Types of UK 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.

The UK offers a wide range of work visas to accommodate professionals from across the globe. Whether you’re looking to advance your career, start a business, or gain experience through a temporary work arrangement, understanding the different types of UK work visas is essential. These visas are designed to cater to various sectors, skill levels, and job types, ensuring that the UK attracts global talent. Here, we’ll explore the main types of UK work visas, including those that require a job offer and those that don’t.

UK Working Visas Requiring a Job Offer

Several visa options cater to skilled workers, sports professionals, and others who have secured employment in the UK:

Skilled Worker Visa is one of the most common routes for those looking to work in the UK. It is available for individuals who have a job offer in a skilled occupation from a UK-based employer that holds a valid sponsor licence. The job must meet certain salary and skill thresholds, and applicants must meet the English language requirements. This visa can lead to permanent residency after five years of continuous stay.
Health and Care Worker Visa is designed for medical professionals, including doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals, who have a job offer from the NHS, an NHS supplier, or the adult social care sector. The UK recognises the importance of healthcare workers and offers a fast-track application process. Additionally, visa holders benefit from reduced visa fees and exemption from the Immigration Health Surcharge.
International Sportsperson Visa is specifically for elite athletes and qualified coaches who have an endorsement from the relevant governing body for their sport. Applicants must have a job offer in the UK that is directly related to their sport and must make a significant contribution to their sport at the highest level.
Minister of Religion Visa is available for individuals who have been offered a role within a faith community in the UK, such as a minister, missionary, or religious worker. The role must meet the requirements set out by the Home Office, and applicants must also meet English language and maintenance funds criteria.
Scale-up Worker Visa is designed for individuals who have a job offer from a fast-growing UK business, known as a “scale-up.” This visa offers a unique opportunity as it allows workers to switch employers after six months, providing flexibility in career development. The job must meet salary and skill requirements, and the employer must have a valid sponsor licence.

Visas for Working in the UK Without a Job Offer

For those without a job offer, the UK still provides several visa options that allow individuals to work or seek employment:

British National (Overseas) Visa is available to individuals from Hong Kong with British National (Overseas) status, this visa allows them to live, work, and study in the UK without needing a job offer. The visa is part of the UK’s broader commitment to offering a pathway to British citizenship for Hong Kong residents.
Graduate Visa is available to international students who have completed an eligible course at a UK higher education institution. This visa allows them to stay in the UK for at least two years (or three years for PhD graduates) to look for work or start a job, without needing a job offer at the time of application.
Youth Mobility Scheme Visa is aimed at young people (typically aged 18-30) from specific countries, allowing them to live and work in the UK for up to two years. The visa does not require a job offer, giving young individuals the freedom to seek employment or travel during their stay.
Global Talent Visa is available for individuals who have been endorsed as leaders or potential leaders in academia, research, arts and culture, or digital technology. This visa does not require a job offer, allowing individuals the flexibility to work for an employer or as self-employed professionals in their chosen field.
UK Ancestry Visa for individuals who have a grandparent born in the UK may qualify for the UK Ancestry visa, which allows them to live and work in the UK. This visa does not require a job offer, and successful applicants can live in the UK for up to five years, with the possibility of extending the visa or applying for settlement.
High Potential Individual (HPI) Visa is available for graduates of top global universities who wish to work or look for work in the UK. This visa is designed to attract highly skilled individuals who have the potential to make significant contributions to the UK economy.

Work in the Great Britain for Your Overseas Employer

Several visa options allow individuals to work in the UK while maintaining employment with their overseas employer. These visas are part of the Global Business Mobility (GBM) routes:

Senior or Specialist Worker Visa is for senior managers or specialists being transferred to a UK branch of their overseas employer. Applicants must meet salary and skill requirements, and the UK business must hold a valid sponsor licence.
Overseas Domestic Worker Visa allows domestic workers, such as cleaners, chauffeurs, and cooks, to accompany their employer to the UK. The visa is valid for six months, and applicants must have been working for their employer for at least one year prior to the application.
Graduate Trainee Visa is part of the GBM scheme and is designed for individuals on a graduate training programme that leads to a senior management or specialist role. The UK branch must sponsor the applicant, and the visa is valid for up to 12 months.
Secondment Worker Visa is for workers being seconded to the UK as part of a high-value contract or investment by their overseas employer. The visa is valid for up to five years, and applicants must be sponsored by the UK business involved in the contract.
Service Supplier Visa is for individuals providing services to a UK company under a contract. The applicant must be employed by an overseas business and have relevant qualifications or experience.
UK Expansion Worker Visa is for individuals sent to the UK to establish a branch of an overseas business. The applicant must be a senior manager or specialist, and the overseas business must not have started trading in the UK at the time of the application.
Representative of an Overseas Business Visa allows an employee of an overseas business to come to the UK to establish a UK branch or subsidiary. The applicant must be a senior employee with full authority to make decisions on behalf of the business.

UK Temporary Work Permit Visas

The UK also offers a range of temporary work visas for individuals looking to work in the UK for a limited period:

Seasonal Worker Visa allows individuals to work in the UK for up to six months in specific sectors, such as horticulture, where there are shortages of local labour.
Government Authorised Exchange Visa is designed for individuals coming to the UK for work experience, training, or research as part of an approved exchange scheme.
Creative Worker Visa is available for individuals in the creative industries, such as actors, musicians, or artists, who have a job offer in the UK. The visa is valid for up to two years.
Religious Worker Visa allows individuals to come to the UK for religious work, such as preaching or pastoral work, for up to two years.
Charity Worker Visa is for individuals coming to the UK to do unpaid voluntary work for a charity. The visa is valid for up to 12 months.
International Agreement Visa is available for individuals working in the UK under international law, such as employees of foreign governments or international organisations.

Visa for Starting a Business: Innovator Founder Visa

The Innovator Founder Visa is for individuals looking to start a business in the UK. Applicants must have an innovative, viable, and scalable business idea that has been endorsed by an approved body. The visa is a pathway to permanent residency after three years, provided the business meets certain growth and innovation benchmarks.

Can a UK Work Visa Be Extended?

Yes, many British working visas can be extended. For example, the Skilled Worker visa and Health and Care Worker visa can be extended as long as the individual continues to meet the eligibility requirements, such as holding a job offer from a licensed UK employer. Other visas, like the Innovator Founder visa, may also be extended, provided that the applicant continues to meet the criteria for business growth and innovation.

Can You Obtain ILR with a UK Work Visa?

Yes, some UK work visas can lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which is the equivalent of permanent residency in the UK. Meeting the ILR requirements typically includes passing a Life in the UK test, meeting income thresholds, and demonstrating proficiency in the English language.

What Is the Processing Time for a UK Work Visa?

The standard processing time for a UK employment visa is typically three to eight weeks, depending on the type of visa and the applicant’s location. Some visas, such as the Health and Care Worker visa, may be processed more quickly, while others, like the Global Talent visa, could take longer depending on the endorsement process. Priority and super-priority services are available for an additional fee, which can significantly reduce processing time to within five working days or 24 hours, respectively.

Can I Bring My Family Members with a Work Visa to the UK?

Yes, most UK work visas allow applicants to bring their dependants, including spouses, civil partners, and children under 18, to the UK. Dependants are usually permitted to work and study in the UK. Applicants will need to demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to support their family members, and each dependant must submit a separate visa application.

How Can Sterling Law Help?

Navigating the complexities of the UK’s work visa system can be challenging, but Sterling Law is here to provide expert guidance. Our team of immigration lawyers has extensive experience in assisting individuals and businesses with their visa applications. Here’s how we can help:

Personalised visa advice. We assess your individual circumstances and help you choose the most suitable visa option, whether you’re applying with or without a job offer.
Application support. We offer end-to-end support in preparing and submitting your visa application, ensuring that all required documents are in order and that your application has the best possible chance of success.
Business immigration services. For businesses looking to hire skilled workers or transfer employees to the UK, we provide tailored advice on sponsor licence applications and compliance with UK immigration laws.
Family support. If you’re applying for a visa that allows family members to join you in the UK, we help with their visa applications, ensuring a smooth process for the entire family.
ILR and visa extensions. Whether you’re looking to extend your visa or apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), we guide you through the process, making sure you meet all the necessary requirements.
Appeals and refusals. If your visa application has been refused, our legal experts can assist with challenging the decision, guiding you through the appeals process to seek a positive outcome.

At Sterling Law, our goal is to make your journey to work and live in the UK as smooth as possible. Get in touch with us today for professional legal assistance with your UK work visa application.