Guide to UK work visas

Table of contents

1. Types of UK work visas

2. General requirements for obtaining a work visa

3. The visa application process

4. Recent changes to the UK visa system

Freedom of movement between the EU and the UK ended on 31st December 2020, meaning that EU nationals now wishing to work here must first obtain a work visa and meet specific eligibility requirements.

The British government has implemented a points-based system that assesses applicants based on their skills, qualifications, and salary level. This is regularly updated to adapt the criteria to the needs of the British labour market.

In this blog we provide an overview of UK visas, including general requirements, the application process, and recent changes to the system.

Types of UK work visas

The United Kingdom has a variety of work visas on offer for a range of qualifications and job roles. Here are some examples:

Skilled Worker visa

The Skilled Worker visa replaced the Tier 2 General Work visa, and is intended for highly-individuals who have a job offer in a specific sector. It allows for long-term settlement in the UK if applicants meet certain eligibility criteria:

• A job offer from an approved employer: the employer must be approved by the UK government and provide the employee with a Certificate of Sponsorship. This electronic document contains information about the position and confirms that the employer wants to hire them for the advertised role.

• Skilled employment: the proposed job must be on the UK government's skilled occupations list, with jobs in healthcare, engineering, and technology particularly sought after.

• Minimum salary: Under new 2025 regulations, individuals must earn a minimum salary of £38,700 per year to qualify for this visa. However, exceptions exist for certain priority sectors such as healthcare, where the threshold is £20,960. Holders of a relevant PhD can also benefit from an adjusted threshold of £34,830.

• Language skills: sufficient knowledge of the English language (minimum B1 level) is required. This proficiency can be proven by an IELTS test or equivalent, or by validation of a diploma taught in English.

• Financial conditions: the candidate must have at least £1,270 in their bank account for 28 consecutive days, unless the employer covers these costs.

The Skilled Worker visa allows you to work in the UK for 5 years, with the option to apply for an extension or even permanent residency after this time period. The average processing time is 3 weeks for applications made outside the UK, and 8 weeks for those made within the UK.

Global Business Mobility visa

The UK Expansion Worker visa (Global Business Mobility) is for workers who have transferred to the UK as part of their employment with a foreign company.

It is valid for 5 years and allows companies to relocate employees to their UK offices. Requirements for the visa include a certificate of employer sponsorship and a minimum salary of £45,800 per year.

Innovator Founder visa

The Innovator Founder visa is designed for foreign entrepreneurs wishing to create or manage an innovative business in the UK. It allows them to stay in the UK for three years, with the option to apply for an extension.

Alongside other eligibility criteria, applicants must demonstrate that their business idea is original and has real potential for expansion, and that it is backed by an approved organisation.

Start-up visa

Aimed at young entrepreneurs, the Start-up visa allows individuals to start an innovative business in the UK without having to demonstrate a large initial investment capital, an ideal option for those with limited financial resources.

General requirements for obtaining a work visa

Some of the different requirements to qualify for a UK work visa include:

A valid job offer

Applicants must receive a valid job offer from an employer that’s been approved as a sponsor by the UK government.

English language proficiency

All applicants are required to demonstrate sufficient English language proficiency.

They can evidence this with a recognised language test, such as IELTS, or by proving they have studied in English during their academic career. A B1 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages ​​(CEFR) is often required.

Minimum salary requirements

Certain visa categories require a minimum salary requirement; the Skilled Worker visa now requires applicants to earn at least £38,700 per year (up from £26,200) following changes announced by the UK government in December 2023.

Minimum salaries can vary depending on factors such as sector, qualifications, and work experience. For example, those in priority sectors such as healthcare need to earn a salary of at least £20,960 per year.

Lower salary thresholds can also apply for young professionals under 26 or those on short-term contracts, provided the salary is no less than £20,480 per a year.

Proof of sufficient funds

Applicants must demonstrate sufficient funds to support themselves in the UK. The minimum requirement is £1,270 in their bank account unless the employer can demonstrate financial support.

This amount must be available in the applicant’s account for at least 28 consecutive days prior to the visa application, with bank statements clearly showing account activity and the available balance.

For some specific visa categories, such as the Start-up visa or the Innovator Founder Visa, financial requirements may be higher.

The visa application process

Below is a general overview of the process of applying for a UK work visa:

1. Obtain a job offer: the first step is to receive a job offer from an approved employer in addition to a certificate of sponsorship.

2. Prepare the necessary documents: typical documents required include a valid passport, proof of language proficiency and evidence of financial funds.

3. Submit the visa application: Once this is in place, the candidate must complete an online application on the UK government website, pay the application fee and submit supporting documents.

4. Biometric information: After submitting the application, the candidate must provide their biometric data (fingerprints and photo) at a visa application centre.

5. Wait for the decision: The British authorities will then review the application and may take several weeks to make a decision.

Recent changes to the UK visa system

In January 2025, the UK government announced major updates to its immigration system, aimed at attracting more skilled workers in specific sectors such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and life sciences. This reform aims to boost the UK economy and address skills shortages in these vital areas.

Changes include significant modifications for the healthcare sector with the introduction of the Care visa, specifically designed for National Health Service (NHS) professionals. Standard fee information has also been revised, with a significant reduction for certain categories of workers.

The maximum visa duration has been extended, and the process for obtaining a certificate of sponsorship has been simplified to accommodate the large number of applicants.

The system now provides priority appointments for reviewing applications in sectors affected by skills shortages. Information on the required position and qualifications is also more clearly defined, allowing candidates to better prepare their applications. This means highly-skilled international workers in these sectors can benefit from a streamlined application process and more flexible requirements.

Ensure you check the requirements, prepare all the necessary documents, and follow all the necessary steps before submitting an documentation. The United Kingdom remains a very attractive destination for international workers, with numerous opportunities in key sectors of its economy.

For more advice and up-to-date information, consult official resources and regularly check for developments in migration policies.