The UK now has a points-based immigration system designed to attract a limited number of skilled workers. Under this system, you can apply for a visa if you score a minimum number of points based on:

• level of work qualification;
• job offer from the approved sponsor;
• salary;
• shortage of workers for this profession;
• educational qualifications;
• your knowledge of English.

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Irish citizens can continue to travel, reside and work freely in the UK.

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Who needs a work visa in the UK?

Citizens from all foreign states now need visas to come and work in the UK. There are a number of countries whose citizens can enter the UK and stay for up to six months without a visa, including the EU / EFTA countries, Australia, Canada, Japan and the United States.  

However, they will have to apply for a work visa in the UK if they are going to get a job.

Some categories of diplomats, government ministers, soldiers and heads of state are exempt from UK visa requirements. 

In addition, citizens of the British Overseas Territories and those from the Commonwealth of Independent States who have a right of abode (ROA) do not need a visa to live and work in the UK.

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What are the types of work visas in the UK?

There are usually three types of UK work visas, and each one includes various subcategories. The main types of work visas in the UK are:

• Short-term work visas;
• Long-term work visas;
• Visas for innovators, business start-ups and visas for talents.

Check if you need a work visa to the UK here. 

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Short-term UK work visas

Short-term work visas are mainly intended for temporary employment in the UK and usually last from six months to a year. You can renew your visa under certain circumstances. Short-term visas are issued for specific types of work and are generally not included in the points-based visa system.

Current short-term work visas in the UK include:

• Charity Worker Temporary visa - for unpaid volunteer work for charity; valid for up to 12 months and costs 259 pounds.  
• Creative Worker Temporary Visa - for working in one of the creative industries: for example, a dancer, actor, musician or a member of a film crew; valid for up to 12 months and costs 259 pounds.  
• Temporary Government Authorised Exchange visa - for work experience or study; The visa is valid for up to two years and costs 259 pounds. 
• International Agreement Temporary visa - for performing work covered by international law or treaty; for example, working for a foreign government or as an official in a diplomatic house; Valid for up to two years and costs £ 259.  
• Religious Worker visa - for non-pastoral religious activities; Valid for up to two years and costs £ 259.   
• Seasonal Worker visa - for work such as picking fruit, working on a farm or driving a heavy truck (HGV); valid for up to six months and costs 259 pounds.
• Youth Mobility Scheme visa - for young people aged 18-30 with savings of at least 2530 pounds and meeting other eligibility requirements; valid for up to two years and costs 244 pounds.
• Graduate visa - for graduates who want to stay in the UK to work after completing a course. This visa costs 715 pounds.

Requirements

In addition to the specific job requirements associated with the type of short-stay visa, you are usually required to be offered a position from a licensed sponsoring organization. In most cases, you will also need to have at least £ 1270 in savings to support yourself during your stay. For some short-term visas, you must also be at least 18 years old.

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It is worth noting that most short-term work visas in the UK do not give you access to government funding, such as unemployment benefits. However, you can access free medical care through the NHS, although you will usually have to pay a health care surcharge, which is currently up to 624 pounds a year. Your partner and any dependent children can usually join you, although they will typically need to apply for a visa separately.

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How to apply?

You can apply online or through one of the world's UK visa application centers. 

To do this, you will need to provide the following:

1. Valid photo ID;

2. Sponsor control number;

3. Evidence of personal savings, such as bank statements;

4. Tuberculosis test results if you come from certain countries.

You will also need to provide your biometric details to the visa center or scan your ID, online or through the UK Immigration: ID Check app to obtain a biometric residence permit (BRP). 

Applications can usually be processed for three months before the expected date of travel, and it may take up to eight weeks for your application to be decided.

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What is the visa fee?

As of 2022, most short-term work visas in the UK cost 259 pounds, plus a healthcare surcharge. A student visa costs 715 pounds. In addition, you usually have to pay around 20 pounds to provide biometric details for BRP. However, keep in mind that these fees may change.

These are visas that are usually valid for two to five years and are renewable. Since they entitle the owner to a long-term residence in the UK, often with a possibility of eventually applying for permanent residence or citizenship, they have higher thresholds.

Current long-term work visas in the UK:

• Skilled Worker visa - for skilled workers who normally have to meet the minimum requirements in the UK points-based system;  
• Health and Care Worker visa - for health workers to do a job with the NHS or in adult social care;  
• Senior or Specialist Worker visa - for foreign companies’ employees to work in a UK branch; 
• Minister of Religion visa - for senior positions in a British religious organization.

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What are the requirements for obtaining a long-term visa?

To obtain the majority of long-term work visas in the UK, especially for skilled workers, you must score 70 points under the points-based system. 

It consists of 50 points that each applicant must meet, namely:

• Job offer from a licensed sponsor (20 points);
• Work of the appropriate level (20 points);
• Minimum level of English language proficiency, usually not less than B1 on the scale of European Competences (CEFR) (10 points).

Then you can score the remaining 20 points from the following:

• A salary of 25,600 pounds or the going rate for the profession, whichever is higher (20 points);
• Job in the official deficit profession (20);
• Job-related STEM-based Ph.D. degree (20);
• Salary of 23,040 to 25,599 pounds, or at least 90% of the going rate for the profession, whichever is higher (10);
• Job-related Ph.D. degree in a non-STEM subject (10).

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In addition to this you need to have at least £ 1270 in savings to support yourself. It is noteworthy that you can usually work up to 20 hours a week at another additional work, if the work is relevant and you continue to hold your current position. However, you will not be able to access public funds, such as unemployment benefits.

Your partner and dependent children may accompany you, but they need to obtain their own visas.

Normally, the minimum salary requirements are different for certain jobs in the UK. However, employers still must pay at least 10.10 pounds an hour (or 20,480 pounds per year for work in health or education). For a Senior or Specialist Worker visa, the minimum payment is 42,400 pounds unless you are travelling under the Graduate Trainee programme.

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How to apply?

You can online or through one of the UK's international visa centers. To do this, you will need to provide the following:

1. Valid photo ID;

2. Sponsor control number;

3. Proof of English proficiency, if you are travelling from a non-English speaking country;

4. Information about your employer;

5. Your position, salary and occupation code;

6. Evidence of savings, such as bank statements;

7. Tuberculosis test results, if you are from the country where you need to be tested;

8. Criminal record certificate for certain jobs.

You will also have to submit your biometric details to the visa center or scan your ID online or through the UK Immigration: ID Check app to obtain a biometric residence permit (BRP).

Applications can usually be submitted three months before the scheduled date of the trip, and it may take up to eight weeks for your application to be decided.

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What is the fee of a long-term visa?

The long-term visas fee in the UK varies from 464 to 1418 pounds depending on the type and duration of the visa. You will also usually need to pay a healthcare allowance (usually 624 pounds a year) to use NHS services in the UK. Health and Care Worker visas are cheaper, ranging from £ 232 to £ 464. Meanwhile, International Sportsperson visas cost 244 pounds if they cover 12 months or less.

In addition to this, you will usually have to pay around 20 pounds in BRP fees.

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What is the validity period of the visa?

These visas are usually valid for up to five years, but can usually be renewed indefinitely. It is noteworthy that you can stay in the UK for a maximum of six years on a Minister of Religion visa. Senior or specialist worker visas are valid for a maximum of five years in any six-year period (or nine years in any ten-year period if your salary exceeds £ 73,900).

You can change jobs or change employers with most UK long-term work visas if you are still eligible and the employer is a licensed sponsor. However, you will have to renew your visa.

What is an Innovator Founder Visa?

The Innovator Founder Visa is a single immigration route that replaced both the Innovator Visa and the Start-up Visa as of April 13, 2023. This scheme is still aimed at foreign candidates who wish to establish an innovative business in the UK.

What are the benefits of Visa Innovator Founder?

Innovator Founder Visa is a unique opportunity for people to bring their business ideas to life in the UK. Once approved, you can work in an existing business, as well as seek other employment opportunities that require at least a UK A-level qualification. You can also continue your studies while running your own business.

Is it possible to obtain permanent residence and citizenship after obtaining Innovator Founder Visa?

First, you get permission to live and work in the UK for a maximum of three years. After that, you can apply for permanent residence (ILR, Indefinite Leave to Remain), provided that you meet the necessary requirements. After a year of obtaining permanent residence and meeting all the requirements, you can apply for citizenship.

Is it possible to bring relatives with me if I have Innovator Founder Visa?

Innovative founders can also bring their immediate family members, including their partner and dependent children, with them to the UK. As dependents, their partners and children are free to work in any field, with the exception of sports coaches or players, and to continue their education.

Innovator Founder Visa: Basic qualifications and requirements 

In order to be considered for a visa, applicants must meet several requirements set out by UK Visas and Immigration: 

When applying for a visa, you must be interviewed and have your business plan approved by an institution authorized by the UK Home Office.

1. Applicants must be at least 18 years old.

2. They must receive a letter of recommendation from a recognized UK body confirming the following:

- The candidate is eligible for approval under the Innovator Founder Visa program;

- The support body has no reservations about the origin of the funds invested in the applicant's business;

- The supporting authority has no reason to suspect the applicant or his/her business of involvement in illegal or unaccounted for wealth;

- The applicant has a business plan and is the author of the ideas in the plan or has made a significant contribution to its implementation;

- The applicant will be actively involved in the daily implementation of the business plan;

- The applicant undertakes to regularly attend at least two follow-up meetings with the business plan approval authority;

- The applicant is either the sole founder or a key member of the founding team; and the business idea is innovative, viable and scalable.

3. The letter of support should be dated no more than three months before the date of submission of the application for an innovator visa.

4. Applicants must have at least a CEFR Level B2 English language proficiency (equivalent to IELTS 5.5 in reading, writing, listening and speaking).

5. Applicants who are outside the UK or who have been residing in the UK for less than 12 months must demonstrate that they have at least £1270 of financial resources for personal support, as well as £285 for a dependent partner, £315 for the first child and £200 for each additional child.

6. The application should not be rejected based on the general exclusion criteria.

7. If possible, a valid tuberculosis test certificate must be provided.

The exact qualification requirements may vary depending on the specific situation. It is recommended to consult with an immigration lawyer to obtain qualified advice.

Is Innovator Founder Visa right for you?

Determining if the Innovator Founder Visa is right for you depends on a number of factors, including your business goals and objectives, previous experience, and personal circumstances;

If you have an innovative, scalable and viable business idea or concept that has the potential to succeed in the UK market and you can successfully present it to gain approval from an authorized body, this visa is right for you. In addition, take into account your English language proficiency, financial capabilities, and willingness to comply with visa conditions, such as attending registration meetings and working exclusively on your business project. After evaluating these factors, you will be able to decide whether the Innovator Founder Visa is right for your entrepreneurial aspirations in the UK;

Unlike other visa categories, the Innovator Founder Visa does not have a specific amount of investment funds required for the proposed business venture. Instead, applicants must demonstrate that they have access to sufficient personal funds to support themselves and their dependents during their stay in the UK (as outlined in the previous section).

Requirements for innovative, viable and scalable business to become a Visa Innovator Founder;

Your business idea must meet the following criteria:

Innovation: They must develop a genuine, original business plan that meets new or existing market needs and/or provides a competitive advantage to the industry or sector;

Sustainability: A realistic and achievable business plan based on available resources, with evidence of the necessary skills, knowledge, experience and market awareness to be successful;

Scalability: A plan for the potential for job creation and growth in the UK national and international markets.

What are the fees and charges for applying for Innovator Founder Visa?

Currently, the cost of applying for a Founder Innovator Visa is £1,036 for those applying from outside the UK and £1,292 for those applying from within the UK. Please note that as an applicant, you will also be required to pay a £1000 (excl. VAT) fee to the relevant authority confirming your application. These fees do not include the legal services of the law firm that will handle your application.

EU / EFTA citizens working in the UK but living in another country can apply for a Frontier Worker permit.

However, they must’ve begun working by December 31, 2020. This permit allows you to work, rent housing and receive certain benefits and services, such as medical care in the UK.

To be eligible, you must have worked in the UK at least once a year and live mainly outside of the UK, which usually means at least six months a year in another country.

The permit is free and usually valid for two years, but it can be extended. You can apply online both outside and inside the UK.

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Employment

To apply for a job, you can send an application form or a resume ('curriculum vitae' - a list of your qualifications and experience) and a letter containing some information about you and the job you are looking for.

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Appeals and complaints about work visas

You can ask for an administrative review of the decision if your work visa in the UK is refused. It costs 80 pounds and you can apply for an online review. If you are told that you are not entitled to a full review, you can request a “reconsideration" from the UK Immigration Service.

Just keep in mind that an administrative review can be a lengthy process and can take up to six months.

For general complaints about services provided by the UK's visa and immigration authorities, you can file a complaint online. You will usually receive a response within 20 business days or 12 weeks if the complaint is considered serious or complex.

If you are not satisfied with the result, you can request an examination, which can take up to 20 days. You can then refer the case to the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman if you are still dissatisfied.

It is worth noting that appealing a visa decision can sometimes be expensive and time consuming.

The following are the most important current labor laws in the UK:

- The Labor Rights Law of 1996 is an updated version of the previous laws regulating dismissal, parental leave and redundancy rights.

- The National Minimum Wage Act of 1998 introduced the minimum wage in the UK.

- The Equality Act of 2010 strengthened laws on discrimination in the workplace.

Employment contracts are the norm in the UK and every employee has the right to request a written contract. The contract contains the terms and conditions of your employment and cannot be changed by your employer once you have signed it.

Your employment contract should contain detailed information about:

Your weekly working hours. For full-time employees, this is usually 35-40 hours per week. The maximum working week is 48 hours, although employees can work more;

Your right to annual leave. This is a minimum of 28 days for full-time employees, including eight UK public holidays;

Notice period for contract termination.

The notice period depends on the length of the period of employment with the organization. Currently, it is:

- At least one week if you have been working for one month to two years;

- One week for each year if you have worked from 2 to 12 years;

- 12 weeks if you have worked for more than 12 years.

Salary in the UK

Most workers in the UK must be paid at least the national minimum wage per hour. The minimum wage depends on age groups and changes every year. As of April 1, 2024, the minimum hourly rates are

Age 23 and over (National Living Wage) - £11.44

Ages 21 to 22 - £11.28

Ages 18 to 20 - £8.60

Under 18 - £6.40

Student - £6.40

You are not entitled to the UK minimum wage if you are self-employed. The situation is also different for some trainees and interns. If you have any questions, you should get legal advice or contact your nearest Citizens Advice Center.

1. Update your resume and adapt it to British standards. Use a clear and specific format, emphasize your achievements and skills that meet the needs of employers in the UK.

Another important point is letters of recommendation from past employers. If you can't get them, it is advisable to include several contacts in your resume who can give you positive feedback.

To make your resume for employment in England as competent as possible, it is recommended to use special templates. It is also recommended to supplement your resume with a cover letter that indicates the main advantages of the applicant, past cases and projects, as well as information on why you are suitable for work in a particular British company.

2. Study the labor market and understand the needs of employers. Research popular industries and professions, requirements for candidates, and salary levels.

3. Use online resources. Register in professional networks such as LinkedIn and add your resume. Consider contacting recruiters and professionals in relevant industries.

4. Build contacts. In the UK, personal acquaintances and recommendations often play an important role in your job search. Attend professional events, seminars, networking meetings and join interest groups.

5. Prepare for the interview. Research the company where you are going to be interviewed and prepare answers to common questions. It is important to show confidence, communication skills and professionalism during the interview.

What level of English do I need to work in the UK?

The level of English required for employment in the UK usually depends on the type of job and the working environment;

Most employers require that candidates have a good understanding of English, at least at Intermediate (B1) or Upper-Intermediate (B2) level according to the European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). This means that you should be able to understand and use English for everyday communication, writing emails, participating in meetings, and discussing work-related issues.

Some professions, especially those that require direct contact with customers or the public, may require a higher level of English, such as Advanced (C1) or Proficient (C2). For example, service, marketing, sales, or teaching jobs require high communication skills, which include a fairly high level of language proficiency.