The Canberra Times

How to move to the UK on a tier 2 or tier 5 visa

How to move to the UK on a tier 2 or tier 5 visa
How to move to the UK on a tier 2 or tier 5 visa

This is sponsored content for Sable International.

Two popular ways to live and work in the UK are the Tier 2 visa and the Tier 5 visa. The Tier 5 Youth Mobility visa is the easiest route for young Australians to experience life and work in the UK for up to two years without having to get sponsored by an employer. It's also known as the working holiday visa.

The Tier 2 visa is a more formal working visa. You'll need sponsorship from a UK employer - a little tricky when you're applying from outside the UK. Here's all the info you need to know about travelling to the UK on one of these visas.

Tier 5 visa (Youth Mobility Scheme)

The UK Tier 5 visa offers a once in a lifetime chance for Australians to live and work in the UK without employer sponsorship. It's only open to seven other countries - we're lucky to be included!

The visa used to be called the Working Holiday visa, but its official name is now the Youth Mobility Scheme visa (Tier 5). The requirements are simple:

You need to be an Australian citizen (or from one of the other seven eligible countries), be 18-30 years old and have at least £1890 in your bank account. Make sure to convert it from Pounds to AU $ to check you've got enough.

The money requirement ensures you can support yourself when you land in the UK and get settled. It's the most important part of your application, so ensure you've got all the funds you need and you can prove it with documentation.

Here's what you need to know about applying:

Eligibility:

  • 18-30 years of age
  • £1890 saved
  • Australian citizen (or from other eligible countries)

When to apply:

  • Six months before you go to the UK
  • You'll get a decision within about three weeks

How much it costs:

£244 application fee (plus the healthcare surcharge)

How long in the UK:

  • Up to two years

What you can do:

  • Live, work and study in the UK

You won't be able to extend your stay on the Youth Mobility visa after your two years are up - for that you'd have to opt for a Tier 2 sponsored visa.

How to move to the UK on a tier 2 or tier 5 visa
How to move to the UK on a tier 2 or tier 5 visa

Tier 2 visa (general work visa)

To get a Tier 2 visa you need to be offered a skilled position in the UK by a licensed sponsor. What this means is that your prospective employer will need to have a sponsorship license and offer you a certificate of sponsorship. They'll also need to pay you an "appropriate salary" - around £30,000 per year or more depending on the job.

This visa is harder to get than the Tier 5 visa, but it's valid for at least three years and is extendable. After five years of living and working in the UK, you'll be able to apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) and eventually British citizenship.

Your UK employer will have to advertise the job to UK citizens first, unless it's on the Shortage Occupation List.

Here's what you need to know about the Tier 2 (General) visa:

Eligibility:

  • Valid certificate of sponsorship from your employer
  • Appropriate salary for the job
  • Knowledge of English needed
  • £945 in savings
  • Five years' travel history required

When to apply:

  • Three months before you start work
  • You'll get a decision within three weeks

How much it costs:

  • There are many different situations that alter the cost of applying; costs range between £464 and £1,408

How long in the UK:

  • Five years maximum

What you can do:

  • Work in your sponsored position
  • Study
  • Travel to and from the UK

Unless your career is on the Shortage Occupation List, it can be quite tricky to find a sponsor for your visa. One way to make it easier is by opting first for the Tier 5 visa - an excellent option for young Australians that want to live in the UK and earn money. Two years is the perfect amount of time to experience the country and decide if you want to stay longer.

While you're in the UK, you've got the opportunity to look for a potential employer to sponsor your Tier 2 visa. Being in the country can make your job hunt quite a bit easier, so use the Youth Mobility visa to your advantage to find something permanent.


Get help with your Tier 5 or Tier 2 visa application. Sable International has been assisting individuals with immigration and nationality for over 20 years. Get in touch by emailing ausoffice@sableinternational.com or call +61 (0) 3 8651 4500.

This is sponsored content for Sable International.