Working abroad has become an integral part of today’s globalized society. In recent decades, millions of migrants have sought employment opportunities overseas. This trend has increased considerably in recent years due to economic instability at home.
Many employers prefer hiring foreigners because they bring new skills and perspectives into the workplace. If you do decide to work in another country, it’s important to remember some basic rules before taking the plunge. There are also some issues to consider before leaving your country of origin.
Are you looking for a new career opportunity or even a better salary abroad? The UK has always been known as a great place to live and travel.
UK is a place that offers good opportunities and highly paid job positions in the IT sector. Many companies recruit foreign professionals to fill their vacancies.
UK IT Job Market
In the past few years, the number of IT jobs has grown significantly. According to the latest statistics, the UK IT industry added over 50,000 new jobs between 2010 and 2015. These figures include both full-time and freelance positions.
In addition to these numbers, the average salary for IT professionals in the UK has risen steadily since 2009. As of 2016, the median annual wage was £40,500.
IT Skills Needed
To qualify for a position in the IT field, applicants must have at least two years of relevant experience. In most cases, candidates need to hold an undergraduate degree in computer science or related fields.
However, there are certain types of IT jobs that require less education. For example, entry-level programmers usually only need a high school diploma. On the other hand, senior software engineers often have advanced degrees such as master’s degrees.
The skills required by each type of position vary. For instance, some companies prefer candidates who possess strong communication skills. Other companies value technical expertise. Still, others look for creative thinkers.
If you ever plan to continue your career in the UK, we have prepared a list of the highest paying jobs in the IT sector for foreigners:
1. Software Developer – £60k-£80k + Bonus
Software developers use computers to create programs that allow people to complete tasks. They may write code, debug applications, test software, or perform any number of technical roles depending on their skill set. Most programming jobs require at least a bachelor’s degree in computer science or information technology, although some companies hire candidates who have only high school diplomas if they possess strong problem-solving abilities. If you’re interested in working as a developer, consider pursuing a certificate or two, these credentials could lead to higher salaries down the road.
2. Senior Programmer – £40k-£50k per year
A senior programmer works alongside a junior programmer. Their job duties depend on the company and what type of project needs to be accomplished. Many organizations prefer hiring programmers with at least three years of experience, however, a college diploma or associate’s degree can help a fresh graduate get hired. There are many different degrees and certifications a person can pursue to become a developer, including ones in web design, databases, programming languages, application security, and much more.
3. Database Administrator – £30k+
Database administrators maintain data structures and ensure that database management systems run smoothly. A good understanding of SQL (structured query language) is a plus, but not necessary. Typically, a database administrator possesses several years of work experience under his/her belt. College education in business administration or computer sciences, along with professional certification, could increase salary potential.
4. Web Designer / Front End Developer – £25k-£35k
Web designers make websites visually appealing for users by choosing colors, fonts, images, and layouts. They must know how browsers work so they can optimize sites for mobile devices, small screens, and anything else a user might encounter. In addition, front-end developers build interactive elements onto a website, such as buttons, drop boxes, calendar pickers, and others. A bachelor’s degree in communications, graphic design, fine arts, or a related field is preferred, though most employers recognize industry certifications, such as those offered by Microsoft, Adobe, Apple, or Google Certification.
5. Network Engineer – £20k-£25k
Network engineers install or configure networking solutions for businesses. They often set up networks, troubleshoot network issues, and install hardware. To achieve success, applicants should have extensive knowledge of networking protocols, routers, switches, firewalls, VPNs, wireless technologies, and the like. Additional qualifications include understanding of TCP/IP protocol suite and being familiar with various operating system architecture fundamentals.
All that’s left for you to do is collect all the necessary documents and apply for a work visa so you can start working and living in the UK. The whole process takes about four weeks, which includes your medical exam, police check, and work permit approval. So, it’s best to plan ahead when getting your visa. But there is one more thing, for all those individuals who possess certain qualifications and skills in a certain field, they are offered a unique opportunity to apply for a Skilled Worker Visa which further provides them with certain benefits. As part of those benefits, moving to a country with better living standards and the opportunity for a highly paid job and improving work skills.
How many times can you extend a Skilled Worker visa in the UK?
You’re allowed to apply for an extension once every two years, subject to meeting specific requirements. This means if you’ve been granted a Skilled Worker visa within the last two years, then you’ll need to leave the UK before applying for another visa. If you stay longer than two years without permission, you risk losing your right to remain in the UK.
Skilled worker visas let you come to the UK to live permanently. There are different types of skilled workers visas available. For example, Tier 1 (General) allows you to enter on a standard visitor visa and applies to people from outside the European Economic Area (EEA). Tier 2 (Specific Skills) requires you to be able to offer a particular skill that isn’t already well catered for in the UK. If you want to find out what the predispositions are and how you can apply for this visa, we suggest that you immediately go to https://imperiallegal.com/uk-skilled-worker-visa.
I hope you liked this article and through it, we were able to provide you with more information about how much IT workers are paid in the UK and the easiest way to get a work visa there. Hard times have come, like it or not, we must strive to provide a better life for ourselves and our families. We must learn to adapt to new circumstances, whether these be economic or political. We cannot afford to sit around and wait for things to change, we must take action instead.