UK IMMIGRATION AND VISAS (Content provided by Visalogic)

UK immigration is a complex and diverse subject. This section of our website aims to provide general information about the visa categories most commonly requested and sourced by players and visitors using the Visalogic London New Zealand Rugby website. For in-depth information about UK work permits and UK visas, plus details of how you can extend your stay in the UK, contact the team at Visalogic.

Visalogic is one of the UK’s leading providers of specialist UK immigration advice. Visalogic's vastly experienced team of qualified immigration experts can assist with all aspects of UK immigration, including work permits, the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP), ancestry visas, marriage visas and unmarried partner visas.

Work permits

London New Zealand is an amateur rugby club and therefore does not source UK work permits for its players. For all UK work permit enquiries we suggest you contact Visalogic.

A work permit enables a non-EU citizen to work in the UK in a specific role for a specific company. It is important to note that a UK work permit must be applied for by the sponsoring company, not the individual seeking employment.

UK work permits can be granted for up to five years, depending on the length of time requested by the sponsoring company. The length of time for which a work permit is issued is also at discretion of the Home Office. For more information please read Visalogic's United Kingdom work permit guidance.

Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP)

The Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP) is one option available to people wanting to immigrate to the UK or extend their stay. The HSMP operates on a points-based system which allows highly skilled people to migrate to the UK to look for work or self-employment opportunities. The HSMP visa differs from the UK work permit scheme in that a specific job offer is not required in order to be eligible for the HSMP.

Initially the HSMP visa will be granted for a period of two years, after which HSMP visa holders can apply to extend their stay for an additional three years. Check out Visalogic's HSMP guidance for further information.

Unmarried partners/marriage/fiancé visas

Unmarried partner visas, marriage visas and fiancé visas make it possible for an individual to bring their partner to join them in the UK.

A key requirement of these visas is that the person seeking to bring their partner to join them must have settled status in the UK. For the purposes of UK immigration, settled status means that they are living here lawfully with no time limit on their stay. If you are returning to the UK to settle, in many circumstances a partner can also apply to join you at the same time.

The relationship may be a heterosexual or a same sex relationship, but partners must not be related by blood.

Other visas

Visalogic can assist with all other UK visa applications, including student visas, UK entry clearance, and educational/training schemes such as the Training and Work Experience Scheme (TWES).

Migration to Australia & New Zealand

In addition to UK immigration, Visalogic also has a team of registered migration agents who are on hand to assist with all aspects of migration to Australia and migration to New Zealand. Visalogic offers a full range of partner, skilled, business, family and dependent visas for Australia and New Zealand.

To find out if you're eligible for a UK visa, or to learn more about Visalogic’s range of immigration services for the UK, Australia or New Zealand, please contact Visalogic or call free on 0808 109 0252.

Content updated by Visalogic on 15 November 2006.