Work Permits for the United Kingdom

If you’re an expat planning to obtain a work permit for the United Kingdom, be prepared to navigate a complex web of requirements and eligibility criteria. The UK’s immigration system has evolved significantly, especially post-Brexit, making it essential to stay informed and prepared.

Criteria for various visa categories can seem overwhelming, particularly if you’re not accustomed to dealing with the intricacies of immigration regulations. Each visa category has its own set of rules, and understanding these is key to a successful application.

Since Brexit, EU citizens, like other international applicants, now require a work permit to live and work in the UK. However, there are some exceptions. For instance, you may not need a visa if you’re invited as an expert for a Permitted Paid Engagement or if your visit is strictly for specific business activities. Additionally, if you were living in the UK before 2021, you might be eligible for the EU Settlement Scheme, negating the need for a work visa.

Useful links

• GOV.UK – Permitted Paid Engagement
• GOV.UK – EU Settlement Scheme

Getting a work visa in the United Kingdom

Obtaining a work visa in the United Kingdom can be daunting. There are several visa categories available, and your chances of a smooth and successful application increase if you are highly skilled and experienced in a field that the UK deems desirable.

Category requirements for a work visa

The UK offers multiple work permit categories under which you can apply as an expat. Each category has distinct requirements and provides specific rights to the visa holder.

When you submit your visa application, it’s essential to include the original documents along with a copy. These documents must be in English or Welsh. If any documents are in another language, they must be accompanied by a certified translation. Make sure all documents are complete and clearly presented, as missing or incorrect information can delay your application.

Skilled Worker Visas for the United Kingdom

The Skilled Worker Visa in the United Kingdom is tailored for professionals who have secured a formal job offer from a UK company licensed as a sponsor for foreign workers. This visa is a key route for those looking to bring their skills to the UK job market.

The UK’s immigration system now operates on a points-based system, which applies directly to the Skilled Worker Visa. To qualify, you must score points across several criteria, including:

• Job Offer from an Approved Sponsor: Your employer must be a licensed sponsor, providing you with a Certificate of Sponsorship. This earns you 20 points.
• Job at the Appropriate Skill Level: The role must meet a certain skill threshold, such as being classified under the updated SOC 2020 codes. This also contributes 20 points.
• English Language Proficiency: You must demonstrate a sufficient level of English, which is worth 10 points. This can be proven through an approved test, a degree taught in English, or being a national of an English-speaking country.
• Salary: Meeting the salary threshold is critical. There's a general minimum salary for the Skilled Worker Visa, but if your role has a higher ‘going rate,’ that figure is higher. Meeting the appropriate salary requirement earns you up to 20 points.

For certain roles, especially in healthcare or as a new entrant to the job market, lower salary thresholds may apply. Healthcare professionals applying under the Health and Care Visa are exempt from the standard salary requirements if their role is on the approved list.

Be aware that submitting false or incomplete information can have serious consequences. If the Home Office finds discrepancies in your application, it can lead to an automatic refusal and even a 10-year ban on future applications. It’s necessary to review your application carefully, ensure all information is accurate, and provide all required documentation.

Additionally, applicants from specific countries must take a tuberculosis test. For those entering fields such as healthcare, education, or social services, a criminal record certificate is also required.

Useful links

• GOV.UK – Skilled Worker Visa

Global Business Mobility Visas for the United Kingdom

The Global Business Mobility Visa category is designed for expats transferring to a UK branch of the company they already work for outside the UK. This visa is ideal for multinational corporations and specialised sectors that need to move skilled professionals across borders for specific business purposes.

This visa category includes several sub-categories, each with distinct requirements tailored to different types of business mobility, and each has a salary threshold:

• Senior or Specialist Worker Visa: For high-level managers or specialists.
• Graduate Trainee Visa: Designed for graduate trainees on a structured training programme.
• UK Expansion Worker Visa: For businesses establishing a presence in the UK.
• Service Supplier Visa: For overseas service suppliers contracted to provide services in the UK.
• Secondment Worker Visa: For workers seconded to the UK as part of a high-value contract or investment.

Unlike the Skilled Worker Visa, the Global Business Mobility Visa does not require you to meet an English language proficiency standard, making it a more accessible option for certain international roles. However, it typically requires a higher salary threshold and does not lead directly to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). You must also have worked for your employer for at least 12 months, unless you earn over a certain threshold.

This visa category is particularly advantageous for industries like technology, finance, consulting, and healthcare, where international expertise and leadership are often required. It’s an ideal pathway for multinational companies needing to transfer skilled workers to their UK operations, whether for project leadership, expansion, or specialised tasks.

Youth Mobility Scheme Visa (T5) for the United Kingdom

If you’re a young expat keen on experiencing life in the United Kingdom, the Youth Mobility Scheme Visa (T5) offers an excellent opportunity to work and travel for up to two years. This visa is designed for young adults looking to immerse themselves in British culture while gaining valuable work experience.

The Youth Mobility Scheme Visa is available to nationals from a select group of countries, including Australia, Canada, New Zealand,  South Korea, Andorra, Iceland, Japan, Monaco, San Marino, and  Uruguay, as well as Hong Kong and Taiwan (under certain conditions). Additionally, British Overseas Citizens, British Overseas Territories Citizens, and British Nationals (Overseas) are eligible to apply. There's a similar but different scheme for young Indian professionals. You must be between 18 and 35 years old to qualify.

One of the key benefits of this visa is that you don’t need a job offer before arriving in the UK. However, you must demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to support yourself, with a requirement of holding a specified amount of savings for at least 28 consecutive days within the 31 days before applying. Bank statements will be needed as proof of these savings.

While the Youth Mobility Scheme Visa does not count towards ILR, it can serve as a stepping stone if you decide to transition to a different visa category, such as the Skilled Worker Visa, after gaining experience and securing employment in the UK.

Be mindful that visa applications can be refused for several reasons, including failing to meet the age requirement, insufficient funds, or providing false information. Review the eligibility criteria thoroughly and ensure that all information in your application is accurate and complete.

Useful links

• GOV.UK – Youth Mobility Scheme (T5)

*Work permit regulations are subject to change at short notice, so it’s wise to consult your respective embassy or consulate for the latest information.