If you don’t hold an EU passport you’ll need to hold a valid visa to work in the UK. The two main visas used by our applicants are the Tier 5 Youth Mobility visa and the Ancestry visa.

Tier 5 Youth Mobility Scheme allows you to work for the full duration of the two year visa. The only restriction to your work is that you must not engage in business or be a professional sportsperson whilst on this visa.

Here’s how to make the cut for this visa:

• Be aged between 18-30 years old (up until the day before your 31st birthday).
• Be a passport holder from one of the following countries: Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Japan or Monaco.
• Have the equivalent of 1600 GBP in your bank account at the time of application.
• Have no dependants under the age of 18 years who are either living with you, or you are financially responsible for.
• Have not travelled to the United Kingdom at any other time as a working holiday maker or already on the Youth Mobility Scheme.

The UK Ancestry Visa allows you to live and work in the UK for five years. This is a special little visa, as you can re-apply for it as many times as you like.

To successfully hold a UK Ancestry Visa you must prove that you:

• Are a citizen of the Commonwealth
• Are aged 17 or over
• Have a grandparent who was born in the UK, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man
• Have a grandparent that was born in the Republic of Ireland prior to 31st March 1922
• Are able to work in the UK
• Are able to support yourself and dependants without needing any help from the public funds

These are fantastic visas to obtain, but the application process can be a touch daunting - it is time consuming and complicated.

As this is a legal process, every step of the application must be completed perfectly. If not, the application runs the risk of rejection. This is not the end of the world as you can re-apply but the really frustrating part is that you will have to go through the whole process again, which can take several weeks. You’ll also have to pay the British High Commission application fee again!

We have also teamed up with Restless, our partner visa junkies. They spend their time getting to know all the ins and outs when it comes to applying for visas and are only too happy to pass on their expertise to you.

When you sign up for their visa service they’ll:

• Supply you with all the correct documentation and Restless application forms
• Assist you step-by-step with completing the Restless application form
• Review your application to ensure it is correct and complication free
• Complete your Visa application with the British high Commission on your behalf
• Book your biometric scanning appointment at a time that suits you
• Provide you with ongoing advice and support throughout the entire process

Please allow plenty of time when applying for your visa, as the British High Commission are busy all year round.

For more info or to speak with a Visa Specialist, click the link below and the Restless team will be more than happy to help you out: