There are a number of UK visas available to Commonwealth citizens
wishing to live and work in the UK. Your circumstances will determine which visa
is best for you:
In most instances you will need to apply for your UK visa from a country of which
you are a citizen or permanent resident. Your original passport is required for
the entire application and you will need to remain in your home country while the
application is processing. Processing times for applications submitted in your home
country will fluctuate year round and can take 2-3 months. We recommend that you
make arrangements for your visa well in advance of travel and do not book non-refundable
or non-flexible travel prior to visa approval.
There are a number of switching rules imposed by the UK Border Agency in most instances
you cannot switch visa status within the UK. Therefore, it is imperative that you
apply for and obtain the most appropriate visa applicable to your circumstances
from the outset. If you choose to change your visa once you arrive in the UK you
may find that the only way to do so requires you to return to your home country
for some months. This will result not only in great expense in air fares, but also
may inconvenience your UK employers, house mates and also involve some months sitting
in your home country awaiting an outcome.
1st Contact can assist in processing a number of visas for Commonwealth
citizens currently living in Australia or New Zealand. We encourage you to research
all possible visa options and contact us directly to ensure we can assist you in
an application for the most appropriate visa.