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Work Visas

A work visa in the UK allows individuals to live and work in the country for a specific period. The type of work visa you need depends on the nature of the job, the level of skill required, and the length of stay.

There are various types of work visas for people who want to work in the UK. Here are some of the key categories:

 

    A.Skilled Worker Visa

 

This is the most common work visa for foreign nationals who have a job offer in a skilled occupation.

 

Eligibility Requirements:

 

  1. You must have a job offer from a licensed sponsor.
  2. The job must meet the required skill level (RQF Level 3 or above).
  3. The salary must meet a minimum threshold indicated for Skill Worker visa: immigration salary which is listed here, typically £26,200 per year or £10.75 per hour (whichever is higher). However, there are exceptions for certain occupations, including healthcare and education.
  4. The job must be on the Home Office’s list of Shortage Occupation List here.

Duration:

 

The visa typically lasts for up to 5 years, after which you can apply for settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain).

 

    B.Global Talent Visa

 

The Global Talent Visa is for individuals who are highly skilled or have been recognized as leaders or emerging leaders in specific fields like science, engineering, medicine, humanities, digital technology, or the arts.

 

Eligibility Requirements:

 

  1. You must be endorsed by a recognized UK organization in your field (e.g., British Academy for arts and humanities, Tech Nation for digital tech).
  2. The application is points-based, and the number of points depends on the level of endorsement and achievements in your field.

Duration:

 

This visa can be granted for up to 5 years, and there is no minimum salary requirement.

 

    C.Intra-Company Transfer Visa

 

This visa is for employees who are being transferred to a UK branch or office of their current employer.

 

Eligibility Requirements:

 

  1. You must have been employed by the company for a specified period (usually at least 12 months).
  2. The job offer must be from an overseas company with a UK branch or office that is a licensed sponsor.
  3. The position must meet the skill and salary requirements.

Duration:

 

The visa duration depends on the assignment, with a maximum stay of 5 years for high-earners and 1 year for short-term assignments.

 

    D.Health and Care Worker Visa

 

This visa is specifically for healthcare professionals and carers who have a job offer to work in the UK.

 

Eligibility Requirements:

 

  1. You must have a job offer from a licensed sponsor in the health and care sector.
  2. The job must meet the skill and salary thresholds.
  3. The job must be on the eligible occupation list (e.g., doctors, nurses, social workers).

Duration:

 

Typically 1 to 5 years, with the possibility of applying for indefinite leave to remain after 5 years.

 

    E.Temporary Worker Visas

 

There are several types of temporary work visas for short-term employment in the UK, including:

  1. Seasonal Worker Visa: For those working in agriculture or horticulture.
  2. Creative Worker Visa: For people working in the arts, entertainment, and media.
  3. Religious Worker Visa: For individuals working as a minister of religion, such as priests or pastors.

 

Eligibility Requirements:

 

  1. You must have a job offer from a licensed sponsor.
  2. The work must fit within one of the temporary work categories.
  3. These visas are usually limited to 12 months, with the possibility of extension.

 

    F.Start-Up & Innovator Visas

 

These visas are designed for entrepreneurs who wish to start a business in the UK.

 

Eligibility Requirements:

 

  1. You must have a viable business idea endorsed by a government-approved organization.
  2. The business must be innovative, viable, and scalable.
  3. You should meet the required investment amount if applying for the Innovator Visa (typically £50,000).

Duration:

 

  1. Start-Up Visa: 2 years (no extension, but the Innovator Visa can be applied for after).
  2. Innovator Visa: Up to 3 years.

General Work Visa Requirements

 

Regardless of the type of visa, the general eligibility criteria include:

  1. Job Offer: You must have a job offer from a UK employer who holds a sponsorship licence.
  2. Salary: You must meet a minimum salary requirement, which varies based on the type of visa and the occupation.
  3. English Proficiency: You may need to prove your proficiency in the English language by passing a recognized test or showing that you have a degree taught in English.
  4. Proof of Funds: In some cases, you may need to show that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay in the UK. This is especially true for those coming without a job offer or sponsorship.

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6 October 2025

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