UK Work Permit Pathways
The UK work permit system is designed to allow foreign nationals to live and work in the UK for a specific period. There are various types of work permits or visas based on the applicant’s job, skills, and qualifications. The most common work visa categories are the Skilled Worker Visa, the Global Talent Visa, and the Intra-company Transfer Visa. Below, we will discuss each pathway, their eligibility criteria, requirements, end-to-end process, and costs involved.
1. Skilled Worker Visa
The Skilled Worker Visa allows individuals to come to the UK to take up a job offer with an approved employer. It replaced the Tier 2 (General) visa and is now one of the most popular routes for skilled foreign workers to enter the UK.
Eligibility Criteria
– Job Offer: A confirmed job offer from a licensed sponsor in the UK.
– Skilled Occupation: The job must be on the Skilled Occupation List (typically requiring RQF Level 3 or above qualifications, i.e., A-level or equivalent).
– Salary: The job must pay at least £26,200 per year or £10.75 per hour, whichever is higher. There are exceptions for certain jobs and applicants.
– English Proficiency: Applicants must prove they can speak, read, write, and understand English. This can be done by providing a degree taught in English or passing an approved English language test.
– Certificate of Sponsorship (COS): The employer must issue a COS (electronic certificate) that confirms the job and the employer are eligible.
End-to-End Process
1. Obtain a Job Offer: Secure a job offer from a UK employer who holds a sponsorship license.
2. Certificate of Sponsorship: The employer will issue a COS to you.
3. Prepare Documents: Gather the necessary documents, including the COS, proof of English proficiency, financial proof (to show you can support yourself), and a passport.
4. Submit Application: Apply for the Skilled Worker Visa online through the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website.
5. Biometrics Appointment: Attend a biometric appointment to provide fingerprints and a photograph.
6. Decision: Wait for the decision on your application. If approved, you will receive your visa, which is typically valid for up to 5 years.
7. Arrival in the UK: Once the visa is granted, you can enter the UK and begin working.
Processing Time
– Application Processing: Typically 8 weeks after biometrics submission.
– Visa Validity: Usually granted for up to 5 years.
– Extension: You can extend the visa for another 5 years if you still meet the eligibility criteria.
COST BREAKDOWN
| Expense | Cost (GBP) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Visa Application Fee | £610 – £1,408 | Depends on whether you’re applying from inside or outside the UK. |
| Certificate of Sponsorship | £199 (paid by employer) | Employer bears this cost. |
| Healthcare Surcharge | £624 per year | Mandatory fee to access the NHS during your stay. |
| Biometric Fee | £19.20 | For fingerprints and photo at your visa appointment. |
| English Language Test | £150 – £250 | If your degree wasn’t taught in English. |
| Legal Fees (Optional) | £500 – £2,000 | If you choose to hire an immigration lawyer. |
| Total Estimated Cost | £1,983 – £4,481+ | Total includes all mandatory fees and optional legal assistance. |
2. Global Talent Visa
The Global Talent Visa is designed for highly skilled individuals in fields like science, engineering, humanities, medicine, digital technology, and the arts. This visa enables applicants to work in the UK without needing a specific job offer.
Eligibility Criteria
– Endorsement: You must receive an endorsement from a recognized UK body, such as UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) or Tech Nation for tech professionals.
– Skills: You must demonstrate that you are a recognized leader or emerging leader in your field.
– No Job Offer Required: Unlike the Skilled Worker Visa, this visa doesn’t require a job offer.
– Proof of Expertise: Applicants need to provide evidence of their contributions to their field, such as awards, research papers, or leadership roles.
End-to-End Process
1. Endorsement Application: Apply for an endorsement from a relevant endorsing body (e.g., UKRI, Tech Nation, or an academic institution).
2. Application for Visa: After receiving the endorsement, you can apply for the Global Talent Visa online.
3. Prepare Documents: Submit proof of your endorsement, evidence of expertise, and passport details.
4. Biometrics: Attend the biometrics appointment.
5. Visa Approval: Once approved, you will receive the visa, which is typically granted for 5 years.
6. Arrival in the UK: You can then enter the UK and work in your field.
COST BREAKDOWN
| Expense | Cost (GBP) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Visa Application Fee | £152 – £608 | Varies depending on whether you apply from inside or outside the UK. |
| Endorsement Fee | £456 (usually paid by applicant) | Required for endorsement by a recognized endorsing body. |
| Healthcare Surcharge | £624 per year | Grants access to the NHS during your stay. |
| Biometric Fee | £19.20 | Covers the cost of collecting fingerprints and a photo. |
| Legal Fees (Optional) | £500 – £2,000 | Optional cost if you hire an immigration lawyer. |
| Total Estimated Cost | £1,751 – £3,707+ | Total includes visa, endorsement, healthcare surcharge, and biometrics. |
Processing Time
– Endorsement Process: Typically 8 weeks.
– Visa Processing: Around 3 weeks after endorsement approval.
– Visa Validity: 5 years, with the possibility of extension.
3. Intra-company Transfer Visa
The Intra-company Transfer Visa is for employees of multinational companies who are being transferred to a UK office. This visa is typically used for managers, specialists, or graduate trainees.
Eligibility Criteria
– Job Offer: You must be employed by a multinational company with a UK branch and have a job offer to transfer to the UK.
– Sponsorship: The employer must be a licensed sponsor.
– Salary: The minimum salary is £41,500 per year for senior roles or £23,000 per year for graduate trainees.
– Role Requirement: The job must meet the skill and salary threshold for the transfer visa.
End-to-End Process
1. Employer Sponsorship: Your employer must apply for a sponsorship license to hire foreign workers.
2. Job Offer: The employer must offer you a specific job in the UK office.
3. Certificate of Sponsorship: Once the employer has been approved, they issue you a COS.
4. Apply for the Visa: You can then apply for the Intra-company Transfer Visa online, providing your job offer and COS.
5. Biometrics: Complete the biometrics process.
6. Visa Approval: Once the visa is granted, you will be able to enter the UK and work for your employer.
7. Arrival in the UK: After receiving the visa, you can begin working in the UK.
COST BREAKDOWN
| Expense | Cost (GBP) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Visa Application Fee | £610 – £1,408 | Fee varies depending on job type and whether applying inside or outside UK. |
| Certificate of Sponsorship | £199 (paid by employer) | Fee paid by employer for issuing the Certificate of Sponsorship. |
| Healthcare Surcharge | £624 per year | Grants access to the NHS during your stay. |
| Biometric Fee | £19.20 | Covers fingerprinting and photograph. |
| Total Estimated Cost | £1,453 – £2,651+ | Total includes visa, healthcare, and biometrics (excluding employer fees). |
Processing Time
– Processing Time: 8 weeks after biometric submission.
– Visa Validity: The visa is typically granted for up to 5 years, depending on the role.
– Extension: The visa can be extended for up to 9 years for senior roles.
Conclusion
The UK offers a range of work permit pathways depending on the applicant’s qualifications, job offer, and field of expertise. The Skilled Worker Visa is the most common route, requiring a job offer from a licensed sponsor, proof of skills, and English proficiency. The Global Talent Visa is ideal for exceptional individuals in fields such as science and technology, while the Intra-company Transfer Visa allows employees of multinational companies to transfer to a UK branch.
Processing Time
– Skilled Worker Visa: 8 weeks.
– Global Talent Visa: 3 weeks after endorsement.
– Intra-company Transfer Visa: 8 weeks.
Costs
– Skilled Worker Visa: £1,983 – £4,481+.
– Global Talent Visa: £1,751 – £3,707+.
– Intra-company Transfer Visa: £1,453 – £2,651+.
Each visa has its own set of eligibility requirements and processes, so it is essential to choose the one that fits your qualifications and career goals.