One of the biggest advantages of a skilled worker visa for one of these Crown Dependencies is that it leads to Indefinite Leave to Remain for the specific island and the United Kingdom. It is thus a route to British citizenship.
Furthermore, the criteria for qualifying for the skilled worker visa for the islands are, in some respects, less strict and cumbersome than the criteria for the UK skilled worker visa.
Breytenbachs have a team of experts who deal with Immigration to the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. We will gladly assist and guide you.
What Islands comprise the Crown Dependencies?
Three islands within the British Isles are Crown Dependencies. These are the Bailiwicks of Jersey and Guernsey (which make up the Channel Islands) and the Isle of Man.
The Crown Dependencies are not part of the United Kingdom but are self-governing possessions of the British Crown.
The three islands have their own varying forms of self-administration. However, the UK Government is responsible for certain policy areas, including defence and foreign affairs.
How to qualify for the Skilled Worker Visa – Channel Islands and the Isle of Man
Similar to the UK, to qualify for the Skilled Worker Visa for any one of the Crown Dependencies, an applicant needs to secure employment in one of the eligible occupations. The employment must be with an eligible employer. Your Breytenbachs consultant will be able to provide you with the latest list of eligible occupations for each of the islands.
To employ a migrant, the employer must apply for an internal Work Permit, which must be included in the Skilled Worker Visa application.
The employee must earn a minimum salary, which will depend on the type of work they do and the job offer. The specific eligibility will depend on every case. Your Breytenbachs consultant can advise on the latest scales for every eligible occupation.
Knowledge of English
Applicants for a Skilled Worker Visa for one of the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man must also fulfil the English language requirement. It is possible to satisfy the English Language Requirement in one of the following ways:
- You are a national of a majority English-speaking country.
- Have a GCSE, A level, Scottish National Qualification level 4 or 5, Scottish Higher or Advanced Higher in English.
- You have a degree-level academic qualification taught or researched in English. If you studied outside the UK, your Breytenbachs consultant will be able to help you get your qualifications recognised and certified to the correct UK standard.
- Passing a Secure English language test (SELT) from an approved provider.
If you obtain sponsorship as a doctor, dentist, nurse, or midwife and have already passed an English Language assessment by the relevant regulated professional body, you are exempt from having to prove your knowledge of English further.
Maintenance Requirement – Channel Islands and the Isle of Man
For Jersey and Guernsey specifically, you must prove that you can adequately maintain and accommodate yourself and your family. The authorities will assess your circumstances in total. Your Breytenbachs consultant will assist you in ensuring that you have everything in place to meet the maintenance requirements.
For the Isle of Man, you must show at least £1,270 in your bank account. This will show that you can support yourself in the Isle of Man. However, you do not need to prove this if you have been in the Isle of Man with a valid visa for at least 12 months.
Length of Stay – Channel Islands and the Isle of Man
The Skilled Worker Visa for Jersey is valid for an initial period of up to three years.
The Skilled Worker Visa for Guernsey is valid for an initial period of up to 33 months. The Isle of Man Skilled Worker Visa is valid for an initial period of up to 3 years and 14 days.
You can extend or update the visa without restriction if you still meet the eligibility requirements. After five years on this immigration route, you should be able to qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain.
Right to Work with a Skilled Worker Visa for the Channel Islands or Isle of Man
Holders of the Skilled Worker Visas on the respective Crown Dependencies can study and do voluntary work. You will be able to do additional work under certain circumstances. Breytenbachs highly recommend that you clarify any additional work with your consultant to ensure that you do not breach the conditions of your visa.
You cannot change jobs or employers without following the relevant visa procedures. Please speak to your Breytenbachs consultant.
Spouses and Dependants
One of the biggest advantages of the Skilled Worker Visa for the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man is that it is very family-friendly. You can apply to bring your partner and children with you.
They will need to prove they can support themselves per the financial requirements of that island.
Immigration Health Surcharge
One of the biggest advantages of a visa for one of the Crown Dependencies is that there is currently no Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) payable as part of the visa application.
This means you can avoid the financial burden of UK visa applications.
Indefinite Leave to Remain
Once you have completed five years in one of the islands, you will be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain for the specific island and the UK.
After obtaining the Indefinite Leave to Remain status, you can apply for British Citizenship and a British Passport.
How Breytenbachs can help you obtain a Skilled Worker Visa for the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man
If you want to explore the opportunity to obtain a Skilled Worker Visa for the Channel Islands (Bailiwicks of Jersey and Guernsey) or the Isle of Man, please get in touch.
Breytenbachs will guide you through the intrinsic process of applying and ensure your route to citizenship is never compromised!
Contact our dedicated team of consultants today!
