UK Work Visa 2023


A Asan Sara UK work visa allows you to come to or stay in the UK to do an eligible job with an approved employer. The Skilled Worker visa is the most common type of UK work visa. To be eligible for a Skilled Worker visa, you must have a job offer from a UK employer who has a sponsor licence. The job must be on the UK government’s list of eligible occupations, and you must be paid a minimum salary depending on the type of work you will be doing. You must also have a good command of English.

Other types of UK work visas include:

  • Temporary Worker visa: This visa allows you to come to the UK to work for a specific employer for a limited period of time.
  • Start-up visa: This visa allows you to come to the UK to set up your own business.
  • Innovator visa: This visa allows you to come to the UK to develop and commercialise your innovative ideas.
  • T2 Investor visa: This visa allows you to come to the UK if you have invested £2 million in a UK business.

The requirements for each type of UK work visa vary, so you should check the UK government website for more information on the visa you are interested in.

To apply for a UK work visa, you will need to submit an application form, provide supporting documents, and pay a visa application fee. You can apply online or at a visa application centre. The processing time for a UK work visa varies depending on the type of visa you are applying for.

If your visa application is successful, you will be issued with a biometric residence permit (BRP). This is a plastic card that you must carry with you at all times. Your BRP will show your visa status and your immigration permissions.

You can stay in the UK for the duration of your visa, which can be up to five years. You can also extend your visa if you meet the eligibility requirements.

If you are a skilled worker who wants to work in the UK, a UK work visa can be a great way to achieve your goals. With careful planning and preparation, you can successfully apply for a UK work visa and start your new life in the UK.

Types of Work Visas in the UK

There are different types of work visas available in the UK, depending on your skills, qualifications, and the type of work you want to do. Some of the most common types of work visas include:

  • Skilled Worker visa: This is the most common type of work visa in the UK. It allows you to come to the UK to work in a skilled occupation that is on the UK government’s list of eligible occupations. You must have a job offer from a UK employer who has a sponsor licence, and you must be paid a minimum salary depending on the type of work you will be doing. You must also have a good command of English.
  • Start-up visa: This visa allows you to come to the UK to set up your own business. You must have a business plan that has been approved by a UK-based business mentor, and you must have at least £50,000 in investment capital.
  • Innovator visa: This visa allows you to come to the UK to develop and commercialise your innovative ideas. You must have a patent or other intellectual property protection for your idea, and you must have at least £100,000 in investment capital.
  • Global Talent visa: This visa is for highly skilled individuals who have been offered a job in the UK in a shortage occupation. You do not need a job offer from a UK employer to apply for this visa, but you must have a degree from a top university or have a significant track record of achievement in your field.
  • Temporary Worker visa: This visa allows you to come to the UK to work for a specific employer for a limited period of time. There are a number of different types of Temporary Worker visas, each with its own eligibility requirements.

The requirements for each type of work visa vary, so you should check the UK government website for more information on the visa you are interested in.

To apply for a UK work visa, you will need to submit an application form, provide supporting documents, and pay a visa application fee. You can apply online or at a visa application centre. The processing time for a UK work visa varies depending on the type of visa you are applying for.

If your visa application is successful, you will be issued with a biometric residence permit (BRP). This is a plastic card that you must carry with you at all times. Your BRP will show your visa status and your immigration permissions.

You can stay in the UK for the duration of your visa, which can be up to five years. You can also extend your visa if you meet the eligibility requirements.

If you are interested in working in the UK, you should research the different types of work visas available and choose the one that is right for you. With careful planning and preparation, you can successfully apply for a UK work visa and start your new life in the UK.

Tier-based Points System

A tier-based points system is a system that assigns points to individuals based on certain criteria, such as their skills, experience, or education. These points are then used to determine eligibility for a particular program or benefit.

In the context of work visas, a tier-based points system is used to assess the eligibility of foreign nationals for work in the UK. The system awards points for factors such as the applicant’s skills, experience, English language proficiency, and salary. The higher the number of points an applicant scores, the more likely they are to be granted a visa.

The tier-based points system was introduced in 2021 as part of the UK government’s post-Brexit immigration reforms. The system aims to attract skilled workers to the UK while ensuring that they meet certain standards.

The tier-based points system is divided into five tiers:

  • Tier 1: This tier is for highly skilled workers who can demonstrate that they have a job offer in the UK that pays a minimum salary of £70,000 per year.
  • Tier 2: This tier is for skilled workers who can demonstrate that they have a job offer in the UK that pays a minimum salary of £25,600 per year.
  • Tier 3: This tier is for lower-skilled workers who can demonstrate that they have a job offer in the UK that pays a minimum salary of £20,800 per year.
  • Tier 4: This tier is for students who want to study in the UK.
  • Tier 5: This tier is for temporary workers who want to come to the UK to work in a specific occupation, such as seasonal agricultural work.

To apply for a work visa under the tier-based points system, you must first create an account on the UK government’s website and complete an online application form. You will then need to provide supporting documents, such as your passport, degree certificate, and job offer letter.

The processing time for a work visa under the tier-based points system varies depending on the tier you are applying for. Tier 1 visas typically take 3 weeks to process, while Tier 2 visas can take up to 6 months to process.

If your visa application is successful, you will be issued with a vignette, which is a sticker that you must affix to your passport. You will then be able to travel to the UK and start your new job.

The tier-based points system is a complex system, but it can be a great way to work in the UK if you have the skills and experience that are in demand. If you are interested in applying for a work visa under the tier-based points system, you should visit the UK government’s website for more information.

Tier 2 (General) Work Visa

The Tier 2 (General) Work Visa is a visa that allows skilled workers from outside the UK to come to the UK to work in a skilled occupation. The visa is valid for up to five years and can be extended.

To be eligible for a Tier 2 (General) Work Visa, you must:

  • Have a job offer from a UK employer who has a sponsor licence.
  • The job must be on the UK government’s list of eligible occupations.
  • You must be paid a minimum salary of £25,600 per year.
  • You must have a good command of English.

Your employer will need to apply for a sponsor licence from the UK government before you can apply for a Tier 2 (General) Work Visa. Once your employer has a sponsor licence, they will be able to issue you with a certificate of sponsorship (CoS). You will need to provide this CoS when you apply for your visa.

To apply for a Tier 2 (General) Work Visa, you will need to:

  • Create an account on the UK government’s website and complete an online application form.
  • Pay the visa application fee.
  • Provide supporting documents, such as your passport, degree certificate, job offer letter, and CoS.

The processing time for a Tier 2 (General) Work Visa can take up to 6 months. If your visa application is successful, you will be issued with a vignette, which is a sticker that you must affix to your passport. You will then be able to travel to the UK and start your new job.

Once you are in the UK, you will be able to bring your family members with you, such as your spouse, children, and parents. Your family members will need to apply for a visa under the Tier 2 (General) family visa category.

The Tier 2 (General) Work Visa is a great way to work in the UK if you have the skills and experience that are in demand. If you are interested in applying for a Tier 2 (General) Work Visa, you should visit the UK government’s website for more information.

Here are some additional things to keep in mind about the Tier 2 (General) Work Visa:

  • The minimum salary requirement may be higher for some occupations.
  • You may need to pass a skills assessment test.
  • You may need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency.
  • You may need to provide evidence of your financial support.

If you have any questions about the Tier 2 (General) Work Visa, you should contact the UK government’s immigration department.

Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) Work Visa

The Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) Work Visa is a visa that allows highly skilled individuals from outside the UK to come to the UK to work in a specific field. The visa is valid for up to five years and can be extended.

To be eligible for a Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) Work Visa, you must:

  • Be endorsed by a UK-based organisation that is a designated talent sponsor.
  • Have a degree from a top university or have a significant track record of achievement in your field.
  • Have a good command of English.

The designated talent sponsors are organisations that have been approved by the UK government to endorse individuals for a Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) Work Visa. The list of designated talent sponsors can be found on the UK government’s website.

To apply for a Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) Work Visa, you will need to:

  • Create an account on the UK government’s website and complete an online application form.
  • Pay the visa application fee.
  • Provide supporting documents, such as your passport, degree certificate, endorsement letter, and evidence of your English language proficiency.

The processing time for a Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) Work Visa can take up to 3 weeks. If your visa application is successful, you will be issued with a vignette, which is a sticker that you must affix to your passport. You will then be able to travel to the UK and start your new job.

Once you are in the UK, you will be able to bring your family members with you, such as your spouse, children, and parents. Your family members will need to apply for a visa under the Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) family visa category.

The Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) Work Visa is a great way to work in the UK if you are a highly skilled individual with a significant track record of achievement in your field. If you are interested in applying for a Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) Work Visa, you should visit the UK government’s website for more information.

Here are some additional things to keep in mind about the Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) Work Visa:

  • You must be endorsed by a designated talent sponsor in order to apply for this visa.
  • The visa is only available for a limited number of occupations.
  • You may need to pass a skills assessment test.
  • You may need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency.
  • You may need to provide evidence of your financial support.

If you have any questions about the Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) Work Visa, you should contact the UK government’s immigration department.

Tier 5 (Temporary Worker) Visas

The Tier 5 (Temporary Worker) Visas are a category of visas that allow individuals from outside the UK to come to the UK to work in a temporary capacity. There are six different types of Tier 5 visas, each with its own eligibility requirements.

The six types of Tier 5 visas are:

  • Government Authorised Exchange (GAE): This visa allows individuals to come to the UK to participate in a government-authorised exchange programme.
  • International Agreement Worker (IAW): This visa allows individuals to come to the UK to work in a role that is covered by an international agreement between the UK and another country.
  • Religious Worker (RW): This visa allows individuals to come to the UK to work in a religious capacity.
  • Seasonal Worker (SW): This visa allows individuals to come to the UK to work in a seasonal job, such as fruit picking or tourism.
  • Sportsperson (SP): This visa allows individuals to come to the UK to work as a professional sportsperson.
  • Volunteer (V): This visa allows individuals to come to the UK to volunteer for a non-profit organisation.

To be eligible for a Tier 5 visa, you must:

  • Have a job offer from a UK employer or organisation.
  • Meet the eligibility requirements for the specific type of Tier 5 visa you are applying for.
  • Have a good command of English.

The processing time for a Tier 5 visa can vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for. The GAE visa typically takes 3 weeks to process, while the IAW visa can take up to 6 months to process.

If your visa application is successful, you will be issued with a vignette, which is a sticker that you must affix to your passport. You will then be able to travel to the UK and start your temporary work.

The Tier 5 (Temporary Worker) Visas are a great way to work in the UK if you are interested in a short-term work opportunity. If you are interested in applying for a Tier 5 visa, you should visit the UK government’s website for more information.

Here are some additional things to keep in mind about the Tier 5 (Temporary Worker) Visas:

  • The maximum duration of a Tier 5 visa varies depending on the type of visa you are applying for.
  • You may need to pass a skills assessment test.
  • You may need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency.
  • You may need to provide evidence of your financial support.

Sponsorship and Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is a document that is issued by a UK-based employer to a foreign worker who has been offered a job in the UK. The CoS confirms that the employer is a licensed sponsor and that the job offer meets the requirements of the UK immigration rules.

The CoS is a mandatory requirement for most work visas in the UK. The visa category determines which CoS is required. For example, a Skilled Worker visa requires a CoS issued under the Skilled Worker route, while a Start-Up visa requires a CoS issued under the Start-Up route.

The CoS contains the following information:

  • The name of the employer and the job title
  • The start and end date of the job offer
  • The salary and benefits
  • The location of the job
  • The immigration category under which the CoS has been issued

The CoS is valid for six months from the date of issue. The worker must apply for a visa within six months of the CoS being issued.

The employer must assign the CoS to the worker before the worker can apply for a visa. The employer can do this online through the UK government’s website. The worker will then be able to download a copy of the CoS from the website.

The worker must provide the CoS with their visa application. The visa application will be processed by the UK Home Office. If the visa application is successful, the worker will be issued with a visa vignette, which is a sticker that they must affix to their passport.

The worker can then travel to the UK and start their new job.

Here are some additional things to keep in mind about CoS and sponsorship:

  • The employer must be a licensed sponsor in order to issue a CoS.
  • The job offer must meet the requirements of the UK immigration rules.
  • The CoS is valid for six months from the date of issue.
  • The worker must apply for a visa within six months of the CoS being issued.
  • The worker must provide the CoS with their visa application.
  • The visa application will be processed by the UK Home Office.
  • If the visa application is successful, the worker will be issued with a visa vignette.
  • The worker can then travel to the UK and start their new job.

English Language Requirements

The English language requirements for work visas in the UK vary depending on the visa category.

  • Skilled Worker visa: Applicants must have a minimum level of English language proficiency, which is equivalent to B1 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) scale. This can be demonstrated by passing a Secure English Language Test (SELT) from an approved provider.
  • Start-Up visa: Applicants must have a minimum level of English language proficiency, which is equivalent to B2 on the CEFR scale. This can be demonstrated by passing a SELT from an approved provider.
  • Innovator visa: Applicants must have a minimum level of English language proficiency, which is equivalent to B2 on the CEFR scale. This can be demonstrated by passing a SELT from an approved provider.
  • Global Talent visa: Applicants must have a minimum level of English language proficiency, which is equivalent to B2 on the CEFR scale. This can be demonstrated by passing a SELT from an approved provider.
  • Tier 5 (Temporary Worker) visas: The English language requirements for Tier 5 visas vary depending on the type of visa. For example, applicants for a Seasonal Worker visa must have a minimum level of English language proficiency, which is equivalent to A2 on the CEFR scale. This can be demonstrated by passing a SELT from an approved provider.

If you are not sure what level of English language proficiency you need for a particular visa, you should contact the UK government’s immigration department.

Here are some of the Secure English Language Tests (SELTs) that are accepted for UK work visas:

  • IELTS for UKVI: This test is available in both General and Academic versions. The General version is suitable for most work visas, while the Academic version is suitable for some work visas, such as the Skilled Worker visa.
  • TOEFL iBT: This test is available in over 100 countries. It is suitable for most work visas.
  • Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic: This test is available in over 50 countries. It is suitable for most work visas.

Minimum Salary Requirements

The minimum salary requirements for work visas in the UK vary depending on the visa category and the occupation.

  • Skilled Worker visa: Applicants must be paid a minimum salary of £26,200 per year. This salary requirement applies to most occupations, but there are some exceptions. For example, the minimum salary requirement for some occupations in the creative and digital sectors is £23,090 per year.
  • Start-Up visa: Applicants must be paid a minimum salary of £33,000 per year. This salary requirement applies to all occupations.
  • Innovator visa: Applicants must be paid a minimum salary of £33,000 per year. This salary requirement applies to all occupations.
  • Global Talent visa: Applicants must be paid a minimum salary of £70,400 per year. This salary requirement applies to all occupations.
  • Tier 5 (Temporary Worker) visas: The minimum salary requirements for Tier 5 visas vary depending on the type of visa. For example, applicants for a Seasonal Worker visa must be paid a minimum salary of £10.10 per hour.

If you are not sure what the minimum salary requirement is for a particular visa, you should contact the UK government’s immigration department.

Here are some of the factors that can affect the minimum salary requirement for a work visa in the UK:

  • The occupation: The minimum salary requirement is higher for some occupations than others. For example, the minimum salary requirement for engineers is higher than the minimum salary requirement for hairdressers.
  • The location: The minimum salary requirement is higher in some parts of the UK than others. For example, the minimum salary requirement in London is higher than the minimum salary requirement in other parts of the UK.
  • The experience of the applicant: The minimum salary requirement may be lower for applicants with more experience.
  • The qualifications of the applicant: The minimum salary requirement may be lower for applicants with certain qualifications, such as a PhD.

Application Process and Required Documents for UK Work Visa

The application process and required documents for a UK work visa vary depending on the visa category. However, there are some general steps that all applicants must follow.

  1. Check your eligibility: Before you start your application, you should check your eligibility for the visa you are applying for. You can find more information about the eligibility requirements for each visa category on the UK government’s website.
  2. Get a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): If you are applying for a visa that requires a CoS, you will need to get one from your employer. Your employer can do this online through the UK government’s website.
  3. Complete the online application form: Once you have a CoS, you can complete the online application form for your visa. You can find the application form on the UK government’s website.
  4. Pay the application fee: You will need to pay an application fee for your visa. The fee varies depending on the visa category.
  5. Submit your supporting documents: You will need to submit a number of supporting documents with your application, such as your passport, degree certificate, and CoS. The specific documents you need will vary depending on the visa category.
  6. Attend a visa interview: If your application is successful, you will be invited to attend a visa interview at a UK visa application center.
  7. Receive your visa decision: Once you have attended your visa interview, you will receive a decision on your visa application within a few weeks.

Here are some of the supporting documents that you may need to submit with your UK work visa application:

  • Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the end date of your visa.
  • Visa application form: You must complete the online visa application form and print it out.
  • Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): You must have a CoS from your employer.
  • Proof of English language proficiency: You must provide evidence that you have a minimum level of English language proficiency.
  • Proof of qualifications: You must provide evidence of your qualifications, such as your degree certificate.
  • Proof of employment: You must provide evidence of your current employment, such as a letter from your employer.
  • Proof of financial support: You must provide evidence that you have enough money to support yourself in the UK.
  • Tuberculosis test results: If you are from a country where tuberculosis is common, you may need to provide results of a tuberculosis test.
  • Criminal record certificate: If you have a criminal record, you may need to provide a criminal record certificate.

If you are not sure what supporting documents you need to submit with your visa application, you should contact the UK government’s immigration department.

The processing time for a UK work visa varies depending on the visa category. The Skilled Worker visa typically takes up to six weeks to process, while the Start-Up visa can take up to three months to process.

If your visa application is successful, you will be issued with a visa vignette, which is a sticker that you must affix to your passport. You will then be able to travel to the UK and start your new job.

The UK work visa is a great way to work in the UK if you have the skills and experience that are in demand. If you are interested in applying for a UK work visa, you should visit the UK government’s website for more information.

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