UK visas now more easily attainable for educated South Africans
March 26 2010 by Liam Clifford
UK visas for South African applicants will now take more stock of academic qualifications. South African applicants who possess a Bachelor's degree may be eligible (subject to earnings criteria) for the Tier 1 UK visa when the immigration rules change on 6 April.
Previously, South Africans who held
a BA were only able to secure a UK visa by gaining a job offer before making the
move to the UK and gaining sponsorship for a UK work permit. This meant they
were not able to change jobs once they had moved to the UK.
South
Africans with British-born mothers are also at an advantage: from 6 April they
will be eligible to apply for UK citizenship.
Under the new rules, visa
applicants will still need to earn at least 75 points with an additional 10
points each for maintenance and English language requirements totaling 95
points. Applicants who are under 30-years at the date of application will be
awarded 20 points for their age.
Applicants with a Bachelor's degree
will receive 30 points for their qualification. A Master's degree earns 35
points, and a PhD will score 45 points.
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