UK Work Permit | Mirpur Visa Consultant

The United Kingdom offers various work visa categories tailored to different employment situations, skill levels, and industry needs. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the most popular types of UK work visas and their respective eligibility, application processes, and key features.

1. Skilled Worker Visa

The Skilled Worker Visa is the most common visa for foreign nationals seeking employment in the UK. It replaced the Tier 2 (General) work visa in 2020.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Job Offer: You must have a valid job offer from a UK-based employer who is a licensed sponsor.
• Skill Level: The job must meet the required skill level, typically RQF Level 3 or above, which is equivalent to A-level qualifications or higher.
• Salary Threshold: The minimum salary requirement is generally £26,200 per year or the “going rate” for the specific job role, whichever is higher. Some exceptions apply for shortage occupations or new entrants.
• English Language Proficiency: You must prove your knowledge of English by passing an approved language test or having a degree taught in English.
• Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): Your UK employer must issue a CoS, which is a reference number that confirms your employment details.

Application Process:

1. Secure a job offer from a UK licensed sponsor.
2. Your employer issues a Certificate of Sponsorship.
3. Apply for the visa online.
4. Pay the visa application fee (ranges from £625 to £1,423 depending on length of stay and job type).
5. Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (usually £624 per year).
6. Submit your biometric information (photo and fingerprints) at a visa application center.
7. Prove you meet the salary, skill level, and English requirements.

Visa Duration and Extensions:

• The Skilled Worker Visa can be granted for up to 5 years.
• You can extend the visa if you continue working for your sponsoring employer or another qualifying employer.
• After 5 years, you may apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (settlement), allowing you to stay permanently in the UK.

Dependent Family Members:

• You can bring your partner and children with you to the UK. They will need to apply separately but as dependents of the Skilled Worker visa holder.

 

2. Global Talent Visa

The Global Talent Visa is designed for individuals who are recognized as leaders or potential leaders in fields such as academia, research, digital technology, the arts, and culture. This visa offers flexibility, as it does not require a job offer.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Endorsement: You need to be endorsed by an approved UK body in your field. These bodies vary based on your area of expertise:
  • Academia or research: The endorsing body may include the Royal Society, British Academy, or UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).
  • Arts and culture: Endorsing bodies include Arts Council England or the British Fashion Council.
  • Digital technology: Tech Nation is the endorsing body for tech specialists.
• Alternatively, you may qualify automatically if you’ve won an eligible award in your field, such as a Nobel Prize or an Oscar.

Application Process:

1. Endorsement Application: First, you apply for endorsement from the relevant UK organization. This step takes around 8 weeks.
2. Visa Application: Once endorsed, you apply for the visa online.
3. No job offer is required, and there is no minimum salary threshold.

Visa Duration and Extensions:

• The Global Talent Visa is valid for up to 5 years and can be extended indefinitely.
• After 3-5 years, depending on your category, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (settlement).

Dependent Family Members:

• You can bring your partner and children to the UK, and they can also work or study.

 

3. Intra-Company Transfer Visa

The Intra-Company Transfer Visa is for employees of multinational companies who are being transferred to a UK branch.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Job Offer from the Same Employer: You must be working for a multinational company that has a UK branch, and the transfer must be part of your role in that company.
• Salary Requirement: The salary must be at least £41,500 per year unless you’re part of a graduate trainee program, in which case the minimum salary is £23,000.
• Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): Your UK employer must provide a CoS.
• Employment History: You must have worked for your employer for at least 12 months unless you’re earning £73,900 or more per year.

Application Process:

1. Your UK employer issues a Certificate of Sponsorship.
2. Apply for the visa online and submit your biometric information.
3. Pay the visa application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge.

Visa Duration and Extensions:

• The visa is usually valid for up to 5 years within a 6-year period.
• For high earners (earning £73,900 or more), the visa can last for up to 9 years.
• The visa can be extended, but you cannot switch to a different visa category while in the UK.

Dependent Family Members:

• Your partner and children can accompany you, and they can work or study in the UK.

 

4. Health and Care Worker Visa

The Health and Care Worker Visa is a specific category for qualified health professionals, including doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals, who wish to work in the UK’s healthcare sector.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Job Offer from an Approved Employer: The job offer must come from the NHS, an NHS supplier, or a company that provides health or care services.
• Skill Level and Salary: The role must meet the skill level and salary requirements, typically starting at £20,960 per year.
• English Language Requirement: You must demonstrate proficiency in English.
• Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): Your employer must issue a CoS.

Application Process:

1. Your employer issues a Certificate of Sponsorship.
2. Apply for the visa online.
3. Pay the visa fee, which is significantly lower than other visas.
4. Submit your biometric information.

Visa Duration and Extensions:

• The visa is granted for up to 5 years and can be extended.
• After 5 years, you may apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (settlement).

Key Benefits:

• Reduced Fees: Lower application fees and exemption from the Immigration Health Surcharge.
• Fast-Track Process: Applications are usually processed more quickly than other work visas.

Dependent Family Members:

• Your family can join you in the UK and have the right to work or study.

 

5. Temporary Worker Visa (T5)

The Temporary Worker Visa (T5) includes several subcategories for individuals who intend to work in the UK for a short period.

Key Subcategories:

• Charity Worker: For unpaid voluntary work with a UK charity. The visa can last up to 12 months.
• Creative and Sporting: For creative professionals such as actors, musicians, and athletes who have a job offer in the UK. The visa can last up to 12 months, extendable for certain roles.
• Religious Worker: For individuals conducting religious work, including preaching or pastoral care. The visa can last up to 2 years.
• Government Authorised Exchange: For those coming to the UK for work experience, training, or research through an approved government scheme. The visa is valid for up to 2 years.
• International Agreement: For people working in the UK under international agreements, such as employees of foreign governments.
• Youth Mobility Scheme: For young people aged 18-30 from specific countries, including Australia, Canada, Japan, and New Zealand. This visa allows you to live and work in the UK for up to 2 years.

Application Process:

1. Secure a job or a placement offer relevant to the specific subcategory.
2. Your employer or sponsor must issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (if required).
3. Apply for the visa online.
4. Pay the visa fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (where applicable).

Visa Duration and Extensions:

• The visa duration varies by subcategory, generally lasting from 12 months to 2 years.
• Extensions are possible in some categories, but this visa typically cannot lead to long-term residency.

Dependent Family Members:

• Some subcategories allow dependent family members, while others do not.

General Requirements for All UK Work Visas:

1. Job Offer or Sponsorship: Most work visas require a job offer from a UK employer who is a licensed sponsor.
2. Financial Proof: Applicants may need to show they have enough funds to support themselves, typically around £1,270 unless exempt.
3. Biometric Information: Applicants must submit biometric information (photo and fingerprints) at a visa application center.
4. Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): Most work visas require the payment of an annual IHS fee to access the UK’s National Health Service.