Tier 1 vs Tier 5 ... please help!!

[aussie_330]

Hi guys,

I am a qualified chartered accountant currently based in Australia and looking to move to UK in April/May 2011.

My intention is to stay in the UK for up to 2 years however i'd be open to extending that stay should my circumstances change.

I have been advised that Tier 1 (General) will be abolished from April 2011.

Could anyone please advise if there are any major differences between Tier 1 and Tier 5 in terms of work restrictions etc. I understand that Tier 1 visas can be extended to cover a period of 5 years in total whereas Tier 5 is a once-off 2 year visa.

Tier 1 is significantly more expensive than Tier 5 and takes a lot longer to process.

If i do decide to go with Tier 5 (pending responses from this forum), what are my options should I wish to stay in the UK past the 2 year period? Is there any other class I can apply on based on my qualifications (Chartered Accountancy)?

Finally, in terms of employment both temp and permanent, do employers give preference to Tier 1 visa holders over Tier 5?

Thanks in advance for anyone assisting

Cheers!!

[wf]

Get a Tier 1.

Otherwise I will just about guarantee you will reach the end of your 2 years on Tier 5/YMS and be left wondering how you can stay on - I've seen it time and time again. Your options will be limited - no Tier 1 will exist, Tier 2 probably will but who knows under what rules plus in any case you would have to go home at that point and reapply.

Also Tier 1 leads to settlement (residency), Tier 5 does not.

Don't be put off by the increased cost as it is well worth it in the long run, Tier 1 is so much better its not even worth contemplating Tier 5.

Employers will definitely favour a Tier 1 over a Tier 5, as with a Tier 5 they know you are gone after 2 years. Temp roles it doesn't matter so much.

However you need to apply ASAP (now) due to the cap, to have a chance of getting it before it is abolished.

[aussie_330]

Thanks heaps for the prompt reply WF

By residency (settlement), you mean permanent residency (PR) right? Not British passport?

I read somewhere that with PR, if you left the country for a certain period of time, you lose it.

[wf]

Yes permanent residency known officially as ILR/Indefinite Leave to Remain.

Under current rules:

5 years on settlement visa (Tier 1/2 etc) can then apply for ILR, lapses after a certain period out of the country
1 year on ILR can then apply for British citizenship(+passport), does not lapse

[aussie_330]

Awesome!! That's great info.

Thanks for clarifying

[aussie_330]

When does the visa start ticking? Date issued or date you enter UK?

Also as you mentioned, Tier 1 entitles you to apply for uk passport after the 5 year stay, what are further restrictions in terms of how much longer you have to stay?

[wf]

When does the visa start ticking? Date issued or date you enter UK?

Date of entry to UK.

Also as you mentioned, Tier 1 entitles you to apply for uk passport after the 5 year stay

Actually I said you qualify for ILR after 5 years, then citizenship/passport 1 year after that.

what are further restrictions in terms of how much longer you have to stay?

As above 1 year on ILR to get citizenship then no restrictions after that.

Have you seen the threads on closure of Tier 1? If you are applying you need to do so immediately online.