Personal Immigration Service
We offer a range of services suited to your personal immigration situation, including preparing and submitting visa applications, immigration reviews or representing you in your appeal or challenge of a refusal decision.
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UK Work Visas
Key information on working in the UK, including visa options, requirements and how to apply based on your circumstances.
What types of UK work visas are available in 2026?
Working in the UK is a restricted activity. The type of work visa you need can depend on the job you want to take, the economic activity you want to pursue and your personal circumstances.
Do I need sponsorship to work in the UK?
Many UK work visas require sponsorship. This means you must have a job offer from a UK employer that holds a valid sponsor licence. The employer must sponsor you by assigning you a Certificate of Sponsorship before you can apply for your work visa.
Common examples include the Skilled Worker visa and the Health and Care Worker visa. The eligibility requirements for sponsored work visas do change frequently, so it is important to seek advice if you are unsure of which visa is best for you.
Learn more about sponsored UK work visas.
Are there short-term or temporary work visa options?
Some job roles are temporary or project-based and fall under the UK Temporary Worker visa route. These visas also require sponsorship, but from an employer with a Temporary Worker sponsor licence.
Examples include the Charity Worker visa, for unpaid work with a recognised charity, and the Creative Worker visa for workers in creative sectors such as actors, dancers and musicians.
Learn more about UK Temporary Worker visas.
Are there any flexible work visas that do not require sponsorship?
There are flexible work visas that do not require sponsorship.
There are some visas aimed at young people and recent graduates including the Graduate visa, High Potential Individual visa and the Youth Mobility Scheme.
There are some visas suitable for starting a business in the UK which support enterprise and flexible work. Examples include the Innovator Founder visa and the Global Talent visa.
Explore UK work visas for enterprise and flexibility.
Choosing the right visa
Selecting the right visa depends on your circumstances, including your skills, career plans and whether you have a job offer in the UK.
Seraphus can help you understand your options, assess your eligibility and guide you through the application process from start to finish.
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.
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Application Checks
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Video Consultation
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UK Work Visa FAQs
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Can I bring my family with me?
As a holder of a Skilled Worker Visa in the UK, you can bring the following dependents with you:
• Partner: spouse, civil partner, or unmarried partner of at least 2 years.
• Child under 18: includes if they turn 18 during your stay.
• Child over 18 (in some cases): if currently in the UK as a dependent.Each dependent requires their visa application and must prove their relationship to you. Financial requirements must be met to support dependents during their stay. Please consult with us for the latest information and guidance before applying.
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How long can I stay in the UK on a work visa?
The length of time you can stay in the UK on a work visa depends on the specific type of work visa you hold:
Skilled Worker Visa: You can stay for up to 5 years and 14 days, or the time given on your certificate of sponsorship plus 1 month, whichever is shorter.
Health and Care Worker Visa: Similar to the Skilled Worker Visa, you can stay for up to 5 years and 14 days, or the time given on your certificate of sponsorship plus 1 month, whichever is shorter.
Temporary Worker Visas: These are typically valid for the time given on your certificate of sponsorship plus 28 days, up to a maximum of 12 or 24 months, depending on the scheme you're applying for.
Please note that these durations are subject to change based on modifications in the UK immigration laws.
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Can I switch to a different type of visa?
Yes, in most cases you can apply to switch to a different visa from a Skilled Worker Visa while you're in the UK, as long as you meet the eligibility requirements of the visa you're switching to.
Remember to apply before your current visa expires and note that you cannot switch from a Skilled Worker Visa to some types of visa, like a Visitor Visa.
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What happens if my job ends while I’m on a work visa?
Your employer is legally obliged to inform the Home Office if your employment ends. This could be due to several reasons such as redundancy, resignation, or termination. Upon notification, the Home Office may curtail, or shorten, your visa. They'll send you a letter informing you of the new expiration date of your visa. Typically, you'll be given a grace period (normally 60 days) from the date when your visa is curtailed, or until your visa expires, whichever is shorter.
All Personal Immigration Services:
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Personal legal representation
Seraphus lawyers can represent you in your immigration case from start to finish whether preparing your application or submitting an appeal.
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Application checks
Our team of experienced immigration lawyers will check your application and offer advice to you based on our experience of successful applications.
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Video consultation
Access legal advice from anywhere in the world via a 30-minute consultation with an immigration lawyer. Connect with us in a few simple steps.
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Our customers rate us highly on Trustpilot
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"We did an online 30 minute consultation with a Seraphus lawyer, the process was very easy to set up and the video call worked very well. We were able to ask all our questions and get insights into the visa process. It really helped us in making our application."
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"Knowledgeable advice and straight to the point. I appreciated the fact I could talk to someone who knows the issues about my specific immigration status, and I left the call feeling very confident of a way forward and reassured of my legal position. Money well spent."
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