Talent and Work Visas

Every year, about 190,000 work-related visas are granted to foreign specialists from around the world. This number undoubtedly demonstrates how dynamic and promising the UK labour market is. If you want to come to the UK to work and meet eligibility requirements, you can apply to the following visas

Long Term Work Visas

Global Talent Visa (previously Tier 1 Exceptional talent)

This visa category is for exceptionally talented and promising individuals in the fields of science, engineering, fashion and many other fields. To be successful, the applicant must seek endorsement from one of six endorsing bodies engaged by the Home Office. Endorsing bodies are:

• British Academy 
• Royal Academy of Engineering 
• UK Research and Innovation 
• Arts Council England 
• Teach Innovation 

Holders of this visa can stay in the UK for up to 5 years at a time. They can also extend their visa or apply for settlement after 3 or 5 years, depending on their field of work

Skilled Worker Visa (Previously Tier 2 Work general)

Following the introduction of the new immigration system in 2020, this visa has replaced the Tier 2 (General) work visa. A Skilled Worker visa allows an individual to come to the UK to work and live for 5 years. To qualify, the applicant will need to do an eligible job with an approved employer, have a ‘certificate of sponsorship’ and be paid a minimum wage. After 5 years, holders of this visa can extend their visa or apply for settlement, known as indefinite leave to remain.

Intra-Company Visas – ICT (previously Tier 2 ICT)

There are 2 types of Intra-Company visas:

Intra-company Transfer visa.

This route is for workers of multinational companies who are being transferred by their overseas company to do a skilled role for a linked entity in the UK. The minimum wage requirement is £41,500  The workers will need to have worked for their employer overseas for more than 12 months, unless the employer will pay them £73,900 a year or more to work in the UK.

Intra-company Graduate Trainee visa.

This visa is designed for employees taking part in a structured graduate training programme who are being transferred to a role in the UK. The holders of this visa must be paid at least £23,000

The workers will need to meet other eligibility requirements. They should be sponsored, do an eligible job and be existing employees of an approved organisation.

This route does not lead to settlement.

Short-Term Work Visas

Temporary Worker – Government Authorised Exchange (previously Tier 5)

This visa is for individuals who want to come to the UK for a short time for work experience, to do training, an Overseas Government Language Program, research or a fellowship. The applicants must also have a ‘certificate of sponsorship’ and have at least £2,530 available in funds to support themselves.

The applicants can stay in the UK for up to 2 years. However, those who are doing work experience can stay only for up to 12 months.

Youth Mobility Scheme Visa

This visa category is designed for individuals under 30 from eligible countries who want to live and work in the UK for up to 2 years. Eligible countries are:

• Australia
• Canada
• Hong Kong
• Japan
• Monaco
• New Zealand 
• Republic of Korea
• San Marino 
• Taiwan. 

The applicants should have £2,530 available to be eligible.

This route does not lead to settlement.