Most work visas will require you to find companies that offer sponsorship in the UK in order to live and work here, but there are still ways to obtain a work permit for UK without job offer. There are six work visas that we have listed below that do not require you to be sponsored in the UK.
You will still need to be eligible, provide documentation and go through the application process, but these visas are more favorable due to not having to be sponsored by an employer.
Work Permit for UK without job offer
There are multiple work visas available that do not require companies that offer sponsorship UK in order to move here. Although there is no unskilled shortage occupation list UK, you may be eligible through your ancestry, age or education history.
Each visa still has other requirements such as valid documentation, minimum savings and paying the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
The High Potential Individual Visa UK allows graduates from selected international universities to work in the UK for up to three years. You must have graduated from an eligible university within the last five years. You must have graduated with a Bachelor’s degree, Postgraduate or PHD. You can check if your qualification is eligible through Ecctis.
The Graduate Visa UK is a popular visa with recent graduates within the UK. It allows students to stay in the UK after their studies for up to three years. It is sometimes referred to as a Post-Study Work visa or PSW UK visa. You do not need to be sponsored by an employer on this visa, this makes it a popular gateway to other visas such as Skilled Worker or Health and Care Worker.
The Ancestry Visa UK is a popular route to work or study in the UK if you have at least one grandparent born in the United Kingdom. You must be a citizen of a Commonwealth nation and provide evidence that you can support yourself financially. The Ancestry Visa UK cost is lower than other work visas and you do not need sponsorship in UK by an employer to live here.
The Youth Mobility Visa UK is a working holiday visa that allows young people aged between 18-35 to live and work in the UK for up to three years. You must be from an eligible country and can only enter the UK on this visa once. You can work without job sponsorship and is a good pathway to switch to a longer term visa such as the Skilled Worker.
The India Young Professionals Scheme is a great way for young Indian graduates to live and work in the UK for up to two years. You must have a graduate degree and apply through a ballot. In 2023, there were 3000 places available in which all were taken. You do not need to be sponsored by an employer or meet a minimum salary threshold.
The Hong Kong British national Overseas Visa (BNO) is a route for citizens of HK that are looking to start a new life in the UK. This visa does not require any companies that offer sponsorship UK in order to work and study. You must have registered as a British National before July 1997 and own a permanent home in KH when applying.
Work permit UK requirements
Eligibility for sponsorship to UK will vary depending on your personal circumstances and the work visa type. Most work permit for UK without job offer requires you to be of a certain age, ancestry or qualification.
UK visa document checklist
Documentation will vary depending on the work permit but generally you will need a valid passport, minimum financial savings and speak English to a competent standard.
- Valid passport
- Proof of your knowledge of English (IELTS)
- Bank statement proving sufficient funds
- Evidence of your qualifications such as a bachelors degree certificate
- Proof from Ecctis that your qualification is valid
- Certificate of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
- Your own full birth certificate
- Your parent or grandparent full birth certificate
- Marriage certificate if arriving with your spouse
- Tuberculosis test (from certain countries)
UK Visas Fees
The cost required will vary depending on the type of visa, your dependants, how much documentation is required and more.
Other costs to factor in could be the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). Most work and student visas will require this charge which is £1,035 per year for work visas.
| Visa Type | Visa Fee |
| High Potential Individual | £822 |
| Graduate | £822 |
| UK Ancestry | £637 |
| Youth Mobility Scheme | £298 |
| India Young Professionals Scheme | £298 |
| British National Overseas Visa (Hong Kong) | £180 – 2 years and 6 months £250 – 5 years |
Moving to the UK cost checklist
- Visa application
- Healthcare Surcharge
- Flights to the UK
- Insurance
- Passport renewal or application
- Short-term accommodation
- Long-term accommodation
- International Shipping
- Pet transport
- Tests such as English Language or Tuberculosis
Apply for a UK visa
The application process for a UK visa begins when you confirm your identity. This can either be online using the ID Check application or you might have to attend your appointment in person. This is done at a visa application centre where your biometrics will be taken including fingerprints and a photograph. You can apply through the gov.uk website, for example the Graduate Visa.
Getting a job in the UK
You can use websites such as Hays, Indeed and NHS Recruitment to find jobs being advertised, you can also add “Sponsorship” into the search function to find employers currently sponsoring. Contact companies that interest you by sending them them your CV and asking them if they have any sponsorship opportunities available. Many employers have a “Career” section that allows you to submit your CV without a specific job advertisement, this allows them to check their database for suitable candidates when a suitable role becomes available.
CAN I BRING MY FAMILY?
Deciding which work visa or student visa is best for you will determine if you are allowed family members to join the main applicant in the UK, who are known as “dependants”. You don’t have to be a permanent resident or have an Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK to bring your family members. Dependants over 18 can work full time in any profession throughout with no restrictions. The length of time allowed to stay is the same as the main applicants work visa.
- Adult Dependant – £1846
- Child – £1846
Latest Articles
What are language test requirements for UK immigration?
You may be required to submit proof that you have a minimum standard of the English language when you apply for a UK work visa. This requirement will depend on which type of visa you have applied for, whether you will be working or studying, and how long you plan to stay in the UK. […]
How to immigrate to the UK as a nurse in 2023
Health professionals are in high demand in the UK and even has its own visa, the Health and Care Worker visa. The UK government has set a target for 50,000 more nurses by 2024 in England alone, one of the ways to do this is to attract international talent. The National Health Service (NHS) is […]
UK breaks record with over 679,00 international students in 2022
The UK attracts thousands of international students each year, thanks to its world-class universities and work opportunities. Keep reading to discover some of the top reasons to consider moving to the UK to study. New data from Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) shows the UK now has a international student population of 679,970 as of […]
First ballot for the UK India Professionals Scheme
The United Kingdom’s newest visa will launch on Tuesday 28th February 2023, the long-awaited India Professionals Scheme. This visa will be the easiest way for young Indians to live and work in the UK, for up to two years. This visa is a good way to settle in the UK before applying for longer term […]
UK Job Vacancies and Pay Febuary 2023
On February 2023, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) released its latest monthly report on employment in the UK. The report shows a near all time high of employment in the UK with increasing salaries. If you are interested in filling one of these vacancies and want to move to the UK, check out our […]
Best Cities to Work and Live in the UK in 2023
The United Kingdom has long been the world-famous place to work and live in due to the huge number of opportunities it offers in terms of career and life. Since it is among the top economies in the world, those looking for a high living standard with excellent employment opportunities find it the perfect spot. […]
How to get sponsored by an employer in the UK
When companies in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are unable to find qualified workers living in the United Kingdom, they look worldwide to help fill those skill shortages. To be eligible for skilled work sponsorship in the United Kingdom, you need to qualify for a relevant job on a UK occupations list, after this […]
What salary can I earn in the UK in 2023?
how much can you earn in the UK? The UK is a high-income economy, but how much do you need to earn for a comfortable life? When you think of moving to the UK, the first thing that comes to your mind is how much salary you will earn. From April 2023 the minimum hourly […]