Unlock Exciting Opportunities: Discover Your Path to the UK with the Latest Visa Categories!
The UK has introduced a new visa category for immigrants, opening up various avenues for skilled workers from around the world. In addition to the traditional work visas, there are now several other visa options that could be beneficial for entrepreneurs, innovators, investors, and startups, according to Yash Dubal, an immigration expert and director of A Y & J Solicitors.
One of the newly introduced visas is the UK Innovator Founder Visa, which replaced the previous Innovator and Start-up visas. This visa has numerous advantages, such as no minimum investment requirement, reduced check-ins with endorsing bodies, permission for secondary employment, and a direct pathway to UK settlement. To be eligible, applicants must have an innovative, viable, and scalable business idea and must have either generated or significantly contributed to it. The initial permission granted under this visa is for three years, after which applicants can apply for indefinite leave to remain. Dependents of the innovative founder are also allowed to join them in the UK.
The Permitted Paid Engagement (PPE) Visit visa is designed for professionals and experts who need to visit the UK for temporary engagements within their field. It is commonly used by individuals in specific professions such as artists, entertainers, musicians, sportspersons, examiners, lecturers, and lawyers. This visa grants access for up to a month and is available to individuals aged 18 and above. To qualify, applicants must have a pre-arranged permitted paid engagement supported by a formal invitation from a UK-based organization or client in their area of expertise. They should also have sufficient funds to cover their visit expenses without relying on employment or public funds.
The UK Expansion Worker visa is part of the Global Business Mobility (GBM) visa program, replacing the previous Sole Representative Visa. It allows employees of established overseas businesses to come to the UK and establish their first branch or subsidiary. Applicants should be at least 18 years old and employed by the overseas business, which will fully own the subsidiary being established. Generally, applicants should have worked for the business for a minimum period, except for certain exceptions. The visa is granted for 12 months after the start date of the job on the sponsorship certificate or 14 days after the end date of that job, whichever is shorter. The maximum stay on this visa is 2 years.
The Global Talent visa is specifically designed for individuals considered leaders or potential leaders in academia, research, culture, and digital technology. It caters to both established and early-career professionals in fields such as science, engineering, technology, medicine, art, and humanities, and it no longer requires a job offer. Applicants must meet specific eligibility requirements and be endorsed by one of six UK-based bodies, unless they hold an international prize like a Nobel prize. Global Talent visa holders can work for an employer, be self-employed, or become a director of a company within their endorsed field. They can also study, subject to conditions, and their qualifying dependents can accompany them to the UK.
