For most expats planning to work in the UK, having a job offer is a standard requirement for obtaining a visa. Find out which ways to get a UK work visa allow you to enter without a job offer

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The UK is a popular country for expat employment, attracting foreigners from different parts of the world, including citizens of Nepal, Kenya and Trinidad and Tobago. The country offers various work visa options for expat employment. However, the main condition for obtaining most permits is the presence of a job offer from a local employer. Despite this, the country offers several work visas that can be obtained without a document from a British employer.

Top 7 UK work visa options that do not require a job offer further.

1. British National (Overseas) Visa

The British National (Overseas) Visa is designed specifically for UK citizens living in Hong Kong. The permit is particularly popular because it allows you to extend your stay in the country and will add flexibility when looking for work without a job offer.

You are allowed to work in any position, including being self-employed. Moving with your family is allowed.

- Basic requirements: be a British citizen and reside in Hong Kong.

- Validity period: five years, after which you can apply for permanent residence.

How can a foreigner find a job in Great Britain? The most popular types of work visas, the top jobs in the United Kingdom in 2025 and useful tips in this article.

2. Graduate Visa

A Graduate Visa allows international students to remain in the UK after completing their studies, giving them time to thoroughly explore available job offers without the immediate need to have a contract with a UK employer.

Graduate visa holders can work in any occupation, as well as be self-employed.

- Requirements: hold a degree from a recognised UK higher education institution.

- Validity: two years for Bachelors or Masters; three years for PhD graduates.

3. Youth Mobility Scheme Visa

The Youth Mobility Scheme visa offers young people from certain countries the opportunity to live and work in the UK for two years without a job offer.

You can work in any occupation. However, you need to have at least £2,530 in savings to apply for the visa.

- Requirements: Applicants must be between 18 and 30 years of age and citizens of an eligible country, such as Australia, New Zealand or Canada.

In order to safely move, travel or work in a new country, you will need health insurance. You can issue an extended policy on our website using the link.

4. Indian Young Professionals Scheme Visa

The India Young Professionals Scheme Visa is aimed at young professionals from India and allows them to obtain work permits in the UK without a prior job offer.

The foreigner receives full rights to work, including self-employment and volunteer work. You must have certain savings to apply.

- Requirements: Be an Indian citizen between the ages of 18 and 30.

- Validity: Two years, non-renewable.

5. Global Talent Visa

The Global Talent Visa is available to individuals involved in science, research, the arts, culture and technology. If you have exceptional talent or potential in any of these areas, this visa provides flexible entry without a job offer.

- Requirements: Must be approved by a recognised body such as Arts Council England or Tech Nation, based on proven talent or potential.

- Duration: One to five years, renewable.

Work rights: Unlimited work rights, can be self-employed, start a business or work in any industry.

6. UK Family Visa

People with descendants of British citizens can get a family visa, which allows them to live in the country without an offer of work. However, one of the main requirements for obtaining permission is to have enough savings to support themselves after moving.

- Requirements - Must be a Commonwealth citizen and have a grandparent who was born in the UK.

- Duration: Five years, with the option to renew or apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).

The procedure for applying for a job in Great Britain and the peculiarities of the local labor market in this article.

7. High Potential Individual (HPI) visa.

The High Potential Individual (HPI) visa is aimed at graduates from the world’s top universities and allows them to work in the UK without a job offer and freely explore career options.

- Requirements: You must have graduated from a qualifying university within the last five years.

- Validity: Two years for those with a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree; three years for PhDs.

These UK work visa options offer different ways to enter the country without a job offer. Whether you’re a recent graduate, a young professional or someone with exceptional talent, each visa type gives you the flexibility to explore career opportunities in the UK, paving the way for a potential residency.

We will remind you! A work visa allows foreign nationals to live and work in the UK. However, in order to apply for a UK work visa, you must meet the requirements and provide the necessary documents. We have already told what types of work visas there are in the United Kingdom and the main requirements for obtaining them

Igor Usyk - Head of Migration department at VisitWorld

To ensure a safe move to a new country, I advise you to consult a specialist. My colleagues, qualified specialists with a legal education, will help you avoid unpleasant situations during migration.