How to apply for a UK work visa: A step-by-step guide

If you’re planning to work in the UK, you’ll likely need a visa before you start. The UK immigration system can feel complex, but this step-by-step guide will explain the general process clearly. Whether you’ve already received a job offer or you’re just getting started, here’s what you need to know.Please note: the rules for work visas have recently changed, and further changes may come in the future. We will update our pages if and when changes are confirmed.

Not everyone needs a visa to work in the UK. But if you’re not a British or Irish citizen or already living in the UK with permission to work, you’ll probably need one. Check if you need a visa using the government’s online tool.

Remember, EU, EEA and Swiss citizens no longer have the right to work in the UK unless they already hold settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme.

There are different types of UK work visas, depending on your job and circumstances. The most common one is the Skilled Worker visa, but others include:

• Health and Care Worker visa
• Global Business Mobility visas
• Graduate visa
• Scale-up Worker visa

The UK offers both long-term and short-term work visas. The type of visa you need depends on how long you plan to stay and the nature of the work:

Long-term work visas are for jobs that are indefinite or long term and time under this visa may count towards an indefinite leave to remain application. These include:

• Skilled Worker visa
• Health and Care Worker visa
• Scale-up Worker visa

Temporary work visas are for shorter stays and time-limited work. Time under this visa does not usually count towards an indefinite leave to remain application. These include:

• Seasonal Worker visa
• Charity Worker visa
• Creative Worker visa

Each visa has its own set of requirements, including what jobs are eligible, salary levels, and duration. If you’re not sure if you are eligible for a visa, it’s a good idea to speak to an immigration adviser.

To apply for most UK work visas, you must first have a confirmed job offer from a UK employer who is registered as a licensed sponsor. Most jobs must meet minimum skill and salary requirements, and the employer must provide you with a Certificate of Sponsorship, a unique reference number linked to your job and employer.

Before applying, check that you meet all the requirements. For the Skilled Worker visa, for example, you will usually need:

• A confirmed job offer from a licensed sponsor
• A Certificate of Sponsorship
• The minimum salary —at least £41,700 per year/£17.13 per hour, or the ‘going rate’ for the job (unless the lower rate applies, see more about the salary requirements)
• A good level of English at B1 or above 
• Enough money to support yourself when you arrive (at least £1,270)

Some jobs, such as those in healthcare or creative industries, may have slightly different rules. 

It can be a difficult to figure out what each requirements entail and if you meet them. If you’re not sure, you should speak to an immigration adviser before making an application to avoid any issues.

You’ll need to submit several documents when you apply including:

• Your passport or travel document
• Your Certificate of Sponsorship reference number
• Employer details and sponsor licence number
• Proof of your knowledge of English
• Job title and salary 
• Proof you can support yourself financially (e.g. bank statements)
• Tuberculosis (TB) test results if required for your country

Depending on your visa type or job, you may be asked for other documents too, such as ATAS certificate or criminal record.

Most UK work visa applications are made online through the UK government website. The process may vary depending on whether you are applying from inside or outside the UK. You’ll need to:

• Complete the application form
• Pay the application fee and the immigration health surcharge
• Upload your documents
• Provide your biometrics

Visa fees vary. For a Skilled Worker visa, the fee is usually between £590 and £1,751 depending on your specific application, and the health surcharge is £1,035 per year that the visa is valid for. Please note that the visa fees are subject to change and we recommend checking the Home Office website for up-to-date fees. 

As a part of your application, you need to prove your identity. How you do this depends on where you are applying from, your nationality and what kind of travel document/passport you have. When you submit your application, you’ll be told if you need to attend a visa application centre or if you can prove your identity via an app. If you are asked to attend a visa appointment to provide your biometric information (fingerprints and a photo), you will need to book and attend an appointment to prove your identity. 

Most work visa decisions are made within 3 weeks if you’re applying from outside the UK, or between 3-8 weeks if you apply from inside the UK. Be aware that it can take longer during busy periods or if you have a more complex application. You may be able to pay for a faster decision. 

If you are applying from inside the UK, you will be issued with an eVisa which will show you have valid immigration status and the right to work. 

If you are applying from outside the UK, you will first be issued with a vignette which is endorsed in your passport and allows you to enter the UK. You will then be issued with an eVisa which confirms your leave to enter in the UK. 

Please note that any person that submits an application after 15 July 2025 will be issued with digital status to enter the UK. However, the change from 15 July 2025 will only apply to a main applicant and any dependents will still be issued with a vignette endorsed in their passport. 

Once your application has been granted, you can start working in the UK for your sponsoring employer. Make sure you follow the conditions of your visa, for example, don’t take on other work unless it’s permitted, and renew your visa before it expires if needed.

Important: This guide is based on the immigration rules as of July 2025. The UK Government has published a new immigration White Paper, and further changes to the work visa system may come. We will keep this page updated as new rules come into effect.