Work Permits & Visas
Bluewave are registered with the Office of the Immigration Services Commission (OISC) and we offer a complete service to teachers and schools which is free of charge to our registered teachers and client schools.
In November 2008, the UK Border Agency introduced a new points based immigration system. Please find below a brief overview of the 3 main types of visas suitable for teachers:
Tier 1 - Highly Skilled Worker (f.k.a - HSMP)
The highly skilled worker category is designed to allow highly skilled people to come to the United Kingdom to look for work or self-employment opportunities. If eligible, you will not need a job offer in order to gain entry clearance.
If you are eligible under Tier 1, you are authorised to stay in the UK for up to three years.
When applying you will be awarded points based on your qualifications, previous earnings, United Kingdom experience, age, English language skills, and available maintenance (funds).
You must score:
- 75 points for your attributes (age, qualifications, previous earnings, and experience in the United Kingdom)
- 10 points for English language
- 10 points for available maintenance (funds)
You can check out if you are eligible at
www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/pointscalculator
If you fulfill the criteria for tier 1, you can apply online at
www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/howtoapply/wheretoapply
If you are given entry clearance as a highly skilled worker from outside of the United Kingdom, you will be able to live and work in the United Kingdom for a maximum period of three years. When the end of this period approaches you will need to apply to extend your stay as a highly skilled worker.
Tier 2 - Skilled Sponsored Worker (f.k.a - Work Permit)
The majority of Bluewave teachers will need to apply for this type of visa. In order to apply you will first need an offer of employment. Your school will then issue you with a certificate of sponsorship, which is a unique reference number. You will then be able to apply for your UK entry clearance/visa. Applicants will then need to score a pass mark of 70 points from the three sets of criteria. These are:
- Attributes (must score at least 50 points through assessment of sponsorship, qualifications and prospective earnings)
- English language skills (must score 10 points showing you can speak English at a basic standard). You will need to show that you are competent in the English language by:
- - passing a test in English equivalent to the appropriate level;
- - coming from a majority English speaking country; or
- - having taken a degree taught in English
- Maintenance (must score 10 points showing that you can support yourself £800 or more in your bank account). If you intend to bring dependants you will need to show you have a further £533 for each dependant.
The certificate of sponsorship will last for three years. You will still have 4 years to gain your Qualified Teachers Status (QTS). If it is not gained within the first three years, you may apply for an extension of permission to stay.
For further information please also visit:
www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk/workingintheuk/tier2/general
Tier 5 - Youth Mobility Scheme (f.k.a Working Holiday Visa)
The Youth Mobility Scheme will allow young people to travel to the United Kingdom for mainly non-economic reasons. Sponsored young people from participating countries (Canada, Australia, New Zealand & Japan) will be allowed to come to the United Kingdom for up to two years, while young United Kingdom nationals enjoy similar opportunities in participating countries.
Applicants for Tier 5 must be between the ages of 18-30 to participate in this scheme. The maximum duration under this temporary visa is two years. Once the two years expires, candidates are required to return back home. Tier 5 is not a route to settlement.
You will not be allowed to bring any dependants to the UK on this visa, so if you are planning to travel to the UK with a family, this visa would not be a viable option.
Again, the allocation of this visa is points based. You will have to prove that you have enough points to qualify. The overall pass mark is 50 points and you will gain points in three categories:
- Certificate of Sponsorship: All migrants will need to be a national of a participating country. They will then need to be sponsored by their national government.
- Age: All migrants who enter the country will need to be aged between 18 and 30 from when their entry clearance becomes valid.
- Maintenance: It is important that you will be able to support yourself when you enter the UK. You will need to be able to prove that you have sufficient funds for the first two months - estimated £1600.
For further information please also visit:
www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk/workingintheuk/tier5/youthmobilityscheme
Other Immigration categories include:
Spouses -
Marriage to a British or EU national entitles you to work in the UK, as does accompanying a spouse who has dual nationality, patriality or a work permit.
Dual Nationality -
Either with the UK or an EU country. You will require a dual second passport as proof.
Patriality (British parent or grandparent) -
Usually allows you to work in the UK for up to four years but may be subject to change. An EU born parent or grandparent may also give you eligibility to work in the UK.
Unmarried -
It has been possible since 1997 for unmarried partners both in a heterosexual and same sex relationship to gain entry to the UK using an unmarried partners visa. Applications for unmarried partner visas tend to be more difficult than those based on marriage as you need to show that you have been together for two years and that it is a permanent relationship.
Children -
Children who are under 18 years old are allowed entry to the UK as dependants, and can make their application at the same time as the main applicant.
" I would just like to extend a big thank you on behalf of Donovan and myself for your quick and efficient work with regard to the application of our work permits. I am very greatful for the hassle-free service you have both provided us with.Well Done and Keep up the great work, you guys make a strong team."
Many thanks, Melisha and Donovan
Need more information?
www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en or www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk
www.ukinnewzealand.fco.gov.uk/en
www.ukinsouthafrica.fco.gov.uk/en
I live from weekend to weekend- I will NEVER take a weekend for granted again! I would like to encourage any teacher who is thinking of teaching in the UK to very seriously consider using Bluewave to assist them in the process. I have never dealt with a more efficient, professional and friendly group of people in my teaching career. I joined them in March 2007 and was teaching in September of the same year. The process was made as painless and easy as possible. You are never left out of the loop, as they keep you up to date all the time as to what is going on. They were able to deliver on everything they said they would, and they make you feel as though you are the only person that they are dealing with. After arriving in the UK, they still take an interest in you and keep up with what is happening in your life. I cannot think of any other company who would do that for you. My advice to any teachers thinking of teaching here is, yes it is tough and no walk in the park, you may need to change the way you think about teaching and you may find it difficult in the beginning, but if you prepare yourself before entering the school and the class you should enjoy it. It's a steep learning curve, but a very rewarding one, and remember to ask for help if you seem bogged down, the teachers I have dealt with are more than happy to help you when you need it.
My experience with Bluewave was non-stressful and always advancing forward in finding me a permanent teaching position. I actually checked out several different organisations when looking for a teaching position overseas. I went with bluewave because of the positive support, thorough staff, plans and information available on the website. The staff at Bluewave was always helpful and punctual. The were always available if I had any questions or concerns. They also went above and beyond my expectations. Besides finding me a job, they provided me with free accommodations, and a mobile phone. In the end, Bluewave found me a teaching job that I absolutely love and a job that fits my qualifications. I am so glad that I went through Bluewave, I don't know if I would have been able to do it on my own!