Applying for your UK Visa

Youth Mobility Visa

The Youth Mobility Visa (YMS) is a flexible, easy option for teachers from Australia, Canada, and New Zealand moving to the UK.

  • Work Flexibility: With this visa, you can do any kind of work—including casual roles like substitute teaching—without restrictions.
  • Eligibility: Open to citizens of Australia, Canada, or New Zealand. Currently, it’s for ages 18-30, but the UK plans to extend this to 35 by the end of 2024. New Zealand citizens can already apply until age 36 and stay for up to 3 years.
  • Upcoming Changes: By the end of 2024, Australians and Canadians will also be able to stay for 3 years instead of 2.
  • Timing: Apply up to 6 months before travel, enter the UK within 90 days of your visa start date, and expect a decision within 3 weeks (or as fast as 1 week if urgent).
  • Cost: £298, plus a healthcare surcharge.

 

Apply for a Youth Mobility Visa

UK Ancestry Visa

The UK Ancestry Visa is a great option for Commonwealth citizens with UK heritage who want to live and work in the UK. Here’s a quick overview:

  • Work Flexibility: This 5-year visa allows you to work without restrictions, so you can take any job or even be self-employed.
  • Eligibility: Open to Commonwealth citizens with a grandparent born in the UK, the Channel Islands, or the Isle of Man. You must also plan to work in the UK and meet other eligibility requirements.
  • Application Timeline:
    • Apply up to 3 months before your travel date.
    • Set your travel date at least 2 weeks before you need to start work.
    • After your visa is issued, you have 90 days to enter the UK, giving you flexibility in planning.
  • Processing Time: Expect a decision within 3 weeks of applying from outside the UK.
  • Cost: The application fee is £637, and you’ll need to pay an additional healthcare surcharge for NHS access.
  • Duration and Extensions: You can stay for 5 years and may extend for another 5 years or apply for indefinite leave to remain (permanent residency) after 5 years in the UK.

 

Apply for a UK Ancestry Visa

Skilled Work Visa

The Skilled Worker Visa is another option if the Youth Mobility or Ancestry visas don't apply to your situation. Here’s a quick overview:

  • Work Flexibility: This visa requires you to be sponsored by a UK employer (such as a school or local authority). Unlike the other visas, recruitment agencies cannot sponsor candidates. You must already have a job offer before applying.
  • Eligibility: Teachers aged 31 or above from Australia, New Zealand, or Canada, and all citizens from the US, Jamaica, and South Africa will need to apply for the Skilled Worker Visa.
  • Application Process:
    • You must apply after receiving a Certificate of Sponsorship from your employer.
    • You can apply up to 3 months before your travel date.
    • You should set your travel date at least 2 weeks before your intended start date.
    • A decision should be made within 3 weeks if applying from outside the UK.
  • Cost: The application fee ranges from £712 to £1,500, depending on your circumstances. Additionally, you will need to pay the healthcare surcharge, which varies based on the length of your visa.
  • Duration and Extensions: The visa can last anywhere from 1 to 5 years, depending on your employer’s sponsorship and your role. You can extend the visa if needed.
Apply for a Skilled Worker Visa