Overview
The Worker Migrant route allows employers in the Isle of Man to hire workers from outside Britain and Ireland for specific full-time positions that cannot be filled by local workers.
The Isle of Man maintains its own distinct lists of qualifying roles and shortage occupation (key employment) roles. These lists prioritise the island’s specific policy and employment requirements, separate from those of the United Kingdom.
Eligibility
To live and work in the Isle of Man, you must be employed by an Isle of Man employer.
Entry Clearance Requirements
Entry clearance must be obtained before a person arrives in the Isle of Man. To qualify for leave to remain, applicants must fulfil the requirements outlined in Part 2.2 of Appendix W to the Immigration Rules.
The following are an overview of the requirements:
- Valid Confirmation of Employment: The applicant must provide a valid Confirmation of Employment from the employer.
- English language requirements: In most cases, applicants need to demonstrate a B1 level of proficiency in all four components a qualifying English language test. This from majority English Speaking countries do not have to take a test.
- Funds requirement: Applicants must meet the required level of funds specified in Appendix C of the Immigration Rules.
- Appropriate Salary: The salary for the employment must meet the Appropriate Salary requirements.
- Financial self-sufficiency: The applicant must be able to adequately support themselves and any dependants without relying on public funds.
- Employment restrictions: The applicant must not be employed by an independent third party. Self-employment or similar arrangements are not allowed, except for specific occupations excluded from this restriction (SOC Codes 2413 - Solicitors or 2211 - Medical practitioners or 2215 - Dental practitioners). Various conditions apply to ensure the applicant is not in a position akin to self-employment, such as not having control over the employer's business, investing personal funds in the business, or being responsible for business losses.
- Tax and National Insurance: The employer is responsible for paying tax and National Insurance on the worker migrant's salary.
Duration of Stay
If your application is approved, you will receive entry clearance until whichever is earliest: 14 days after the end date stated on your Confirmation of Employment or a period of 3 years and 1 month. You may begin your stay up to 14 days before the start date mentioned on your Confirmation of Employment. You can apply to extend this visa for up to an additional 3 years, provided your total stay does not exceed 6 years.
Making an application
Applications from overseas are submitted online through the UK Visa and Immigration website
Once submitted, your application will be forwarded to the Isle of Man Immigration Service for review.
Other conditions at a glance
Can my family members join me?
Yes
Is an English test required?
Required for the Worker Migrant at the ourset (unless exempt). Family members may require a test to obtain Indefinite Leave to Remain after 5 years.
NHS Surcharge payable?
No – this does not apply in the Isle of Man.
Does the visa confer rights to live in the UK?
The visa requires working and therefore living in the Isle of Man but you can visit the UK freely.
Is a Criminal record certificate required?
A certificate is likely to be required if you are to take up a role in healthcare, education or working with vulnerable people. Otherwise, a certificate is not required, but convictions must be disclosed as part of the application process.
Can this path lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain / British citizenship?
Yes.
Further reading – Part 2 – Appendix W of Isle of Man Immigration rules SD 62/15
