UK work visas

UK Work Permits

Citizens from EU/EFTA nations, Australia, Canada, Japan, and the United States can enter the UK and remain without a visa for up to six months. Travelers can enjoy the UK for tourism, business, or family visits without additional documentation. However, if individuals from these countries intend to work in the United Kingdom, they must apply for a UK Work Visa.

The nature of their profession determines the type of work visa required, the length of their stay, and other considerations. Before submitting an application, conducting research and selecting the appropriate visa category is critical.

UK Temporary Work Visas

Temporary Work Visas allow for workers to come to the UK on a temporary basis to work. The visa is designed to enable work that is only needed on a short basis such as seasonal farming work, allowing workers to come and complete the work for the required time frame. Anyone can apply for a Temporary Work Visa if they meet the requirements for their specific type of Temporary Work Visa. There are 6 different types of Temporary Work Visa for the UK.

You are able to apply for a Temporary Work Visa 3 months before the day you are due to start work in the UK. We advise applying as soon as you are able to avoid any delays and to have the best chance of ensuring your Temporary Work Visa is supplied in time.

Temporary Work Visa Requirements

To be eligible for a UK Temporary Work Visa, you must meet the following requirements:

The specific requirements for your visa will vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for. For example, the requirements for a Seasonal Worker Visa are different from the requirements for a Government Authorised Exchange Visa.

• You must have a job offer from a licensed sponsor in the UK.
• You must meet the skills and qualifications requirements for the job.
• You must meet the English language requirement.
• You must meet the financial requirement.
• You must be in good health and have no criminal record.

What are Temporary Work Visas?

Temporary Work Visas, formally known as Tier 5 visas, allow workers to come to the UK on a short term basis to do seasonal or other types of work on a fixed term basis. They are designed to allow workers to come for a fixed period of time, Temporary Work Visas typically as 24 months but can be for shorter periods, how long your Temporary Work Visa lasts is depended on what type of work you are doing and what type of Temporary Work Visa you have.

Who is eligible for a Temporary Work Visa?

While Eligibility differs between the 6 different Temporary Work Visas there are 3 main points of eligibility:

• Have relevant skills for the work you are applying for
• Have a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
• You must have at least £1,270 in your bank account to show you can support yourself in the UK.

What types of Temporary Work Visas are there?

In total there are 6 different types of Temporary Work Visas. They are:

• Seasonal Worker Visa
• Government Authorised Exchange Visa
• Creative Worker Visa
• Religious Worker Visa
• Charity Worker Visa
• International Agreement Visa

Seasonal Worker Visa

Seasonal Worker Visas are for those in Horticulture and Poultry work. They cover a short period of the year when the work is needed for example when fruit is in season and needs to be harvested.

Government Authorised Exchange Visa

Government Authorised Exchange Visa is the Standard Temporary Visa for non-specific jobs. They typically are valid for a maximum of 12 months or 24 months.

Charity / Creative / Religious Worker Visas

A creative worker is someone who works in the creative industries, for example an actor, dancer, musician or film crew member. Religious Worker Visas are a Temporary Work Visas for those in religious work. Charity Worker Visas are for those who wish to come to the UK to do unpaid voluntary work for a charity.

International Agreement Visa

International Agreement Visas are for those contracted to do work covered by international law or treaty while in the UK, such as working: for an overseas government or ‘recognised international organisation’, or as a private servant in a diplomatic household.

Processing time for a Temporary Work Visa

The processing time for a UK Temporary Work Visa will vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for and the country you are applying from. However, the UK government website states that the average processing time for a UK Temporary Work Visa is 3 weeks.

If you need your visa processed more quickly, you may be able to apply for a priority service. However, there is an additional fee for this service.

• The availability of staff at the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).
• The current demand for visas.

Temporary Work Visa Length

The duration of a Temporary Work Visa will vary depending on the type of visa you are granted. However, most temp Work Visas are valid for up to 2 years. Some types of work visas, such as the Seasonal Worker Visa, may be valid for a shorter period of time, such as 6 months.

You can find more information about the duration of different types of UK Work Visas on the UK government website.

Documents Required for Temporary Work Visa

The documents you need to submit for a UK Temporary Work Visa may vary depending on what Temporary Work Visa you are applying for. Some of the common documents you will need to submit include:

For detailed information on specific parts of the Temporary Work Visa Process, you can refer to the links in the table here to find the answer to your query. If you are unable to find any particular information, please contact us.

• A valid passport
• A job offer from a licensed sponsor in the UK
• Proof of your skills and qualifications
• Proof of your English language proficiency
• Proof of financial support
• A medical certificate
• A police clearance certificate

Can you be rejected for a Temporary Work Visa?

Some common reasons for refusal include:

• You do not have a job offer from a licensed sponsor in the UK.
• You do not meet the skills and qualifications requirements for the job.
• You do not meet the English language requirement.
• You do not meet the financial requirement.
• You are not in good health or have a criminal record.

UK Work Visa Requirements

Before you can apply for a UK Work Visa, you must meet the following requirements:

• Have a verified employment offer from a licensed UK employer who will serve as your sponsor.
• Possess a Sponsorship Certificate provided by your employer.
• Pass the point-based Evaluation.

Types of UK Work Visa

There are typically three sorts of UK work visas, each of which is subdivided into several subcategories.

The principal categories of work visas in the UK are:

You might be eligible to extend your visa under specific situations.

Specific forms of employment, typically exempt from the points-based visa system, can qualify for short-term visas.

• Short-term work visas for the United Kingdom.
• Long-term UK work visas.
• Entrepreneur, business start-up, and talent visas Temporary UK work visas Short-term work visas are often issued for work placements lasting between six months and one year in the United Kingdom.

Short Term UK Work Visas

You can apply for the following visa types to come to the UK and work for different purposes:

• Charity Worker temporary visa — for unpaid charitable volunteer labor.
• Creative Worker temporary visa - for employment in the creative industries, such as a dancer, actor, musician, or film crew member.
• Government Authorised Exchange temporary visa – for training or work experience placements.
• International Agreement temporary visa - for employment protected by international law or treaty, such as working for a foreign government.
• Religious Worker visa — for non-pastoral religious employment.
• Seasonal Worker visa - for employment such as fruit picking, farm labor, or operating heavy cargo vehicles (HGV).
• Youth Mobility Scheme visa – for young individuals between the ages of 18 and 30 who have a minimum of £2,530 in liquid assets and meet other eligibility requirements.
• Graduate visa - for graduates who wish to continue working in the UK after completing a UK study course.

UK Work Visa Requirements

In addition to the precise work criteria associated with the type of short-term visa, you often need a licensed sponsoring organization to offer you a job.

In most instances, you will also require a minimum of at least £1,270 in funds to support yourself during your stay.

You must be 18 years old to qualify for certain short-term visas.

Notably, most short-term UK work visas, such as unemployment benefits, do not provide access to public funding.

You can get free healthcare through the NHS, but typically, you must pay a healthcare surcharge of up to £624 per year.

Your spouse and dependent children can typically accompany you, but they must submit separate visa applications.

UK Work Visa Length

The majority of short-term visas have a validity of up to two years.

They are typically issued for one year and can be renewed, while certain visas have a validity of two years but are not renewable.

If you have completed your Ph.D. studies, the graduate visa can be for up to three years.

The principal exception to this rule is the seasonal worker visa, which is typically valid for up to six months.

Long-Term UK Work Visas

Typically, these visas can be renewed and suitable for two to five years.

Because these visas allow the bearer to stay in the United Kingdom for a more extended period, typically with the possibility to apply for permanent residence or British citizenship, they require stricter eligibility criteria.

• Skilled worker visa – for skilled employees who must typically meet minimal standards in the UK's points-based scheme
• Health and Care Worker visa - for medical professionals who wish to work for the National Health Service or in adult social care
• Senior or Specialist Worker visa - enables workers of foreign organizations to work at a branch in the United Kingdom.
• Minister of Religion visa - for leadership positions within a faith-based organization in the United Kingdom • Visa for International Athletes - for elite athletes and certified coaches.
• Representative of an Overseas Business visa - for lone representatives of international companies seeking to establish a branch or subsidiary in the United Kingdom Requirements.

Qualifying for a long-term work visa

To qualify for most long-term work visas in the United Kingdom, including skilled worker employment, you must earn 70 points under the country's point-based system.

This comprises of criteria that every applicant must meet, namely:

The remaining 20 points can be obtained from the following:

Additionally, you must have a minimum of £1,270 in savings to support yourself.

Notably, you can often work up to 20 hours per week in a second job if the work is appropriate and you maintain your current position.

You will not have access to public funding, such as unemployment benefits. Your spouse and dependent children may travel with you, but they must obtain their visas.

Naturally, the minimum pay expectations for various jobs in the UK vary.

Employers must still pay at least £10.10 per hour (or £20,480 per year for jobs in healthcare or education).

The minimum salary for Senior or Specialist Worker visas is £42,400 unless you travel as a Graduate Trainee.

• Employment offer from a licenced sponsor (20 points)
• Job at relevant skill level (20 points)
• English proficiency at a minimum level, typically at least B1 on the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) scale (10 points)
• Salary of £25,600 or the industry standard, whichever is greater (20 points)
• Employment in a scarcity occupation (20)
• Doctorate in a STEM field pertinent to the position (20)
• Compensation between £23,040 and £25,599, or at least 90 percent of the going wage for the occupation, whichever is more (10)
• Ph.D. in a non-STEM field pertinent to the position (10).

What if my UK Work Visa is Refused

Refusing entry into the UK has an impact on your goals and puts your future in danger. Since the Immigration regulations were changed in 2012, there has been a 19% increase in visa rejections for the United Kingdom. The immigration laws have been strengthened and made tighter. The majority of refusals, though, can be overcome by filing a fresh application or appealing the refusal decision. The appeals procedure varies depending on the type of UK visa you filed for:

Visitor Visa: Unless you have submitted an application as a family visiting, you are not eligible to appeal a visitor visa denial.

All other applicants should submit a new application.

Entry clearance as a spouse or fiancé - While decisions on spouse visas are subject to appeal, it is typically quicker to submit a new application in order to obtain the visa.

You will have the option to submit an administrative review under a point-based system. If you've been turned down and there isn't an appeals process available, you might be able to file a Judicial Review.

If any of these reasons above have caused you a visa refusal please contact us.

Can I work in the UK for 2 months without a Visa?

To perform any type of paid work in the UK as a non-UK national will require some type of work visa. Some business work can be done on a UK Standard Visitor Visa so long as the parties involved will not be paid by any UK businesses for their time.

Can I get a Temporary Work Visa without a Certificate of Sponsorship?

All UK Temporary Work Visas require approval from a UK sponsor, meaning all types of Temporary Work Visas require a Certificate of Sponsorship.

Can I study on a Temporary Work Visa?

As long as you fulfill the duties detailed by your Certificate of Sponsorship, you are permitted to study in the UK during your time in the UK.

Are the Temporary Work Visas the same as the Tier 5 Visas?

The Temporary Work Visas replaced the Tier 5 Visa on 1st of December 2020. The Temporary Work Visa is functionally the same as the Tier 5 visa, the Temporary Work Visas have reduced the barrier of entry but nothing else has changed in the transition.

Can I work part time on a Temporary Work Visa?

You can do additional paid work on these visas as long as you're still doing the job you're being sponsored for. You can also do unpaid voluntary work.

Can I buy a house on a Temporary Work Visa

There aren't any legal restrictions on foreigners buying property in the UK. This means almost anyone can buy a property there, regardless of nationality. You don't need a visa to invest in UK property either, although of course you will need one if you're buying a home with the intention of living in it.

Can an asylum seeker apply for a Temporary Work Visa?

No if you apply to the UK seeking asylum you are not permitted to switch to a Temporary Worker Visa. Asylum Seekers are able to apply for permission to work if they have been waiting 12 months for a decision however they cannot apply for a Temporary Work Visa.

What happens if I lose my job on a Temporary Work Visa?

If you lose your job on a UK Temporary Work Visa, you will have 60 days to find a new job or leave the UK. This is known as the 'grace period'. During this time, you can continue to live in the UK and look for a new job. However, you will not be able to work without a valid visa. If you are unable to find a new job within 60 days, you will need to leave the UK. You may be able to apply for a new Temporary Work Visa if you have a job offer from a licensed sponsor. However, you will need to meet all of the eligibility requirements for the visa you are applying for. If you overstay your visa, you may be fined, banned from entering the UK for a period of time, or even deported.

Do I need to attend an appointment for my Temporary Work Visa?

Whether or not you need to attend an appointment for your UK Temporary Work Visa will depend on the type of visa you are applying for and the country you are applying from. For most visas, you will need to attend an appointment at a visa application center (VAC) to provide your biometrics (fingerprints and a photograph). You may also need to attend an interview with a visa officer. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, if you are applying for a Seasonal Worker Visa, you may not need to attend an appointment.

What Is A UK Work Permit?

Non-UK citizens who wish to work in the UK for a specific employer can do so with the help of a UK Work Permit, often known as a Tier 2 visa. To apply for a UK Work Permit, you must already have a job offer from a UK employer. To be eligible for a Tier 2 visa, the job you are offered must meet certain skill and salary requirements, and the employer must have a sponsor licence, read here for a full explanation of What Is A UK Work Permit?

UK Work Permit Advice

To be eligible for a UK Work Permit, you must have an employment offer from a UK business, a current Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from that employer, and meet certain requirements such as proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing English. In addition, to qualify for a visa, you must also work for a Home Office-approved UK employer and obtain a "certificate of sponsorship" from your employer detailing the role you've been offered in the UK. It is important to note that the UK Work Permit scheme has been replaced by the Skilled Worker visa, which requires a job offer from a UK employer with a sponsor licence and meets certain skill and salary requirements. Additionally, to qualify for the Skilled Worker visa, you must perform one of the occupations on the list of eligible jobs and meet the relevant minimum salary threshold for that occupation. You can read this for full UK Work Permit Advice.

How Long Does It Take To Get A UK Work Permit?

According to the UK government's official guidance, if you are outside the UK and applying for a visa, you should typically receive a decision within 3 weeks once you attend your appointment at the visa application centre. If you are applying for an Ancestry visa. However, the waiting times may vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for and your circumstances. If you are applying from outside the UK, you can apply and pay for your visa online. For all you need to know about How Long Does It Take To Get A UK Work Permit, read our full article.

How Much Does A UK Work Permit Cost?

The cost of a UK work permit depends on the type of visa and your circumstances. The standard application fee for the Skilled Worker visa ranges from £625 to £1,423, depending on your circumstances. It is important to note that for some work visas, such as the Intra-company Transfer visa and the Intra-company Graduate Trainee visa, the eligibility criteria include specific salary requirements. For the Intra-company Transfer visa, you must be paid at least £41,500, while for the Intra-company Graduate Trainee visa, you must be paid at least £23,000. Overall, the cost of a UK work permit depends on the type of visa you are applying for and your circumstances. It is advisable to consult the official UK government websites for the most up-to-date information on visa costs and eligibility criteria.

How Can I Get A Work Permit For The UK?

To get a work permit for the UK, you need to apply for the appropriate work visa based on your circumstances and eligibility criteria. The UK government offers a range of work visas, including the Skilled Worker visa, Graduate visa, Health and Care Worker visa, and others. The earliest you can usually apply is 3 months before your employment start date. In addition to providing proof of identification, you must submit supporting documents that prove you meet the eligibility requirements for the visa you are applying for. The specific requirements for obtaining a work permit for the UK will vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for. It is important to carefully review the eligibility criteria and supporting documents required for each visa to ensure you meet the requirements.

How Do I Get A UK Work Permit Without A Job Offer?

To qualify for a work permit in the UK, you must meet certain requirements under the country’s point-based system. The system prioritizes applicants with a job offer from a UK company. Different types of work visas are available, such as the Skilled Worker visa and the Graduate visa, each with specific requirements and eligibility criteria. To obtain a Skilled Worker visa, for example, you must have a job offer from a Home Office-approved UK employer, and your job must be at a certain skill level. You must also meet the English language requirements and score enough points in the system to be eligible. In addition to meeting the eligibility criteria, you must provide certain documents when you apply for a work visa. This includes a certificate of sponsorship reference number, proof of your knowledge of English, and other supporting documents as required by the specific visa you are applying for. If you do not have a job offer, you may be able to apply for other types of visas, such as business or investment visas. It is important to carefully review the eligibility criteria and supporting documents required for each visa to ensure you meet the requirements.

Can I Convert My Visitor Visa To A Work Visa In The UK?

Generally, it is impossible to convert a Visitor Visa To A Work Visa In The UK or any other immigration route while in the country. However, there are a few exceptions, such as prospective entrepreneurs who can switch from a visitor visa to an Innovator visa after securing funding. If you are already in the UK on a different type of visa, such as a Tier 5 Youth Mobility visa. In that case, you might be able to apply to switch to a Skilled Worker visa if you have a job offer from a Home Office-approved UK employer and meet the other eligibility criteria. However, it is important to note that this is not possible for all types of visas. It is generally advisable to carefully review the eligibility criteria for each type of visa and plan accordingly to ensure you have the appropriate visa before traveling to the UK.

Can I Stay In The UK After My Work Visa Expires?

If you are on a Skilled Worker visa or a Tier 2 (General) work visa, you may be able to stay in the UK after your Work Visa Expires if you meet certain eligibility criteria, such as having the same job as when you were given your previous visa. Your visa can last for up to 5 years before you need to extend it, and you'll need to apply to extend or update your visa when it expires or if you change jobs or employers. If you are on a Standard Visitor visa, you may be able to extend your stay as long as the total time you spend in the UK is no more than 6 months, and you meet the eligibility requirements and pay the £1000 fee. However, it is important to note that visitor visas are not designed for long-term stays or work purposes. It is generally advisable to carefully review the eligibility criteria for each type of visa and plan accordingly to ensure you have the appropriate visa before traveling to the UK.

Is It Difficult To Get Work Permit For The UK?

Getting a UK work visa can be difficult depending on the type of visa and the specific requirements for each visa. Applicants generally need a job offer from a licensed sponsor which meets minimum skill and salary requirements. The UK has a points-based system for work visas, which assesses the applicant's skills, qualifications, and experience. Some work visas have additional requirements, such as language proficiency, financial savings, and a tuberculosis test. However, with the right qualifications and support from an employer, obtaining a UK work permit is possible.