Work in the UK
Skilled Worker & Employment Visas
UK Work Visa Categories
The UK offers multiple regulated work visa routes designed to attract skilled professionals, healthcare workers, high-potential individuals, and international graduates. Each route has distinct eligibility criteria, sponsorship requirements, and long-term settlement implications.
The main UK work routes are outlined below. Each route will later expand into its own dedicated service page
- Skilled Worker Visa
- Health and Care Worker Visa
- Global Talent Visa
- Scale-up Worker Visa
- Temporary Worker Visas
- Graduate → Skilled Worker transition
Skilled Worker Visa
The Skilled Worker Visa is the primary long-term employment route for overseas professionals working in the UK. It requires sponsorship from a UK-licensed employer and is available for roles listed under approved occupation codes.
- Employer sponsorship required
- Minimum salary threshold applies (role-specific)
- English language requirement
- Valid for up to 5 years and extendable
- Eligible route to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
Health and Care Worker Visa
The Health and Care Worker Visa is a specialised route under the Skilled Worker framework for qualified healthcare professionals employed by the NHS, NHS suppliers, or approved care providers.
Key Features :
- Lower visa application fees
- Fast-track processing
- Reduced Immigration Health Surcharge
- Direct pathway to settlement
Common Roles :
- Doctors, nurses, paramedics
- Care workers and senior care staff
- Allied health professionals
Global Talent Visa
The Global Talent Visa is designed for individuals recognised as leaders or emerging leaders in their field. Unlike most work visas, it does not require employer sponsorship, but does require endorsement from an approved UK body.
Eligible Fields :
- Science & research
- Engineering & technology
- Digital technology
- Arts & culture
Key Advantages :
- No job offer required
- Flexible employment and self-employment
- Accelerated settlement options
Scale-up Worker Visa
The Scale-up Worker Visa supports rapidly growing UK businesses by allowing them to sponsor skilled overseas professionals. This route offers greater flexibility after an initial sponsorship period.
Key Features :
- Initial sponsorship required
- Reduced long-term employer dependency
- Suitable for high-growth companies
- Potential transition to other work or settlement routes
Temporary Worker Visas
Temporary Worker visas allow overseas nationals to work in the UK for short-term, specific purposes. These routes are not designed for long-term settlement but may support limited extensions or switching in certain cases.
Main Temporary Worker Categories :
- Creative Worker
- Charity Worker
- Religious Worker
- Seasonal Worker
- Government Authorised Exchange
Graduate
Skilled Worker Transition
International graduates in the UK may transition from the Graduate Route to the Skilled Worker Visa if they secure a qualifying job offer from a licensed sponsor.
Why This Route Matters :
- Enables long-term stay after studies
- Supports career progression
- Leads to settlement eligibility
- Common pathway for UK-educated talent
Work Visa Application Process
- Secure job offer or endorsement
- Obtain CoS (if applicable)
- Submit visa application
- Biometrics appointment
- Decision & BRP issuance
