Am I Eligible?
Eligibility to teach in England
There are many ways to qualify to live and work as a teacher in England.
Teaching in England opens the door to a great opportunity for you to progress within your teaching career and gain valued international teaching experience. Additionally, you will also benefit from higher pay, free healthcare and the opportunity to travel across the UK and Europe.
Visa options for South African Teachers
South African teachers require a visa when teaching in England, below are the different visa options:
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British or European Passport
If you currently hold, or have the rights to apply for a British or European Passport. This will allow you unlimited working rights in the UK.
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Ancestry Visa
This visa is for people who hold a South African or Commonwealth passport with a parent or grandparent born in the UK. With this visa you can work and bring dependents. This visa will last for 5 years.
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Tier 2 skilled worker
This is a 1 to 5 year visa which allows you to stay in the UK to teach with an approved employer (school). This visa has replaced the Tier 2 General Work Visa and you must have a confirmed job offer before you apply for this visa.
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Family Visa
This is a visa that allows you to stay in the UK for up to 3 years if you have a partner who is British or Irish.
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Student and Graduate Visas
If you're a South African or African who has studied in the UK on a student visa, you will be eligible to transfer onto a graduate visa which extends your stay for a further 2 years.
Why England?
Find out why England remains a top destination for teachers from around the world.
The reading corner
The Reading Corner is Engage’s thinking space – full of teaching insights and advice!
Am I Eligible?
If you aren't sure if you are eligible to work in the UK, you can get in touch with our friendly local team, who are fully-trained and happy to talk you through the relocation process.
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