UK Work Permits and Visas

Overview of UK Work Permits and Visas

If you are a foreign national and wish to work in the UK, you will need to apply for a UK work visa.

There are a large number of different work visas that cover a broad range of professions and working types. Consequently, each work visa or permit will also have its own eligibility criteria distinct from other work permits, although many will share common requirements with each other.

This may include, amongst other things, the requirement to be sponsored by an eligible employer or organisation that is licenced to sponsor foreign workers in the UK.

Most work visas are governed by the points-based immigration system, which is a way to determine a visa applicant’s aptitude and eligibility for a particular work visa.

As working in the UK is normally a restricted activity, foreign nationals will have to obtain a relevant work permit or visa first in order to do so. Working in the UK without the proper permission or authorisation is an illegal offence and any individuals found guilty of this may face criminal charges or deportation.

Who Needs a Work Visa to Work in the UK?

British and Irish citizens have automatic right to work in the UK without having to first apply for dedicated permission in the form of a permit, visa or leave to remain.

In addition, anyone with the following has the right to work in the UK without having to apply for a dedicated visa or permit:

• Pre-settled or settled status from the EU Settlement Scheme
• An EU Settlement Scheme family permit
• Indefinite leave to enter or remain in the UK
• Right of abode in the UK

Otherwise, any other foreign national, including those from the EU/EEA, must apply for permission from the Home Office first in order to work in the UK.

All Work Visas in the UK

Note that this list of visas is correct as of October 2024.

Skilled Worker Visas

• Skilled Worker visa: The UK’s general work visa covering a range of roles and professions.
• Health and Care Worker visa: For those working in the health and care industries.

Work Visas That Do Not Require a Job Offer

• British National (Overseas) visa: A visa specifically for eligible individuals from Hong Kong.
• Graduate visa: For graduates of eligible UK universities and higher education institutes.
• Youth Mobility Scheme visa: A temporary work visa for young foreign nationals from certain countries.
• India Young Professionals Scheme visa: Similar to the Youth Mobility Scheme visa but specifically for Indian applicants.
• Global Talent visa: For eminent leaders and achievers in certain fields.
• Ancestry visa: For certain Commonwealth citizens with family links to the UK.
• High Potential Individual visa: For promising graduates from top-ranked foreign universities.

Work Visas Allowing You to Work For Your Overseas Employer in the UK

• Global Business Mobility visas:
  • Senior or Specialist Worker visa: A general work visa allowing senior workers to work in a UK branch of their existing employer.
  • Graduate Trainee visa: For those coming to the UK to work for their employer in a graduate training scheme.
  • Secondment Worker visa: For those coming to the UK to work in certain high-value contracts.
  • Service Supplier visa: For those working in certain service supplier or trade roles.
  • Expansion Worker visa: To allow individuals to come to the UK to set up a new branch of an existing company.
• Overseas Domestic Worker visa: For domestic workers in private households.
• Representative of an Overseas Business visa: For workers in certain media roles being posted to work in the UK.
• Service Providers from Switzerland visa: For certain Swiss nationals working in eligible contracts in the UK.

Temporary Work Visas

• Seasonal Worker visa: For seasonal workers in the horticulture or poultry industries.
• Government Authorised Exchange visa: For those coming to the UK to undertake certain exchange programmes.
• Creative Worker visa: For those working in eligible creative professions.
• Religious Worker visa: For those working in eligible religious-based roles.
• Charity Worker visa: For those looking to do voluntary, unpaid work for charitable organisations.
• International Agreement visa: For those looking to undertake work covered by international law or treaties.

Business Visas

• Innovator Founder visa: For those looking to start a new, innovative business in the UK.

Other Work Permits

• International Sportsperson visa: For professional athletes, sportspeople and coaches.
• Minister of Religion visa (T2): For ministers of religion, missionaries, members of a religious order or similar.
• Scale-up Worker visa: A visa that allows individuals to come to the UK to work for fast-growing “scale-up” businesses.
• Frontier Worker permit: For EU/EEA citizens who work in the UK but live abroad.
• Exempt vignette: A document that shows proof that an individual has permission to work in the UK due to being exempt from immigration control.

What Are the General Requirements for a UK Work Visa?

As previously mentioned, each work visa will naturally have its own unique criteria that applicants must fulfil in order to be eligible.

However, there may be general requirements that all or most work visa applicants will have to meet when coming to the UK to work.

These may include (but not be limited to) the following. You may have to:

• Score a sufficient number of points on the points-based immigration system
• Prove that you have valid sponsorship to work from an eligible sponsor in the UK
• Prove your English language ability
• Prove that you have enough money to support yourself and any dependents in the UK
• Provide a criminal record check
• Provide proof of being “good character”

How to Apply for a UK Work Visa or Permit

Once you have determined your eligibility for your chosen work visa or permit, you must apply for it online through the official gov.uk website.

You cannot apply for a UK work visa or permit by paper, or through any other website.

There, you will fill in the online application form with your personal details and details of your background, circumstances and the work you intend to do. You may also have to upload your supporting documentation at this point.

You will also have to pay the application fee and (if necessary) the immigration healthcare surcharge.

You may then also have to attend a visa application centre near where you live to have your biometric data taken.

You will then be notified of your application decision.

How can IAS help you begin working in the UK?

At IAS, we have a team of immigration lawyers who can help you towards your goal of working in the UK. An expert immigration adviser can work one-on-one with you to assess your options and eligibility.

We will guide you through your entire Work Visa application process. If it is applicable, this will include checking your UK Sponsor’s status, arranging and obtaining your Certificate of Sponsorship from them. One of our lawyers will also devise a Letter of Recommendation for your case to be sent with your application. Contact us now on +44 (0)333 414 9244 or use our online contact form to speak with an immigration lawyer about your UK work options.