Read the Bounce Teachers guide to applying for your work visa.
To start your dream teaching job, you will need to apply for a work visa to be allowed entry into the UK and legally work. There are a few different visa options for the UK depending on your circumstances. We’re here to help you decide what is best for you!
In this blog post, we will discuss the following visas:
- Youth Mobility Visa
- UK Ancestry
- High Potential Individual
- Skilled Worker Visa
Youth Mobility Visa
The most common type of work visa for teachers relocating from Australia, Canada or New Zealand is the Youth Mobility Visa. It’s an unrestricted visa, meaning you’ll have the flexibility of casual work, i.e. substitute teaching, should that be your preference.
The eligibility criteria are pretty straightforward. To be able to apply for the Youth Mobility visa, but varies depending on your nationality. You must hold full citizenship in either Australia, Canada, or New Zealand.
Exciting changes are on the horizon! The UK Government intends to raise the maximum age limit from 30 to 35 and extend the maximum duration from 2 to 3 years. While New Zealand citizens can currently apply for a 3-year visa until the age of 36, Australia and Canada will follow suit by the end of 2024. With this visa, you can enter and exit the UK freely while your visa remains valid.
Application Timeline:
- Apply as early as 6 months before your travel date.
- Set your travel date at least 2 weeks before your intended start date.
- You have 90 days to enter the country from your visa start date, allowing flexibility in your plans.
Example: You plan to start work when schools open for the new academic year. You decide to apply after the 16th February, because you plan to travel on 15th August. Once your visa is issued, you will be able to enter the UK between 15th August and 13th November.
You should get a decision on your visa within 3 weeks from when you apply from outside the UK.
How much does it cost?
- It costs £298 to apply.
- You’ll also have to pay the healthcare surcharge as part of your application. Check how much you’ll have to pay for the healthcare surcharge before you apply.
How do I apply for the Youth Mobility Visa?
- You must apply online for this visa.
- You’ll need to have your fingerprints and photograph taken at a visa application center (to get a biometric residence permit) as part of your application.
- Some centres offer faster decisions and additional services – Find out how to get your visa decision faster
- Read the Youth Mobility Scheme guidance before you apply.
UK Ancestry Visa
If you have a parent of a grandparent with British Nationality, you could be eligible for an ancestry visa or dual nationality. Speak to our relocation team about your options.
You can apply for a UK Ancestry visa if all of the following are true:
- you’re a Commonwealth citizen.
- you can prove one of your grandparents was born in the UK, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man.
- you’re able and planning to work in the UK.
- you meet the other eligibility requirements.
How much does it cost?
- A UK Ancestry Visa costs £637
- You’ll also have to pay the healthcare surcharge as part of your application. Check how much you’ll have to pay for the healthcare surcharge before you apply.
Application Timeline:
- Apply up to 3 months prior to your travel date.
- Set your travel date at least 2 weeks before your desired start date.
- You have 90 days to enter from your visa start date, allowing flexibility.
You should get a decision on your visa within 3 weeks from when you apply from outside the UK.
How long can I stay?
- You can stay in the UK for 5 years on this visa.
- If you’ve lived in the UK for 5 years on this visa, you may be able to either:
How do I apply for the UK Ancestry Visa?
- You must apply online for this visa.
- You’ll need to have your fingerprints and photograph taken at a visa application center (to get a biometric residence permit) as part of your application.
- Some centres offer faster decisions and additional services – Find out how to get your visa decision faster
- Read the UK Ancestry Visa guidance before you apply.
High Potential Individual Visa
The High Potential Individual Visa allows recent graduates of eligible universities to apply.
If you have graduated within the last 5 years, you first must check whether your university is on the list of eligible universities.
Application Timeline:
- Apply up to 3 months before your travel date.
- Set your travel date at least 2 weeks before your intended start date.
- You have 90 days to enter from your visa start date, providing flexibility.
You should get a decision on your visa within 3 weeks from when you apply from outside the UK.
How much does it cost?
- A High Potential Individual Visa costs £822.
- You must also pay £210 for ECCTIS to check whether your qualification is valid
- You’ll also have to pay the healthcare surcharge as part of your application. Check how much you’ll have to pay for the healthcare surcharge before you apply.
How long can I stay?
- You can stay for 2 years if you have a Bachelors or Masters degree.
- If you have a PhD or other doctoral qualification, your visa will last for 3 years.
- You cannot extend this visa, but you may be able to switch to another visa, for example the Skilled Worker Visa.
How do I apply for the High Potential Individual Visa?
- You must apply online for this visa.
- You’ll need to have your fingerprints and photograph taken at a visa application center (to get a biometric residence permit) as part of your application.
- Some centres offer faster decisions and additional services – Find out how to get your visa decision faster
- Read the High Potential Individual Visa guidance before you apply.
Sponsorship – Skilled Worker Visa
If you have already used your T5 visa, or don’t fit the above eligibility criteria, we’d recommend speaking to your consultant regarding direct sponsorship. Unlike the other visas on this list, your application must be made directly with the school or local authority in question. Unfortunately, recruitment agencies are not allowed to sponsor overseas staff, however, our expert relocation team will be on hand to help you every single step of the way.
You must already have a job offer secured before you can start the Skilled Worker Visa application. Our placement team will solely market you for jobs at schools that have the resources to sponsor overseas talent, making your life a whole lot easier!
Application Timeline:
- Apply after receiving a Certificate of Sponsorship from your school.
- Apply up to 3 months before your travel date.
- Set your travel date at least 2 weeks before your desired start date.
You should get a decision on your visa within 3 weeks from when you apply from outside the UK.
How much does it cost?
- The standard fee ranges from £712 to £1,500 depending on your circumstances.
- You’ll also have to pay the healthcare surcharge as part of your application. Check how much you’ll have to pay for the healthcare surcharge before you apply.
How long can I stay?
This varies based on your school, as well as your own, circumstances. A Skilled Worker Visa can last anywhere between 1 to 5 years. You might also be able to extend your visa.
Click here to find out more about the Skilled Worker Visa.
If you’re still unsure of which visa route is the best option for you, our friendly team of experienced international recruiters are here to help. Click here to register with Bounce Teachers and begin your overseas teaching adventure today!
