The United Kingdom is popular for people seeking professional prospects because of its well-structured visa system that accommodates various employment settings!
In the U.K., there are no general work visas/permits but various work visa options, focusing on skilled workers and tailored programs to draw in certain worker types. Whether you are a professional leader, a qualified worker with a job offer, or someone looking for temporary work experience, there is a specific work visa!
Given the variety of visa categories available, each catering to particular work situations, it is crucial to understand the little differences in this system. Making the wrong visa type choice or misunderstanding the requirements might result in wasted effort, time, and application rejections.
This comprehensive guide discusses the different types of U.K. work visas, the primary pathways to obtain one, and the eligibility requirements you must meet before applying.
Types of U.K. Work Visa
- Skilled Worker Visa
- U.K. Start-Up Visa
- U.K. Graduate Work Visa
- U.K. Domestic Worker Visa
- High Potential Individual Visa
- International Sportsperson Visa
- Minister of Religion Visa
- Youth Mobility Scheme
- Global Business Mobility Worker Visas
- Senior or Specialist Worker Visa
- Expansion Worker Visa
- Secondment Worker Visa
- Service Supplier Visa
- Graduate Trainee Visa
- Temporary Worker Visas
- Creative Worker Visa
- Seasonal Worker Visa
- International Agreement Worker Visa
- Charity Worker Visa
- Government Authorized Exchange Visa
Skilled Worker Visa in the U.K.
The eligibility requirements to work for a U.K. employer under the skilled worker visa include:
- Before applying for a visa, ensure you have a valid employment offer.
- Work for a Home Office-approved U.K. employer.
- Obtain a sponsorship certificate from your employer.
- Have a job that is on the list of eligible professions.
- Get paid the minimum salary for the work.
- You have to speak English at least B1.
Start-Up Visa in the U.K.
As an entrepreneur, you can start a new company in the U.K. with a Start-Up visa. The following are the eligibility requirements:
- You have to be at least 18 years old.
- Obtain authorization from a U.K. endorsing body for your company.
- You have to be a B2 English speaker.
- Before applying, you must have at least £945 in your bank account for 90 consecutive days.
- You must already be in the country on a valid U.K. visa as a visitor engaging in authorized activities as a prospective entrepreneur, Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur, Tier 2, or Tier 4 (General).
U.K. Graduate Work Visa
After graduating in the United Kingdom, you can work flexibly, change professions, and further your career for two years with a U.K. Graduate Work visa. Applying for this visa is possible if:
- You currently live in the U.K. with a student visa.
- You have spent at least a year studying for a bachelor’s, postgraduate, or other qualifying degree in the United Kingdom while holding a student visa.
- The Home Office knows you have completed your degree at your institution or university.
U.K. Domestic Worker Visa
You can work in the U.K. for a private household under this visa. You can work as a cook, cleaner, chauffeur, or nanny. To qualify for the U.K. domestic worker visa, you have to fulfill the following conditions:
- Your age is above 19.
- You do not hold a British passport.
- You are employed as a maid at a private home.
- You have worked for that company for more than a year.
- Your employer lives in the same home where you work.
- After six months, you plan to leave the U.K.
- You do not need public funding.
High Potential Individual Visa
The High Potential U.K. work visa allows graduates of top global universities to work for two years. You don’t need a job offer for this type of visa; however, you must fulfill the following:
- Be granted a degree within five years by a university.
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Have at least a B1 proficient in English.
- In the U.K., you must support yourself financially.
- You must not be a high-potential individual or a graduate who has received permission under the Student Doctorate Extension Scheme.
International Sportsperson Visa
The International Sportsperson U.K. visa permits sponsored coaches or sportspeople to work legally in the United Kingdom and develop their sport at the highest level. To qualify for this visa, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be a qualified coach or honored sportsperson recognized by your sport’s governing body.
- Your application must be approved.
- Your employment will develop your sport in the U.K. at the highest level.
- Possess a certificate of sponsorship.
- Provide evidence that you know the English language.
- Have enough money to support yourself in the U.K.
- Display your travel history for the last five years.
- Have a tuberculosis test if you are from a listed country.
- Have a qualified occupation if switching from a student visa.
Minister of Religion Visa
You can enter the United Kingdom and operate as a religious missionary or minister under this visa. To qualify for the Minister of Religion visa, you must meet the requirements listed below:
- You must demonstrate your English language proficiency.
- You must obtain a certificate of sponsorship from your U.K. sponsor.
- Be over the age of 18.
- Have sufficient financial means to support yourself in the U.K.
- Show your travel history for the last five years.
- You must have a tuberculosis test if you are from a listed country.
Youth Mobility Scheme
The Youth Mobility Scheme work visa is for young adults seeking to work in the U.K. for up to two years. Under this program, you can work, live, and travel in the U.K.
You are eligible to apply for the Youth Mobility Scheme if you are between the ages of 18 and 30 and come from any of the following countries:
- Australia
- Canada
- Monaco
- New Zealand
- San Marino
- Iceland
- British overseas citizen
- British overseas territories citizen
- British national (overseas)
However, you must be selected for the Youth Mobility Scheme poll before you can apply for a visa if you are from these countries:
- Hong Kong
- Japan
- South Korea
- Taiwan
Global Business Mobility Worker Visa
There are five sponsored visa pathways under the Global Business Mobility working visa for the U.K. for foreign companies looking to establish a U.K. branch, transfer staff, or pursue other business-related objectives.
- Senior or Specialist Worker visa: Permits you to enter the U.K. and work as a senior manager or specialist who is temporarily transferring to a U.K. branch of their abroad employer.
- Expansion Worker visa: Permits you to establish a branch of your overseas business in the U.K.
- Secondment Worker visa: With this visa, your employer can transfer you to the U.K. for temporary business reasons.
- Service Supplier visa: Permits you to temporarily enter the U.K. if the work is under a contract to supply services covered by one of the international trade agreements of the U.K.
- Graduate Trainee visa: This visa allows you to work in the U.K. as part of a graduate training program for a specialist or managerial role.
Temporary Worker Visa
The Temporary Worker visa for the U.K. allows you to work in the country for a limited period. There are five types of U.K. Temporary Work visas:
- Creative Worker visa: Permits you to enter the U.K. and work in the creative sector, contributing to the cultural life in the U.K.
- Seasonal Worker visa: This visa allows you to work in the horticulture sector of the U.K.
- International Agreement Worker visa: This visa is for individuals who wish to enter the U.K. to do work covered by international law or treaty.
- Charity Worker visa: This visa permits you to do volunteer work in the U.K. for one year.
- Government Authorized Exchange visa: Permits you to enter the U.K. for an internship, training, a research program, or work experience.
Requirements for the U.K. Work Visa
The Certificate of Sponsorship
A certificate of sponsorship (CoS) is a document that your employer provides you with. U.K. visa routes that require a CoS include:
- U.K. Skilled Worker visa
- International Sportsperson visa
- Minister of Religion visa
- Senior or Specialist Worker visa
- Expansion Worker visa
- Service Supplier visa
- Secondment Worker visa
- Creative Worker visa
- Seasonal Worker visa
- International Agreement visa
- Charity Worker visa
Financial Requirement
For most U.K. work visas, you must provide proof of a certain amount of money in your bank account, demonstrating that you can support yourself during the initial part of your stay in the U.K. Most U.K. work visas require at least £1270.
However, the Graduate Work visa and the Domestic Worker visa need no such requirements, whereas the Youth Mobility scheme requires at least £2,530. You are not eligible for this requirement if:
- You have been in the U.K. with a valid visa for one year.
- Your employer will support you financially for the first month with at least £1,270.
Wrapping Up
The door to several prospects in the United Kingdom is opened by selecting the appropriate type of visa and carefully following the application process. Starting the application procedure for a work visa to the U.K. is an investment in your future career. It is challenging and takes time to understand and complete the strict standards of the U.K. government, but not impossible!