All The Info You Need on UK Visas

Robyn Lamb, RCV founder, Cape Town

April 03 2019

If you’re considering visiting or moving to the UK, there can be a fair amount of confusion as to the required visas you would need. Whilst many people joke about the “Green Mamba” or the low weight a South African passport carries, there is some truth in it, particularly when considering the strict visa requirements the UK has.
We’ve broken down the various visas a South African could make use of when it comes to the UK.

If you’re considering visiting or moving to the UK, there can be a fair amount of confusion as to the required visas you would need. Whilst many people joke about the “Green Mamba” or the low weight a South African passport carries, there is some truth in it, particularly when considering the strict visa requirements the UK has.
We’ve broken down the various visas a South African could make use of when it comes to the UK.

  • Tourism

Transit visa: This visa is required when traveling through the UK, regardless of how long your layover is or isn’t. Every South African traveling via any UK airport en route to another destination requires a transit visa.

Visitors visa: This applies when you are planning to stay in the UK on a visit – be that a tourism or business visit. Within this category, there are standard visitors visas, marriage visitor visas, permitted paid engagement visas, and parent of a Tier4 child visa. These visas are valid for up to 6 months and the appropriate visa is required for your particular visit.

  • Live

Study visas: Student visas are available and are broken down into short-term study visas, general student visas and child student visas – both of which are Tier4 visas. These kinds of visas often need sponsorship from the institution where you plan on studying through.

Working visas: Working visas are also broken into long-term and short-term visas, as well as investor, entrepreneurship and talent visas. This category is slightly more complicated and has more stringent requirements in order for this visa to be approved. More often than not, applicants will need a sponsor, like their relevant employer in the UK.

– Long term work visas

  • General work visa (Tier 2)
  • Intra-company Transfer visa (Tier 2)
  • Minister of Religion risa (Tier 2)
  • Sportsperson visa (Tier 2)

– Short-term work visas

• Temporary Worker – Charity Worker visa (Tier 5)
• Temporary Worker – Creative and Sporting visa (Tier 5)
• Temporary Worker – Government Authorised Exchange visa (Tier 5)
• Temporary Worker – International Agreement visa (Tier 5)
• Temporary Worker – Religious Worker visa (Tier 5)
• Youth Mobility Scheme visa (Tier 5)

– Investors, entrepreneurs and talent visas

• Entrepreneur visa (Tier 1)
• Exceptional Talent visa (Tier 1)
• Graduate Entrepreneur visa (Tier 1)
• Investor visa (Tier 1)

  • Family visas

Family visas are for those seeking to move to the UK permanently and are intending to use the path of their partner, spouse or family member as a route to a visa. The financial and other general admin requirements are incredibly stringent and often require the help of a professional, experienced emigration consultant.

If you’re looking to emigrate or visit the UK, and would like help for a smooth application process, contact RCV International today. With over 25 years of experience, Robyn Lamb and her team are exceptionally capable of helping you find the appropriate visa and with the entire application process.

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