LMS_Visas

Working Holiday Visas

This is a visa designed for people between the ages of 18 and 30. It allows you entry into the UK for two years, with permission to work, although that might be subject to change.

Requirements:

•A passport valid for at least six months from the date you intend to travel. Your Working Holiday Visa is for two years, so preferably that long.

•At least R30 000 in your bank account. You need to prove that you have at least that amount available to you. Bear in mind that a plane ticket will average around R5 000. It is recommended that you arrive in London with around £1 500.

•A tuberculoses X-Ray with a letter from your doctor, confirming you are clear.

•A letter from your bank manager confirming that you have a bank account and are in good standing.

You must be:

•Between 18 and 30 -Single or married to someone who also qualifies for the visa (also, you cannot have kids five years or older before you end your working holiday)

•Able to and intend working (i.e. do not use government funds) -Able to pay for further journey or travel -Willing to leave after two years when your visa expires

•Willing not to try and acquire another two year visa to extend your stay after expiry date of the one you already have.

What kind of work can you do on this visa?

•You are supposed to only do work that will supplement your holiday, and in principal you can therefore not work more than 12 months during the two-year period. (However, it surely does not work like this in practice, but whatever blows their hair back - most SA'cans work more than 50 hours per week!)

•You can choose when to work, any kind of work, but according to the letter of the law you may not work more than the mentioned 12 months.

•You are not supposed to run a business or perform as a professional sportsperson.

IMPORTANT

Read more here regarding the necessary documentation.

Highly Skilled Migrant Program

This programme is designed to attract skilled professionals to he UK. Initially it is a 12 month visa, but another three years can be allocated, after which you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain. You will fall into one of two age categories, under 28 and over 28.

In each category applicants will be given points according to the following:

•Qualifications •Work Experience •Past Earnings •Age •Spouse/Partners qualifications and experience •Achievements in chosen profession If you acquire enough points, the following criteria will also need to be fulfilled before you are eligible for this type of entry clearance: •You will need to speak a good standard of English •You intend to make UK your main home •You must be able to follow your chosen career. •You must be able to support yourself without requiring help from public funds.

Tip: Do not pay for anything in advance (for example your plane ticket), because you could lose the money should your visa be denied.

Separate applications to British High Commissions overseas are required for dependants under the age of 18, as well as proof you can support them without recourse to public funds.

Citizenship

For some people, and maybe justifiably so, a life long ambition. However, due to new legislation the road to citizenship is now that extra year longer, namely 6 years.

In March 2006 it was announced that from 3 April 2006 the applicant will have to spend 5 years on example an ancestry visa or work permit, after which he/she will qualify for permanent residency. After a year of perma-nent residency he/she will be eligible and can apply for citizenship.

So, if you did not qualify for and applied for permanent residency before 3 April 2006 (i.e. completed 5 years on visas as mentioned), it will take one year longer for you to become a British citizen.