Immigrating to the UK for work is a complex process that requires meeting specific criteria. There are several different work visa categories you may qualify for depending on your circumstances. This article provides an overview of the main requirements to obtain a work visa for the UK.
Tier 2 (General) Visa
The Tier 2 (General) visa is the main type of work visa for people coming to the UK with a job offer from a licensed UK employer. To qualify you must:
- Have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (COS) from your UK employer
- Meet the English language requirement
- Have enough maintenance funds
- Meet the salary threshold for your occupation
The Certificate of Sponsorship is provided by your UK employer and proves they are licensed to sponsor foreign workers. You must have the COS reference number to apply for the visa.
For English language, you must prove your proficiency to Level B1 CEFR or higher. There are several ways to meet this requirement such as passing a secure English language test.
Maintenance funds refer to having at least £1270 in savings, unless your salary will be over £1550 per month. The maintenance amount increases if you bring dependents.
The minimum salary depends on your occupation. Most jobs must meet a threshold of £30,000 per year. If your salary is less than this amount, you may still meet the requirement if your job is on the UK’s shortage occupation list.
Application Process
To apply for a Tier 2 (General) visa you must:
- Obtain your COS reference number
- Complete the visa application form online
- Provide biometric information (fingerprints and photo)
- Attend your visa appointment at the application center
- Pay the visa fee
Processing time for a Tier 2 visa can take up to 3 weeks. You can check current processing times on the UK gov website. Your COS will expire if you do not apply for your visa within 3 months.
Tier 5 (Temporary Worker) Visa
The Tier 5 Temporary Worker visa covers short-term work in the UK for up to 24 months. To qualify for this visa, you must:
- Obtain a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (COS)
- Meet English language requirements
- Have enough maintenance funds
The Tier 5 COS is provided by your UK sponsor who must be licensed by the Home Office. There are 6 sub-categories within the Tier 5 visa, each with specific eligibility criteria.
For example, the Tier 5 (Youth Mobility Scheme) is for young people from certain countries coming to the UK for up to 2 years. The Tier 5 (Government Authorised Exchange) covers specific work experience programs authorized by the government.
The English language and maintenance funds requirements are generally the same as the Tier 2 visa. But there is no salary threshold you must meet for a Tier 5 visa.
Application Process
To apply for a Tier 5 visa you must:
- Obtain your valid Tier 5 COS
- Complete the visa application form online
- Provide biometric information
- Attend your visa appointment at the application center
- Pay the visa fee
Processing time is typically 2-3 weeks. You must enter the UK no more than 14 days before your employment start date.
UK Ancestry Visa
If you have a grandparent born in the UK, you may qualify for an ancestry visa. The main requirements are:
- You must be a Commonwealth citizen
- You must be able to prove your grandparent was born in the UK
- You must show intent to work in the UK
With an ancestry visa you can live and work in the UK for 5 years. After that time, you can apply to settle in the UK permanently if you meet certain criteria.
You do not need a job offer or sponsorship to apply for this visa. But you will need to provide proof you can support yourself financially while looking for work.
Application Process
To apply for an ancestry visa you must:
- Complete the online visa application
- Pay the visa fee
- Provide proof of your ancestry
- Show you have enough funds to support yourself
Processing time for an ancestry visa is typically 2-3 weeks. You can enter the UK any time after approval while your visa is valid.
UK Work Permits
Some foreign nationals may be eligible for a UK work permit if sponsored by an employer. To qualify you must:
- Have a valid job offer from a UK employer
- Your job must be on the UK shortage occupation list
- Your employer must be an approved sponsor
- Meet English language requirements
Jobs on the shortage occupation list are skilled occupations the UK struggles to recruit for domestically. Your employer must apply for your work permit on your behalf.
If approved, your work permit will be valid for up to 5 years. You can then apply for settlement in the UK once you complete 5 years of continuous employment.
Application Process
To obtain a UK work permit:
- Secure a job offer for an eligible occupation
- Your employer applies for the work permit as your sponsor
- You apply for entry clearance with the permit approval
- Enter the UK and start working for your sponsor
Processing times can be complex with multiple stages. Typical time frames range from 1-6 months. Your employer’s HR should guide you through the process.
International Trade and Investment Visa
If you are an expert in international trade and investment, you may be eligible for this visa. The main requirements are:
- Must be an expert in your field who can contribute to UK trade
- Have extensive international experience
- Must be endorsed by an approved UK body
- Meet English language requirements
This visa allows you to work in the UK for up to 5 years after which you can apply for settlement. You do not need a job offer to qualify for this visa.
Your endorsing body provides you with a letter of endorsement you will need to apply. Approved bodies include Tech Nation, British Council, and Department of International Trade.
Application Process
To apply for this visa you must:
- Obtain your endorsement letter
- Complete the online application
- Provide proof of qualifications and experience
- Pay the visa fee
Standard processing time is 8 weeks. You can enter the UK any time while your visa is valid to search for employment.
Representatives of Overseas Businesses Visa
This visa is for senior employees of overseas companies looking to set up a branch or subsidiary in the UK. Key requirements are:
- Must be a senior employee of the overseas company
- Must be coming to the UK as an intra-company transfer
- Must have worked for the company for at least 12 months
With this visa you can work in the UK for up to 3 years after which you may be eligible for settlement. Your employer handles the visa sponsorship.
Application Process
- Obtain your Certificate of Sponsorship from your employer
- Complete the online visa application
- Attend your biometrics appointment
- Pay the visa fee
Processing time is typically 3 weeks. You must enter the UK within 3 months of approval or your COS will expire.
UK Startup Visa
If you have an innovative business idea or are an entrepreneur, you may qualify for the startup visa. The main requirements are:
- Your business must be endorsed by an approved body
- You must meet the English language requirement
- You must have enough investment funds
This visa allows you to set up, run, and work for your business in the UK for 2 years. You can then apply to extend your visa for another 3 years.
To get endorsed, you must pitch your innovative business idea to one of the approved endorsing bodies. You will need £50,000 investment funds to apply.
Application Process
- Get your business endorsed
- Complete the online visa application
- Attend your biometrics appointment
- Provide evidence of your funds
- Pay the visa fee
Processing time is typically 3 weeks. You must enter the UK within 90 days of approval or you’ll need a new letter of endorsement.
UK Investor Visa
High net worth individuals willing to invest £2 million or more may qualify for the investor visa. The key requirements are:
- Have access to at least £2 million in investment funds
- The funds must be from a legitimate source
- Invest your funds in qualifying UK assets
- Must pass English language requirements
This visa allows you to work, study, and live in the UK for 3 years. You can apply to extend your visa for another 2 years. After 5 years you may be eligible for settlement.
You must invest your funds within 3 months of arriving in the UK. Qualifying investments include UK government bonds, share capital, and active companies.
Application Process
- Open an investment account with your funds
- Get endorsement from your investment firm
- Complete the online visa application
- Provide evidence of your legit funds
- Pay the visa fee
Processing times range from 8-12 weeks typically. You must enter the UK within 90 days of approval.
Innovator Visa
If you have an innovative new business idea, you may qualify for the Innovator visa. The key requirements are:
- Your business must be endorsed by an approved body
- You must meet the English language requirement
- Have at least £50k in investment funds
This visa lets you set up and operate your innovative business in the UK for 3 years. You can then apply to extend your visa for another 3 years.
To get endorsed, you must get support from an endorsing body who approves of your business idea and skills. You will need to pitch to them.
Application Process
- Get your business endorsed
- Complete the online visa application
- Provide evidence of your funds
- Pay the visa fee
Processing typically takes 3 weeks. You must enter the UK within 90 days or get a new endorsement letter.
Sole Representative Visa
If you are the sole representative of an overseas company looking to set up a UK branch, you may qualify for this visa. The requirements are:
- Must be the sole representative of the company
- The company must have no other UK branches
- Must have extensive related experience
- Meet English language requirements
This visa allows you to work for up to 3 years after which you may be eligible for settlement. You must be recruited directly by the company.
Application Process
- Get support letter from your company
- Complete the online visa application
- Show evidence of qualifications and experience
- Pay the visa fee
Processing typically takes 8 weeks. You must enter the UK within 90 days of approval.
Dependent Visas
If your spouse or partner has a visa that allows dependents, you may be eligible for a dependent visa. Typical requirements are:
- Must prove a genuine relationship
- Must meet financial requirements
- Accommodation must be suitable
- Must pay healthcare surcharge
Length of the visa depends on your partner’s visa. You can work or study but cannot access public funds. Processing is usually straightforward within a few weeks.
Concluding Tips
Here are some key tips when applying for a UK work visa:
- Make sure you meet every eligibility requirement
- Have all your supporting documents ready
- Check the government website for latest rules
- Make sure your funds come from a legitimate source
- Comply with all conditions after arriving in the UK
Immigrating to the UK can be complex. I recommend working with an experienced immigration lawyer when applying for your visa. This will help maximize your chances of success.
