Work permits and visas in United Kingdom

The United Kingdom's immigration system is designed to regulate who can enter, live, and work in the country. For foreign nationals seeking employment in the UK, understanding the available visa routes, application procedures, and compliance requirements is crucial. Employers also have significant responsibilities in ensuring that their sponsored employees meet all legal obligations. Navigating this system can be complex, but with proper preparation and knowledge, both employers and employees can successfully navigate the UK immigration landscape.

Whether you're a skilled professional, a recent graduate, or a business investor, several visa categories cater to different circumstances and skill sets. Each visa comes with specific eligibility criteria, application processes, and conditions for staying and working in the UK. Here's a detailed overview of the key aspects of UK work permits and visas in 2025.

Common Visa Types for Foreign Workers

The UK offers various visa routes for foreign nationals who wish to work in the country. Here are some of the most common types:

• Skilled Worker Visa: This is the primary route for skilled workers who have a job offer from a UK employer approved by the Home Office.

  • Eligibility: Requires a job offer at a skill level of RQF level 3 or above, meeting the applicable salary threshold, and demonstrating English language proficiency.
  • Sponsorship: Requires sponsorship by a licensed UK employer.

• Intra-Company Transfer Visa: This visa is for employees of multinational companies who are being transferred to a UK branch.

  • Eligibility: Must have worked for the overseas company for a specified period (usually 12 months) and be transferring to a role at a skill level of RQF level 6 or above.
  • Sponsorship: Requires sponsorship by the UK branch of the company.

• Global Talent Visa: This visa is for individuals who are leaders or potential leaders in the fields of science, humanities, engineering, the arts, and digital technology.

  • Eligibility: Requires endorsement from a recognized UK body.
  • Sponsorship: Does not require sponsorship by an employer.

• Health and Care Worker Visa: This visa is for qualified doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals.

  • Eligibility: Requires a job offer from the NHS, an NHS supplier, or an organization providing medical services to the NHS, and meeting specific skills and salary requirements.
  • Sponsorship: Requires sponsorship by a licensed UK employer.

• Start-up Visa: This visa is for entrepreneurs starting an innovative business in the UK.

  • Eligibility: Requires endorsement from an approved endorsing body and meeting financial requirements.
  • Sponsorship: Does not require sponsorship by an employer.

• Innovator Visa: This visa is for experienced businesspersons seeking to establish a new business in the UK.

  • Eligibility: Requires endorsement from an approved endorsing body and meeting financial requirements, with a more substantial investment requirement than the Start-up Visa.
  • Sponsorship: Does not require sponsorship by an employer.

• Youth Mobility Scheme Visa: This visa is for young people from certain countries to experience life and work in the UK.

  • Eligibility: Must be aged 18-30 (or 18-35 for some countries), meet the nationality requirements, and have sufficient funds.
  • Sponsorship: Does not require sponsorship by an employer.

Here is a table summarizing the typical processing fees and times for various UK visas in 2025:

Visa Type	Fee (Approximate)	Processing Time (Approximate)
Skilled Worker Visa	£625 - £1,423	3-8 weeks
Intra-Company Transfer Visa	£625 - £1,423	3-8 weeks
Global Talent Visa	£456	3-8 weeks
Health and Care Worker Visa	£247	3-8 weeks
Start-up Visa	£378	3-8 weeks
Innovator Visa	£1,331	3-8 weeks
Youth Mobility Scheme Visa	£298	3-8 weeks

Note: Fees and processing times are approximate and can vary depending on individual circumstances and changes in government policy.

Work Permit Application Requirements and Procedures

The application process for a UK work permit, now primarily the Skilled Worker Visa, generally involves these steps:

1. Employer Sponsorship: The employer must be a licensed sponsor, meaning they are approved by the Home Office to sponsor foreign workers.
2. Job Offer: The employer must offer a genuine job that meets the skill level and salary requirements for the specific visa route.
3. Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): The employer must assign a CoS to the applicant, which is a reference number needed for the visa application.
4. Application Submission: The applicant must submit the visa application online, providing all required documents and information.
5. Biometrics Appointment: The applicant usually needs to attend an appointment to provide biometric information (fingerprints and a photograph).
6. Decision: The Home Office will assess the application and make a decision.

Required Documents:

• Passport
• Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) reference number
• Evidence of English language proficiency
• Proof of qualifications
• Criminal record certificate (if required)
• Bank statements to show sufficient funds
• TB test results (if required)

Employer Responsibilities:

• Ensuring the job meets the skill level and salary requirements
• Verifying the applicant's qualifications and experience
• Monitoring the employee's compliance with visa conditions
• Reporting any changes in circumstances to the Home Office

Pathways to Permanent Residency

Foreign nationals who have lived and worked in the UK for a certain period may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which grants them permanent residency. The most common route to ILR is through the Skilled Worker Visa.

• Eligibility: Generally, applicants must have lived in the UK for five continuous years on a qualifying visa, such as the Skilled Worker Visa.
• Requirements:
  • Meeting the continuous residence requirement (not being absent from the UK for more than 180 days in any 12-month period)
  • Passing the Life in the UK test
  • Meeting the English language requirement
  • Demonstrating good character

Once granted ILR, individuals can live and work in the UK without any immigration restrictions. After holding ILR for 12 months, they may be eligible to apply for British citizenship.

Dependent Visa Options

Many UK visa routes allow the primary visa holder to bring their family members to the UK as dependents. Dependents typically include:

• Spouse or civil partner
• Children under 18
• Children over 18 if they are currently in the UK as a dependent

Requirements:

• The primary visa holder must demonstrate that they can financially support their dependents.
• Dependents must meet certain eligibility criteria, such as not having a criminal record.
• Dependents usually need to apply for a visa at the same time as the primary visa holder, or later if they meet specific requirements.

Dependents are generally allowed to work in the UK, except for those on certain visa types. They can also study in the UK.

Visa Compliance Obligations for Employers and Employees

Both employers and employees have important responsibilities to ensure compliance with UK visa regulations.

Employer Obligations:

• Right to Work Checks: Employers must conduct thorough Right to Work checks on all employees to ensure they are legally allowed to work in the UK.
• Sponsorship Duties: Employers must comply with their sponsorship duties, such as monitoring the employee's compliance with visa conditions and reporting any changes in circumstances to the Home Office.
• Record Keeping: Employers must keep accurate records of their sponsored employees, including copies of their passports, visas, and other relevant documents.
• Training: Employers should provide training to their staff on Right to Work checks and other compliance issues.

Employee Obligations:

• Compliance with Visa Conditions: Employees must comply with the conditions of their visa, such as working only in the job specified in their Certificate of Sponsorship.
• Reporting Changes: Employees must report any changes in their circumstances to the Home Office, such as a change of address or job.
• Maintaining Accurate Records: Employees should keep copies of their passports, visas, and other relevant documents.
• Renewing Visas: Employees must renew their visas before they expire to maintain their legal status in the UK.

Failure to comply with visa regulations can result in serious consequences for both employers and employees, including fines, sponsor license revocation, and deportation.