UK Work Visa
To get a UK Work Visa, you need a job offer from a UK employer, along with sufficient skills, work experience, English proficiency, and financial means. There are short- and long-term visa types, each with specific requirements. If you meet the required points, you’ll receive a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). Processing takes 1–2 months, and fees range from £719 to £1,639.
The documents required to obtain a UK work visa are:
- IELTS 4 language certificate
- Financial resources of £1200
- Passport with 6 months validity
- Job offer from employer
- Visa application form
To obtain permanent residency in the UK through this route, the applicant must work and pay taxes in the UK for 5 years to apply for residency. Below, various types of UK visas and the conditions to obtain a UK work visa are explained. You can always consult with the experts at Malekpour Migration Institute in all areas related to immigration and immigration to the UK for specialized advice.
Why UK Work Visa?
One of the best ways to immigrate is to obtain a UK work visa, but why?
- Possibility of earning better income
- More job opportunities
- Better career future
- Possibility of living in a developed country
- Possibility of bringing family with you
- Obtaining a European passport
- Freedom of movement to European Union countries
- Security
Types of UK Work Visa
The most important work visas available in the UK currently include the following:
| Visa Type | Category | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 – High Skilled Visa | Exceptional Talent | For individuals recognized as leaders or emerging leaders in science, humanities, engineering, medicine, digital technology, arts, and fashion. |
| Entrepreneur | For individuals looking to set up or run a business in the UK. | |
| Investor | For high-net-worth individuals planning to invest in the UK. | |
| Graduate Entrepreneur | For graduates identified by UK higher education institutions as having entrepreneurial skills and ambitions. Only 1,000 visas issued per year; valid for 2 years and renewable. | |
| Tier 2 – Long-Term Work Visa | General Work Visa (Tier 2) | For skilled workers with a job offer from a licensed UK sponsor. |
| Intra-Company Transfer (Tier 2) | For multinational employees transferring to a UK branch. | |
| Sportsperson (Tier 2) | For elite athletes and coaches making a significant contribution to UK sports. | |
| Minister of Religion (Tier 2) | For religious workers involved in preaching, pastoral work, or missionary activities in the UK. | |
| Tier 5 – Temporary Work Visa | Charity Worker | For volunteers working with a UK-registered charity. |
| Creative and Sporting | For artists, musicians, and athletes coming to the UK on short-term contracts. | |
| International Agreement Worker | For workers under international agreements, including employees of foreign governments or private servants in diplomatic households. | |
| Youth Mobility Scheme | Also known as the Youth Mobility Visa, it allows individuals aged 18–30 (or 18–35 for some countries) from eligible countries to live and work in the UK for up to 2 years. |
Conditions for Obtaining a UK Work Visa
Obtaining a UK Work Visa requires financial sponsorship from a UK employer and a job offer, so before applying for a UK work visa, the applicant must secure suitable employment and support.
The applicant must first receive a job offer in one of the required occupations and then apply for a UK Work Visa. Eligibility for obtaining a UK work visa is determined based on the points accumulated in the UK points system. Additionally, age, absence of a criminal record, and having a job offer are primary conditions for obtaining a work visa.
Points System for Obtaining a UK Work Visa
The points allocation conditions for obtaining a UK work visa are as follows:
- Certificate of Support (CoS): 30 points
You must have a valid job offer from a licensed UK employer who will issue you a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
- Salary: 20 points
You must be offered a salary that meets at least the threshold set by the UK Home Office. This threshold can vary based on the specific job and the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code.
- English language skills: 10 points
You must prove your proficiency in English by passing an English language test.
- Financial means: 10 points
You must demonstrate that you have sufficient personal savings to support yourself in the UK without relying on public funds.
- Education: 10 points
If the job requires a bachelor’s degree or higher, you may need to provide proof of your qualifications.
Permanent Residency in the UK Through Work
To obtain permanent residency in the UK through work, applicants should consider that if they find suitable employment through described work methods and work and live in the UK for 5 years, pay taxes on time, and have no criminal records, they can be eligible to apply for permanent residency in the UK after 5 years. In this case, the applicant can stay in the UK indefinitely and apply for permanent residency.
Methods to Obtain a UK Work Visa
Obtaining a UK Work Visa can be done through methods such as Job Offer in the UK, skilled worker, and Academic Position, which will be briefly introduced below.
One method is to establish a company and work in that company, which requires a business plan, hiring a local British person, and having a minimum of £200,000 in investment.
The second method allows you to buy shares in a company for £55,000 and work in that company. If you have a salary of around £25,000 to £30,000 per year, you can immigrate to this country as a skilled worker in the UK.
UK Work Visa Through Job Offer
You must first receive a job offer from a UK employer who holds a license to sponsor foreign workers. The employer will issue you a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), which is a unique reference number that you will need for your visa application. With the CoS in hand, you can then apply online for a Tier 2 (General) visa through the official UK Government Visa Application website.
The Tier 2 (General) visa initially allows you to stay for the maximum permitted duration for your occupational category and financial capacity in the UK.
Work Visa Through Academic Position in the UK
Securing an academic position in the UK—such as in a university or research center—can offer a salary of £4,000 to £5,000 per month. Applicants typically need a master’s or PhD and published international articles. In some cases, a bachelor’s degree may suffice.
Spouses are also granted work permits. Malekpour Immigration Institute assists with resume preparation, interview guidance, and visa applications. If the applicant is not hired, 80–90% of the fee is refunded, making it a low-risk pathway to UK immigration.
Necessary Documents for the UK Work Visa
The most requested type of visa is the Tier 2 General visa. Below are the necessary documents for obtaining a UK work visa:
- Valid passport
- Proof of financial means (e.g. bank statement or sponsor confirmation)
- Proof of English language skills
- Health insurance premium payment receipt
- Work invitation letter
- Work visa application form
- Several passport-sized photographs
- Certificate of no criminal record
- Health certificate
- Visa application fee payment
IELTS Score for UK Work Visa
If you intend to obtain a UK Work Visa (Skilled Worker Visa), you must demonstrate your ability in four main English language skills, including reading, writing, speaking, and listening, at a minimum level of B1. This level is equivalent to a score of 4.0 in the IELTS speaking test.
Steps to Obtain a UK Work Visa
The steps to obtain a UK work visa are as follows:
1. Find a Licensed Sponsor
Find a job offer from a UK employer who has a license to sponsor migrant workers. The employer must be on the list of approved sponsors by the UK Home Office. Once you have a job offer, the employer issues you a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). This certificate is a digital document containing personal and job-related information that you need for your visa application.
2. Submit Your Application
Complete the visa application form online through the official UK Government Visa Application portal. You will need to enter the CoS number and other relevant details. Upload the necessary documents, including passport, CoS, proof of English proficiency, and evidence of your personal savings, and schedule an appointment at the visa application center to provide biometric information (fingerprints and photo).
3. Pay Visa Fees
Pay the visa application fee, which varies by visa type and duration. You will also need to pay the IHS fee, which grants you access to National Health Service (NHS) services. This fee is usually paid at the time of the visa application.
4. Processing Your Application
The processing time for the visa can vary but usually takes several weeks. During this time, you may be contacted for further information or documentation. The final result will be communicated to you via email or through your visa application account. If your application is successful and you are outside the UK, you will receive a tag in your passport that allows you to enter the UK.
UK Work Visa Issuance Time
If the documents submitted to the embassy are complete and without deficiencies, verifying these documents, identity verification, fingerprinting, and other steps required to obtain a UK Work Visa take about one to two months.
Extending a Work Visa in the UK
Holders of a UK Work Visa can temporarily reside in this country, after which they must return to their country of origin once the visa expires. Depending on the type of visa, this temporary residence can vary in duration. However, after the visa expires, if the applicant wishes to extend it, they must go to the immigration office of this country and submit their extension request.
Cost of UK Work Visa
In the process of obtaining a Tier 2 General Visa, individuals incur costs that fall under UK Work Visa fees and related government and embassy charges. In addition to the cost of a UK Work Visa, another cost is related to travel insurance, which must be uploaded as evidence if you applied online, and if applying in person at the UK embassy or consulate, this must be obtained from immigration insurance offices.
Keep in mind that when paying for insurance, the amount should correspond to the length of stay or duration of the visa. If you have a job offer for two years, you must pay the insurance for two years. This insurance must also be paid for dependents. The prices for UK visas and the cost of a UK work visa are displayed in the table below.
| Visa Type | Fee (GBP) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Skilled Worker Visa (standard) | £769 | For stays up to 3 years; £1,519 for more than 3 years. |
| Skilled Worker Visa (immigration salary list) | £590 | For stays up to 3 years; £1,160 for more than 3 years. |
| Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) | £525 | Increased from £239; applies to the employer. |
| Health and Care Visa | £428 | For stays up to 3 years; £830 for more than 3 years. |
| Temporary Worker Visa (all types) | £319 | Includes charity work, creative worker, government authorized exchange, religious worker, youth mobility scheme, seasonal work, and international agreement. |
| Innovator Founder Visa | £1,274 | Main applicant and dependants. |
| Global Talent Visa | £766 | Main applicant. |
| Scale-up Visa | £880 | Main applicant. |
| Graduate Visa | £880 | Main applicant. |
| Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) | £16 | For visa-exempt nationals; valid for multiple journeys up to 6 months over 2 years. |
Financial Capability for UK Work Visa
To apply for a long-term UK work visa, applicants must consider an additional amount of £1,270 to cover their personal costs. Some short-term visas also require financial capability of £960 for each month and for each family member.
Additionally, applicants are required to present proof of their financial support and must have the required amounts in their bank account or their dependents’ accounts at least 90 days before submitting the application.
Obtaining Dependent Visa Through Work in the UK
For immigration to the UK, if a Tier 2 General visa is obtained, your family members can join you, but you must prove that you have the financial capability to support them. Dependents automatically do not have permission to work and need to obtain a work permit to work in the UK. The cost of the UK work visa for dependents has been explained earlier. Family members include:
- Spouse
- Children under 18
- Dependent children over 18
Other family members, such as the applicant’s parents, can apply for a short-term six-month visa. Thus, people applying for a UK work visa can also request a UK Dependent Visa for their spouse and children under 18. Moreover, if the individual has children over 18 and can prove that their children are dependent and do not have income in the UK, they can also apply for dependent visas for them.
Changing Tourist Visa to Work Visa in the UK
UK immigration law does not allow changing a tourist visa to a work visa in the UK, as this could potentially allow sidestepping the exact purpose of a visitor visa. Therefore, such an option currently does not exist.
Job Placement Institutions in the UK
As mentioned earlier, to obtain a UK Work Visa, the applicant must have a job offer or job offer invitation to apply for a work visa. In the table below, you can see some examples of reputable job placement sites in the UK.
- AGENCY CENTERAL
- BADENOCH&CLARK
- INDEED
- MONSTER
- EVERYJOBSIT
UK Work Visa Without Language Certificate
Is it possible to obtain a UK Work Visa without a language certificate? If you demonstrate proficiency in the language during an interview with the employer, there will be no need for a language certificate. However, keep in mind that having a language certificate greatly increases the chances of success.
UK Skilled Worker Visa
The UK Skilled Worker Visa is for individuals who have a job offer from an approved employer in the country. To obtain this visa, you must have a job with a minimum skill level of RQF Level 3 and a specified salary.
Additionally, you must have an IELTS score of 5 or higher. Furthermore, your employer must be approved by the UK government. To prove financial capability, you must demonstrate your ability to cover living expenses in the UK. With this visa, you can bring your family members to the UK and apply for permanent residency after a specified period.
Work Visa for Foreign Employers in the UK
The Work Visa in the UK for foreign employers allows individuals to work through an authorized employer in the UK. This type of visa is known as the Tier 2 (General) work visa.
To obtain this visa, an individual must have a job offer from an approved employer in the UK and meet specific requirements such as job skill level and minimum salary. Additionally, the employer must have a sponsorship license to apply for your work visa.
Health and Care Worker Visa
The Health and Care Worker visa allows healthcare professionals to enter the UK to work as doctors, nurses, or other roles related to healthcare.
This visa is for those who have received a job offer from an approved employer in the UK and where the job is on the shortage occupation list. Benefits of this visa include lower fees and exemption from health surcharge fees. Conditions include having the necessary skills, a job offer, and complying with specified wages and working conditions.
Jobs in Demand in the UK
One important aspect of work immigration to the UK is to pay attention to jobs that are in high demand in this country. Below is a list of in-demand jobs in the UK.
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary (£) | Job Title | Average Annual Salary (£) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Project Manager | 45,000 | Economic Consultant | 46,000 |
| Database Analyst (Statistician) | 48,000 | Software Engineer & Programmer | 42,000 |
| Mechanical Engineer (Permanent) | 35,000 | Accounting & Finance | 38,000 |
| Graphic Designer | 28,000 | Software Developer | 55,000 |
| Security Adviser | 50,000 | Executive Assistant (Procurement Manager) | 40,000 |
Obtaining Citizenship Through Work Visa in the UK
Securing a well-paying, stable job abroad with growth and creativity can lead to residency and eventually citizenship, as the individual contributes to the host country’s economy. Employers are more likely to support valuable employees. The main difference between countries is the required length of residency before citizenship. The UK passport, due to its high rank among other countries, requires a longer residency for permanent residency and citizenship.
The UK offers different types of work visas, each with specific rules for permanent residency. On average, you can apply for UK citizenship after 10 years of legal stay. If you follow the law and pay taxes, you may become eligible for a UK passport about 3 years after that.
Benefits of Working in the UK
Working in the UK has many advantages, which will be introduced below:
- Highly competitive salaries
- Permanent residency after 5 years
- Possibility of immigration for family members
- Access to the NHS
- Standard working conditions and reasonable working hours
- Opportunities for career advancement and professional training
- High quality of life and excellent welfare facilities
- Wide range of job opportunities in various industries
Frequently Asked Questions About the UK Work Visa
- Is obtaining a UK work visa guaranteed?
In general, there are no absolute guarantees in the field of immigration. Even under the best circumstances, the possibility of a visa being denied exists, Therefore, one cannot guarantee the issuance of a visa 100%. The only thing that can be done is to refund a portion of the fee paid to the client in case of denial.
- What is the cost of the UK visa?
The cost of the UK work visa obtained at the embassy of this country depends on factors such as the type of visa and its duration. For example, the Tier 2 visa with a validity of 3 years currently costs £610.
- Can one obtain a UK work visa without a language certificate?
If the employer intending to hire you interviews you and assesses your language level as good, there is no need to obtain a language certificate.
- Can one attain permanent residency in the UK with a work visa and work residency?
Yes, with a work residency after 5 years, permanent residency can be obtained in the UK.
- How long does it take to issue a UK work visa?
The duration for issuing a UK work visa is about 1 to 2 months.
- What is the IELTS score for immigration to the UK?
The IELTS score for immigration to the UK is 4.0 in each skill (equivalent to CEFR Level B1).
Conclusion:
The UK remains a top destination for foreign workers due to its strong economy and English-speaking environment. To get a UK work visa, you need a valid job offer from a UK employer. Although the process can be complex, alternative paths like job seeker visas in countries such as Germany and Austria may help. For details on UK work visa costs and requirements, consult the expert team at Malekpour Immigration Institute or leave your questions in the comments for a fast response.
