do not need to undergo a maintenance test.

Visit the Tier 1 Visa - Investor page for full details, or take the free assessment to start applying now.

Tier 2 - Work Permits

Tier 2 work permits are designed for medium and highly skilled workers immigrating to the UK and require applicants to have a confirmed offer of employment with a British company.

Applying for a tier 2 visa is an employer led process with the sponsoring company applying on behalf of the candidate. However, like all tiers of the new system, candidates will be assessed against a points test. All applicants will be required to meet this threshold in order to qualify.

Like Entrepreneur and Investor visas, the Tier 2 work permit offers the long-term possibility of permanent residency in the UK. Although the tier 2 permit is not in itself a permanent residency visa, candidates living and working in the UK for the minimum residency requirement of five years may be able to apply for indefinite leave to remain in the UK (ILR). Beyond this, a candidate may choose to undergo British Naturalisation as a UK citizen.

Tier 2 Intra Company Transfers

Tier 2 Intra-Company Transfers (ICT's) allow multi-national employers to transfer overseas employees to fill a specific position which they have been unable to fill from the local resident workforce.

Applying for an Intra-Company Transfer work permit allows non-citizens to work in a country in a specific role for a specific company for an agreed period.

For this type of work permit candidates need to have been employed by the overseas branch of the company for a period of six months or more prior to the application and must demonstrate that the candidate has the relevant knowledge and experience to fulfil the role.

Depending on the country you are applying for, 

applications

 must be made either by the sponsoring company or employee themselves.