Getting UK Marriage and Job Visa Sponsorship: Relocate to UK

ByJacob

The United Kingdom offers multiple visa options for individuals seeking to join their spouse or secure job sponsorship. The UK Marriage Visa (Spouse Visa) allows foreign nationals to live with their British or settled partner, while the Skilled Worker Visa enables job seekers to work legally in the country.

Understanding the eligibility criteria, application process, and required documentation is essential for a successful visa application. Navigating the UK’s immigration system can be complex, but with proper guidance, applicants can improve their chances of securing sponsorship.

This guide provides a detailed overview of obtaining both marriage and job visa sponsorship in the UK, highlighting key requirements, costs, and challenges.

UK Marriage Visa (Spouse Visa)- Relocate to UK

1. What is the UK Marriage Visa?

The UK Marriage Visa, officially known as the Spouse Visa, allows a foreign national to live in the UK with their British or settled partner. This visa is granted for an initial period of 2.5 years and can be extended.

2. Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for a UK Spouse Visa, applicants must meet the following requirements:

  • Be legally married or in a civil partnership with a UK citizen or a person with settled status.
  • Prove a genuine and subsisting relationship.
  • Meet the financial requirement of at least £18,600 per year (higher if children are included).
  • Demonstrate English language proficiency (A1 level or higher in CEFR scale).
  • Provide adequate accommodation for the couple.

3. Required Documents

Applicants must submit:

  • Valid passport.
  • Marriage or civil partnership certificate.
  • Proof of financial income (e.g., payslips, tax returns, employment letter).
  • English language test certificate.
  • Proof of accommodation (e.g., tenancy agreement, property deed).
  • Relationship evidence (e.g., photos, messages, call records).

4. Application Process

  1. Online Application: Complete the online visa form on the UK government website.
  2. Pay Fees: The application fee is £1,538 (outside UK) or £1,048 (inside UK).
  3. Healthcare Surcharge: Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) of £624 per year.
  4. Biometric Appointment: Provide fingerprints and photographs at a visa center.
  5. Decision Time: Processing takes 2-6 months depending on circumstances.

5. Challenges and Common Reasons for Rejection

  • Inability to meet the financial requirement.
  • Lack of sufficient relationship evidence.
  • Incorrect or incomplete documentation.
  • Failing the English language test.

UK Job Visa Sponsorship (Skilled Worker Visa)- Relocate to UK

1. What is the UK Skilled Worker Visa?

The Skilled Worker Visa allows foreign nationals to work for a UK employer that is a licensed sponsor. It replaces the previous Tier 2 (General) Visa.

2. Eligibility Criteria

To apply for a Skilled Worker Visa, applicants must:

  • Have a confirmed job offer from a UK employer with a sponsorship license.
  • Earn at least £26,200 per year or £10.75 per hour (lower for shortage occupation roles).
  • Demonstrate English proficiency (B1 level or higher in CEFR scale).
  • Obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from the employer.

3. Job Sectors Offering Visa Sponsorship

Several industries actively sponsor foreign workers, including:

  • Healthcare & Social Care (e.g., nurses, medical practitioners, social workers).
  • Information Technology (e.g., software engineers, data analysts, cybersecurity experts).
  • Engineering & Construction (e.g., civil engineers, mechanical engineers, electricians).
  • Education (e.g., secondary school teachers in maths, physics, and computing).
  • Hospitality & Agriculture (e.g., chefs, farm workers, butchers).

4. Application Process

  1. Job Search & Sponsorship: Secure a job offer from a licensed employer.
  2. Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): The employer issues a CoS reference number.
  3. Online Application: Complete the Skilled Worker Visa application.
  4. Pay Fees: The visa fee is £610 – £1,408 (varies based on job duration and shortage occupations).
  5. Healthcare Surcharge: Pay the IHS fee of £624 per year.
  6. Biometric Appointment: Attend a visa center for fingerprinting and photographs.
  7. Decision Time: Processing typically takes 3-8 weeks.

5. Challenges in Securing Job Sponsorship

  • Employer Restrictions: Not all companies have a sponsorship license.
  • Skill Requirements: Some jobs require specific qualifications or experience.
  • Salary Threshold: Meeting the minimum salary criteria can be difficult for entry-level roles.
  • Visa Costs: Application fees and IHS surcharge can be expensive for some applicants.

Comparison of UK Marriage Visa Sponsorship and Job Visa Sponsorship

Feature UK Marriage Visa UK Job Visa (Skilled Worker)
Validity Period 2.5 years Up to 5 years
Eligibility Married to UK citizen/settled person Job offer from a UK licensed employer
Financial Requirement £18,600 annual income £26,200 salary or £10.75/hr
English Requirement A1 Level CEFR B1 Level CEFR
Application Fee £1,538 (outside UK) £610 – £1,408
Healthcare Surcharge £624 per year £624 per year
Processing Time 2-6 months 3-8 weeks

 

Securing a UK visa through marriage or job sponsorship requires careful planning, meeting eligibility criteria, and submitting a strong application. While the marriage visa allows individuals to reunite with their spouse, the job visa provides a pathway to employment and long-term settlement in the UK.

Applicants should prepare their documents thoroughly, explore different sponsorship opportunities, and seek professional guidance if needed. With the right approach, moving to the UK through marriage or employment sponsorship can be

Similar Posts