Which UK Visa Do You Need to Apply for Jobs?

If you are planning to apply for a job in the UK and wish to work legally, you will not be able to do so on a UK Visit Visa. A Visit Visa (also known as a Standard Visitor Visa) allows you to come to the UK for tourism, visiting family or friends, or attending business meetings or conferences, but it does not permit you to work.

To work in the UK, you’ll need to apply for a work visa that is specifically designed for employment. Here are the most common types of UK work visas:

1. Skilled Worker Visa (Previously Tier 2 General)

• This is the most common work visa for individuals who have a job offer from a UK employer in a skilled role.

• Eligibility:

o You must have a job offer from a licensed sponsor (UK employer).

o The job must meet the required skill level (usually RQF Level 3 or above, which is equivalent to A-levels).

o You must earn a minimum salary, which varies depending on the occupation and whether the job is on a shortage occupation list.

• Steps:

1. Get a job offer from a UK employer who is a registered sponsor.

2. The employer will issue a Certificate of Sponsorship.

3. Apply for the Skilled Worker visa with your Certificate of Sponsorship, proof of funds (if required), and other necessary documents.

• Duration: This visa is typically issued for up to 5 years.

• Path to Permanent Residency: After working in the UK for a specified period (usually 5 years), you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and then British citizenship.

2. Global Talent Visa

• This visa is for highly skilled individuals in fields such as science, engineering, humanities, medicine, digital technology, or the arts.

• Eligibility: You must be a recognized leader or an emerging talent in your field and be endorsed by a relevant UK body.

• This visa offers more flexibility than the Skilled Worker Visa and does not require a job offer. It allows you to work in almost any role within your field.

• Duration: Usually granted for 1 to 5 years, with the possibility to extend.

• Path to Permanent Residency: After 3 years (for the exceptional talent category), or 5 years (for the exceptional promise category), you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).

3. Intra-company Transfer Visa

• This visa is for individuals who are being transferred to a UK branch of their current employer.

• Eligibility: You need to be employed by a company with a branch or affiliate in the UK and receive a job offer for a position in the UK branch.

• This visa is typically used for internal company transfers and requires the employer to provide a Certificate of Sponsorship.

• Duration: The visa is typically issued for 12 months to 5 years, depending on the position and employer.

4. Temporary Worker Visa (Tier 5)

• This visa allows you to work in the UK for a short period (usually up to 12 months) in specific roles, such as for charity work, sports, or as a religious worker.

• It is typically for people coming to the UK to participate in a specific work program or a short-term job.

• Eligibility: You need to have a job offer from an approved UK sponsor in one of the specific categories eligible for the Tier 5 visa.

5. Youth Mobility Scheme Visa

• This visa is available to young people (usually aged 18 to 30) from certain countries (e.g., Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Monaco, and others) who wish to live and work in the UK for up to 2 years.

• Eligibility: You must be from an eligible country and meet certain financial requirements.

• This visa allows you to work in almost any job in the UK during your stay.

6. Start-up and Innovator Visas

• Start-up Visa: This visa is for individuals who want to establish a business in the UK for the first time.

• Innovator Visa: This is for more experienced entrepreneurs with an established business idea.

• Eligibility: You need to have a viable business idea that is endorsed by an approved UK body.

• Duration: Start-up visa lasts for 2 years, while Innovator visa can be granted for 3 years.

Key Considerations:

• Job Offer: Most work visas, such as the Skilled Worker Visa, require you to have a job offer from a UK employer. Without a job offer, it can be difficult to apply for a work visa.

• Salary Requirements: Many work visas, especially the Skilled Worker Visa, have a minimum salary threshold that your job must meet. The minimum salary requirements can vary based on your occupation and age.

• Sponsorship: Employers in the UK must be licensed sponsors to hire foreign workers. They need to provide a Certificate of Sponsorship for you to apply for a visa.

What You Should Do:

1. Search for a Job: You’ll need to apply for jobs in the UK that are eligible for work visas. Check the UK government’s list of eligible occupations and salaries.

2. Job Offer: Once you secure a job offer from a licensed employer, they will issue a Certificate of Sponsorship.

3. Apply for a Work Visa: With your job offer and Certificate of Sponsorship, apply for a relevant work visa (e.g., Skilled Worker Visa).

4. Prepare Documents: Gather necessary documents like proof of funds, job offer, and other supporting documents as required for the visa application.

Conclusion:

A UK Visit Visa will not allow you to work in the UK. If you want to apply for jobs in the UK, you will need a work visa (like the Skilled Worker Visa or others, depending on your situation). Be sure to secure a job offer from a UK employer who is registered as a sponsor, and apply for the appropriate visa based on the job offer.