For the past 10 years, UK immigration has accepted about two million new arrivals, making the country one of the most competitive immigration systems in the western world.

There are several types of visas, which are designed to suit the needs and purposes of potential UK immigrants. To work, a foreign individual must obtain a Tier 1 visa or a Tier 2 work permit. Investors who wish to live and work in the UK should apply for the Entrepreneur visa. This is also required for anyone intending to invest capital and start a business under the UK visa rules. UK visas of this type provide the holder with the potential to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK (ILR), which is commonly known as permanent residency in the country.

For students who wish to study in the UK, the Tier 4 Student visa is required. The Post Study Work Programme and Youth Mobility Scheme, however, should be applied for if the student has already graduated, but then wishes to remain in the country to work for a limited time.

The UK Marriage visa and UK Fiancé visa, De Facto visa or the Unmarried Partner visa, are categories of family-based visas offered by UK immigration. A UK Marriage visa permits the husband, wife or civil partner of a person who is already present and settled in the UK to live permanently in the country. The UK Fiancé visa permits a person who is already present and settled in the country to petition for their fiancé to join them in the UK.

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