The Working Holiday Maker versus the Highly skilled visas. Which is best for you?

09 May 2008

UK visa changes and how they affect you

The first question to ask yourself is what do you want to get out of your UK trip?

If you’re after a great holiday experience with some fun, temporary jobs along the way, then the Working Holiday Maker visa is a fantastic choice for you; cheap, quick and straightforward.

However if you’re keen to progress your career while you’re in the UK then the new immigration regulations mean the WHM visa has its limitations and it may be advisable to consider if you are eligible for a highly skilled visa instead.

Background
Up until earlier this year many arrived in the UK on the WHM scheme and once they had a foot on the career ladder and earned some money they made a simple ‘in country’ switch to the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme. This switch is no longer permitted and Working Holiday Makers have no option but to return home at the end of their two years.

Wanting to work in the UK, then consider the Highly Skilled Visa

If you want to pursue a UK career, applying for a highly skilled visa (now known as Tier 1) at the onset could save you a lot of time, money and heartache in the long run. You need to fulfill certain criteria and a Tier 1 application is more costly but it means you can go to the UK and have the freedom both to travel and develop your career.

Benefits

  • Better career options; having a Highly Skilled Visa proves to UK employers that you are work focused, are here for the long term and have the necessary skills they are looking for.
  • Better earning potential; highly Skilled Visa holders can often demand higher rates of pay.
  • No crippling, extra airfare home; Recent immigration changes require Working Holiday Makers to return home at the end of their 2 years and re-apply for an alternative visa if they wish to stay in the UK longer.

FastrackUK can help you. Click here to fill in our on line assessment form and find out if you qualify for a highly skilled visa. FastrackUK is currently offering great savings on migration agency fees. For $1399AUD +GST our specialist visa partners take care of your skilled visa application with the minimum stress and disruption. (Mandatory government charges still apply)

Don’t yet satisfy the skilled visa criteria?

If you don’t fulfill the criteria for a skilled visa at present, the Working Holiday Maker could still be the best option for you if you want to go and live and work in the UK in the near future. Holding a WHM visa does not rule out a future UK career it just means you will have to approach things a little differently;

Plan Ahead

  • Use your time in the UK to try out different jobs and companies and get a clearer idea of what you want, while building up your experience and income
  • Accept you will need to return home to upgrade to a highly skilled UK scheme and plan for this.
  • Talk to UK employees about whether they might be interested in sponsoring you or taking you on when you return.
  • Make contacts and ensure that you get together any documentation that might help when applying for your new visa.
  • Viewing your UK trip more in holiday than work terms?
  • Then the Working Holiday Maker visa is definitely the best option for you. This is a great visa for getting to the UK, travelling through Europe and also having the freedom work when you want to.

Benefits

  • Cheap - $462 Aus. basic entry clearance fee, plus for another $150AUD FastrackUK can handle all the hassle and process your whole application.
  • Straightforward and quick – visa arranged and cleared often within weeks
  • Great opportunity to discover this part of the world, while having the ultimate holiday experience plus it also givea you time to assess if you want to return to the UK for the long term, in the future.

As we’ve been outlining in our newsletter and on the website, the next stage of the UK immigration changes are being introduced step by step over the coming months. FastrackUK partners with leading UK immigration experts who are best placed to advise on what visa will work for you.

Find out More 

  • To read more about Working Holiday Maker Visas click here
  • To read more about Highly Skilled Migrant (Tier 1) visas click here

Of course we will keep you updated of all up and coming changes in our newsletter and on our website but if you would like to discuss your personal plans immediately why not give us a call on Aus. 1300 784 479 or click on the links above to email us.

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