ISLE OF MAN WORKER
A range of routes for people working in the Isle of Man
In this section
Isle of Man Worker
The Isle of Man Worker migrant visa, which replaced Tier 2, helps Isle of Man employers attract and retain skilled employees from all over the world.
When the Isle of Man introduced its Worker migrant route in April 2018, it swept away many of the complexities of the old, UK-style Tier 2 system. Isle of Man employers no longer require a track record and a Sponsor Licence before they can employ workers from outside Britain and Ireland. A streamlined Confirmation of Employment process replaced the cumbersome Certificate of Sponsorship system.
The Isle of Man has its own lists of qualifying roles, and shortage occupation (key employment) roles. These lists focus on the island’s own policy and employment needs, not those of the UK.
The Isle of Man’s policy has meant that many roles in e-business and information technology are now exempt from the Resident Labour Market Test, making it much easier for employers to bring skilled staff from overseas.
The main Worker migrant route leads to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) for the worker and family members after a qualifying period of five years.
Commonwealth citizens intending to work in the Isle of Man should also consider the British ancestry visa.
Kinley Legal works with employers, employment agencies and candidates worldwide. We have particular experience in people and businesses in South Africa and Hong Kong. We help ensure that employment offers and contracts comply in full with the requirements of the Immigration Rules.
Health and Care Visa
The “Health and Care Visa” is not a separate route, but a scheme under which those applying to work in certain (but not all) health and care roles in the Isle of Man benefit from a reduced application fee and faster visa processing times that other Worker applicants. Applicable roles include doctors, nurses, paramedics, hospital workers and senior care workers. The Health and Care Visa nevertheless requires the same salary and English language requirements as any other Worker visa, and it still typically leads to ILR for Workers and their families after five years.
Worker (Intra-Company Transfer)
There is an Isle of Man Worker (Intra-Company Transfer) route, with simplified requirements. This is suitable for those transferring from overseas to their existing employer’s Isle of Man office for a maximum of five years. There are no English language requirements. This route does not lead to ILR.
Worker (Seasonal)
In February 2022 the Worker (Seasonal) route was launched. This allows seasonal workers from outside Britain and Ireland working in industries including hospitality, agriculture and fishing to live and work in the Isle of Man for nine months in any 12 month period. Confirmation of Employment and payment of a specified salary are required, but there are no English language requirements. This route does not allow dependants or lead to ILR.
Common Questions
How good does my English need to be?
For the main Worker route, including the Health and Care Visa, you will need to demonstrate your English level in a way prescribed under the Immigration Rules, for instance by passing an IELTS for UKVI SELT test at CEFR level B1 across all four subjects.
Can I bring my family?
In the main Worker route, including the Health and Care Visa, and the Worker (Intra-Company Transfer) route, this category allows a spouse or partner and minor children to move with the main applicant, and they can work, subject to work permits and conditions set out in the Immigration Rules. Older children may need to be considered as a separate case: Kinley Legal can advise on this. Family members cannot accompany those in the Worker (Seasonal) route, and would also need to qualify in their own right.
Can I live in the UK on this visa?
This visa is based upon work in the Isle of Man, and you will need to be employed in and based in the Isle of Man. If your work requires you to travel, this is permitted. Provided that you comply with the conditions of the visa, the UK recognises the right of the holder to visit the UK.
Do I need a work permit in addition to my visa?
The main holder of an Isle of Man Worker visa is exempt from the requirement to hold a separate Isle of Man work permit for his main employment. Your dependants may need work permits: Kinley Legal can help assess this.
Do I need a criminal record certificate to obtain this visa?
You and your adult dependants may need to obtain criminal record certificates from each country you have lived in in the last 10 years, depending on the role in which you are to be employed. Kinley Legal can confirm the requirements in your case.
How do I obtain a Confirmation of Employment document?
Before you can apply for an Isle of Man Worker migrant visa, you must obtain a Confirmation of Employment document corresponding to the role. Kinley Legal works with employers and prospective employees to ensure the requirements are met in full for this document, which typically takes two weeks to obtain.
Do I need to spend all my time in the Isle of Man?
No, you can travel, but you will be expected to be employed and based in the Isle of Man throughout.
Can I work on this visa, other than for my main employer?
In the main Worker route, you can undertake limited supplementary employment, but before commencing any supplementary employment or self-employment, we recommend you discuss your plans with Kinley Legal so we can help ensure they comply with the Immigration Rules.
Does this category lead to ILR and British citizenship?
Those in th the main Worker route, including the Health and Care Visa, may apply for ILR after five years, and for British citizenship typically after a further one year. The Isle of Man Worker (Intra-Company Transfer) and Worker (Seasonal) routes does not lead to permanent residence or citizenship: if this is the intention, please discuss options with Kinley Legal, as an alternative route may be more suitable for you.
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