IRL and UK visa

[Shiv2123]

Hello. I am an Indian postdoctoral scientist currently, living in India, and i has been awarded funding by a scientific institute in Dublin to perform research in Belfast for 18 months and the next 18 months in Dublin. This funding is candidate dependent. I will be paid directly by the Irish institute for the entire 36 month period but will live and work in Belfast for the first 18 months. I am having difficulties working out on which visa i need and the UKIV has not been helpful. Now i am not sure which Tier visa category i have to apply to fulfill UK visa I have been struggling with this for a month now and it is getting urgent as the Irish Institute wish me to be in place by 1st April.

[CR001]

Tier 2 doesn't apply to you as you need a UK sponsoring employer.

I don't think there is a visa category that would meet the requirements of what you need.

[Shiv2123]

HI CR001

Thanks for the reply .

Do we have any other option with Ireland?

[CR001]

To work in Ireland you would need to contact INIS. An Irish work permit doesnt allow you to work in Belfast, Northern Ireland though.

[Shiv2123]

Thanks, CR001.
I can arrange Ireland's work permit which is not an issue but working with their partner research institute in Belfast required visa.

Can I apply under tier 4 or Tier 5?

[CR001]

Tier 4 unlikely.

Tier 5 if you qualify and depending on which category tier 5, possibly.