UK Work Visas: Types and How to Apply

If you want to live and work in the UK as a foreigner, there are several UK work visas and special visas you can apply for to achieve your employment goals legally. Still, as with any immigration process, you need to meet specific requirements for the type of visa you want to apply for. You also need to pay fees and wait some time while your application is being processed.

In this article, we’ll cover all about the most common types of UK work visas, how you can apply for them, what documents you’ll need to do so, and more. Consider this a general guide for different types of visas that can be very useful to learn more about the process. However, we always encourage readers to seek legal advice or counseling from experienced immigration lawyers, as this can highly affect success rates. Finally, keep in mind that covering all of the visa types in one article is nearly impossible. We invite you to check official UK government websites for more information about specific types you might be interested in. Let’s get started!

What Is a UK Work Visa?

A UK work visa is a permit that allows foreign nationals to work legally in the United Kingdom. These visas depend on the type of work, your qualifications, and the employer. It's vital to get the correct visa, as working in the UK without one is illegal. This can lead to deportation or being banned from reentering the country. Understanding the process and choosing the right visa is crucial. This ensures your work experience in the UK goes smoothly and legally.

UK Work Visa Requirements, Cost, and Fees

Now that you know what it is, how do you get a work visa in the UK? When applying for a UK work visa, there are several requirements that most applicants must meet. These include having a valid job offer from a UK employer, proving your knowledge of English, and showing that you can support yourself financially while in the country. You may also need to meet specific criteria based on your job type, salary, and skill level. If your documents are in another language, they also need to be translated into English using a certified translation service provider.

Additionally, applicants must usually pay fees when submitting their visa application. These fees vary depending on the type of visa and the length of stay. There is also an Immigration Health Surcharge that most applicants must pay, which grants access to the UK's National Health Service (NHS) during their stay.

In terms of cost, some work visas are more expensive than others. For example, the Skilled Worker Visa is one of the more expensive options, especially if you are applying for a longer stay or need additional services. On the other hand, visas like the Youth Mobility Scheme tend to be more affordable.

However, the choice of which visa is best for you shouldn’t be based solely on price. Other factors, such as your job role, skills, and long-term plans in the UK, are far more important in determining which visa suits your needs. Below, we’ll go into more detail about each of the different UK visa types.

Types of UK Work Visas, Cost and Fees

When it comes to working in the UK, understanding the different types of work visas is essential. The UK offers a range of visas, each tailored to specific job categories, skills, and employment situations. Whether you’re coming to the UK for a temporary job, a long-term career, or to start your own business, there is likely a work visa that fits your needs in this list:

• UK Skilled Worker Visa: This is a visa for foreign workers who want to work in specific, approved jobs in the UK. It’s the most common type and most coveted of work visas.

• UK Global Talent Visa: For leaders in academia, arts, culture, or digital technology.

• UK Health and Care Worker Visa: For healthcare professionals to work in the UK’s healthcare sector.

• UK Innovator Founder Visa: For entrepreneurs to start innovative businesses in the UK.

• UK High Potential Individual Visa: For graduates of top global universities to live and work.

• UK Youth Mobility Scheme Visa: For young adults to live and work temporarily in the UK.

• UK Ancestry Visa: For Commonwealth citizens with UK-born grandparents to work/live.

• UK Expansion Worker Visa: For employees of international companies expanding operations in the UK.

• UK Representative of an Overseas Business Visa: For foreign representatives to establish UK branches.

• UK Overseas Domestic Worker Visa: For domestic workers employed by UK-based employers abroad.

• UK Senior or Specialist Worker Visa: For skilled workers in senior or specialist roles in the UK.

• UK Minister of Religion Visa: For ministers of religion coming to work in the UK.

• UK Frontier Worker Permit: For EU nationals living outside the UK, working in the UK.

• UK Seasonal Worker Visa: For workers in agriculture or horticulture for short-term employment.

• UK Religious Worker Visa: For religious workers to live and work in the UK.

• UK Charity Worker Visa: For individuals wishing to work for a UK charity.

• UK Creative Worker Visa: For creative professionals to work in the UK's cultural sector.

• UK Government Authorised Exchange Visa: For participants in approved exchange programs or training schemes.

This list is just for you to get an idea of how many options you have when immigrating to the UK - spoiler alert - there are even more options!

In this section, we’ll go through the most common UK work visas, their associated costs, and the specific requirements for each. At the end of this article, we’ll include an FAQ section to address any questions you might have about UK work visas.

UK Skilled Worker Visa Requirements, Cost, and Fees

The UK Skilled Worker visa allows individuals to work in the UK with an approved employer. It is available for a range of occupations, including roles in UK waters. To qualify for the Skilled Worker visa, applicants must meet the following key criteria:

• Job Offer: You must have a confirmed job offer from a UK employer who holds a Home Office-approved sponsorship license. The employer will also provide you with a ‘certificate of sponsorship’ (CoS).

• Eligible Occupation: The role you are offered must be on the list of eligible occupations and typically require a minimum skill level of RQF Level 3 (equivalent to A-levels).

• Salary Requirements: Your job must meet the required salary level, which is usually a minimum of £26,200 per year, depending on your job type. Some roles may have different salary thresholds.

• English Language Proficiency: You’ll need to demonstrate your ability to speak, read, write, and understand English, which is typically done through a language test.

• Financial Support: You need to show that you can support yourself financially in the UK. If your employer can certify that they’ll provide it, this requirement may be waived.

There are numerous UK skilled worker visa jobs. After working in the UK on a Skilled Worker visa for five years, you may be eligible to apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR), allowing you to stay permanently.

Documents You’ll Need to Apply for a UK Skilled Worker Visa

Here’s a detailed list of what you will need to submit.

• Certificate of Sponsorship Reference Number: This is provided by your employer and proves that they are sponsoring you.

• Proof of English Language Proficiency: You’ll need to show that you meet the required level of English. This could be through an approved English language test or evidence that your degree was taught in English. This might require a certified academic evaluation.

• Valid Passport or Travel Document: This is required to prove your identity, nationality, and validity of your documents.

• Job Title and Salary Information: Provide details of the job title you’ve been offered, as well as your annual salary.

• Occupation Code: Your job will have an occupation code listed in the UK’s job classification system, which needs to be included in your application.

• Employer’s Details: This includes the name of your employer and their sponsor licence number, which will be found on your certificate of sponsorship.

If you haven’t yet received your certificate of sponsorship, you should ask your employer for a copy before applying. In some cases, you might be required to submit additional documents, depending on your situation:

• Evidence of Financial Support: You may need to show that you have enough savings to support yourself in the UK. Bank statements or other proof of funds may be required unless your employer has certified that they will cover these costs.

• Proof of Relationship: If you’re applying for dependents (partner or children), you’ll need to provide documents to prove your relationship, such as a marriage certificate or birth certificates.

• Tuberculosis Test Results: If you are applying from a country where tuberculosis is common, you may need to submit a tuberculosis test result.

• Criminal Record Certificate: If your job involves working in education, healthcare, therapy, or social services, you’ll need to provide a criminal record certificate from your home country or any country you’ve lived in.

• Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) Certificate: If your job involves research at the PhD level or higher on a sensitive subject, you may need an ATAS certificate. This applies to certain specialized roles.

• UK PhD Certificate or Ecctis Reference Number: If you hold a UK PhD or a foreign qualification, you may need to provide your UK PhD certificate or a unique reference number from Ecctis (formerly UK NARIC).

UK Skilled Worker Visa Translations

If any of your documents are not in English or Welsh, you must provide certified translations that meet UK standards of those documents to ensure they are accepted.

UK Skilled Work Visa Fees

The costs associated with the Skilled Worker visa vary based on factors like your job, how long you plan to stay, and where you’re applying from. Here’s an overview of the fees:

Fee for applications from outside the UK:

• Up to 3 years: £719

• More than 3 years: £1,420

For applications from inside the UK to extend or switch:

• Up to 3 years: £827

• More than 3 years: £1,636

If your job is on the immigration salary list, you’ll pay a reduced fee:

• Up to 3 years: £551

• More than 3 years: £1,084

Healthcare Surcharge: A healthcare surcharge of £1,035 per year is required, which grants you access to the NHS while in the UK.

Proof of Financial Support: You must demonstrate that you have at least £1,270 in your bank account, unless your employer agrees to cover these costs. The funds must be in your account for at least 28 consecutive days before applying.

Your family members, such as your partner and children, will also need to apply, pay fees, and provide evidence of their financial support.

With a Skilled Worker visa, you can work in the UK, study, and bring eligible dependents. After five years, you may apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR). However, if you change jobs or employers, you must update your visa accordingly. Check out the official UK government page to learn more about skilled worker visas.

UK Graduate Visa Requirements, Cost, and Fees

The UK Graduate visa allows international students to stay for at least 2 years after completing a UK bachelor’s, postgraduate, or other eligible course. If you hold a PhD, the visa lasts for 3 years. You must be in the UK when applying.

You can apply if:

• You’re in the UK: You must be in the UK when applying.

• Current Visa: Hold a valid Student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa.

• Course Completion: Have completed a recognized UK degree or higher while on your Student visa. Your education provider must confirm to the Home Office that you’ve finished your course.

• Course Eligibility: Make sure your course is eligible. Check with your institution if unsure.

If not eligible for this visa, other visa types may be available.

UK Graduate Visa Duration

• Standard Duration: 2 years.

• Doctoral Graduates: 3 years if you have a PhD or other doctoral qualification.

The visa cannot be extended, but you may switch to another visa, like the Skilled Worker visa, if eligible.

How to Apply for a UK Graduate Visa

Apply online before your Student or Tier 4 visa expires. You can apply once your education provider has confirmed your course completion. Partners and children can also apply if eligible.

• Application Fee: £822.

• Healthcare Surcharge: £1,035 per year of your stay.

If you work in health or social care, you might be eligible for a Health and Care Worker visa, which is cheaper and doesn’t require the surcharge.

What You Can and Can’t Do on a Graduate Visa

With the Graduate visa, you can work, look for work, be self-employed, and travel. However, you cannot access most public benefits or work as a professional sportsperson. You can also study, but only if your course isn’t eligible for a Student visa.

UK Global Talent Visa Requirements, Cost, and Fees

The UK Global Talent visa is for individuals who are leaders or emerging leaders in academia, arts and culture, or digital technology. You must be at least 18 years old to apply.

You can apply in two ways:

• Prestigious Prize: If you’ve won an eligible prize, you can apply directly without an endorsement.

• Endorsement: If you haven’t won a prize, you must apply for an endorsement to prove your leadership in your field.

If you’re not eligible, other visa options like the Skilled Worker visa may be available.

Duration of the UK Global Talent Visa

The visa lasts up to 5 years. Extensions are available, and after 3 to 5 years, you may apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) based on your field.

UK Global Talent Visa Application Process

You must apply online. The decision typically takes 3 weeks if applying from outside the UK, or 8 weeks from inside. You may need to prove your identity and submit documents.

• Application Fee: £716. If applying through an endorsement, you pay £524 for the endorsement and £192 for the visa.

• Healthcare Surcharge: £1,035 per year per applicant.

Dependents will need to pay the same fees. The Global Talent visa allows leaders in key sectors to live and work in the UK and potentially settle after several years.

Documents You’ll Need for the UK Global Talent Visa

When applying, you must provide:

• A valid passport or travel document showing your identity and nationality.

• Tuberculosis test results, if required from your home country.

• Written permission from an awarding agency or government if you’ve had a recent award or scholarship.

• Certified translations if your documents are not in English or Welsh.

• A blank page in your passport for the visa if you're from outside the EU, EEA, or Switzerland or have no biometric passport.

If you’ve won an eligible prestigious prize, the Home Office will verify your win through publicly available information and may only request further evidence if needed.

UK Health and Care Worker Visa Requirements, Cost, and Fees

The UK Health and Care Worker visa allows medical professionals to work in eligible jobs with the NHS, an NHS supplier, or in adult social care. To qualify for a Health and Care Worker visa, you must:

• Be a qualified doctor, nurse, health professional, or adult social care worker.

• Work in an eligible health or social care job.

• Work for a UK employer approved by the Home Office.

• Have a certificate of sponsorship from your employer.

• Meet the minimum salary requirements, which vary depending on the role.

• If working in England as a care worker or senior care worker, your employer must be registered with the Care Quality Commission.

• You must have a confirmed job offer before applying.

• You must prove your ability to speak, read, write, and understand English. This is typically done through a language test or other recognized proof.

Duration of the UK Health and Care Worker Visa

The Health and Care Worker visa can last up to 5 years, after which you can apply to extend it. You can extend your visa as many times as needed. After 5 years, you may apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR), allowing you to settle permanently in the UK.

Application Process for the UK Health and Care Worker Visas

You must apply online. The process differs depending on whether you’re applying from inside or outside the UK. You can apply up to 3 months before your job start date. After applying, you’ll usually receive a decision within 3 weeks.

• Application Fee: Varies based on your job and length of stay.

• Healthcare Surcharge: You and your dependents will not need to pay this surcharge.

Documents Needed for the UK Health and Care Worker Visa

• Your certificate of sponsorship reference number from your employer.

• Proof of English language proficiency.

• A valid passport or other identity document

• Job title, salary, and occupation code.

• Employer’s details, including their sponsor license number.

You may also need to provide evidence of financial support, proof of relationship with dependents, tuberculosis test results, and a criminal record certificate, depending on your job. With a Health and Care Worker visa, you can work in eligible jobs, bring dependents, study, and apply for permanent residency after 5 years. However, you cannot apply for most public benefits or change jobs without updating your visa.

UK Innovator Founder Visa Requirements, Cost, and Fees

The UK Innovator Founder visa allows individuals to establish and run an innovative business in the UK. Your business idea must be original and significantly different from existing offerings in the market. This visa is an updated version of the Innovator visa. To qualify for the Innovator Founder visa, you must demonstrate that:

• New Business: Your business must be original and not already trading.

• Innovative: The idea must be unique and different from existing businesses.

• Viable and Scalable: The business should have growth potential, with plans for creating jobs and expanding to national and international markets.

• Endorsement: You must secure an endorsement from an approved body to confirm your business idea meets these requirements.

• Knowledge of English: You must prove that you can speak, read, write, and understand English.

Duration of the UK Innovator Founder Visa

• Stay: The visa lasts for 3 years if you apply from outside the UK or switch to this visa within the UK.

• Endorsement Progress: You must meet with your endorsing body after 12 and 24 months to show progress. Your visa may be shortened if the endorsement is withdrawn.

• Extensions: You can extend the visa for another 3 years with a new endorsement, and there’s no limit on the number of extensions. After 3 years, you may apply for permanent settlement (ILR).

UK Innovator Founder Visa Application Process

• Apply Online: Whether applying from outside or inside the UK, you must apply online.

• Partner and Children: Your dependents can join you in the UK if eligible.

UK Innovator Founder Visa Costs and Fees

Application Fees:

• £1,191 if applying outside the UK.

• £1,486 for extension or switch within the UK.

• Healthcare Surcharge: You’ll need to pay the surcharge as part of your application.

What You Can and Cannot Do with a UK Innovator Founder Visa

With an Innovator Founder visa, you can:

• Set up and run your business.

• Work in your business, including as a director or self-employed.

• Work outside your business in skilled roles.

• Bring your partner and children if eligible.

• Apply for permanent settlement after 3 years.

You cannot:

• Access most public benefits.

• Work as a professional sportsperson.

This visa provides an opportunity for entrepreneurs to establish innovative businesses and contribute to the UK economy.

UK High Potential Individual Visa Requirements, Cost, and Fees

The UK High Potential Individual (HPI) visa allows you to live and work in the UK for 2 years if you have a recent qualification from an eligible university. To qualify for the HPI visa, you must meet the following criteria:

• Qualification: You must have a qualification awarded by an eligible university in the last 5 years.

• Degree Level: Your qualification must be equivalent to a UK bachelor’s, postgraduate, or PhD degree.

• University Ranking: Your university must be on the approved list for your qualification year.

• English Proficiency: You must prove your knowledge of English.

• Financial Support: You must show at least £1,270 in savings unless exempt.

You don’t need a job offer to apply. If you are in the UK on a student visa, you might be able to apply for a Graduate visa instead.

Duration of the UK HPI Visa

• Standard Visa: 2 years.

• For PhD Holders: 3 years. You cannot extend your HPI visa, but you may switch to another visa, such as the Skilled Worker visa.

After 2 or 3 years, you may be eligible to apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR), allowing you to settle permanently in the UK.

UK HPI Visa Application Process

You must apply online and provide proof of your qualification through Ecctis (formerly UK NARIC). The application process depends on whether you are inside or outside the UK. You can apply up to 3 months before arriving.

UK HPI Visa Cost

• Ecctis Fee: £210 (£252 if applying from the UK).

• Application Fee: £822.

• Healthcare Surcharge: £1,035 per year.

For 2 years, the total cost is £2,070, and for 3 years, it’s £3,105. You must also prove you can support yourself financially with at least £1,270 in your bank account.

What You Can and Cannot Do with a UK HPI Visa

With an HPI visa, you can work in most jobs, be self-employed, look for work, study, and bring eligible dependents. However, you cannot access public funds, work as a professional sportsperson, or extend the visa. This visa is a great option for graduates of top universities to gain work experience in the UK.

FAQs about UK Work Visas

1. How To Get a Work Visa in the UK?

To get a UK work visa, you must have a confirmed job offer from a UK employer who is approved by the Home Office. The specific steps vary depending on the visa type, but generally, you'll need to complete an online application, provide supporting documents, and meet eligibility requirements such as English proficiency, a minimum salary, and sufficient financial support.

2. Can a Skilled Worker Visa Holder Study in the UK?

Yes, holders of a Skilled Worker visa can study in the UK, but they may only pursue part-time studies unless their job role is considered skilled. The visa allows individuals to study in courses that do not interfere with their primary employment responsibilities.

3. Can You Change Jobs While on a UK Work Visa?

Changing employers while on a UK work visa is allowed, but requires you to update your visa. If you’re changing jobs or employers, you must apply for a new certificate of sponsorship and update your visa details before starting the new role. Some work visas may have restrictions depending on the job or employer change.

4. How Long Does It Take to Get a UK Work Visa?

Processing times for UK work visas vary. For applications outside the UK, it generally takes up to 3 weeks to get a decision. Inside the UK, it typically takes 8 weeks. In some cases, you may be able to pay for faster processing.

5. Do I Need to Prove English Language Skills for a UK Work Visa?

Yes, most UK work visas require proof of English language proficiency. This can be done by passing an approved language test or providing evidence of a degree taught in English. The level of proficiency required may vary based on the type of visa and your job role.

6. Can You Apply for a UK Work Visa Outside the Country?

Yes, you can apply for a UK work visa from outside the country. The process involves submitting an online application, proving eligibility, and attending a biometric appointment (if required). Once approved, you can enter the UK to begin your employment.

7. Can You Work In the UK on a Student Visa?

A Student Visa generally allows students to work part-time while studying. You can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays, depending on your course and specific conditions attached to your visa. However, the primary focus should remain on your studies.

There Are Numerous Work-Based Immigration Options for the UK

The UK provides various work-based immigration options to different industries and skill levels. Whether you're a skilled worker, graduate, healthcare professional, or entrepreneur, there’s likely a visa that suits your situation. Some visas also offer pathways to permanent residency after several years, allowing you to settle in the UK. By understanding the specific eligibility criteria and application processes for each visa, you can make an informed decision about which one is right for you. Whether you’re looking for temporary work, career growth, or to start your own business, the UK offers numerous work-based visa options to help you achieve your goals and build a future in the country.