United Kingdom Immigration and Visas

This route allows you to apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) in the UK if you’ve lived there lawfully for 10 continuous years.

People from visa-restricted countries must apply for a tourist visa or short-stay visa prior to travelling to the UK. South African nationals must submit their applications through the TLS contact centre in person. Offices are in Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg, Pretoria, and Port Elizabeth.

If you’re from a non-visa-restricted country, you can travel to the UK without making prior arrangements. A tourist visa will be issued at the port of entry. You must show officers at the UK Border that you qualify for a Standard Visitor Visa, even if you don’t need one.

It is advisable to apply for a visa if you have a criminal record or you´ve previously been refused entry into the UK or any other country.

To visit the UK for permissible business activities, you must apply for a Business Visitor visa.
When applying for the UK Business Visitor visa, you must complete a detailed online application form. Submit the application in person at a local TLScontact office with the required supporting documents. The processing times are 3 – 4 weeks. The visa can be issued for up to six months or 10 years, depending on the need.

Note: Visitors may only spend a maximum of 6 months in the UK in any 12-month period

The following work visa options are available:

Temporary workers

This visa is for people who want to work in the UK for a short time in specific categories, including sports, arts, entertainment, volunteering for a charity, working for a religious organisation, or occupying a work experience (intern) role.

The temporary work visa allows you to stay for 12 – 24 months, depending on the activity.

Skilled workers

This visa is suitable for those who have been offered a skilled job in the UK. This includes a role in your employer´s UK branch, a job in a religious community, or a job as an elite sportsperson or coach. The skilled work visa allows you to stay for up three, five, or nine years depending on the category.

High-value workers

This visa is suitable for investors, entrepreneurs, graduate entrepreneurs, and leaders in arts or sciences. The high-value work visa is valid for 1 – 5 years, depending on the category.

Commonwealth citizens

If you’re a South African citizen, you may be eligible for a UK ancestry visa if one of your grandparents was born in the UK.

A sponsorship certificate is required for each foreign worker the company will employ.

A sponsorship certificate is a reference that contains information about the job and your personal details. Your UK sponsor will provide you with your certificate of sponsorship’s reference number. The reference number must be added to your application form. This certificate is valid for three months from the date of issue.

A dependant is any of the following: spouse or partner, including those in a civil partnership, same-sex partners, and unmarried partners, as well as your child under 18. Your dependents can accompany you when you come to the UK with a visa. Primary applicants must prove they can support their dependents financially while they are in the UK.

There is currently no straight-forward Investor Immigration Route.

Your IBN Immigration Consultant can discuss possible alternatives with you.

Read this article for the latest update to this work visa category in the United Kingdom:
Lower Thresholds for Skilled Worker Immigration to the UK

We provide a full range of immigration services for the UK. With our professional and trusted network of partners, we are always up to date on policy issues and the practicalities that govern immigration rules & regulations.

We will first consult with you to determine the best visa category for you and ensure you meet all qualifying criteria. We advise you about the required documentation, review the application pack, and submit the complete application on your behalf. Our expertise will ensure a smooth immigration process and that your visa will be issued on a timely basis.