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Are you struggling with the process of migration to the UK?
Are you looking for guidance for a hassle-free migration process?
In this UK Work Visa Guide, we outline the complete end-to-end visa process for the United Kingdom.
UK Work Visa Process: A Quick Guide
Skilled Worker Visas and Global Talent Visas are both points-based approaches to attracting highly qualified individuals to the UK. The UK offers ample UK work visas and employment opportunities.
The UK provides:
- A multi-cultural hub.
- A respected education system.
- Opportunities for advanced studies and specialized training, along with the chance to apply for a UK work visa.
These factors make the United Kingdom an attractive destination for skilled professionals seeking professional growth.
Are you looking for the highest paying jobs in UK?
The UK Offers Exciting Work Prospects
Career Opportunity:
The country offers several growth prospects to skilled individuals, including various UK work visas to apply for earnings in the United Kingdom. Later on in this blog, we will discuss the several different types of UK work visas you can use to work in the nation.
Professional Development:
First, the UK invests in skill development to assist professionals in staying updated on the trends of their dedicated field. The professional programs include subsidizing courses, training grants, or offering industry-specific knowledge in workshops.
Second, the United Kingdom is a hub of incredible employment opportunities, offering UK work visas and network-building pathways as well as lucrative social events and gatherings. This way, professionals can build strong networks, which are vital assets for career advancement and knowledge sharing.
Thirdly, the UK is one of the leading nations for their research and development fields across various sectors. Skilled individuals can position themselves at the forefront of technological advancements and contribute to groundbreaking work.
Are you interested in learning about the process of hiring in UK? Contact us for details. But first, let us know how many types of visas are offered by the UK.
16 Types of UK Work Visa
There are different types of UK work visas for migrating to the UK. Check below for details on each visa.
1. Skilled Worker Visa:
Mainly targets skilled professionals in eligible and demanding occupations through the Skilled Worker Visa. This Visa, part of a points-based immigration system, allows them to work and contribute to the UK economy with their skill investment. Skilled workers with a job offer in an eligible occupation and a sponsor (employer) make use of the main route. Such UK work visa applications offer them a path to settlement after they meet specific criteria.
To learn more about how to get a work visa in the UK, you can contact an immigration firm like Global Expansion.
2. Global Talent Visa:
The Global Talent Visa is a fast-track UK work visa that; streamlines entry for exceptional talent in specific fields; such as --- science, engineering, and digital technology. It offers greater flexibility for visa holders to switch employers, providing more freedom for talented individuals to change jobs if desired. We aim to attract exceptional talent in science, engineering, and digital technology by offering fast-tracked processing and greater flexibility.
3. Intra-Company Transfer Visa:
A company that is transferring employees to a UK branch for a temporary assignment by applying an application for a UK work visa.
4. Seasonal Worker Visa:
This seasonal worker visa is a temporary UK work visa in specific sectors like agriculture, tourism, and hospitality.
5. Business Visas:
The business visa permits short-term visits for specific professional undertakings such as meeting attendance, conference participation, or contract negotiations. It represents exclusively a short-duration solution designed specifically for business trips; however, it does not authorize employment with a UK company or eligible for a work visa UK application.
6. Student Visa:
International students who enroll full-time in a recognized UK university for their degree programs obtain a Tier 4 student visa.
7. Child Student Visa:
For students aged 4-17 to attend a registered independent school in the UK.
8. Short-Term Study Visa:
It is the same as the visitor visa category, but specifically for attending short courses.
9. Standard Visitor Visa:
Ideal for short tourist visits, business trips, or attending events (up to 6 months).
10. Multiple Entry Visitor Visa:
The UK allows multiple visits within a specific validity period (typically 2, 5, or 10 years).
11. Short-Term Study Visa:
It is the same as the visitor visa category, but specifically for attending short courses.
12. Family Visas/ Partner Visa:
A British citizen or settled person in the UK can sponsor their spouse, civil partner, or unmarried partner.
13. Child Visa:
Dependent children of a British citizen, settled person, or someone with a valid UK visa allowing them to stay for more than 6 months are eligible.
14. Parent Visa:
For folks who are parents to a British citizen under 18 or someone settled in the UK and can provide them with financial support.
15. Settlement Visas:
These visas can lead individuals to permanent residence or indefinite leave to remain in the UK. After meeting specific requirements, some work visas (like the Skilled Worker Visa) can provide a route to settlement.
16. Transit Visas:
It is needed if you need to pass through the UK to travel to another country.
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7 Steps on How to Get a Work Visa in the UK
The UK work visa process is a journey with several crucial steps. Let's walk through the details of how to get a UK work visa.
1. Check Your Eligibility
To begin, identify the most suitable UK work visa category for your situation. The UK government website provides a helpful tool named "visa finder" to assist you in this process.
Most common UK work visas include:
- Skilled Worker Visa (most common for skilled workers with a job offer)
- Global Talent Visa (for exceptional talent in specific fields)
- Intra-Company Transfer Visa (for internal company transfers)
- Seasonal Worker Visa (for temporary work in particular sectors)
2. Secure a Sponsored Job Offer
It is the simplest way to enter the UK. To obtain a sponsored letter for a work visa in the UK, you need a confirmed job offer appointment letter from a licensed and authorized employer who will support you. On the other hand, exceptions apply. If you get a job offer for an eligible occupation, it must also meet the threshold of minimum wages in UK.
3. Obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
It is challenging sometimes to get a direct employment offer letter. However, your employer will apply for a CoS (Certificate of Sponsorship) on your behalf with UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI). This CoS certificate contains a unique reference number that is crucial for your visa application.
4. Prepare Supporting Documents
The required documents for a UK work visa vary depending on the visa type, but some common ones include the following:
- Valid passport
- Completed online application form
- Proof of finances (bank statements, payslips)
- Proof of English language proficiency (if required)
- Tuberculosis or required medical test results (for some nationalities)
- Your CoS reference number
5. Online Visa Application
To begin your online UK work visa application on the UK government website, use the CoS (Certificate of Sponsorship) reference number.
6. Biometric Appointment
Depending on your location; you may need to schedule an appointment at a visa application center to submit your biometric information; which includes---fingerprints and a photograph (Confirm all the documents required before the appointment.)
7. Visa Decision and Collection
The UK Visa & Immigration (UKVI) processes your application for a UK work visa; and they will notify you by mail of their decision - whether it is approved or not. The processing times for work visas in the UK can vary; therefore, plan accordingly. Upon receiving approval, the team of UKVI will share the detailed instructions on collecting your work visa UK and entering the nation will be issued to you.
Global Expansion Can Assist with the UK Work Visa Process
Business isn’t bound by borders—and your team shouldn’t be either. Let our global immigration solutions simplify your international hiring efforts. Talk to our expert team today.
