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Sponsored UK Work visas
Explore Sponsored UK Work visa options, including the Skilled Worker visa, Health and Care Worker visa, and Scale-up visa, with guidance on eligibility and application requirements.
Advice we specialise in
Health and Care Worker visa
The Health and Care Worker visa allows eligible professionals to work in the UK health sector, with clear requirements on sponsorship, salary and eligibility.
Minister of Religion visa
Requirements for the Minister of Religion visa, covering sponsorship, qualifications and permitted duties in the UK.
Scale-up Worker visa
Details on a visa route for high-growth UK businesses, including eligibility, sponsorship requirements and post-sponsorship flexibility.
Skilled worker visa
Skilled work visa options for the UK, including key requirements on sponsorship, salary and eligibility.
What are the main sponsored work visas in the UK?
If you want to work in the UK, you will need permission to work, also known as the right to work. Some visas and immigration routes provide the right to work without sponsorship, for example on the Graduate visa or as a partner on a Family visa. However, a common way to get the right to work in the UK is by applying for a work visa.
Many work visas require sponsorship from a UK-based employer with a sponsor licence to employ overseas workers.
There are different sponsored work visas available.
- Skilled Worker visa: Allows you to work in specific skilled jobs, which have minimum salary levels as listed on the UK government website. These jobs must be offered by employers who have a sponsor licence.
- Health and Care Worker visa: A special category under the Skilled Worker Visa designed for qualified doctors, nurses, and other health professionals who have been trained to a recognised standard and have secured employment with the National Health Service (NHS), social care sector or organisations that provide services to the NHS.
- Scale-up Worker visa: Allows you to work in specific skilled jobs listed as eligible on the UK government website. These jobs must be offered by employers who have a sponsor licence. Unlike the Skilled Worker visa, after the initial 6 months of employment, individuals can continue to stay in the UK without requiring ongoing sponsorship.
- Minister of Religion visa: Allows individuals to perform religious activities for an employer that has a sponsor licence.
What are the requirements for a sponsored work visa in the UK?
Eligibility varies depending on the category of visa. However, there are some similarities:
- Usually, the applicant must have a job offer from an employer with a sponsor licence, who will issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
- The job must meet certain requirements depending on the visa. For example, pay a minimum salary threshold, or be listed on the eligible occupation lists.
- Some work visas require proof of English language proficiency at level B2 or above.
- Unless exempt, you must show you have enough money to support yourself for an initial period in the UK.
- Unless exempt, you will need to pay the healthcare surcharge as part of the application.
We’re here to help you
When it comes to obtaining reliable legal advice, Seraphus is your dedicated source of expert guidance.
We specialise in providing personalised support to help you navigate the complexities of the application process, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free experience.
Contact us today using the contact us form.
Long-term work visas FAQs
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Can I bring my family with me?
A Skilled Worker visa allows you to bring your dependents, including your partner (spouse, civil partner, or unmarried partner that you've been in a relationship akin to marriage with for at least 2 years) and any children under 18 years. Each dependent requires their own visa application and must meet certain requirements.
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How long can I stay on a UK work visa?
Work visas are typically valid for the time given on the certificate of sponsorship plus an additional period depending on the scheme:
- Skilled Worker visa: Up to 5 years and 14 days, or the time given on the certificate of sponsorship plus 1 month, whichever is shorter.
- Scale-up Worker visa: Initially up to 2 years, can be extended by 3 years. This visa is a five-year route to settlement.
- Health and Care Worker visa: Up to 5 years and 14 days, or the time given on the certificate of sponsorship plus 1 month, whichever is shorter.
- The Minister of Religion visa: Up to 3 years and 1 month before it is needed to be extended. This visa is a five-year route to settlement. -
Can I switch to a different type of visa?
In most cases, you can switch from a Skilled Worker visa to another visa while in the UK if you meet the eligibility requirements and apply before your current visa expires. Some visas, like Visitor visas, are not eligible for switching. As rules may change, always seek legal advice before making the switch.
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What happens if my job ends while I’m on a work visa?
If your job ends (due to redundancy, resignation, or termination), your employer must inform the Home Office. The Home Office may curtail or shorten your visa and send you a letter with the new expiry date. You usually have a grace period to find a new job with a licensed sponsor and apply for a new Skilled Worker visa or switch to another eligible visa. If unable to find a job or switch visa, you must leave the UK by the curtailment notice date. Failure to comply can impact future returns. Note that processes and consequences vary for other work visas.
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