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Non-Sponsored Work Visas

You don’t necessarily need a job offer to secure permission to work in the UK. We can quickly assess your eligibility for the various options and support you through the application process.

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Global Talent

An exciting visa route is available to individuals working in Tech, the Arts and Academia. Applicants are endorsed for Exceptional Talent or Exceptional Promise by a UK industry body relevant to their field of work.

Successful applicants for endorsement then apply to the Home Office for immigration permission (a visa).

Global Talent applicants are not required to demonstrate English language ability or that they have sufficient funds to maintain and accommodate themselves.

The Global Talent visa applicant has very few restrictions on the work that they can undertake in the UK. However, in order to extend their visa or settle in the UK, they will have to demonstrate that they have earned money in their field in the UK. Applicants do have to demonstrate English language ability and pass a test on ‘Life in the UK’ to be eligible for settlement.

High Potential Individual (HPI)

The HPI visa allows graduates to work in the UK unsponsored. They must have a degree from a non-UK university listed on a Global Universities List, awarded within the 5 years prior to the date of application.

Bachelor’s and Master’s graduates are eligible for a 2-year visa. PhDs are eligible for a 3-year visa.

Applicants must demonstrate English language ability and the ability to maintain themselves in the UK financially.

High Potential Individuals are not eligible for settlement in the UK.

Ancestry

Commonwealth and British overseas citizens who are able to prove that one of their grandparents, was born in the UK may be eligible for a 5-year Ancestry visa permitting work in the UK and leading to settlement.

Applicants must be working in the UK or intend to look for work in the UK and realistically be able to do so, taking into account their age and health.

Applicants must be able to maintain and accommodate themselves and any dependants without recourse to public funds.

Youth Mobility Scheme

The Youth Mobility Scheme allows people 30 years old or younger from certain countries with which the UK has reciprocal arrangements to come to the UK and work without sponsorship or a job offer.

A Youth Mobility Scheme visa is valid for 2 years.

New Zealand nationals benefit from special allowances for age and visa duration under the Youth Mobility Scheme.

If you are interested in applying for any of the above routes, contact us for more detailed information.

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