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Alternative UK Work Visas
If you’re looking to work as a freelance contractor in the UK you should ideally consider a work visa such as a Tier 1 (HSMP), Ancestry Visa, Working Holiday Visa etc as this will allow you to work freely and without any restrictions relative to EU nationals.At Commonwealth Contractors, via our OISC registered immigration partners, we can help you work out which work visa you’re best suited to (Tier 1 (HSMP), Ancestry, Working Holiday Visa etc) and which contracting solution to use once you arrive (Umbrella Company or Contractor Limited Company). We may also be able to help you if you’re interested in working on Managed Projects with an International Consultancy. To find out more call Commonwealth Contractors now on 0800 294 4388 or Submit your details and we will get right back to you.
Below we have listed the most commonly used work visas and the range of contracting solutions available.
Alternative UK Work Visas for Freelance Contractors
Tier 1 (HSMP)The Tier 1 (HSMP) is the best work visa option available to freelance contractors from non EEA countries who do not have a family link to the UK.
The Tier 1 (HSMP) visa allows highly skilled individuals to work freely in the UK, initially for a period or 2 years but once extended for a total of 5 years. Unlike the Working Holidaymaker Visa time spent on an HSMP counts towards getting Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) at the ‘professional track’ rate – within 5 years.
Freelance Contractors who hold Tier 1 (HSMPs) can use umbrella company solutions such as Expat Advantage and Payroll Umbrella or run their own Contractor Limited Companies (so long as they are outside IR35 or, if inside IR35, do not take dividends).
Ancestry Visa
Ancestry Visas are available to nationals of Commonwealth countries who have a grandparent born in the UK before the 31st of March 1922. They allow the holder to work freely in the UK for a period of up to 5 years after which it is possible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain.
Freelance Contractors holding Ancestry Visas can use Umbrella Company Solutions such as Expat Advantage and Payroll Umbrella or run their own Contractor Limited Company. Expat Advantage is a particularly good solution for those on Ancestry Visas as holders may, during their initial few years in the UK, be able to claim business expenses for which UK nationals are not normally eligible.
Working Holidaymaker Visa
Working Holidaymaker Visas (WHV) allow qualifying individuals to spend up to two years in the UK. The 2 years start from the date the holder is first given permission to enter as a working holidaymaker. However the holder can not work for the whole 2 years. Work is limited to 12 out of the 24 months (or can be part time of up to 20hrs/wk for the whole period); this is because the intention is that you should come on a holiday / cultural experience, with work helping make it affordable, rather than making it an alternative to a professional work visa such as a Tier 1 (HSMP) or sponsored work permit.
Those with Working Holidaymaker Visas may also be limited in terms of the contracting solutions available. Holders are not supposed to do business while in the UK so running a Contractor Limited Company is not a good idea especially for those hoping to apply for a Tier 1 (HSMP).
Expat Advantage, the Expat Umbrella Company Solution is ideal for freelance contractors working in the UK on Working Holidaymaker Visas. With Expat Advantage contractors may be able to claim business expenses for which UK nationals are not normally eligible and have no problems when it comes to applying for the Tier 1 (HSMP) as all earnings are documented on payslips and a P60 at the end of the year. To find out more call Commonwealth Contractors now on 0800 294 4388!
Student Visa
A Student Visa is not really an option for full time freelance contractors wishing to work in the UK.
Student Visas allow 20 hours of work per week in term time and 40 hours per week outside term time. A letter from the Collage/University is normally required by an employer to prove that a worker is outside term time.
Student visa holders working on contracts can use an umbrella company solution such as Payroll Umbrella to take care of contract billings.
Work Visa Dependents
Work Visa Dependents and dependents of EEA nationals may pursue any legal employment or business in the UK, and will usually be given a visa for the duration of their partners visa.
Umbrella Company Solutions such as Expat Advantage and Payroll Umbrella are normally ideal contract solutions.
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