AGS NEWS – The United Kingdom has recently implemented changes to its immigration policies, including significant increases in visa fees.

The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) saw a notable 66% surge earlier this year, resulting in an annual fee of £1,035.12 for adults.

Moreover, as of October 4, 2023, adjustments have been made to visa application fees, with Work and Visitor Visas experiencing a 15% rise, Family Visas, Settlement, and E-citizenship categories seeing a 20% increase, and Student Visas encountering a substantial 35% hike in fees.

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Nevertheless, individuals possessing the requisite skills and training still have access to various visa pathways, even without a job offer.

One such pathway is the Global Talent visa, catering to leaders in academia, arts, and digital technology. Eligibility entails excellence in one of these fields, with an age requirement of 18 or older and the necessity of an endorsement or eligible award for application.

The visa allows for up to 5 years, renewable for additional periods, potentially leading to indefinite leave to remain after 3 or 5 years. The application process involves online submission, proof of identity, and required documentation.

The High Potential Individual (HPI) visa provides recent graduates from eligible global universities with the opportunity to work or seek employment in the UK without a job offer.

Lasting 2 years (or 3 for PhD holders), this visa cannot be extended, but applicants may switch to other visa categories like the Skilled Worker visa.

Partners and children can join, and the application process typically takes 3 weeks for overseas applicants and 8 weeks for those within the UK.

The UK offers visa options through the Global Mobility route for foreigners working for businesses with UK branches or subsidiaries.

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This route consolidates various business visas and provides choices for staff transfers and temporary work assignments in the UK.

Lastly, the Self-Sponsorship Visa enables individuals to establish their businesses in the UK, securing work visas without a minimum investment requirement. \

This visa offers benefits such as potential permanent residency and British citizenship, with costs depending on the application type and circumstances.