The UK is a popular destination for individuals looking for professional opportunities due to its well-organized visa system, which can suit various work environments! Although many work visa choices target skilled workers and customized programs to attract specific worker types, there are no generic work permits or visas in the UK.
There are specific UK work visas for professional leaders, skilled workers with employment offers, and those seeking temporary work experience! This article will discuss the different types of UK work visas, the route to obtain one, and the eligibility requirements to apply.
Requirements for the UK Work Visa
The Certificate of Sponsorship
A certificate of sponsorship (CoS) is a document that your employer provides you with. UK visa routes that require a CoS include:
- UK Skilled Worker visa
- International Sportsperson visa
- Minister of Religion visa
- Senior or Specialist Worker visa
- Expansion Worker visa
- Service Supplier visa
- Secondment Worker visa
- Creative Worker visa
- Seasonal Worker visa
- International Agreement visa
- Charity Worker visa
Financial Requirement
To obtain most UK work visas, you must show that you have sufficient money in your bank account to cover your expenses for the first few months of your stay in the country.
Most work permits in the UK need a minimum of £1270. However, the Youth Mobility scheme requires at least £2,530, while the Graduate Work and Domestic Worker visas do not require such conditions.
Types of UK Work Visa
1. Skilled Worker Visa in the UK
The eligibility requirements to work for a UK employer under the skilled worker visa include:
- Before applying for a visa, ensure you have a valid employment offer.
- Work for a Home Office-approved U.K. employer.
- Obtain a sponsorship certificate from your employer.
- Have a job that is on the list of eligible professions.
- Get paid the minimum salary for the work.
- You have to speak English at least B1.
2. Start-Up Visa in the UK
As an entrepreneur, you can start a new company in the UK with a Start-Up visa. The following are the eligibility requirements:
- You have to be at least 18 years old.
- Obtain authorization from a UK endorsing body for your company.
- You have to be a B2 English speaker.
- Before applying, you must have at least £945 in your bank account for 90 consecutive days.
- You must already be in the country on a valid UK visa as a visitor engaging in authorized activities as a prospective entrepreneur, Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur, Tier 2, or Tier 4 (General).
3. UK Graduate Work Visa
After graduating in the United Kingdom, you can work flexibly, change professions, and further your career for two years with a UK Graduate Work visa. Applying for this visa is possible if:
- You currently live in the UK with a student visa.
- You have spent at least a year studying for a bachelor’s, postgraduate, or other qualifying degree in the United Kingdom while holding a student visa.
- The Home Office knows you have completed your degree at your institution or university.
4. U.K. Domestic Worker Visa
You can work in the UK for a private household under this visa. You can work as a cook, cleaner, chauffeur, or nanny. To qualify for the UK domestic worker visa, you have to fulfill the following conditions:
- Your age is above 19.
- You do not hold a British passport.
- You are employed as a maid at a private home.
- You have worked for that company for more than a year.
- Your employer lives in the same home where you work.
- After six months, you plan to leave the UK.
- You do not need public funding.
5. High Potential Individual Visa
The High Potential UK work visa allows graduates of top global universities to work for two years. You don’t need a job offer for this type of visa; however, you must fulfill the following:
- Be granted a degree within five years by a university.
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Have at least a B1 proficient in English.
- In the UK, you must support yourself financially.
- You must be someone other than a high-potential individual or a graduate who has received permission under the Student Doctorate Extension Scheme.
6. International Sportsperson Visa
The International Sportsperson UK visa permits sponsored coaches or sportspeople to work legally in the United Kingdom and develop their sport at the highest level. To qualify for this visa, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be a qualified coach or honored sportsperson recognized by your governing body.
- Your application must be approved.
- Your employment will develop your sport in the UK at the highest level.
- Possess a certificate of sponsorship.
- Provide evidence that you know the English language.
- Have enough money to support yourself in the UK.
- Display your travel history for the last five years.
- Have a tuberculosis test if you are from a listed country.
- Have a qualified occupation if switching from a student visa.
7. Minister of Religion Visa
With this visa, you can enter the UK and carry out the duties of a minister or religious missionary. The following conditions must be satisfied for you to be eligible for the Minister of Religion visa:
- Be over the age of 18.
- You must obtain a certificate of sponsorship from your UK sponsor.
- You must demonstrate your English language proficiency.
- Have sufficient financial means to support yourself in the UK.
- Show your travel history for the last five years.
- You must have a tuberculosis test if you are from a listed country.
8. Youth Mobility Scheme
The Youth Mobility Scheme work visa is for young adults seeking to work in the UK for up to two years. Under this program, you can work, live, and travel in the UK.
You are eligible to apply for the Youth Mobility Scheme if you are between the ages of 18 and 30 and come from any of the following countries:
- Australia
- Canada
- Monaco
- New Zealand
- San Marino
- Iceland
- British overseas citizen
- British overseas territories citizen
- British national (overseas)
However, you must be selected for the Youth Mobility Scheme poll before you can apply for a visa if you are from these countries:
- Hong Kong
- Japan
- South Korea
- Taiwan
9. Global Business Mobility Worker Visa
Under the Global Business Mobility working visa for the UK, foreign organizations wishing to open a UK branch, transfer employees, or pursue other business-related goals have access to five sponsored visa pathways.
- Senior or Specialist Worker visa permits you to enter the UK and work as a senior manager or specialist, temporarily transferring to a UK branch of your overseas employer.
- Expansion Worker visa: Permits you to establish a branch of your overseas business in the UK.
- Secondment Worker visa: With this visa, your employer can transfer you to the UK for temporary business reasons.
- Service Supplier visa: This visa allows you to visit the country temporarily if you are employed under a contract to provide services covered by one of the UK’s international trade agreements.
- Graduate Trainee visa: This visa allows you to work in the UK as part of a graduate training program for a specialist or managerial role.
10. Temporary Worker Visa
The Temporary Worker visa for the UK allows you to work in the country for a limited period. There are five types of UK Temporary Work visas:
- Creative Worker visa permits you to enter the UK and work in the creative sector, contributing to cultural life in the UK.
- Seasonal Worker visa: This visa allows you to work’s cultural life
- International Agreement Worker visa: This visa is for individuals who wish to enter the UK to do work covered by international law or treaty.
- Charity Worker visa: This visa permits you to do volunteer work in the UK for one year.
- Government Authorized Exchange visa permits you to enter the UK for an internship, training, research program, or work experience.
Conclusion
Numerous opportunities in the UK are available by carefully choosing the right kind of visa and following the application procedure. By beginning the process of applying for a work visa to the UK, you are making an investment in your future career.
Comprehending and fulfilling the stringent requirements set by the UK government is difficult and takes time, but it is not impossible! Good luck.
