Work Visas & Permits in UK

What is a British work visa?

In the United Kingdom, the main route of immigration is through a points-based system. Expats outside of the EU and the European Economic Area (EEA) need to apply for one of the 5 tiers of visas available. UK visa types are based on work, study, investment, and other reasons for being in the country.

For part of the UK visa application, you must pass a points-based assessment focused on the conditions, entitlements, and entry requirements for the tier that you’re applying for. To be approved, applicants must receive a sufficient number of points based on their age, qualifications, earnings, and funds.

The 5 tiers of work visas available for foreigners in the United Kingdom include:

• Tier one: For highly skilled workers, entrepreneurs, investors, and graduate students. These individuals do not need a job offer to apply.

• Tier two: For skilled workers, professional athletes, and clergy members. This group must have a job offer in hand and be able to fill a specific gap in the country’s labor force. This visa also acts as a religious worker visa.

• Tier three: Only meant for low-level workers that provide temporary labor. This is not for immigrants outside of the EU and EEA. This UK visa allows seasonal work.

• Tier four: For students over the age of 16 that are outside the EU and EEA. People must apply for this visa if they want to study at a school, college, or university in-country. This UK visa also works as a student visa.

• Tier five: This category is specific and has 6 sub-tiers for temporary workers. The work must be related to creative sporting positions, charity, religious work, or young people who want to work in the UK for holidays.

Foreign workers in United Kingdom

Government requirements for visa applications vary based on which tier and visa you plan to apply for. Most long-term visa applications for expats fall under the tier 2 category, unless the applicant has a specialized skill that qualifies them for tier 1.

All UK visa applications must have an employer or sponsorship that begins the work permit and visa process.

Requirements vary, but you will probably need to provide most or all of the following:

• Completed application form

• 2 color photos taken within the last 6 months

• Valid passport

• Proof of financial means to cover the cost of living in the UK

• Proof of living accommodation

• Detailed travel itinerary

• Tuberculosis test results

• Biometric information

• Visa invitation letter if the applicant is planning to stay with a friend or family member

• Paid US visa fees

• Certified translations of documents that are not in English or Welsh

Most visas and permits are good for 5 years, and can be extended depending on the duration of employment and with approval from the employer.

United Kingdom employers: Know when employees need a work permit

Employers should encourage prospective employers to apply for a visa and begin the work permit application 3 months before the start of employment. All employees will need a permit in order to be approved for a visa. Remember, that as the British employer, you will begin the UK visa application process for your employee.

Visa applications can take from a few weeks to a month to process, so beginning the process early will ensure that all of the necessary steps for approval are completed in time for the start of employment.

Future employees can apply at an application center or online at the UK Home Office Visas and Immigration Services website. Requirements for each visa will depend on which tier employees fall into, so make sure you let your employees know what they need in order to apply for the right visa.

Tier 2 visas are the most common for businesses that plan to expand in the UK. Tier 2 visas normally apply to those outside the EU and EEA who have pending job offers.