Immigrating to the United Kingdom has changed drastically over recent months, with the Government introducing a new points-based system that covers all routes that hopeful migrants may use to live and work in Britain. This new points-based system has made it a lot trickier for us Saffas, but it is still possible for us to live and work in the UK.

There are five visa categories, from Tier 1 to Tier 5. South African passport holders are no longer eligible for Tier 5 or Tier 3.  Tier 5 or the Youth Mobility Programme, previously known as the Working Holiday, is no longer available to South Africans because a reciprocal agreement was not signed with the UK Government to allow UK citizens to have a working holiday in SA. Tier 3, for low-skilled workers doing jobs such as fruit-picking, is currently suspended because the UK Government believes there are enough workers entering from the EU to do these types of jobs.

For a South African to work in the UK, you will need to qualify for a Tier 1, 2 or 4 visa.

Tier 1 visa was previously known as the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme. The rules for getting this visa have always been stringent, but with the recent changes, it has become even more complex. Applicants must now hold a Masters degree just to qualify, and need to have earned a pre-determined amount in the year prior to application.

Tier 2 visa is a work permit that requires you to receive a job offer from a company or employer, with them essentially becoming your sponsor, allowing you to live and work in the UK.

Tier 4 is a student visa.