The High Commission accepts, processes and grants tourist and transit visa applications. Tourist visas allow the holder to enter the U.K. for short visits but do not allow work or formal study during that visit.
Note that citizens of Mauritius do not need tourist visas for visits to the U.K. (for a maximum of six months) or transit visas. However, foreign nationals legally residing in Mauritius may need visas to visit or pass through the U.K. They can apply for a visa at the High Commission.
All students, regardless of nationality, need a visa to engage in formal, extended study in the U.K. The High Commission in Port Louis accepts and processes these applications. There are several options for students who need visas to study in the U.K.: child student, child visitor, general student, student visitor and prospective student.
Mauritian citizens do not need to apply for child visitor, student visitor or prospective student visas, because these are all visitor visas for up to six months and with no work allowances (meaning that Mauritian citizens can simply enter the U.K. -- as a visitor -- without a visa and study informally for up to six months). However, foreign nationals residing in Mauritius may need to apply for one of these visas.
The High Commission accepts and processes work visas. In order to obtain a work visa, you need to have a job offer from a company in the U.K. before you apply. The High Commission in Mauritius website states that many Mauritians use an employment agency to find temporary work in the U.K. and then find more-permanent work once there.
You can apply to change and extend your visa or get permanent residency while in the U.K. -- if you find a permanent job before the temporary visa expires.
If you have an immediate family member who legally resides in the U.K. (including a fiancé), you can apply for a visa to join that family member. The High Commission will grant you a temporary visa to live and work in the U.K. British immigration officials can then change this temporary visa to permanent residency status after two years have elapsed.
