The UK introduced a number of new immigration controls over the last few years: naturalization, work permit, visa and working visa. The points-based skilled immigration category called the ‘Highly Skilled Migrant Programme’ has proved to be very successful.

This programme has now been replaced by ‘Tier 1’ visa; this is part of the UK’s new five-tier points based system, which will encompass all study, work and training immigration routes into the country. You may have to wait for several months for your UK visa application by the UK Border Agency. 

To get permanent residence depends on the status of your stay in the UK before you made your application as you need to have been living in the UK to qualify. Permanent residence removes any immigration based restrictions there may be. After one year of permanent residence you may apply for naturalization.

The UK Immigration services can be contacted for either application specific queries or general consultancy. Those requiring the immigration services include businesses, recruitment agencies and individual applicants. They can enjoy free membership and direct access to online systems to contact the immigration services.

The Working Holidaymakers’ Visa, which is popular with members of Commonwealth countries, can be held for a period of two years and allows people to work in the UK, but it does not count towards UK residency.

The fee for a Highly Skilled visa is determined by the country from which you apply. A ‘Family Immigration’ visa is determined by evidence of a marriage certificate or by a separate fiancée applications or an unmarried partner application.