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We can help you work and live a better life in the UK

Our team is happy to provide information and advice to all EU citizens that want either to relocate to the United Kingdom, either live here. In our role of community supporter, we are committed to improving the lives of our fellow expats.

We understand your plans and desire to change your destiny and enjoy a better life abroad. We understand your concerns and needs. Because we are just like you.

We provide fast, easy, and cheap money transfers to 41 countries from Europe and Asia by using Opal Transfer App or accessing www.opaltransfer.com. Specially designed to make your life in the UK easier, the Opal Transfer App is free and easy to download and use on any mobile phone. Soon, you will be able to open a UK account for FREE with no proof of address and order your contactless Opal Debit Card powered by Mastercard® for quicker money transfers. With Opal Debit Card, your salary in the UK and money transfers will be in one safe and easy-to-manage place. You will use the Opal Transfer App and Opal Card for paying your bills, setting Direct Debits for monthly rent and bills, withdraw cash, make faster transfers home, and save money. Opal Card will assist you to make contactless payments everywhere you shop and go, either in the UK or abroad. Contact us now and find out how you can enjoy all Opal Transfer benefits while living and working in the UK.

With the United Kingdom’s decision to leave the European Union, the free movement of persons between the two zones came to an end. It means that the EU or non-EU citizens coming to the UK must apply for a Visa. But do not worry! The circumstances are not more complicated than if you plan to live in another country outside the European Union.

What type of work Visa should you apply for?

Starting 2021 the UK authorities introduced a points-based immigration system for all foreigners who want to come to live and work on British territory. That system gives priority to skilled and talented professionals rather than their country of origin. In this way, the UK authorities hope to attract a well-trained labour force and fill in both the lack of highly skilled workers and the void created after the Brexit.

There are many types of work Visa that allow you to work in the UK on a short or long-term basis. The Visa you need depends upon:

• your skills and qualifications
• if you have a job offer and sponsorship
• if you want to bring your family with you
• what you’ll be doing - for example sport activities, charitable or religious work.

You can also invest money in the UK with an Investor Visa, Tier 1 (Entrepreneur), and you can set up a business with a Start-up Visa or an Innovator visa.

Are you a skilled or non-skilled worker?

Firstly, you must check if you qualify as a skilled or non-skilled worker. If you’re not eligible for a Skilled Worker Visa, you may qualify for another type of visa to work in England.

When you apply for a Visa as a skilled worker, you will need to provide:

• your certificate of sponsorship reference number – ask your employer to give you this
• proof of your knowledge of English
• a valid passport or another document that shows your identity and nationality
• your job title and annual salary
• your job’s occupation code
• the name of your employer and their sponsor licence number – those will be on your certificate of sponsorship

Applying for a Skilled Worker Visa

A Skilled Worker Visa, which replaced Tier 2 (General) work visa, allows you to come to or stay in Great Britain to do an eligible job with an approved employer.

To qualify for a Skilled Worker Visa, you must:

• work for a UK employer that’s been approved by the Home Office
• have a “certificate of sponsorship” from your employer with information about the role you’ve been offered in the UK
• do a job that’s on the list of eligible occupations
• be paid a minimum salary - how much depends on the type of work you do

The specific eligibility depends on your job.

How much does your work Visa cost and how long is it available?

When you apply for a skilled worker Visa, you’ll need to have enough money to pay:

• the application fee – between £610 and £1,408 depending on your circumstances
• the healthcare surcharge – £624 per year

Depending on your circumstances, you might be asked to prove that you have enough personal savings to support yourself in the UK. Usually, you will have to provide a bank statement that shows you have at least £1,270 available in your account. If your employer can support you, then you must provide your certificate of sponsorship.

Your work Visa can last for up to 5 years before you need to extend it. If you change jobs or employers, you will have to update it. After 5 years, you may be able to apply to settle permanently in the UK, which means you have the right to live, work and study here for as long as you like and apply for benefits if you’re eligible.

For your comfort, you should read all the latest updates on living and working in the UK before starting your immigration process.

Read more details on the UK’s Government website:

• How to get a UK Visa to work: Register of Worker and Temporary Worker licensed sponsors
• Check what type of work Visa you qualify for
• How to get a UK Visa for studies: Register of licensed sponsors: students
• Coronavirus (COVID-19): advice for UK visa applicants and temporary UK residents
• Sponsorship: guidance for employers and educators

We can assist you in your language on our Helpline at: +44 20 7022 6444.