Bridging the Gap is an International Recruitment Consultancy,
which delivers UK, SA & Australian job opportunities to South Africans.

Advice on
Economic Migration Visas

The new Tier system is points based, the applicants can therefore determine exactly if they qualify before starting the process of application.

Tier 1 - Highly Skilled Worker

Tier 1 is designed to attract the highly skilled worker. Because the individual is highly skilled there is no requirement for a sponsor employer or specific job offer that is linked to the application/visa.

• Tier 1 General
  This visa route was closed December 2010 and only current HSMP and Tier 1 General holders already in the UK can make further application for extension applications in this category. Ask a question


• Tier 1 (Entrepreneur)
  This visa is for people who want to set up or take over, and be actively involved in, the running of a business in the UK. Ask a question


• Tier 1 (Investor)
  Visa option for people who want to make a substantial financial investment in the UK. Ask a question


• Tier 1 (Post-study worker)
  Recently graduated from a UK university, this visa allows the holder to remain in the UK and work. Ask a question

Tier 2 - Skilled Worker

Tier 2 is aimed at the skilled worker group. It is different from Tier 1 in that the application/visa is linked to a specific job offer and employer. The UK employer is the licensed sponsor and is able to issue a Certificates of Sponsorship (Work Permits).

The employee qualifies for the visa on a points base system, mandatory maintenance and English language requirement. Family members, Spouse, Unmarried Partner, Civil Partner and children can accompany the main applicant provided the appropriate dependency visas/entry clearance is issued.

• Tier 2 General Any registered company in the UK is able to apply to become a licenses sponsor. The position on offer needs to meet certain minimum criteria and the labour residency test is required to show that there is not a UK or EU national that can and want to do the job. For each sector of the industry there are specific Codes of Standards explaining the minimum requirements for sponsorship for a specific job type. Ask a question


• Tier 2 Minister of Religion This sub category of Tier 2 allows a registered religious organization in the UK to sponsor a qualified Minister to work in the UK for this organization. As per the Tier 2 rules the position and the individual needs to meet certain minimum requirements. The visa / entry clearance is linked therefore to a specific job and sponsor/employer in the UK. Ask a question


• Tier 2 Sport and Entertainer This sub category of Tier 2 allows a registered Sports Club or Entertainment Company to sponsor an individual sports person or entertainer to work in the UK for the sponsor. As per the Tier 2 rules the position and the individual needs to meet certain minimum requirements. The visa / entry clearance is linked therefore to a specific job and sponsor/employer in the UK. Ask a question

Tier 3 – Low Skilled Worker

This tier will replace the low skilled group of visas like the agricultural seasonal worker visa but because there is sufficient labour entering the UK from the EU itself this tier is not being developed at present. For this reason Non EU Nationals like South Africans do not qualify to apply for low skilled visas at present.

Tier 4 – Student

Under Tier 4 the Educational Institution acts as the sponsor and takes on the sponsor responsibilities of reporting and issuing the Certificate of Acceptance of Study (COA). The Education Institution therefore needs to be a Tier 4 Licensed Sponsor in order for them to issue the COA. The individual student again qualifies for the entry clearance application (Student Visa) on a Points base system. Tier 4 is divided in 2 categories:

• Child Student A child who wishes to undergo schooling in the UK at an Independent Fee Paying School can do so with a Child Student Visa. Ask a question


• Adult Student Adults who wish to further their studies in the UK are able to do so under this category. It is possible for a school leaver to study in then UK and obtain a UK degree level qualification. If you already have a degree qualification and wants to further your studies in the UK i.e. MBA degree, you are able to pursue this on the Tier 4 student visa route.
  
  Part time work is permitted for Adult Students depending on the level of course and whether you are enrolled at a Public Funded Institution of Higher Education or a Private Education Institution. Ask a question
  
  Adult Students sponsored by a higher education institution on a course at NQF level 7 or above which lasts 12 months or more; are able to bring with spouse and child dependents. Ask a question

Tier 5 – Temporary Stay

• Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS)
  The YMS is a subcategory of Tier 5 and have replaced the old Two Year Working Holiday Scheme from November 2008. Currently 5 countries are participating in this scheme, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Japan and Monaco. The participating country is the sponsor. Currently South Africa is not part of the scheme and South African nationals are unable to go to the UK under this scheme. The YMS allow the individual to work in the UK for 2 years unrestrictedly, employed or self-employed. Ask a question



Contact us

If you would like to get in touch with us, see our contact details or use our email contact form and we will get back to you within 24 hours with an answer to your query.