UK

VISIT

Take a holiday or visit your friends and family in the UK with the UK visit visa. The UK visit visa is known as the Standard Visit Visa and is used by millions of visitors to the UK for their travel. African Black Lion Trading PLC Overseas can help you get your documentation and application right and increase your chances of getting the visa.

UK VISIT VISA DETAILS:

The UK visit visa is an online visa with an appointment at VFS to submit your documents. The process typically takes 3-4 weeks and once the visa is issued you can stay up to 6 months in the UK. The UK visit visa is applicable for:

Visiting friends and family in the UK
Visiting the UK for leisure and tourism
Visiting the UK for medical reasons
Other non-business activities

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR UK VISITOR VISA

The documentation required for the UK visit visa includes:

Personal details
Salary and financial details
Travel itinerary and travel history
Proof that you can fund your stay adequately
Proof that you can pay for your air travel to and from the UK
Proof that you will leave the UK at the end of the visit

WHEN TO APPLY

Apply for the visa at least three months before your intended date of travel.

DURATION OF STAY

You can stay for up to six months on this visa. You can extend your stay if you have come to the UK for private medical treatment by paying additional charges.
You can also extend your stay if you are in the country to attend an academic program.

LONG –TERM VISITOR VISA

If you need to visit the country for a longer period, you can apply for the long-term Standard Visitor visa with duration of either 2, 5 or 10 years. You can stay for a maximum of 6 months during every visit.

HOW African Black Lion Trading PLC OVERSEAS CAN HELP YOU?

African Black Lion Trading PLC Overseas is one of the world’s leading visa and immigration companies. Our experience and expertise in the UK immigration process makes us your partner of choice for your visa application. Our teams will help you with:

Immigration documents checklist
Complete application processing
Forms, documentation & application filing
Updates & follow up
Talk to a African Black Lion Trading PLC Overseas visa consultant to get your process underway today.

STUDENT VISA

PURSUE YOUR HIGHER EDUCATION IN ONE OF THE UK UNIVERSITIES

The UK has traditionally been one of the world’s leading educational destinations boasting of centuries-old universities that have a legacy of producing the finest minds in the world.

Today, the UK remains one of the best destinations for students seeking high-quality education in a welcoming environment.
African Black Lion Trading PLC Overseas helps students at every step of their UK admissions process. We have the experience and comprehensive service package to make your student journey stress-free.

African Black Lion Trading PLC Overseas provides expert guidance for UK Student Visa, assisting you to begin your education at the right time, in the best possible university.

The UK is second to the US as the favored destination for international students. The UK has some of the best ranked universities in the world, some of which appear in the world university rankings.

Many sectors of higher education in the United Kingdom, such as engineering, business, management, art, design, and law, are world leaders.

Every year, over 600,000 international students come to the country to pursue a variety of academic programs ranging from bachelor’s degrees to PhDs.

The degrees offered by the UK higher education institutes are recognized worldwide. Students from UK universities get an opportunity to develop their skills and knowledge at competent levels.

There are options to continue with post-graduate studies in most UK universities with some of them even promising to sponsor Tier 4 visas.

Acquiring a UK Student Visa can help you put your best foot forward, in terms of a brilliant career post your study abroad in the UK.

WHY STUDY IN UK?

The United Kingdom (UK) and its universities have an undisputed reputation for academic excellence and quality. Thousands of courses are available for international students that want to study in UK. The UK is an ideal destination for many decades, for over a million international students from all over the world.

Affordable education
Internationally recognized courses and qualifications
Innovative and abundant research opportunities
Healthy and safe communities
Scholarships and financial support
Multicultural nation
The best possible place to study and learn English
Choose from over 50,000 courses in more than 25 subject areas
Shorter courses which indicate reduction in tuition fees and accommodation costs
Possible to work while you study

COST OF STUDYING IN THE UK:

The tuition fees vary between 4 countries that comprise the UK: England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The fees for study in UK depend on the type of program you choose and the university you decide to study at as well as where in the UK do you plan to study. Studying in the United Kingdom is a good return on investment, the average costs in the UK are comparatively lower than in Australia or the United States.

UK graduates are among the most employable in the world.

With an overall score of 96.7, University of Oxford is at #7 among the Top 10 universities in the QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022.

International students can expect to pay somewhere between £10,000 and £26,000 annually. Another £800 – £1,300 a month will be required by the international student monthly for covering accommodation and other living costs.

Typically, a study in UK undergraduate degree course will last for 3 years.

Medical degrees at UK Universities might cost more.

Many of the UK Master’s degrees might be completed in 1 year, thereby amounting to lower living costs and subsequent faster entry into employment. Do check the cost of course fees with the UK college or university you are applying to. Generally, the information will be mentioned on their official website.

STUDY PROGRAM AVERAGE TUITION FEE IN GBP (£)
Undergraduate Bachelor Degree £6,000 to £16,000 yearly
Postgraduate master’s degree £10,000 to £20,000 yearly
Doctoral Degree £13,000 to £29,000 yearly
UPCOMING INTAKES IN THE UK
The academic year in the UK runs from September to July. Generally, UK Universities and Colleges have 3 intakes. Some of them might also refer to an intake as a term.

The 3 intakes available in the UK are:

Intake 1: Term 1 – It commences in September/October and is the major intake

Intake 2: Term 2 – It commences in January/February intake is also available

Intake 3: Term 3 – It commences in May/June and is available for selected Courses.

WORK AUTHORIZATION FOR STUDENTS:

Student Applicant:
Students must be over 18 years of age

International students who study a full-time undergraduate or postgraduate degree course at a recognised university on a Student Visa are allowed to work part-time during term for up to 20 hours a week and full-time during the holidays.
Each higher education institution has clearly defined semesters throughout the academic year, including specific breaks for holidays. During these breaks, you can work full-time at your job if you wish.
Spouse:
Dependent Visa holders can work freely in the UK however they are not allowed to work as a doctor in training. If your dependent spouse is highly skilled and secures sponsorship with a Tier 2 licensed employer on his or her own account please note that they will not be able to ‘switch’ in country to a Tier 2 General Visa.

UK STUDENT VISA REQUIREMENTS:

A valid passport or any other documentation for travel
Proof of funds to cater to your living costs during your course
CAS reference number – Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies
Documents used for obtaining the CAS
Color photographs of passport size
If needed, screening for Tuberculosis
Your University will make you aware of additional requirements if any prior to your application

BRINGING DEPENDENT FAMILY MEMBERS TO THE UK:

On the dependent visa, your family members including your spouse and dependents will be able to join you or stay with you while you study in UK.

Definition of dependent:

Husband, wife or civil partner
Same-gender partner
Children under the age of 18 and children born in the UK during your stay
You will be eligible to bring a dependent provided you are:

Sponsored by a higher education institute for a Level 7 course with a duration of 9 months or more
Doing a government-sponsored course that has more than 6 months duration
Doctorate students on an extension scheme

UK STUDENT DEPENDENT VISA:

When to apply for a dependent visa

A dependent can apply at the same time as the UK Student Visa applicant or after the student has obtained the result of their application for a visa.

When the applicant has applied for further leave to stay in the UK after their study in UK and has not yet obtained a ruling, family members will have to wait until his permit is approved before submitting their permit for entry clearance.

Where to apply

Like for a Student Visa application, dependents should apply for nationality or country of residence in their country. The application will be filed online. For each dependent, a separate application must be completed.

In most countries, an appointment to attend the visa application center for biometrics enrolment and submission of supporting documents is booked as part of the online applications.

Financial requirements

Dependents who apply for a visa must have ample funds to meet the cost of living in the UK. It is £680 per month for which the visa is valid, up to a maximum of 9 months. That is a total of £6,120 per dependent if the visa is granted for a period of 9 months or more (9 x £680).

A bank statement or bank letter can be required to satisfy this requirement, and the funds must be kept in the name of the student or the name of the spouse/partner. If the UK Student Visa holder has an official sponsor that covers the living expenses of any dependent, a letter from the sponsor stating this may be submitted to meet the financial criteria.

AFTER YOU GRADUATE:

Graduated international students in the UK on a valid student visa are permitted to stay in the UK if they hold a job offer with an annual salary of at least GBP 20,800 The students are needed to switch to a Tier 2 General Visa after study in UK which lasts up to five years in order to stay in the UK upon completing their studies The work experience students gain while working may help them in qualifying for permanent residence, provided their annual income must be at least GBP 35,000

WORK VISA

UK SKILLED WORKER VISA

The UK Skilled Worker visa was introduced to bring in highly skilled overseas workers into the UK labor market and subsequently take up permanent residence in the UK.

With this visa, skilled workers from other countries can be selected based on the shortage occupation list and they will be eligible to get an offer letter without the labor market test and stay in the UK for up to 5 years.

BENEFITS OF THE VISA:

Visa holders can bring dependents on the visa
Spouse is allowed to work on the visa
No cap on the number of people who can move to the UK on the visa
Minimum salary requirement has been reduced to £25600 from threshold of £30000
Fast Track Visas will be provided for healthcare professionals like doctors and nurses

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENT:

You must have a score of 70 points to qualify in the defined parameters like specific skills, qualifications, salaries and professions.
You need to have a Minimum Bachelor’s degree or equivalent with 2 years of skilled work experience from the eligible occupations list
You must have a job offer from a Home Office licensed sponsor
The job offer must be at the required skill level – RQF 3 or above (A Level and equivalent)
You must meet the English Language requirement at B1 level in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages
You should also meet the general salary threshold of £25,600 or the specific salary requirement for the occupation or the ‘going rate’.

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED:

The following documents will be required at the time of applying for a UK Skilled Worker visa:

The applicant’s Certificate of Sponsorship [CoS] reference number
Proof of knowledge of the English language
A valid passport [or other documents that establishes the applicant’s nationality and identity]
Job title
Annual salary
Occupation code of the job
Name of the employer
The sponsor licence number of the employer
JOBS ON THE UK SHORTAGE OCCUPATION LIST [SOL]
If a candidate has their job on the SOL, they can be paid 80% of the “going rate” for their job in order to qualify for the UK Skilled Worker visa.

Occupation code

Job types included

2111

Chemical scientists [only jobs in the nuclear industry]

2112

Biological scientists and biochemists – all jobs

2113

Physical scientists – only the following jobs in the construction-related ground engineering industry:

geophysicist
engineering geologist
hydrogeologist
2113

Physical scientists – only the following jobs in the oil and gas industry:

geophysicist
geoscientist
geologist
geochemist
technical services manager in the decommissioning and waste areas of the nuclear industry
senior resource geologist and staff geologist in the mining sector
2114

Social and humanities scientists [only archaeologists]

2121

Civil engineers – all jobs

2122

Mechanical engineers – all jobs

2123

Electrical engineers – all jobs

2124

Electronics engineers – all jobs

2126

Design and development engineers – all jobs

2127

Production and process engineers – all jobs

2129

Engineering professionals not elsewhere classified – all jobs

2135

IT business analysts, architects and systems designers – all jobs

2136

Programmers and software development professionals – all jobs

2137

Web design and development professionals – all jobs

2139

Information technology and communications professionals not elsewhere classified [only cyber security specialists]

2216

Veterinarians – all jobs

2425

Actuaries, economists and statisticians [only bio-informaticians and informaticians]

2431

Architects – all jobs

2461

Quality control and planning engineers – all jobs

3411

Artists – all jobs

3414

Dancers and choreographers [conditions apply]

3415

Musicians [conditions apply]

3416

Arts officers, producers and directors – all jobs

3421

Graphic designers – all jobs

5215

Welding trades – only high integrity pipe welders

5434

Chefs [only skilled chefs, conditions apply]

Healthcare and education occupations have a different shortage occupation list –

Occupation code

Job types included

2211

Medical practitioners – all jobs

2212

Psychologists – all jobs

2217

Medical radiographers – all jobs

2222

Occupational therapists – all jobs

2223

Speech and language therapists – all jobs

2231

Nurses – all jobs

2314

Secondary education teaching professionals [only teachers in maths, physics, science (where an element of physics will be taught), computer science and Mandarin]

2315

Primary and nursery education teaching professionals – only Gaelic medium teachers

2442

Social workers – all jobs

3213

Paramedics – all jobs

VISA FEE DETAILS

Application Fees for stay up to 3 years – 610 pounds
Application Fees for stay more than 3 years stay-1,220 pounds
Application Fees if your job is in Shortage Occupation List for stay up to 3 years) – 464 pounds
Application Fees (f job in Shortage Occupation List and you wish to stay for more than three years 928 pounds
UK NARIC Fees 49.50 pounds
Apart from the application fees you will have to pay a health surcharge of 624 pounds when you apply which will be refunded in case your application is rejected.

WORK PERMIT

VISA SOLUTIONS FOR UK BUSINESS VISITS

The UK is one of the most vibrant economies in the world. Its role in the global economy makes it one of the top destinations for businesspersons from across the world. In order to visit the UK for business, you need to apply for the Standard Visitor Visa. This is a 6-month visa which you can apply to up to 3 months before you travel. African Black Lion Trading PLC Overseas can guide you through the entire UK business visa process with our expert services.

UK BUSINESS VISA DETAILS

The UK business visa is a one-time or longer-term visa that allows holders to stay in the UK for up to 6 months at a time. You must apply for this visa if you are visiting the UK for reasons such as:

You are attending a conference, meeting or training
You are taking part in a sports activity
You are looking for funding to start, are over, join or run a UK based business
Other business activities

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED

Personal details
Salary and financial details
Travel itinerary and travel history
Proof that you can fund your stay adequately
Proof that you can pay for your air travel to and from the UK
Proof that you will leave the UK at the end of the visit
Proof of the business activities you will be doing in the UK
Requirements for the UK business visa


In order to apply for the visa, you must prove that you:

Will leave the UK at the end of your visit
Can support yourself and any dependents for the duration of your trip
Will be able to pay for your return or onward journey and any other costs relating to your visit
Have proof of any business or other activities you want to do in the UK, as allowed by the Visitor regulations
However, you cannot use this visa to do paid or unpaid work outside of the scope of your business visa. In case you have a longer-term visa for 2,5 or 10 years, each visit cannot be longer than 6 months. When applying for the popular UK Business Visa, the 6-month standard visitor visa, you will have to pay the visa fees of 95 pounds.

HOW African Black Lion Trading PLC OVERSEAS CAN HELP?

With our experience in the UK immigration process, African Black Lion Trading PLC Overseas can help you at every step of your visa application journey. Our services include:

Immigration documents checklist
Complete application processing
Forms, documentation & application filing
Updates & follow up
Talk to us to get your UK business visa process started.

IMMIGRATION VISA

INVEST AND SETTLE IN THE UK

The United Kingdom has thrown its doors open for investors and entrepreneurs to set up their business and settle in the UK. The UK Innovator Visa category usually for experienced business people to set up an innovative business. This visa allows you to stay in the UK with your family for up to 5 years 4 months. You can apply for permanent settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain) after completing 5 years in the UK. African Black Lion Trading PLC Overseas can help you plan and manage your investment journey in order to minimise risk and take full advantage of this program.

BENEFITS OF UK INNOVATOR VISA

Low investment amount i.e. £50,000 Live in the UK with your family for 3 years Get Visa extension for 2 years Access UK healthcare and education benefits Easy and quick processing

ELIGIBILITY FOR UK INNOVATOR VISA

Going to the UK on Innovator Visa requires you to clear a point-based test. The points requirements are calculated as per investment funds, language skills, and maintenance funds. To break these three requirements further:

Have an Innovative business or business idea endorsed by an approved endorsing body
You are from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland
Have at least £50,000 in investment funds to invest in the proposed business
Meet the other eligibility requirements