UK Work Visas and Permits for 2025
If you are coming to the UK for employment purposes, you may need a UK Work Visa. Get in touch with our lawyers to explore your immigration options.
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Benefits of Choosing IAS For Your Work Visa
Our team of immigration lawyers can provide the right support to ensure you secure a work visa for yourself or your employees.
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Your immigration lawyer will consider your case and offer bespoke advice, and they will advise you on the optimum route to take to achieve your desired result.
By working with IAS for your or your employee’s work visa, you make sure that you have an expert eye and hands on your case to boost your chances of success.

We ensure you are applying for the most suitable work visa to boost your chances of success.



We provide advice on the appropriate documentary evidence required to support your case.



You get a personalised approach from a qualified and experienced immigration lawyer



You work with you and liaise with the Home Office on your behalf to ensure the best possible outcome.
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What is a UK Work Visa?
A UK work visa allows foreign nationals to live and work legally in the United Kingdom. This visa permits non-UK citizens to work with a licensed UK-based employer, provided they meet specific requirements set by the Home Office.
The application process for a UK visa can be either complex or relatively straightforward depending on your individual circumstances and the nature of your application.
A Work Permit is usually needed for workers who are coming to the UK as a result of having already secured a formal offer of work from an eligible UK company with the relevant Licence to sponsor, or if you are being relocated to the UK by your current employer. Alternatively, if you have a skill that is deemed as being in short supply in the UK by the Government, then you may be eligible for a visa to come on the basis that jobs in your sector would be widely available for you to secure.
There are many different types of Work Visa that can allow you to successfully take up work in the UK. The type of UK Work Permit or Work Visa which is best for you will depend on a variety of factors such as your profession, the demand for your chosen role and the length of time you wish to spend working in the UK.
Why Do You Need a UK Work Visa?
If you’re not a British or Irish citizen and don’t hold a settled status, you need a Work Visa to work in the UK. A work visa is a legal requirement for those intending to work in the UK who do not already have the right (as citizens or settled residents) to do so. Working in the United Kingdom without the appropriate visa is unlawful and can result in serious consequences, such as deportation from the country or a ban on re-entry.
Individuals need a UK work visa suited to their situation and purpose, including:
- EU citizens who no longer have work rights after Brexit.
- International students intending to remain in the UK after completing their studies.
- Foreign skilled workers looking to take up jobs to fill skill shortages in the UK job market.
The UK offers opportunities in several sectors facing skill shortages, such as education, IT, engineering, construction, and health. Having a UK work visa allows you to access these growing job markets and provides an opportunity to build your career in the United Kingdom. Those who don’t already have the skills required for the occupations should pursue training and development to work in those roles.
Types of UK Work Visas
Several UK work visas exist to suit different employment needs. These visas are grouped based on work purpose and duration. Applicants are required to be 18 years old or over to apply for these visas. They include:
- Long-term Work Visas
- Skilled Worker Visa
- Health and Care Worker Visa
- Scale-up Work Visa
- Minister of Religion Work Visa
- Short-term Work Visas
- Seasonal Worker Visa
- Creative Worker Visa
- Charity Worker Visa
- Youth Mobility Visa
- Global Talent and Graduate Routes
- Global Talent Visa
- Graduate Visa
- Potential Individual Visa
- Business-Related Work Visas
- Innovator Founder Visa
- UK Expansion Worker Visa
- Representative of Overseas Business Visa
- Special and Ancestry Routes
- UK Ancestry Visa
- British National (Overseas) Visa
- Spouse Visa
- Child Dependent Visa
- Fiance Visa
- Adult Dependent Visa
Long-term Work Visas
The long-term work visa permits foreign nationals to enter the UK and take up eligible work from a licensed UK employer for a 12-month to 5-year period. The visas under this category typically lead to settlement and British citizenship. The following are types of long-term Work visas:
Skilled Worker Visa
The Skilled Worker Visa is designed for foreign nationals specialised in specific occupations. These foreign workers must meet certain eligibility criteria, including language proficiency, skill and salary level, and a qualifying job from a UK employer with a sponsorship licence. To apply for this visa, applicants must receive a job offer and a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from their UK employer.
The foreign employee’s position in the UK must be categorised as RQF Level 6 or higher (equivalent to an undergraduate degree). Dependents (partners and children) may enter the UK with the primary applicant on this visa. The Skilled Worker Visa leads to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), provided they meet all the required eligibility criteria.
Health and Care Worker Visa
The UK government created the Health and Care Visa to address skill shortages by allowing foreign national medical professionals to enter the UK to support the health sector. This visa is a subdivision of the Skilled Worker Visa and a special pathway for healthcare workers to support the UK’s healthcare sector. However, it is designed to be more affordable, easier, and quicker for health professionals to enter the UK and work for the United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS) or its suppliers. While nurses and doctors can still use the Health and Care Worker Visa, the UK government, on May 12, 2025, stopped the visa for adult social care workers.
Similar to the Skilled Worker Visa, the Health and Care Worker Visa can be valid for 5 years, after which the holder can apply for ILR, allowing them to remain in the UK indefinitely. The Skilled Worker Visa and the Health and Care Worker Visa can lead to British citizenship. After holding ILR, a health professional may qualify to apply for British citizenship if they meet its requirements.
Scale-up Worker Visa
The Scale-up Worker Visa is designed for talented foreign nationals hired by a UK-based fast-growing company. These foreign workers typically have the skillset required to support the company’s ongoing expansion. To qualify for this visa, talented foreign nationals must have obtained a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) and a highly skilled employment offer from a licensed company at the necessary salary threshold. The Scale-up Worker Visa, which offers a path to settlement, can also allow dependents to join the main applicant in the UK.
The Scale-up Worker Visa is in two versions: sponsored and unsponsored Scale-up Worker Visa. You must submit a sponsored application if this is your first visa application. Only those previously issued a Scale-up Worker Visa are eligible to apply using the unsponsored application procedure. The Scale-up Worker Visa is valid for 2 years, and extendable for another 3 years. The Scale-up Visa leads to British citizenship, provided you meet the requirements.
Minister of Religion Visa
The Minister of Religion Visa is designed for foreign national religious professionals seeking pastoral leadership roles in their religious or faith-based establishment in the UK. This visa offers a path to permanent settlement in the UK. This visa can be valid for 3 years and can be renewed. You can apply for ILR when you’ve stayed in the UK for a required period on this route. You can apply for British citizenship if you meet all other criteria.
The Minister of Religion Visa allows its holder to bring their dependents (partner and children under 18 years old) to the UK. The Home Office must license your sponsor for the Minister of Religion Visa. They must offer you a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to start your visa application. When you enter the UK with this visa, you must perform the tasks assigned to you by your sponsor’s organisation, such as pastoral work, non-pastoral work, and preaching. Individuals who can qualify for this visa include imams, priests, rabbis, and other ministers of religion.
Short-Term and Temporary Work Visas
If you intend to work in the UK for a limited period, you can choose from several Short-term and Temporary Work Visa options. These visas are used for seasonal, creative, or voluntary jobs. Temporary Work Visas include:
Seasonal Worker Visa
The Seasonal Worker Visa is the UK Temporary Work Visa designed for foreign nationals coming to the United Kingdom to do agricultural jobs for a limited period. This visa has two types: one covering the horticulture sector and the other covering the poultry production sector. The Seasonal Worker Visa is more popular for those coming to pick, pack, and process fruits and vegetables, including other farm-related jobs.
To obtain a Seasonal Worker Visa, your employer must be licensed and issue you a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). This visa is valid for 6 months, cannot be renewed, and isn’t a path to settlement in the UK. You must return to your home country before this visa expires to avoid overstaying, which can lead to deportation or a re-entry ban.
Creative Worker Visa
The Creative Worker Visa allows foreign nationals to work in the UK entertainment and arts industries temporarily. You may qualify for this visa if you are a dancer, musician, designer, actor, artist, or creative professional. This visa allows you to enter the UK with dependents, as well as technical and support staff. The applicant must get an employment offer from a licensed UK employer for a suitable position in the creative industry to enter the UK with this visa.
Your sponsor could be an event organiser, agent, producer, promotion company, or media organisation. They must also issue a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), outlining the type of work you’ll do upon entering the UK. The Creative Worker Visa can be valid for 12 months, and if you continue working for your employer, you may qualify to extend it to another 12 months. It is not possible to settle in the UK through this visa.
Charity Worker Visa
The Charity Worker Visa is designed for foreign nationals entering the UK to volunteer for an approved charity. To apply for this visa, the charity organisation sponsoring you must be licensed by the Home Office. They must also offer you a valid job offer and a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to work for them in the UK.
The Charity Worker Visa can allow you to enter and remain in the UK for up to 12 months. You can do another job within the same sector as your first job as a charity worker. However, you cannot receive any payment for jobs you do in the UK. The charitable jobs you can do in the UK with this visa cannot involve fundraising, retail, administration, or the upkeep of the organisation’s facilities, including offices.
Global Talent and Graduate Routes
The United Kingdom offers work visa options for highly skilled individuals and recent graduates. These visas are designed to attract global talent and keep international students to help contribute to the country’s workforce. These visas include:
Global Talent Visa
The Global Talent Visa is designed for outstanding people in the fields of science, arts, and technology who have started or are just starting careers in digital technology, research, academia, or arts and culture. This visa has two routes:
- Exceptional ability
- Exceptional potential
The Global Talent Visa allows them to enter the UK under favourable visa terms. Due to this visa’s flexibility, you are not required to have a UK sponsor. Additionally, you are not restricted to certain careers in your industry.
To obtain the Global Talent Visa, you must be endorsed by an authorised UK endorsing body. This visa makes it possible for talented individuals to apply for ILR after 3 years. After staying in the UK for 3 years, you can apply for ILR. However, promising talents can only gain settlement after 5 years.
Graduate Visa
The Graduate Visa is designed for international students working after studying at a UK higher education institution. After graduation, this visa permits international students to stay in the UK for 2 years (PhD graduates can stay for 3 years) without sponsorship or a job offer, during which they can get a job and work. On May 12, 2025, the UK government introduced new immigration rules that changed Graduate Visa validity to 18 months.
The Graduate Visa helps graduates to gain valuable work experience, be fully prepared to take roles, and contribute to the country’s labour market. It allows employers to have a pool of talent to choose from and cover skill shortages in different sectors of the economy. The Graduate Visa helps international students transition to other long-term visas such as the Skilled Worker Visa that offer a path to ILR and British citizenship.
High Potential Individual Visa
The High Potential Individual Visa is designed for graduates of highly regarded international universities outside the UK. The High Potential Individual Visa cannot be extended, you can only switch it to another UK visa before it expires. This visa allows foreign nationals to:
- Reside and work in the UK without being sponsored for up to 2 years (PhD holders can stay for 3 years)
- Explore career options
- Contribute to the UK workforce.
To qualify for the High Potential Individual Visa, your qualification must be equivalent to the same level as the British:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Master’s degree
- Postgraduate degree
- PhD or doctorate
Business-Related Work Visas
The UK visa offers visa routes for entrepreneurs and employees involved in business development or expansion. These visas support individuals looking to establish or grow business operations in the UK. The UK business-related visas include:
Innovator Founder Visa
The Innovator Founder Visa allows foreign entrepreneurs to establish and run their businesses in the UK. To obtain this visa, you must have a viable, scalable, and innovative business endorsed by an approved body in the UK.
The Innovator Founder Visa targets entrepreneurs globally to entice them to launch their business ventures in the UK and support the country’s economy. This visa offers residence to successful business founders. This visa can last 3 years, after which you can apply for ILR to remain in the country indefinitely. If you meet all requirements, you can also apply for British citizenship following ILR and after meeting the requirements.
UK Expansion Worker Visa
The UK Expansion Worker Visa allows senior personnel from foreign organisations to come and expand overseas businesses into the UK. Having replaced the Representative of Overseas Business Visa, applicants of the UK Expansion Worker Visa must receive a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from their employer to enter the UK.
Your CoS will determine what you can do when you enter the UK on this visa. Partners and children can accompany applicants if they meet the requirements as dependents. The UK Expansion Worker Visa can be valid for 12 months and extended for another 12 months. It doesn’t lead to ILR in the UK.
Special and Ancestry Routes
You can work in the UK by fulfilling certain criteria based on family heritage or historical ties to the United Kingdom. The ancestry routes include:
UK Ancestry Visa
The UK Ancestry Visa is designed for Commonwealth citizens whose grandparents were born in the UK. This visa can suit those aged 17 and above seeking to live and work in the UK because their grandparent who was born in the UK, the Isle of Man, or the Channel Islands is a British citizen. Unlike work visas, you can work at any skill level with this visa, and it enables you to find a job or establish one in the UK.
The Ancestry Visa allows you to bring your dependents to the UK. With this visa, you can enter the UK, stay for 5 years, and qualify for ILR. After holding the ILR for the required period, you may apply for citizenship, provided you meet all the criteria.
British National (Overseas) Visa
The British National Overseas (BNO) Visa is a special pathway for Hong Kong residents with British National Overseas status and their eligible family members. This visa is designed to allow eligible people to work, study, and reside in the UK. The application for this visa can be submitted inside or outside the United Kingdom.
You must not receive a job offer in the UK to obtain a BNO Visa to work in the UK. This visa is valid for 5 years, and you can renew it for another 5 years or apply for ILR to remain in the UK indefinitely. You can apply for British citizenship after fulfilling the terms of your ILR status and meeting the citizenship requirements.
Spouse Visa
The Spouse Visa is designed for foreign nationals intending to join their UK-based partner who is a British citizen or holds a settled status. You can also apply for this visa even though your spouse is not inside the UK at the time of your application, but plans to enter the UK with you.
The Spouse Visa is valid for 33 months and can be extended for 30 months, provided you meet the eligibility requirements. This visa leads to ILR in the UK after meeting its requirements.
Who Is Eligible for a UK Work Visa?
To obtain a UK work visa, you must meet several eligibility requirements. Some work visas require applicants to meet job, language, salary, and skill requirements. The following are the eligibility criteria for a UK work visa:
Job Offer Requirement
Many UK work visas, such as the Skilled Worker Visa and the Health and Care Worker Visa, require sponsored applicants and a valid job offer from a UK employer to qualify. For instance, if you’re applying for a Skilled Worker Visa as a Software Developer, you must have a job offer from an approved UK tech company. However, visas such as the Global Talent Visa or the Graduate Visa do not require a job offer before qualifying.
Minimum Salary Thresholds
UK work visa applicants are required to meet specific minimum salary thresholds. These requirements are exclusive to certain occupational titles and visa categories. Most often, foreign nationals must be offered the appropriate salary for the job role, its going rate, or whichever is higher. For instance, you must have been offered a salary of up to £38,700 per year before applying for a Skilled Worker Visa. This is the salary benchmark for most Skilled Worker Visa applications.
The following table shows some UK visas and their minimum salary thresholds:
Visa | Minimum salary requirement |
Skilled Worker Visa | £41,700 |
Health and Care Worker Visa | £29,000 £25,000 (for a job on the Immigration Salary List) |
Scale-up Work Visa | No minimum salary |
Creative Worker Visa Charity Worker Visa Minister of Religion Work Visa Seasonal Worker Visa Innovator Founder Visa | £2530 (proof of funds) |
Global Talent Visa | No minimum salary |
Graduate Visa | No minimum salary |
Potential Individual Visa | No minimum salary |
UK Expansion Worker Visa | £52,500 £73,900 (if you have worked for your employer below 12 months) |
UK Ancestry Visa | No minimum salary |
British National (Overseas) Visa | No minimum salary |
Spouse Visa Child Dependent Visa Fiance Visa | £29,000 |
Adult Dependent Visa |
English Language Proficiency
Most non-EU/EEA nationals seeking to obtain the UK work visa are required to prove their English language proficiency. They must demonstrate proficiency in English at the necessary level B1 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), which includes speaking, reading, writing, and understanding the language.
To do this, they must take an approved English test, such as the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or its equivalent, by providing a degree certificate taught in English. For example, a Nurse applying for a Health and Care Worker Visa must prove their English proficiency by taking the IELTS and obtaining the required score.
Skill Level Requirements
Only certain jobs are eligible under the UK work visa routes. Previously, your job was required to be an A-level job meeting the Regulatory Qualification Framework (RQF) level 3 or higher. However, on May 12, 2025, the UK government introduced the new immigration rules, changing the RQF requirement to level 6 or higher. These jobs are listed under the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) codes and must meet the required skill level for the chosen visa. For instance, a Civil Engineer must apply for a role listed under an appropriate SOC code (2121), an RQF level 6 for the Skilled Worker Visa.
Financial Requirements
When entering the UK, you must prove you have enough money to cover your expenses. The authorities don’t want foreign nationals to be stranded and burden the country’s public funds. Applicants are required to prove that they have at least £1,270 in their savings.
If your sponsor has agreed to cover your expenses in the UK, you may be exempt from this requirement. For instance, a Hospitality Manager applying for a visa must prove having sufficient funds unless their UK employer confirms sponsorship of their maintenance in the UK.
Criminal Background Checks
As a foreign national, you must provide a criminal record certificate to obtain a UK work visa if your job falls into specific categories, especially when it involves vulnerable people. Provide a criminal record certificate from any country where you’ve resided for 1 year or longer during the past 10 years.
The UK government regards criminal background checks as a requirement for public safety. It ensures that individuals with criminal tendencies don’t enter and threaten public safety. For instance, a Healthcare Assistant must provide a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) as part of the application process.
How to Apply for a UK Work Visa
You must adhere to a step-by-step guide in applying for a UK work visa:
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility and Job Sponsorship (if required).
Before applying for a UK work visa, ensure you meet all the requirements to avoid setbacks, wasting time, and resources. You must also confirm you have a valid job offer from a licensed UK sponsor if your visa type requires it.
To save time and effort, consult with an immigration lawyer at IAS to ensure you meet all the requirements before applying for a UK work visa. Contact us today at +44 (0)333 414 9244 or message us via our online chat box.
Step 2: Gather documentation
You must gather all the relevant documents for the UK work visa type. These documents can include:
- Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
- Bank statements
- Valid passport
- Proof of English language proficiency, such as IELTS or equivalent degree certificate
- Tuberculosis (TB) test results (if applicable)
Step 3: Complete the Online Application Form
Complete your online application form on the UK government’s website with accurate information that aligns with the details of your supporting documents. Ensure there are no discrepancies in your overall details, as they may signal misrepresentation of information and can lead the Home Office to refuse your application.
Step 4: Pay the Application Fee and Immigration Health Surcharge
You must pay the visa application fee, which varies depending on the visa type and duration. Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) to access the UK’s National Health Service. Some visas are exempt from IHS, such as the Health and Care Worker Visa, and Diplomatic Visa Arrangement. It is crucial to consult with an immigration lawyer to analyse your eligibility for UK visas to understand the fees you need to pay.
Step 5: Book and Attend Biometric Appointment
Most applicants must schedule and attend a biometric appointment to submit the digital copies of their fingerprints and photographs (biometric information) at a UK visa application centre or an officially designated location by the Home Office. In certain situations, eligible applicants can upload their documents and complete ID verification through the UK immigration ID Check app. You may need the guidance of an immigration lawyer to determine the most appropriate method for your situation.
Step 6: Wait for a Decision
After you submit your application with your biometric information, the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) will process it. The time it takes to process your application varies; however, it’s between 3 and 8 weeks, depending on your country of residence and whether you paid for a priority service.
Costs Associated with UK Work Visas
The costs of obtaining a UK work visa vary, depending on the visa type, duration of stay, and applicants’ circumstances. They include the following:
Application Fees
The visa application fees differ based on category and duration of stay. An immigration lawyer can help you choose the appropriate visa type that aligns with your travel purpose. The following are some UK work visas and their application fees for applicants intending to enter the UK:
UK work visa | Application fees |
Skilled Worker Visa | £769 (issued for less than 3 years) £1,519 (issued for more than 3 years) |
Innovator Founder Visa | £1,274 |
Health and Care Worker Visa | £304 (issued for 3 years or less £590 (issued for more than 3 years) |
Scale-up Worker Visa | £880 |
Global Talent Visa | £205 (with approval requirement) £766 (without approval requirement) |
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
Non-EU/EEA nationals must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) to access the UK’s National Health Service (NHS). The amount to pay depends on the applicant’s age and duration of stay.
The mandatory yearly NHS access fee for applicants under 18 years old is £776. Every other visa and immigration application attracts an IHS fee worth £1035.
Sponsor Fees (for employers): Certificate of Sponsorship cost.
Your employer must pay for your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to help facilitate your UK work visa application. The CoS costs vary based on the visa type. The CoS for Skilled Worker, T2 Minister of Religion, Global Business Mobility (Senior or Specialist Worker) is £525. The CoS for Temporary Worker, including Global Business Mobility Graduate Trainee, UK Expansion Worker, Service Supplier, and Secondment Worker route, and Scale-up route, is £55.
Hidden Costs
You should consider other costs involved in your UK work visa application. They vary by country, so it’s crucial to consult an immigration lawyer to help you throughout the UK work visa application process. These hidden costs include the following:
- Tuberculosis (TB) test fees (for some countries).
- Certified translations of documents not in English.
- English language test fees (such as IELTS).
How Long Can You Stay in the UK on a Work Visa?
Your visa type and circumstances can determine your duration of stay on a UK work visa. The UK work visas typically last from 2 to 5 years initially.
Extension
The possibility of renewing your Work Visa depends on your employer and the job type. Many Long-term Work Visas can be extended if you meet the requirements and have ongoing employment with a licensed employer.
Switching Visas
If you meet the criteria for the new visa, you may qualify to switch visas within the UK. For instance, a graduate on a Graduate Visa can switch to a Skilled Worker Visa after receiving an eligible job offer.
Path to Settlement
A significant benefit of Long-term Work Visas is that you can settle in the UK. After living in the UK for 5 continuous years on a qualifying visa, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). This allows you to remain in the country for the foreseeable future. Having lived in the UK for 1 year with the ILR, you can apply for British citizenship once you’ve met all the requirements.
Rights and Responsibilities as a UK Work Visa Holder
You have certain rights and responsibilities when holding a UK work visa. These rights and responsibilities include:
Employment Rights
A Work Visa automatically grants you the same employment rights as UK workers. This includes:
- Receiving the national minimum wage
- Protection against discrimination at work.
Tax Obligations
You must fulfil certain tax obligations as a UK work visa employee. You must pay income tax and National Insurance contributions (if applicable) through the Pay As You Earn (PAYE) system. These costs will be automatically deducted from your wages by your employer.
Healthcare Access
Paying the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) which is mandatory for most visas ( non-health professionals) as part of your visa application allows you to benefit from the National Health Service (NHS) for most healthcare services, like UK residents. This includes:
- Hospital treatment
- Emergency care
- General Practitioner (GP) visit
Restrictions You Have as a UK Work Visa Holder
While you have several rights as a UK work visa holder, you have certain restrictions, including the following:
- No access to public funds: You cannot claim the benefits of UK citizens and permanent residents.
- No second job (unless permitted): You’re not allowed to do 2 jobs in the UK, unless your visa’s condition allows it.
- Staying within the scope of your visa permission: You must work only in the job for which your UK employer sponsored you. You should report any changes in your employment or personal circumstances.
Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
Applicants typically face challenges when applying for a UK work visa. They include:
Visa Refusals
A significant setback is visa refusal, which can be caused by:
- Incomplete documentation
- Job not on the approved occupation list
- Salary below the minimum threshold
To avoid this, double-check your eligibility criteria. Using the document checklist for the Work Visa type you’re applying for, ensure that all documents are complete and accurate. Submit your application before the deadline.
Changing Jobs
If you’re on a sponsored visa, you cannot switch jobs without approval from the Home Office. A new job requires you to:
- Prepare a new visa application (for a different employer).
- Get a new Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
To stay compliant, ensure you inform the Home Office before changing roles or employers. This helps you to maintain legal status in the UK.
Sponsor Issues
If your employer loses their sponsor licence, your visa may be curtailed. Should this happen, you’ll be given a grace period of 60 days or until your visa expires, whichever is sooner, to:
- Find a new sponsor
- Apply for a different visa
- Leave the UK
Have a backup plan while monitoring your employer’s licence status. You can do this by checking the updated Register of Licensed Sponsors list, which the UK government publishes on its website.
Immigration Status Risks
Overstaying your visa can attract serious consequences, such as deportation and bans on re-entry. Track your visa status and apply for extensions or switch visas before the current one expires.
How a IAS UK Work Permit Visa Consultant Can Help You with Your Visa Application
Applying for a UK work visa can be overwhelming, but the process can be seamless with the right support. At IAS, we offer guidance and several immigration services tailored to your individual or business needs. These services include:
Full Immigration Advice and Application Support
Our experienced immigration lawyers at IAS offer tailored support to guide you through every stage of your visa application. From eligibility assessments to document preparation, we ensure your case is handled carefully and accurately.
Sponsorship License Services
For UK employers hiring overseas workers, we can help secure and manage your sponsorship licences. We can also assist you with work licence applications, ongoing compliance, and understanding your legal duties as a sponsor.
Visa Appeal and Refusal Management
If your visa has been refused, our immigration lawyers can help challenge the decision with comprehensive evidence. We can help you review refusal letters, advise you on your options, and represent you in appeals or administrative reviews to increase your chances of success.
Switching Visa Services
If you need to switch visa types, such as moving from a Graduate Visa to a Skilled Worker Visa, or upgrading from a Temporary work route to a Long-term work route. Our team of experienced immigration lawyers ensures smooth transitions without disrupting your legal stay.
Permanent Residency Applications
When you’re ready to settle in the UK after holding a Work Visa, we can assist you in applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), ensuring you meet all requirements and submit a strong application.
Special Services for Businesses
Beyond the support we offer you as a client, we also help companies with sponsor compliance, immigration audits, and workforce planning to meet the Home Office’s standards. Contact us today at IAS on +44 (0)333 414 9244 for professional guidance in achieving your goal of working in the UK.
Please see our FAQs below, or get in touch on 0333 363 8577 today to arrange a meeting with an immigration lawyer.


Legal Disclaimer
The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we make every effort to ensure accuracy, the law may change, and the information may not reflect the most current legal developments. No warranty is given regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information, and we do not accept liability in such cases. We recommend consulting with a qualified lawyer at Immigration Advice Service before making any decisions based on the content provided.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your eligibility will be assessed according to your background, education, qualifications, work history and achievements, amongst other things.
As the UK system consists of multiple types of visa category, it is of paramount importance that you select the right permit or visa type to suit your individual application and experience.
You should speak to your employer and to one of our expert immigration lawyers to ensure that the visa category you are applying for is the one that most closely reflects your needs.
There are a number of different types of Work Permit for the UK and the type of application you make will vary based on your situation.
The Skilled Worker visa is the most common “general” work visa that covers a wide range of professions.
For those looking to work in the health or care sectors, there’s also the Health and Care Worker visa.
The UK also has role-specific visa as well, such as the International Sportsperson visa and the Minister of Religion visa for those looking to work in sports or religious orders, respectively.
Some visas will not require you to have a job offer from an employer to be eligible. These include the High Potential Individual visa, the Global Talent visa and Graduate visa.
Finally, there are a number of temporary and short-term work visas. Many of these are officially classed as Temporary Work visas or Global Mobility visas.
While not specifically a work visa, the UK Ancestry Visa can be used by members of certain Commonwealth countries with British ancestry to enter the UK to live and work. This visa type does not require applicants to already have a job offer but will be granted with the understanding that you will be a job seeker when you arrive.
The UK Ancestry Visa lasts for five years. You can apply for an Ancestry Visa Extension for a further five years, or apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain if you would like to make your stay more permanent.
This is a great Work Permit alternative for those with British-born grandparents to enter the country and work with more freedom than those on Tier 2 or Tier 5 Visa.
Getting the right documents to support your eligibility can be the difference between having your Work Permit granted or rejected, and there are thousands of applications every year that are refused due to incorrect or insufficient paperwork.
The Immigration Advice Service is here to assist with all types of UK visa and Work Permit applications. Our immigration lawyers are specialists in their field with vast experience in making successful applications.
We can prepare and review your application to ensure that it is in the right format, completed correctly and that you have provided accurate and extensive supporting documentation.
This gives you the very best chance of securing your UK work permit and continuing your career in the UK with as smooth a transition as possible.
Our services include:
- checking your documents to ensure that they are sufficient;
- preparing a Letter of Representation which will support your application;
- liaising with the Home Office for the duration of your application;
- organising and liaising with your Sponsor if applicable;
- securing your Certificate of Sponsorship; and
- completing each part of your application form to the highest standard.
Contact us now on 0333 363 8577 or make an enquiry online to discuss your Work Visa/Work Permit options with one of our immigration lawyers.


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How our UK Immigration Lawyers can help
At the Immigration Advice Service our lawyers specialise in a wide range of UK visas, nationality and asylum applications and have represented clients in various successful complex and high-profile cases.