Work Visa and Work Permit in the UK

If you’re planning to work in the UK, getting the right visa or permit is essential. Whether you’ve been offered a role by a UK employer, or you’re hoping to work here without sponsorship, there are several immigration routes available depending on your situation.

In this guide, we’ll take you through the different UK work visa options, what each one involves, and how to choose the route that fits your goals. If you’re unsure where to start, or want help with your application, our team of immigration solicitors in Manchester is here to guide you.

What is a UK Work Visa or Permit?

A UK work visa or permit allows foreign nationals to live and work legally in the UK. Most routes require a job offer from a UK employer that holds a sponsor licence. However, some routes such as the High Potential Individual visa or Graduate visa don’t require sponsorship, offering more flexibility.

Since Brexit, EU nationals must also apply for a visa unless they have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme.

Why It’s Important to Understand the Routes

Each visa has its own rules, length of stay, and path to settlement. Picking the right visa can help you save time, avoid reapplying later, and plan your future in the UK with confidence.

Skilled Worker Visa

What is the Skilled Worker Visa?

The Skilled Worker visa is the most common route for non-UK nationals to work in the UK. It replaced the old Tier 2 (General) visa and is based on a points system.

To qualify, you’ll generally need:

• A confirmed job offer from a licensed UK sponsor
• A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
• A role listed as eligible by the Home Office
• To meet the salary and English language requirements

Eligible Jobs and the Immigration Salary List

Your job must appear on the Home Office’s approved list of eligible occupations. Some roles on the Immigration Salary List come with lower salary thresholds.

UK Sponsorship Requirements

Your employer must be a registered sponsor with the Home Office. They’ll provide your Certificate of Sponsorship, which you’ll need for your visa application.

Application Process and Required Documents

You’ll need to apply online, provide identity documents, and prove your job details and sponsorship. Most applicants also need to show they meet the English language requirement.

Visa Costs, Salary Thresholds, and Processing Time

Application fees vary depending on the length of stay and whether the job is on the shortage list. Expect to pay from £719 upwards. Processing usually takes around 3 weeks when applying from outside the UK.

Switching from Another Visa to Skilled Worker

If you’re already in the UK on a different visa (like a Student or Graduate visa), you may be able to switch to a Skilled Worker visa without leaving the country.

Skilled Worker Visa Extension and Settlement (ILR)

You can extend this visa and apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 years, as long as you meet the continuous residence and eligibility requirements.

Health and Care Worker Visa

This is a sub-category of the Skilled Worker route designed for health and social care professionals.

Eligible Health and Care Occupations

Includes roles such as nurses, paramedics, care workers, and medical radiographers.

NHS and Adult Social Care Employers

You must be sponsored by an approved organisation in the health and care sector, like the NHS or a registered care home.

Salary Exemptions and Benefits

This route offers reduced visa fees and is exempt from the Immigration Health Surcharge making it more affordable.

Fast track Processing and Reduced Fees

Applications are usually processed quicker, often within 2 to 3 weeks.

Scale up Visa

Overview of the Scale-up Visa

The Scale-up visa is for people with highly skilled job offers from fast-growing UK businesses. It offers more flexibility and doesn’t always require ongoing sponsorship.

Eligibility Requirements and Sponsorship Rules

Initially, you’ll need sponsorship, but after 6 months you can work for any employer. You must have a confirmed offer with a salary of at least £36,600.

Length of Stay and Route to Settlement

The visa lasts 2 years but can be extended. You can apply for settlement after 5 years.

Scale-up Visa vs Skilled Worker Visa

The Scale-up visa offers more independence after the first 6 months, but it’s more suitable for those with a strong academic or professional background.

Temporary Worker Visa

The Temporary Worker Visa allows foreign nationals to work in the UK for a specific period within certain sectors. These visas are ideal for those seeking short-term employment in the UK. Here are the available categories under the Temporary Worker visa:

• Seasonal Worker – For agricultural roles like fruit picking, typically lasting up to 6 months.
• Charity Worker – Unpaid voluntary roles for registered UK charities.
• Creative Worker – For artists, entertainers, and musicians.
• Religious Worker – For non-pastoral roles in religious organisations.
• Government Authorised Exchange – For training, internships, or research exchange opportunities.

Eligibility and Duration

• Most routes require sponsorship from an employer.
• The duration of stay varies from 3 months to 2 years, depending on the specific role.

Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) Process

Your UK employer must issue a valid CoS and confirm the details of your employment and the expected duration of your stay.

Switching to a Long-term Work Visa

Temporary Worker visas don’t directly lead to settlement in the UK, but you may be able to switch to a long-term visa like the Skilled Worker visa, depending on eligibility.

Global Business Mobility Visa

The Global Business Mobility (GBM) Visa is designed for overseas businesses to send their employees to the UK for specific work assignments. This visa allows businesses to expand or operate in the UK by sending experienced staff or graduates. Here are the key categories within the GBM visa route:

Categories within the GBM Visa

• Senior or Specialist Worker – For experienced employees being transferred to a UK branch.
• Graduate Trainee – For recent graduates taking part in structured training programmes.
• UK Expansion Work – To help establish a new branch or subsidiary of the overseas business in the UK.
• Service Supplier – For overseas service providers operating under trade agreements.
• Secondment Worker – For employees being seconded to work in a UK company.

Sponsorship and Company Requirements

UK employers must have a sponsor licence and issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) for their overseas employees.

GBM vs Intra-Company Transfer Visa

The Global Business Mobility visa expands on the old Intra-Company Transfer visa by introducing more flexible categories, making it easier for overseas staff to work in the UK.

Can You Settle in the UK on a GBM Visa?

The Global Business Mobility visa does not provide a direct route to settlement. However, it is possible to switch to another visa type that offers a pathway to settlement.

Work Visas Without a Job Offer

If you’re looking to work in the UK without a job offer, there are several work visa routes that might be suitable. These visas offer flexibility and opportunities for skilled individuals, graduates, and those with UK ancestry. Here’s a breakdown of the key options:

High Potential Individual (HPI) Visa

• Overview and Purpose: Designed for recent graduates from top international universities. No job offer required.
• Eligible Universities: Must be on the Home Office’s annual list of approved global institutions.
• Duration & Work Rights: Stay for up to 2 years (3 years with a PhD). You can work freely and switch to another visa route later.

Graduate Visa

• Who Can Apply: Available to international students who’ve completed a degree in the UK on a Student visa.
• Job Flexibility: You can work in any role without needing sponsorship.
• Switching to a Skilled Worker Visa: After finding an eligible job with sponsorship, you can transition to a Skilled Worker visa.

Global Talent Visa

• Eligible Fields: For recognised leaders or future leaders in tech, arts, and science.
• Work Rights & ILR: No job offer needed. You may qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after just 3 years.
• Endorsing Bodies: Requires endorsement from approved organisations like Arts Council England or the Royal Society.
• Eligibility: Available to Commonwealth citizens with a grandparent born in the UK.UK Ancestry Visa

These visa options provide a great opportunity to enter the UK workforce without the need for immediate job sponsorship.

Other Work Permits in the UK

In addition to the main work visas, there are several other work permit routes in the UK that cater to specific circumstances. These visas provide opportunities for individuals looking to establish a business, work in certain sectors, or bring unique skills to the UK workforce. Consider the following options:

• Representative of an Overseas Business Visa – For senior employees from overseas businesses looking to establish a branch in the UK.
• Youth Mobility Scheme – Available to people aged 18–30 from eligible countries, allowing them to live and work in the UK for up to two years.
• Domestic Worker in a Private Household Visa – For individuals employed as long-term staff in a private household in the UK.
• Religious Worker Visa – Designed for people looking to undertake short-term religious roles, such as ministers of religion or faith leaders.
• International Agreement Worker Visa – Applies to workers filling roles covered under international law or trade agreements.
• Innovator Founder Visa – For entrepreneurs wishing to set up and run an innovative business in the UK.

Each of these routes offers a unique way to live and work in the UK, depending on your specific situation or career goals.

The UK offers a wide range of work visa and permit options – whether you’re looking to join a company, start your own business, or apply based on qualifications or ancestry. Choosing the right path depends on your goals, experience, and whether you have a job offer.

If you’re unsure which route fits you best or need help with your application, we’re here to make the process as straightforward as possible. Speak to our immigration solicitors today for clear, practical advice. Let us help you take the next step towards working and living in the UK. Call us on 0161 464 4140 or request a free callback.