Securing the right visa in the tech industry can be a challenging task. However, it is important to have a basic understanding of the different types of visas available for individuals with digital marketing skills. With digital marketing expertise, one can not only provide for themselves financially but also open up new opportunities and achieve financial freedom.
By understanding the types of visas available to those with digital marketing skills, individuals can take advantage of these opportunities and further their careers.
How to Gain Sponsorship to work in UK
Types of work visa’s
Your eligibility for different types of visa will depend on which type of visa you apply for. The most likely categories are Tier 1, Tier 2 or Tier 5 work visas.
Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) visa
This is open to graduates who have been endorsed by either the Department for International Trade (DIT) under the Sirius programme or an authorised UK higher education institution (HEI), as having a ‘genuine and credible business idea’.
To get an endorsement from an HEI, you must hold a UK-recognised undergraduate degree, masters or PhD award. The endorsement does not have to be from the university that you graduated from, but you will need your original degree certificate.
Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) visa
The Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) visa is available to individuals who possess exceptional talent or show exceptional promise in fields such as science, humanities, engineering, medicine, digital technology, or the arts.
To apply for this visa, a two-step process must be followed: first, you must secure endorsement from the Home Office as a leader or a rising leader in your field, and then you can proceed to apply for the visa itself.
The Home Office provides endorsements based on recommendations from the relevant designated competent body, which will be one of the following:
Arts Council England – arts and culture
The British Academy – humanities and social science
The Royal Society – natural science and medical science
The Royal Academy of Engineering – engineering
Tech City UK – digital technology
The visa lasts for five years (with an additional four months for applications made outside the UK) and can be extended for another five.
Tier 2 visa
A Tier 2 visa allows individuals to work in the UK for a period of five years. To be eligible for this visa, one’s employer must be registered as a sponsor with the Home Office and appear on the official register of licensed sponsors.
To meet the requirements for a Tier 2 visa, the following conditions must be fulfilled: the role must meet a specified skill level, have a minimum salary of £30,000 (with some exemptions for certain professions), and may be subject to a resident labour market test. Additionally, applicants must meet the English language requirements, although those who have graduated from a UK university may be exempt.
New entrants
The Doctorate Extension Scheme allows PhD students who are close to completing their research to extend their Tier 4 visa for an additional 12 months. This extra time can be used to gain further experience in their field of study, search for skilled employment, or start their own business. To be eligible, you must have completed a PhD program with a Tier 4 sponsor institution. To apply, you can visit GOV.UK for more information.
Tier 5 Temporary Worker – Government Authorised Exchange
The Tier 5 (Government Authorised Exchange) visa is a temporary visa category for applicants participating in an approved exchange program. The exchange program must be supported by a government department and managed by an overseeing organization. The program organizer will issue the necessary certificate of sponsorship for the visa.
The visa is valid for 12 months for work experience, or 24 months for research.
How to Gain Sponsorship to work in UK
Unfortunately, obtaining sponsorship for work in the UK can be a challenging process. It is best to consult with your university’s careers department for guidance on the right to work in the UK. They can provide support for up to three years after graduation. However, as a start-up, DigitalGrads does not provide sponsorship services and is limited by the laws and regulations set by the UK government. We apologize for any inconvenience and will do our best to support graduates in other ways.
Skills To Help You Become A More Valuable Digital Marketer
1. Content Marketing
2. Graphics Designing
3. Innovations and creativity
4. Google Analytics
5. Content Management System