UK Work Visas
Work visas enable foreign nationals to live and work in the UK legally. The visa type depends on your skills, job role, and employer sponsorship.
Skilled Worker Visa
Purpose: For skilled professionals filling eligible roles in the UK.
Requirements: Job offer from a licensed UK employer and a minimum salary threshold.
Duration: Up to 5 years, renewable, with a pathway to permanent residency.
Health and Care Worker Visa
Purpose: For qualified healthcare professionals such as doctors, nurses, and social workers.
Requirements: Valid job offer from an approved UK health or care provider and proof of qualifications.
Benefits: Reduced visa fees and exemption from the Immigration Health Surcharge.
Intra-Company Transfer Visa
Purpose: For employees of multinational companies relocating to the UK branch.
Requirements: Minimum salary threshold and proof of employment within the company.
Duration: Up to 5 years depending on salary and position.
Innovator Visa
Purpose: For experienced entrepreneurs establishing innovative businesses in the UK.
Requirements: £50,000 investment funds and an approved business plan endorsed by a UK body.
Benefits: Pathway to permanent residency after 3 years.
Temporary Worker Visa (T5)
Purpose: For short-term work including charity, creative, or religious employment.
Requirements: Sponsorship from a licensed UK employer.
Duration: 6–12 months, depending on category.
UK Student Visas
Student visas allow international students to study at UK institutions, often with limited work rights.
Student Visa (Tier 4)
Purpose: For full-time students at recognised UK universities or colleges.
Requirements: Offer letter from an approved institution, proof of funds, and English proficiency.
Duration: Covers the course length plus up to 4 additional months.
Child Student Visa
Purpose: For children aged 4–17 attending independent schools in the UK.
Requirements: Offer of admission and proof of financial support.
Duration: Based on course length; renewable if studies continue.
Short-Term Study Visa
Purpose: For short courses up to 6 months, or English language courses up to 11 months.
Restrictions: Cannot work or extend the visa beyond the course duration.
Family and Partner Visas
Family visas let relatives of UK citizens or permanent residents live in the UK.
Spouse or Partner Visa
Purpose: For married or long-term partners of UK citizens or residents.
Requirements: Proof of genuine relationship and minimum financial threshold (£18,600 annual income).
Duration: 2.5 years, extendable; leads to indefinite leave to remain (ILR).
Parent Visa
Purpose: For parents of dependent UK citizen or resident children.
Requirements: Proof of relationship and ability to financially support the child.
Duration: Renewable with the potential to qualify for settlement.
Child Visa
Purpose: For dependent children of UK citizens or residents.
Requirements: Proof of dependency and relationship.
Benefits: Access to schooling and public healthcare.
Visitor Visas
Visitor visas are suitable for short stays — typically for tourism, family visits, or business meetings.
Standard Visitor Visa
Purpose: For tourism, family visits, short courses, or business meetings.
Duration: Up to 6 months.
Restrictions: No work or long-term study permitted.
Marriage Visitor Visa
Purpose: For those entering the UK to marry or register a civil partnership.
Duration: Up to 6 months.
Restrictions: No right to work or extend the visa.
Transit Visa
Purpose: For travellers passing through the UK en route to another destination.
Duration: Up to 48 hours (or 24 hours for airside transit).
Restrictions: No stay beyond airport premises for airside transit.
Settlement and Residency Visas
These visas lead to long-term residence or British citizenship.
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
Purpose: Grants permanent residency to eligible long-term residents.
Requirements: Five years of continuous lawful residence and proof of integration (e.g., Life in the UK Test).
Benefits: Unrestricted right to live, work, and access public services.
British Citizenship
Purpose: Full citizenship status allowing a UK passport.
Requirements: ILR or settled status, residency requirement, English proficiency, and the Life in the UK Test.
Investment and Business Visas
These visas support individuals seeking residency through business or investment opportunities.
Start-Up Visa
Purpose: For first-time entrepreneurs launching innovative businesses in the UK.
Requirements: Endorsement from an authorised UK body; no minimum investment required.
Duration: 2 years, transitionable to the Innovator Visa.
Global Talent Visa
Purpose: For leaders or potential leaders in fields like technology, science, and the arts.
Requirements: Endorsement from a recognised UK organisation.
Benefits: No job offer required; eligible for settlement after 3 years.
Investor Visa (Tier 1)
Purpose: For investors committing £2 million or more to UK businesses.
Requirements: Minimum £2 million investment.
Benefits: Pathway to permanent residency after 5 years, or sooner with higher investment.
Humanitarian and Asylum Visas
These visas protect individuals seeking refuge or exceptional humanitarian consideration.
Refugee Visa
Purpose: For those facing persecution in their home country.
Requirements: Demonstrate a well-founded fear of persecution due to race, religion, nationality, or political opinion.
Benefits: Permission to live, work, and access public services in the UK, with potential for settlement.
Discretionary Leave to Remain (DLR)
Purpose: Granted for exceptional humanitarian or compassionate grounds.
Requirements: Case assessed individually by the Home Office.
Benefits: Temporary stay, renewable with potential settlement eligibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I switch visa types while in the UK?
Yes. You can switch visa categories if you meet the eligibility criteria — for example, from a Student Visa to a Skilled Worker Visa.
What’s the best visa for remote workers?
The UK currently has no specific digital nomad visa, but certain business or Innovator Visas may suit professionals working remotely under certain conditions.
How long does it take to get a UK visa?
Processing times vary from a few weeks to several months depending on visa type, location, and application complexity.
Are family members included in work visas?
Yes, most work visas allow dependants — typically a spouse or children under 18 — to join or accompany the main applicant.
Can I get a refund if my visa application is denied?
No, UK visa fees are non-refundable even if the application is refused.
Conclusion
The UK offers a wide range of visa options for different purposes — whether for work, study, business, or family reunification. Each visa type has unique requirements, benefits, and durations. Choosing the right one depends on your goals, qualifications, and long-term plans. Whether you’re a skilled worker, entrepreneur, student, or seeking refuge, there’s likely a UK visa pathway that fits your needs.
For fixed-fee legal help with your case,
contact Martin Taggart — your trusted UK legal partner.