Work Visas UK

A UK work visa gives you legal permission to live and work in the United Kingdom. The UK doesn't offer a one-size-fits-all visa; instead, there are various visa types tailored to different job roles, skill levels, and individual circumstances.

With the UK government tightening immigration rules, it's more important than ever to understand the work visa categories and how to prepare a strong application.

Whether you're looking to apply for, switch, or extend your UK work visa, contact our immigration solicitors at 0208 616 5535 for expert legal support with your application.

Table of Contents

What Is a Work Visa for the UK?

A UK work visa allows foreign nationals to legally live and work in the UK for a specific period (a few months to several years), depending on the visa type.

UK work visas are granted by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), allowing foreign nationals to work legally for a UK employer. Each visa type has its own eligibility rules and requirements, depending on your job, qualifications, and circumstances.

How the UK Visa System Works?

The UK immigration system categorises visas by the purpose of visit: work, study, family, or tourism. Work visas fall under the Points-Based System (PBS), where applicants are assessed on key attributes such as job type, salary, sponsorship, and English language ability.

This structured approach allows the UK to effectively manage its labour market and ensure that only suitably qualified candidates can access employment opportunities.

1. The Legal Framework Behind Work Visas

UK work visas are governed by a blend of laws, policies, and rules that support both economic growth and border security. Here's what underpins the system:

• The Immigration Act: Provides the legal authority for controlling who can enter, stay, and work in the UK.
• Points-Based System (PBS): This system requires applicants to accumulate points based on criteria like job offer, salary, skill level, and language ability.
• Sponsorship Rules: Most work visas require UK employers to hold a Sponsor Licence, ensuring they're offering genuine and skilled job opportunities.

2. Who Needs a Work Visa in the UK?

If you're not a UK or Irish citizen, and you don't already have the right to live and work in the UK (such as ILR or pre-settled status), you'll need a work visa.

Post-Brexit, the rules have changed significantly. Except for Irish citizens, all foreign nationals, including those from the EU/EEA, must now apply for a visa to work in the UK. Even if you're married to a British citizen or have lived in the UK before, you'll still need appropriate permission unless you hold settled or pre-settled status.

3. Choosing the Right UK Work Visa

One of the biggest mistakes applicants make is assuming any visa will do. However, each visa has distinct rules, privileges, and limitations.

Picking the wrong one can impact:

• Your ability to switch jobs
• Bringing family with you
• Applying for settlement later
• Changing your visa route in the future

Before you apply, ask yourself:

• What are my career goals in the UK?
• Is my employer licensed to sponsor me?
• Do I want to stay short-term or settle permanently?

Different Types of Work Visas in the UK

The UK offers a variety of work visa options tailored to different employment situations, skill levels, and personal circumstances.

Here's a breakdown of the main types of UK work visas, grouped by category:

If You Have a Job Offer in the UK

• Skilled Worker visa
• Health and Care Worker visa
• International Sportsperson visa
• Minister of Religion visa (T2)
• Scale-up Worker visa

If You Don't Have a Job Offer

• British National (Overseas) visa
• Graduate visa
• Global Talent visa
• Youth Mobility Scheme visa
• India Young Professionals Scheme visa
• UK Ancestry visa
• High Potential Individual (HPI) visa

If Working for an Overseas Employer

• Senior or Specialist Worker visa (Global Business Mobility)
• Overseas Domestic Worker visa
• Graduate Trainee visa (Global Business Mobility)
• Secondment Worker visa (Global Business Mobility)
• Service Supplier visa (Global Business Mobility)
• UK Expansion Worker visa (Global Business Mobility)
• Representative of an Overseas Business visa
• Service providers from Switzerland visa

For Temporary or Seasonal Work

• Seasonal Worker visa (Temporary Work)
• Government Authorised Exchange visa (Temporary Work)
• Creative Worker visa (Temporary Work)
• Religious Worker visa (Temporary Work)
• Charity Worker visa (Temporary Work)
• International Agreement visa (Temporary Work)

If You're Starting Your Own UK Business

• Innovator Founder visa
• Self-Sponsorship Visa

How to Choose the Right UK Work Visa?

Choosing the wrong visa can lead to delays or even refusals. Ask yourself:

• Do I have a job offer?
• What's the job's skill level and salary?
• Do I meet the English language requirement?
• Do I want to bring family members?
• Is my goal to settle in the UK long-term?

If in doubt, speak to an immigration lawyer to help assess your options.

What Are the Requirements for a UK Work Visa?

Each work visa has specific rules, but some general requirements apply to almost all applicants:

• Points-Based Assessment: Most visas require you to score points based on skill level, job offer, salary, and language.
• Sponsorship: You'll often need a job offer from a UK employer who is a licensed sponsor.
• English Language Proficiency: You must show your English skills through a recognised test or qualifications taught in English.
• Maintenance Funds: Prove you can support yourself without public funds, typically via bank statements.
• Criminal Record Checks: Required for roles involving vulnerable people or long stays.
• Character Suitability: Past immigration offences or criminal records can result in your application being refused.

Documents Required for a UK Work Visa

When applying for a UK work visa, you'll need to provide supporting documents like your passport, Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), and proof of English language skills, among others, depending on the visa type.

When you apply for a UK work visa, you'll need to provide:

• Your valid passport or travel document
• Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), if applicable
• Proof of English language proficiency
• Evidence of adequate accommodation in the UK
• Proof of personal savings
• TB test certificate (if required)
• Criminal record certificate (for relevant roles)
• Additional documents based on visa type

If you don't include all required supporting documents, your UK work visa application may be delayed or refused.

How to Apply for a UK Work Visa (Step-by-Step)

Applying for a UK work visa can seem overwhelming, but breaking it down into simple steps can make the process more manageable. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you understand how to apply for a UK work visa in 2025.

Step 1: Choose the Correct Visa

The first step is identifying which visa route is right for you. The most common option is the Skilled Worker visa, which allows foreign nationals to work in the UK if they have a job offer from a UK employer who is a licensed sponsor. There are also other routes, such as the Health and Care Worker visa, the Global Talent visa, and temporary work visas. Choosing the correct visa based on your occupation, qualifications, and intentions is essential.

Step 2: Get a Job Offer (If Required)

Most UK work visas require a job offer from a UK employer who is licensed to sponsor foreign workers. Your employer must assign you a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) before you can apply. You can check online if your employer is on the UK's list of registered sponsors.

Step 3: Gather All Required Documents

Before applying, make sure you gather all the necessary supporting documents. This typically includes your valid passport, your Certificate of Sponsorship, proof that you meet the English language requirement, and evidence of personal savings to support yourself.

Depending on your work visa type and your country of origin, you might also need to provide a tuberculosis (TB) test certificate and a criminal record check, especially for roles involving vulnerable people.

Step 4: Apply Online

Complete your application via the UK Government visa portal. You'll need to:

• Fill in your personal details
• Input your CoS reference number (if applicable)
• Choose your visa type and upload the required documents

Step 5: Pay the Fees and IHS Surcharge

You'll need to pay the correct visa application fee along with the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), based on your visa type and how long you'll stay in the UK.

Step 6: Verify Identity and Biometric Data

You may be asked to:

• Use the UK Immigration ID Check app, or
• Attend a biometric appointment to provide fingerprints and a photo

You'll be told which option applies to you when you apply.

Step 7: Submit Your Documents

Upload your documents online or take them to your biometric appointment, depending on your location and instructions provided during your application.

Step 8: Attend an Interview (If Required)

In some cases, you might be invited for a short interview to verify your circumstances or intentions. Not everyone is required to attend an interview, this depends on your visa type and personal situation.

Step 9: Wait for a Decision

Once your application is submitted and your identity verified, all that's left is to wait for a decision. If you're applying from outside the UK, decisions are usually made within three weeks. If you're applying from inside the UK to extend or switch your visa, it may take up to eight weeks.

There are priority and super-priority services available for faster decision-making at an additional cost.

Step 10: Receive Your Decision and Travel to the UK

Once your visa is approved, you'll receive:

• A visa vignette in your passport (if applying from outside the UK), or
• An update to your immigration status (if applying from inside the UK)

You can then travel to the UK and begin your new job!

UK Work Visa Processing Time in 2025

UK work visa applications are typically processed in about 3 weeks if you're applying from outside the UK and up to 8 weeks from within the UK. However, UK work visa processing times vary depending on where you apply from and which visa type you choose. Priority services may be available for an extra fee, reducing wait times to as little as 5 working days.

How Much Does a UK Work Visa Cost?

UK work visa fees vary by visa type, length of stay, and where you're applying from. For Skilled Worker visas, fees usually range between £590 and £1,751, based on the visa length and whether your job appears on the Immigration Salary List.

Other work visas, such as the Health and Care Visa, have their own specific fees. Along with the application cost, you'll also need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge as part of your application.

Can I Bring My Family with Me to the UK?

Yes, most work visas allow you to bring your dependents, including your spouse/partner and children under 18. You must prove you can financially support them, and each dependent will need to submit their visa application.

Your Rights as a UK Work Visa Holder

Holding a valid UK work visa entitles you to several important rights that support your life and work in the country:

1. Right to Work

You are legally allowed to work in the job stated on your visa. Your employer must be a licensed sponsor, and the terms, such as your salary, hours, and job title, should align with what's specified in your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).

2. Changing Jobs or Employers

Some work visas, like the Skilled Worker visa, allow you to change your job or employer, but you must update your visa before doing so. This involves applying for a new visa with a fresh Certificate of Sponsorship from your new employer.

3. Bringing Family Members

Most UK work visas allow you to bring your dependents, such as a spouse, partner, or children under 18. They'll need to apply for a dependent visa, and you must demonstrate that you can financially support them.

4. Access to Public Education

Children of work visa holders have the right to attend public schools in the UK without any additional tuition fees.

5. Access to Healthcare

You'll have access to the National Health Service (NHS) once you've paid the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which is typically required as part of your visa application. This gives you the same access to healthcare services as a UK resident, including:

• General Practitioner (GP) visits
• Emergency care and hospital treatment
• Maternity services

However, some services like prescriptions, dental care, and eye exams may involve extra charges.

Your Responsibilities While Living in the UK

While your rights give you access to important services and opportunities, it's equally vital to meet your responsibilities. Non-compliance with visa conditions can put your status and future in the UK at risk.

1. Follow the Conditions of Your Visa

You must:

• Work only in the role and for the employer listed on your visa (unless you apply to change)
• Avoid accessing public funds or benefits
• Keep your contact details and circumstances up to date with the Home Office
• Leave the UK before your visa expires if you do not apply for an extension

2. Pay UK Taxes and National Insurance

As a worker in the UK, you are required to:

• Pay Income Tax and National Insurance contributions based on your earnings
• Possibly declare and pay tax on foreign income if it is brought into the UK

Make sure you understand your tax obligations. Seeking advice from a UK-based tax adviser or using resources from HMRC can help ensure you're compliant and making use of any eligible reliefs.

3. Register with the Police (If Required)

Depending on your nationality and visa type, you might need to register with the police shortly after arriving in the UK. If this applies to you, it will be mentioned in your visa decision letter or vignette.

Can I Extend My UK Work Visa?

Yes, many work visas, such as the Skilled Worker visa, can be extended as long as you continue to meet the eligibility requirements, including having a valid job offer from a licensed sponsor. Check the conditions of your visa for specific rules.

Do I Need to Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)?

In most cases, yes. The IHS gives you access to NHS healthcare. As of 2025, the surcharge is:

• £1,035 per adult per year
• £776 per year for under-18s, students, and youth mobility applicants

Can I Switch to a Work Visa from Another Visa While in the UK?

Yes, many visa types allow switching from within the UK (such as from a student visa to a Skilled Worker visa). However, switching is not permitted if you're on a visitor visa or short-term student visa. Always confirm eligibility before applying.

What Happens If My Work Visa Is Refused?

If your visa is refused, the Home Office will explain why. You may be able to request an administrative review if you believe the decision was incorrect. Depending on the reason, you might need to submit a new application with updated documents.

Tips for a Successful Visa Application

• Apply Early: Don't leave things to the last minute, visa processing can be unpredictable.
• Double-Check Your Form: Inconsistencies are a top reason for delays or refusals.
• Organise Documents: Clear, well-labelled documents make a good impression.
• Practice for Interviews: Be ready to explain your job role, skills, and intentions.
• Consult a Professional: A legal expert can help you avoid costly errors.

How Can Our Immigration Solicitors Help with Your UK Work Visa Application?

Applying for a UK work visa can feel overwhelming, especially with strict eligibility rules, complex paperwork, and tight deadlines. That's where our experienced immigration solicitors come in. We guide you through the entire process, helping you avoid mistakes and giving your application the strongest possible chance of success.

Personalised Advice Based on Your Situation

Every client's situation is unique. Whether you're applying under the Skilled Worker visa route, Health and Care Worker visa, or another type of work visa, we start with a personal consultation to understand your circumstances, career goals, and eligibility. Based on that, we recommend the most appropriate visa route for you.

Support with Gathering the Right Documents

One of the most common reasons UK work visas are refused is missing or incorrect documentation. Our solicitors will help you identify exactly what you need, such as your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), English language proof, financial evidence, and more. We'll make sure everything is correctly prepared, clearly presented, and fully compliant with Home Office requirements.

Error-Free Application Submission

Even a small mistake on your application form can lead to delays or rejection. Our team will complete the application on your behalf, ensuring accuracy and clarity in every section. We also handle the payment of the visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), and ensure everything is submitted correctly and on time.

Communicating with UKVI on Your Behalf

As your legal representatives, we liaise directly with UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) throughout the process. If additional information is requested or there are any issues with your application, we respond promptly and professionally to keep things moving smoothly.

Ongoing Support Until a Decision Is Made

From start to finish, we keep you informed about the progress of your application. If there are any updates, delays, or concerns, we'll manage them for you, giving you peace of mind while you focus on planning your move to the UK.

Need Assistance with Your UK Work Visa Application?

Whether you're applying for your first UK work visa or switching to a different visa type, our immigration solicitors are here to help.

If you are considering applying for a UK work visa, contact our immigration solicitors in London at 0208 616 5535 or fill in our enquiry form for legal assistance.