For business purposes, Tier 1 is a Points Based Service (PBS) that is designed to assist the relocation of skilled migrants to the UK. Tier 2 Work Permits require visa applicants to have a confirmed employment offer with a British firm. The Entrepreneur visa permits experienced businessmen to live in the UK and start a business within the country. Finally, visa applicants who are simply intending to invest in the British economy can come to the country by obtaining a Tier 1 Investor visa.

Anyone who has been successful in applying for a UK visa in a category leading to settlement can also make an application for permanent residency or Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK.

Study visas, Post Study Work Programmes and Youth Mobility Schemes are among the range of visas for UK immigration that allow people to train or study in the country. The Tier 4 Student visa permits international students to study in the UK. The Post Study Work Programme and Youth Mobility, however, goes beyond the restrictions of a study visa by allowing young people and students to work in the country for a limited time.

Apart from helping skilled individuals to work and live in the UK, assistance is also provided for anyone who wants to settle in the country. Partner and relationship immigration visas, including the UK Marriage visa, UK Fiancé visa or De Facto visa, are given to people with British connections who wish to move and settle in the UK.

The UK Visit visa, commonly referred to as Travel visa or Tourist visa enables tourists and visitors gain temporary access to the country.

UK immigration has improved its old systems and procedures and has developed five new tiers that can be used by non-EU citizens. Between 1991 and 2001, the population of the UK increased by almost 50% and the reason is down to foreign-born immigration. From 46,000 in 2006, the population rose by 237,000 in 2007, directly as a result of more and more people moving to work in the country.

In 2006, Indians, Pakistanis, Somalis and Filipinos were given British citizenship in the highest numbers. Due to the EU’s free movement of labour, increasing number of citizens residing in the EU, but outside of the UK, mostly Polish, also entered for employment purposes.

The UK has launched a new points-based system that helps to manage migration processes to keep up with the growing demand for skilled labour deficiencies. The UK gladly accepts skilled workers from outside the EU, especially if the profession meets the Critical Skills Shortlist criteria, which currently includes engineers, teachers, doctors and nurses.

The UK also puts an emphasis on young people who are not interested in working in the UK. Tourists and visitors are most welcome to apply for visas to enter the UK.

A visa is a certificate appended to a passport, which authorises the owner to enter and travel within a certain country. A valid UK visa will guarantee your entry into the country unless your personal circumstances have changed, your visa has not been updated accordingly or you provided inaccurate information during the visa application.

How can I apply for a UK visa?

You must file your work permit visa in the country where you are a legal resident. You can send your UK visa applications via post, in person or online. In some countries, visa application centres (VAC) offer a more convenient way to send application forms. Officials will take note of your biometric information, check if you pass all the visa requirements and attend to your inquiries, though fees may be charged for some of these services.

What are the visa requirements?

If you have an ordinary work permit or TWES, you must be able to carry out the duties and responsibilities stipulated in your work permit if you are to obtain a UK visa. You must commit yourself to the sponsoring employer unless your work permit says otherwise. You should also be able to prove your capacity to support yourself and dependents in your own right, without relying on government grants or subsidies. Depending on your country of origin and length of stay, you may be required to undergo a tuberculosis test. Finally, you must declare your intention to leave the country when your visa expires.

Can I bring my dependents?

To bring your dependents into the country you must provide documents to prove their relationship to you. If you do not have an existing visa, you must present your original work permit and other supporting documents.

HSMP Services Limited has a mission to help the Highly Skilled Migrant Community, providing proper relocation in the United Kingdom. They do their best to assist immigrants, starting with their application in the HSMP scheme, up to the time they start to work and settle down. The company offers products and services, which include special offers to help workers save money and time, and remove the stress in relocating their family to the country to start a new career.

HSMP Services Limited confirms the applicant’s success and gives them services and attention from the moment they arrive in the United Kingdom. The services offered by the company are divided into three parts. The first one is support on the pre-submission of the HSMP Application, which includes seminars, forums, and discounts. The second part involves the submission of the application, and the entry clearance where information can be obtained relating to the work the immigrants have chosen. And the last part is the services offered upon arrival in the country under the programme. It will cover the provision of certain information, such as locations of groceries, guidance on opening a bank account, and so on.

Workers under the HSMP need not worry about their future work in the United Kingdom, for the HSMP Services Limited will guide them in all sorts of things that they need.

Some countries in Europe receive large-scale immigration each year, including the United Kingdom, which recorded 375,000 immigrants registered for work purposes in 2007. This record of immigration follows the entry of Poland into the EU in May 2004. The majority of the immigrants came from Africa and Asia, and there were other workers from India, Somalia, and Pakistan.

In 2000, over three million immigrants accounted for almost 10 percent of Spain’s population. Being one of the most favoured destination countries is the reason for this high rate of immigration, which is also the case in Portugal, Brazil, and other tropical countries.

Canada is the country with the highest immigration rate per capita, which is due to the family reunification and economic policy. Over 250,640 people came to Canada in 2001 and settled in its urban areas of Vancouver, Montreal, and Toronto. The immigration rate continues to grow each year, including a majority of citizens from Asia. Like Canada, Australia also experiences a high immigration rate involving skilled migration and programmes for family reunion.

In the history of immigration, the USA recorded its highest rate from 1850 to 1930, when immigrants increased from 2.2 million to 14.2 million, accounting for 14.7% of the country’s population at the time. Immigration has a powerful impact on many countries. It may also serve to improve the economy through the development of its technology.

Foreign workers who wish to work in Britain may soon find things much easier if some red tape is removed such as employer’s having to try and conduct testing to see of roles could be more locally assigned.

A new points based system for immigration is to be introduced this year and the “tier two” restrictions could at last be lifted for good.