Work in the UK

Employers in the UK must hold a valid sponsor licence to issue a Certificate of Sponsorship. The employer must be satisfied that you meet the skill and salary requirements for the specific role. Once the employer assigns the CoS, you receive a unique reference number to include in your visa application.

To obtain a UK work visa, you typically need a confirmed job offer from a licensed sponsor, a valid Certificate of Sponsorship, and proof that you meet the English language requirement. You must then submit an online application to the Home Office, pay the relevant application fees and the Immigration Health Surcharge.

You need your Certificate of Sponsorship, a valid passport, proof of your English language ability, and your salary details. Depending on the job, you may also need a criminal record certificate or tuberculosis test results. Ensure all documents are translated into English or Welsh if they are in another language.

If applying from outside the UK, you can typically expect a decision within 3 weeks of attending your appointment at a visa application centre. If applying from inside the UK, it may take up to 8 weeks. Priority and super-priority services are often available for an additional fee to expedite the process.

You can apply to extend your visa if you still meet the eligibility requirements and have the same job or a new job with an authorized sponsor. You must submit your application before your current visa expires. You can continue working while waiting for a decision as long as you applied on time.

Most UK work visas are employer-specific, meaning they tie you to a single sponsor. However, routes like the Global Talent visa or the Graduate route provide more flexibility, allowing you to work for various employers, switch roles, or work in a self-employed capacity without needing a specific sponsor.

The Graduate route allows students who have successfully completed a bachelor's degree or higher in the UK to stay and work for 2 years (or 3 years for PhD graduates). It is an unsponsored route, giving you the freedom to seek any job or become self-employed.

Yes, dependants of most Skilled Workers are eligible to work in the UK. They can typically work for any employer in almost any role, with the exception of certain professions like professional sport, provided they have been granted leave to remain as a dependant.

The Dependant visa allows partners and children under 18 of a main visa holder to join or remain with them in the UK. They must prove their relationship and have sufficient funds to support themselves without recourse to public funds.

Yes, the Skilled Worker route is a "pathway to settlement". After residing in the UK for 5 years on a valid work visa and meeting continuous residence requirements, you may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which is the UK's version of permanent residency.

There is no hard limit on the total number of visas you can hold, but you must consistently meet the requirements for each new application. You must maintain your immigration status and satisfy the Home Office that you remain a genuine worker.

Yes, conditions include working only for your sponsor (unless permitted otherwise), not having access to public funds, and registering with the police if required by your nationality. You must also notify the Home Office of any changes in your circumstances, such as a change of address or job.

Yes, provided your current visa has not expired and you continue to meet the requirements of your visa category. You must apply for an extension from within the UK and pay the necessary fees, including the Immigration Health Surcharge for the duration of the extension.

No, you cannot apply for a work visa at the UK border. You must have received your entry clearance (visa) in your passport before you travel. Attempting to enter the UK to work without a valid visa can result in your entry being refused.

A valid job offer must come from a Home Office-licensed sponsor, detail your role, confirm your salary meets the minimum threshold for your occupation code, and confirm that your duties are at the required skill level (RQF Level 3 or above).

For certain countries, you must provide a valid tuberculosis (TB) test certificate if you are coming to the UK for more than 6 months. This must be conducted by a Home Office-approved clinic.

Yes, fees include the visa application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). The IHS allows you to access the National Health Service (NHS) during your stay. Costs vary based on the type of visa and duration of your stay.

A vignette is a sticker placed in your passport that acts as your entry clearance. It is typically valid for 90 days, during which you must travel to the UK and collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), which serves as your main proof of status.

Your entry vignette is generally valid for 90 days. If you do not travel to the UK within this window, you will need to apply for a replacement vignette before you can travel.

Yes, as long as your visa and Biometric Residence Permit are valid. You should carry your BRP with you when traveling abroad to ensure re-entry into the UK is smooth.

Most full-time international students in the UK are permitted to work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during vacations, depending on their specific study visa conditions.

Some activities, such as attending business meetings or participating in certain conferences, are permitted as a "Standard Visitor". However, you cannot perform productive work or receive payment from a UK source without the appropriate work visa.

If you hold a Skilled Worker visa, changing employers requires a new application. Your new employer must be a licensed sponsor and issue a new Certificate of Sponsorship before you can switch roles or companies.

Only for individuals from specific countries listed by the UK Home Office (TB test requirements). It is not a universal requirement for all visa applicants.

Yes, dependant children under the age of 18 can join you. They must meet relationship and financial maintenance requirements. Older children can only qualify if they are already in the UK as your dependants.

Yes, application fees are mandatory and non-refundable once the application has been processed. Fees are reviewed annually and depend on the visa route and the length of your stay.