UK Work Visas and Permits

1. Introduction Obtaining a work visa or permit for the UK generally requires a job offer from a licensed employer. Exceptions include high-potential individual (HPI) and graduate visas. EU nationals with settled status do not need a work visa.

2. Types of Work Visas

• Skilled Worker Visa
• Health and Care Worker Visa
• Scale Up Visa
• Temporary Worker Visas
• Global Business Mobility Visa

3. Skilled Worker Visa Requires a job offer, Certificate of Sponsorship, eligible occupation, minimum salary, and English language proficiency. Allows up to 5 years with a possibility of permanent settlement (ILR).

4. Health and Care Worker Visa Similar to the Skilled Worker Visa, specific to the health and care sector.

5. Scale Up Visa For individuals with high skills sponsored by a UK company in the growth phase. Requires a high salary, skills, and English language proficiency. Renewable and allows settlement after 5 continuous years.

6. Temporary Worker Visas Various types available for specific purposes, issued for 3 months to 2 years. No direct route to settlement, but possibilities to switch to other visas.

7. Global Business Mobility Visa Introduced in 2022, includes visas for senior or specialist workers, graduate trainees, UK expansion workers, secondment workers, and service suppliers. Varying lengths of stay, extendable, but no direct settlement.

8. How to Obtain a Work Permit Without a Job Offer

• High Potential Individual Visa
• Graduate Visa
• Global Talent Visa

9. High Potential Individual Visa For foreign nationals with recent degree-level qualifications from top global universities. No job offer required, allows up to 2 years (3 with a Ph.D.), with no extension option. No ILR option; individuals may switch to other visas.

10. Graduate Visa For foreign nationals completing a degree or post-graduate course in the UK, allowing an additional 2 years. No extension or settlement options, but switchable to other visas.

11. Global Talent Visa For leaders in academia, arts, culture, or digital technology. Permits up to 5 years, extendable, and offers a route to settlement after 3 or 5 years.

12. UK Ancestry Visa For Commonwealth and British Overseas citizens with a grandparent born in the UK. Allows a stay of up to 5 years with an option to apply for ILR.