ISLE OF MAN WORKER
A new category for skilled 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 the European Economic Area (EEA). 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. For instance, chefs are eligible workers in the Isle of Man, even though they are not in 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.
There is also an Isle of Man Worker (Intra-Company Transfer) category with simplified requirements. This is suitable for those transferring to their existing employer’s Isle of Man office for a maximum of five years. This category does not lead to ILR.
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.
Common Questions
How good does my English need to be?
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?
Yes, 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.
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?
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?
Workers and their dependants in the main Isle of Man Worker migrant category may apply for ILR after five years, and for British citizenship after a further one year. The Isle of Man Worker (Intra-Company Transfer) route 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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