In order to work in the UK, you will require a UK Working Visa or Work Permit in UK if your country of origin is outside of the European Economic Area (EEA). The application process for a work permit UK visa can be either complex or relatively straightforward depending on your individual circumstances and the nature of your application.
What is UK Work Permit Visa
A Work Permit visa is usually needed for workers who are coming to the UK as a result of having already secured a formal offer of work from an eligible UK company with the relevant Licence to sponsor, or if you are being relocated to the UK by your current employer.
Alternatively, if you have a skill that is deemed as being in short supply in the UK by the Government, then you may be eligible for a visa to come on the basis that jobs in your sector would be widely available for you to secure.
There are many different types of UK Work permit Visa that can allow you to successfully take up work in the UK. The type of Work Permit in Uk or Work Visa which is best for you will depend on a variety of factors such as your profession, the demand for your chosen role, and the length of time you wish to spend working in the UK.
The Tier 2 work permit category forms a core component of the UKBA’s points-based system for managed migration.
How to Get a Work Permit in UK
Before you can apply you must satisfy the following work permit requirements:
- Have received a confirmed offer of employment from a licensed UK employer who will act as your sponsor; and
- Be in possession of a Certificate of Sponsorship issued by your sponsoring employer; and
- Pass the points-based assessment, details of which can be found on the category-specific work permit pages listed below.
Types of UK Work Permit Visa
There are three main categories of UK work permit we advise on. These are:
- Tier 2 General – Skilled Worker
- Tier 2 Intra-Company Transfer
- Tier 2 Sportsperson Visa
Other Types of UK Work Visas
Other United Kingdom work visas are as follows:
- UK Ancestry visa. You can apply for this visa, which permits you to get a job in the UK if you are a Commonwealth citizen applying from outside the UK. You must prove that at least one of your grandparents was born in the UK.
- Domestic Workers in a Private Household UK visa. Domestic worker in a private household that wish to visit the UK with their employer can apply for this visa.
- Representative of an Overseas Business UK visa. You can apply for this visa if you are the sole representative of an overseas company planning to set up a UK branch or a wholly-owned subsidiary for an overseas parent company. Employees of overseas media posted on a long-term assignment to the UK are also eligible.
- Turkish Businessperson UK visa. This visa is for Turkish nationals who want to move to the UK to start a new business or to help run an already established business.
- Turkish Worker UK visa. This visa is for Turkish nationals who have worked in the UK for at least one year as the spouse of a Briton or a settled person.
The work permit in UK application process is led by the employer who is responsible for issuing you (the applicant) with a Certificate of Sponsorship.
Employers who want to know more about Tier 2 work permits are advised to read our section on Tier 2 visa information for employers.
Who is Eligible for a UK Work Permit Visa Application
Your eligibility will be assessed according to your background, education, qualifications, work history, and achievements, amongst other things.
As the UK system consists of multiple types of visa categories, it is of paramount importance that you select the right permit or visa type to suit your individual application and experience.
You should speak to your employer and to one of our expert immigration lawyers to ensure that the visa category you are applying for is the one that most closely reflects your needs.
UK Work Visa Requirements
If you’re a non-EU/EFTA national wanting to work in the UK, you need an appropriate work permit. Most UK work visas require sponsorships from a local employer; you to secure a suitable job and sponsorship before applying for the UK work visa.
UK work visas are currently unavailable to casual or low-skilled employment. As a result, it isn’t possible to enter the UK on another type of visa and take up casual or temporary work.
Information on the UK work visa sponsorships for Tier 2 and Tier 5 visas are available here.
You also need to apply for a biometric residence permit if you’re staying in the UK for longer than six months.
The following groups of people are exempt from UK work visa requirements:
- Diplomats who were outside of the UK when offered the post
- Overseas government ministers on official business
- Members of Commonwealth or Overseas Territories armed forces posted to the UK
- Officials working for a head of state
How to Apply for a UK Work Permit Visa
You can submit your visa application at the UK visa application center in your home country. There is a list of UK visa application centers worldwide here. You can also apply online through the UK Home Office Visas and Immigration Service website.
The documents you must provide depend on the type of visa you’re applying for. If you’re applying for a Tier 2 (General) visa, you must provide:
- A valid passport or travel ID
- Evidence that you can support yourself financially (e.g., bank statements, sponsor confirmation)
- Proof of English language ability
- Proof of payment of the healthcare surcharge
You also must submit a tuberculosis test if you’re coming to the UK for more than six months and are from any of the countries listed here.
Once you complete the form, book an appointment at the UK visa application center.
