How can I move to the UK from Ghana to work without knowing anyone there?

Moving from Ghana to the UK for Work Without Knowing Anyone

Relocating from Ghana to the UK for work may seem daunting, especially if you don’t know anyone there. However, with the right strategy, it’s possible to secure a job and the necessary visa. Below are the steps and options available to you, whether or not you hold a degree.

For Degree Holders: Applying for a Tier 2 Work Visa

If you have a degree, one of the most effective ways to move to the UK is by applying for jobs online that offer a minimum salary of £30,000 per year. Once you secure a job offer, you can request the employer to sponsor your Tier 2 work visa.

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Job Search Platforms

You can find job vacancies in the UK on the following websites:

If your potential employer is hesitant to pay the £2,000 government fee required to sponsor a non-EU worker, you can either offer to cover the fee yourself or hire a specialist agency in the UK that will act as your sponsor for a fee.

Shortage Occupations: Salary Exceptions

The UK government has a shortage occupation list that allows certain professions to qualify for a Tier 2 visa even if the salary is below £30,000. Some of these professions include:

Nursing
Engineering
IT Managers
Maths and Physics Teachers

For medical doctors, the minimum salary for a Tier 2 visa is £55,000, unless the position is in a specialty listed on the shortage occupation list, such as Accident & Emergency medicine or psychiatry.

For Non-Degree Holders: High Salary or Specific Roles

If you do not have a degree, securing a Tier 2 work visa is still possible, but the job offer must come with a salary of more than £159,600 per year. This is often the route taken by professional athletes, such as footballers, who may not have formal qualifications.

One of the few roles on the shortage occupation list that does not require a degree is that of a cook or chef in an ethnic restaurant.

Starting a Business: Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa

If you have an entrepreneurial mindset, you can apply for a Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa. This visa requires you to have at least £50,000 in capital to invest in your business idea in the UK.

High Net Worth Individuals: Tier 1 Investor Visa

If you have a high net worth, moving to the UK is even more straightforward. The Tier 1 Investor Visa allows you to move to the UK without needing a job or starting a business. To qualify, you must have a net worth of £2 million and invest at least £750,000 in UK government bonds. This investment will be returned to you after a specified period.

Illegally Overstaying a Tourist Visa

Some people choose to move to the UK by applying for a 6-month Tourist visa and then overstaying. The UK does not conduct exit checks, which allows some individuals to remain in the country for years without detection. However, this method is illegal and carries significant risks, including difficulties in securing employment and potential legal consequences.

Exploring Other European Options

If the UK seems challenging, you might consider other European countries like Germany or the Republic of Ireland.

Germany: The Blue Card

Germany offers a Blue Card that allows you to work anywhere in the Schengen area. To qualify, you need a job offer with a minimum salary of €55,000, unless the job is listed on Germany’s shortage occupation list.

Ireland: No Minimum Salary Requirement

The Republic of Ireland might be easier to move to, as it does not impose a minimum salary requirement for work visas.

Marrying a British Citizen

Another pathway to the UK is through marriage. If you marry a British citizen, they must have a minimum income of £18,600 per year or savings of £62,500 for you to live with them in the UK. This income requirement does not apply if you marry an EU national, but this option may soon be unavailable due to the UK’s departure from the EU.

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In summary, there are various ways to move from Ghana to the UK for work, each with its own requirements. By carefully considering your qualifications and financial situation, you can determine the best route for your move.