A work visa allows foreign nationals to live and work in the UK for a certain period of time. However, in order to apply for a UK work visa, you must meet the requirements and provide the necessary documents. Find out more about the types of work visas in the UK, what requirements apply to applicants and the changes to immigration policy in 2025.

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The UK ranks fifth in the world in terms of the number of immigrants. Foreigners are attracted by the country's strong economy, career prospects, high standard of living and rich culture. Representatives of different countries of the world come to the country, including citizens of Nepal, Kenya and Trinidad and Tobago.

To move to work in the UK, you need to obtain a work visa, which will allow you to live and work in the country for a certain period of time.

In order to apply for a work visa to the UK, you must meet certain requirements and prepare the necessary list of documents. For details about the types of permits and the main requirements for their registration in 2025, see our material.

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What are the types of work visas in the UK?

By the duration of stay, visas for employment in the UK can be divided into two main groups:

1. Short-term work visas, which are also known as temporary

This permit gives you the right to work in the UK for a limited period. In total, five types of temporary permits have been approved in the country:

- Charity Worker Visa – with this visa you can engage in volunteer activities in the UK for one year. To apply, you need a certificate of sponsorship from a licensed employer.

- Creative Worker Visa – foreigners who have received work in the UK as a creative worker can apply for this permit. A certificate of sponsorship from a licensed British employer is mandatory. The visa is especially popular among artists. It is valid for up to 12 months and can be extended. Family members can join the main applicant.

- Exchange visa, approved by the UK government – ​​this visa allows you to come to the country for internships, studies, participate in research programs or exchange experience.

- Seasonal Worker Visa – This permit allows you to work in the UK agricultural sector. The permit is issued for 6 months. Applicants must be sponsored by a licensed UK employer. Unlike long-term visas, this option does not allow family members to join.

- International Agreement Worker Visa – This is for foreigners who work under contract for a foreign government or as a civil servant.

2. Long-term work visas in the UK

- Skilled Worker Visa – This permit gives a foreigner the right to work in a highly skilled job for a British employer.

A Skilled Worker Visa allows individuals to stay for up to five years and can be extended, providing a path to permanent residence. Family members can also join on a Dependent Visa.

Requirements for a Skilled Worker Visa:

1. Proof of a job offer from a British employer approved by the Home Office;

2. A sponsorship certificate issued by your employer;

3. A profession listed on the UK’s list of highly skilled jobs;

4. Your salary level must be above the minimum wage;

5. Your English level must be at least B1.

- Medical Professional Visa – Designed for qualified medical professionals such as doctors and nurses. A UK employer must sponsor the application. This visa is valid for up to five years and can be extended. Family members can accompany the visa holder.

- UK Graduate Work allows university graduates to work and develop their career in the UK for two years after completing their studies. You can apply for a visa if:

1. You are in the UK on a student visa.

2. You have studied in the UK for at least 12 months on a student visa for a bachelor's, master's or other course.

3. Your university or college has notified the Home Office that you have successfully completed your course.

- The Youth Mobility Visa is for people aged 18 to 30 who plan to work in the UK for up to 2 years. An important condition is that only citizens of Australia, Canada, Monaco, New Zealand, San Marino, Iceland, British Overseas Territories, etc. can obtain a permit. The application process is quite simple, as sponsorship is not required to obtain a permit. However, moving with your family is not possible.

- Domestic Work Visa - this permit gives you the right to work as a nanny, driver, cleaner, cook, etc. Requirements for obtaining a permit:

1. Age - from 19 years.

2. You must live outside the UK.

3. You plan to work in the same family for at least 12 months.

4. You do not need government funds to live in the UK.

- International Athlete Visa - allows sponsored coaches or athletes to work in the UK. To obtain a permit, you must be a qualified coach or a well-known athlete. The visa application must be approved by the governing body of your sport. Your work is helping to boost the UK sports sector. You will also need to have a sponsorship certificate, proof of English language skills and enough money to support yourself in the UK to apply.

- Religious Worker Visa – a visa for non-EEA and Swiss nationals who have been offered a job in the UK in a religious community. You must also be over 18 to apply. You will also need a certificate from your sponsor in the UK. You must prove that you speak English and have enough money to support yourself.

Separately, in the long-term visa category, there are business visas and investor permits. The UK has approved several types of visas for foreign investors, business developers and talented people:

- UK Innovator Visa – designed for entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas approved by an approved UK authority. Before applying for a visa, applicants must obtain confirmation. The visa is issued for a period of up to three years and can be extended. Family members are allowed to accompany the visa holder.

- UK Global Talent Visa - individuals who have been recognized as leaders or potential leaders in the fields of scientific research, arts, culture and digital technologies can apply for this visa. Unlike other work visas, this route does not require a job offer, but requires approval from the authorized body. The visa is valid for up to five years with the possibility of extension and allows family members to join.

- UK Investor Visa – this is a visa for investors who want to invest £2,000,000 or more in the country's economy.

Latest changes to UK work visa policy in 2025

The UK government has introduced a number of important changes to its work visa policy for 2025:

1. Minimum wage reduction

The UK has reduced the minimum wage requirements for some highly skilled jobs, making it easier for workers with specialist skills to qualify.

2. Youth Mobility Scheme expansion

The Youth Mobility Scheme has been expanded to cover more countries, allowing young people to work and live in the UK for up to two years.

3. Simplified visa for innovators

The government has combined the two routes – start-up and innovator – into one visa for founders of innovative businesses, making the application process simpler for entrepreneurs looking to start a business in the UK.

4. Updated visa fees

The fee for applying for a work visa has changed, which may affect the overall cost of applying for a visa to work in the UK.

With a variety of work visa options, the UK remains attractive to skilled professionals and temporary workers.

Whether for a long-term career or short-term work experience, the UK work visa options 2025 open up a wide range of opportunities for those looking to work abroad.

Book a consultation with a migration lawyer to find out the current rules for moving and working in the UK.

Reminder! The UK plans to reform the work visa system in 2025 with significant updates to the Global Talent Visa. We have already told you what will change for expats in 2025 and what permit rules are relevant this year.