Pursuing a Career in UK Laboratories for Scientific Researchers

The United Kingdom is a global hub for scientific research and innovation, offering countless opportunities for talented individuals to further their careers. However, navigating the UK’s visa system can be complicated for anyone that is not an immigration expert. As experienced immigration solicitors, we have helped numerous researchers and academics secure the right visa to pursue their professional goals. In this blog post, we will introduce two key visa options: the Global Talent Visa and the Skilled Worker Visa.

Let us break down the benefits, eligibility criteria, and application processes for each visa, so you can make an informed decision about your potential career path in the UK. 

The Global Talent Visa

For those recognised as leaders or emerging leaders in science, medicine, or engineering, the Global Talent Visa is an excellent option for working in UK academia or research institutions. This visa is perfect for researchers and academics looking to work in UK universities or research institutions.

Key Benefits of the Global Talent Visa:

• You can select the visa duration, with a maximum of five years.
• Flexibility to work as an employee, be self-employed, or even manage your own company.
• Freedom to change roles or stop working without needing to notify the Home Office.
• The ability to bring eligible dependants (your partner and children).
• The option to travel outside the UK and re-enter freely.
• No requirement for English language proficiency or a minimum salary threshold.

Additionally, the visa can be renewed indefinitely, provided you continue to meet the eligibility criteria. After three years of residency in the UK, you may also apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR). Notably, any time spent conducting research abroad counts towards this residency requirement.

Eligibility Criteria:

To qualify for the Global Talent Visa, you must meet one of the following conditions:

• Hold an eligible job offer as an academic or researcher.
• Be awarded an individual fellowship or a research grant approved by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).
• Have received a recognised award within your field.

The Home Office maintains a list of qualifying achievements in science that can help you navigate this visa route.

How to Apply:

This visa requires endorsement from an authorised body to confirm your leadership potential or expertise. Endorsing organisations vary based on your specific field and offer, whether it’s an academic role, fellowship, or research grant.

Some applicants may benefit from a fast-tracked endorsement process, particularly those with job offers from institutions approved by the Royal Society, Royal Academy of Engineering, or the British Academy. In certain cases, if you’ve received a qualifying award, the endorsement step can be bypassed, and you can proceed directly to the visa application.

The Skilled Worker Visa

Alternatively, the Skilled Worker Visa offers a route to work in the UK for individuals with an eligible job offer from a Home Office-approved employer.

Key Benefits of the Skilled Worker Visa:

• Valid for up to five years, with the option to extend indefinitely, as long as you meet the criteria.
• After five years, you may be eligible to apply for ILR, allowing you to stay in the UK permanently.
• The visa allows you to work in an eligible role, study, volunteer, and bring dependants to the UK.
• You can travel internationally and return to the UK under this visa.

Eligibility Criteria:

To qualify for a Skilled Worker Visa, you must:

• Have a job offer from a Home Office-approved employer with a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
• Ensure your role is on the list of eligible occupations and meets the minimum salary requirement, typically £38,700 or the “going rate” for your role, whichever is higher.
• Demonstrate your proficiency in English (speaking, reading, writing, and comprehension).

Salary Flexibility:

Certain applicants can still qualify for the Skilled Worker Visa even with a lower salary, provided their earnings are at least £30,960 and they meet one of the following criteria:

• Are under 26, a recent graduate, or in professional training.
• Hold a PhD in a science, technology, engineering, or maths (STEM) subject relevant to the job. For other PhDs, the minimum salary is £26,100.
• Have a postdoctoral position in science or higher education.

For laboratory technicians, if you have at least three years of relevant work experience, you may qualify for a Skilled Worker Visa with a lower salary requirement of £30,960. This applies if your Certificate of Sponsorship is issued after 4 April 2024. For those who received their CoS before this date and have held continuous Skilled Worker visas, the salary requirement is £23,200.

How to Apply:

Applications for the Skilled Worker Visa are submitted online. The process differs depending on whether you are applying from outside the UK or switching from another visa type. All applications require documentation, proof of savings, payment of the application fee, and payment of the healthcare surcharge. Your application can be submitted up to three months before your start date, as listed on your CoS.

Pursuing a Career in UK Laboratories with Axis Solicitors

For assistance with your visa application, Axis Solicitors is here to help. Our experienced immigration solicitors are available to guide you through every step of the process, ensuring that your application meets all requirements. For new clients, we offer a free initial assessment to determine if you qualify for a specific visa or what your legal options are for any immigration matter. Afterwards, you can choose to proceed with our paid legal services or consultations.

Axis Solicitors is consistently ranking first among the Top 10 Immigration Solicitors in the UK on the Review Solicitors, online review platform. You can be certain our team will prepare and manage your UK visa applications with the appropriate preparation and documentation. Do not take chances when choosing your new immigration solicitors, with over 1500 reviews spread over different review websites, you can trust Axis Solicitors.

“Ranked #1 out of 2018 Immigration solicitor firms in the UK”