🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Work Visa
Work permit categories, eligibility, sponsorship, application steps, and processing times.
Quick answer
Most workers use the Skilled Worker visa, which requires a job offer from a Home Office-licensed sponsor, a role at the required skill level, and a salary at or above the applicable threshold. The visa is points-based and administered by UK Visas and Immigration.
Work visas are administered by UK Visas and Immigration (Home Office). The main route is the Skilled Worker visa, which requires sponsorship by a licensed employer.
- The Skilled Worker visa requires a job offer from a licensed sponsor and meeting salary/skill thresholds.
- Employers must hold a sponsor licence before they can sponsor workers.
- Other routes include the Global Talent and Health and Care Worker visas.
Step-by-step
- 1
Get a job with a licensed sponsor
Most work routes (the Skilled Worker visa) require a job offer from a UK employer that holds a sponsor licence.
- 2
Receive a Certificate of Sponsorship
The employer assigns you a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) for an eligible occupation meeting the salary and skill thresholds.
- 3
Check you meet the requirements
Confirm you meet the points requirements — sponsorship, salary, skill level and English language.
- 4
Apply online and pay the fees
Apply online, pay the visa fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge, and provide biometrics.
- 5
Get the decision and travel
On approval you receive permission to enter (and an eVisa); travel to the UK within its validity.
- 6
Extend or switch and count toward settlement
You can extend or switch routes; time on the Skilled Worker visa can count toward settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain).
Checklist
- Job offer from a licensed sponsor
- Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
- Eligible occupation + salary threshold met
- English-language requirement met
- Online application + visa fee + Immigration Health Surcharge
- Biometrics + supporting documents
- Permission to enter / eVisa
- Route toward settlement (ILR) tracked
Official authorities
- GOV.UK — Visas and immigration
Work visas and sponsorship.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a sponsor for the Skilled Worker visa?
Yes — you need a Certificate of Sponsorship from a licensed UK employer before you can apply.
Is there a salary requirement?
Yes — you must meet the general salary threshold or the going rate for your occupation, whichever is higher, with some exceptions.
Can the Skilled Worker visa lead to settlement?
Yes — after a qualifying period (commonly five years) you may apply for indefinite leave to remain if you meet the requirements.
Official-information aggregation, not legal advice. Always verify on the authority's own site.
Government portals
- UK Government (GOV.UK) — UK's unified government services portal — visas, taxes, driving licences, benefits and more
- UK Visas and Immigration — UK visa applications, Biometric Residence Permits (BRP), and work authorization
- HM Revenue & Customs — Self Assessment tax returns, National Insurance, VAT registration and payment