Types of Work Visas UK

Moving to the UK for work usually requires a visa, and choosing the right route depends on your job, qualifications, and long-term plans.

The UK offers several work visa options, from employer-sponsored roles like the Skilled Worker visa to Youth Mobility and specialist business routes. Each has different eligibility rules, salary requirements, and length of stay.

Below you’ll find a clear overview of the main UK work visa routes, who they’re for, and what to do after your visa is approved.

Scroll down to explore, or jump to the visa you’re interested in.

Main UK Work Visa Routes

Skilled Worker Visa

The main UK work visa route for professionals with a job offer from a licensed sponsor. Applicants must meet minimum salary and skill requirements, and this visa can lead to permanent settlement after five years.

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Health and Care Worker Visa

A fast-track route for eligible healthcare professionals such as nurses, doctors, paramedics and care workers. It offers reduced application fees and exemption from the Immigration Health Surcharge.

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Scale-Up Visa

Designed for highly skilled workers joining fast-growing UK companies. Sponsorship is required for the first six months, after which you can change employers more freely.

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Senior or Specialist Worker Visa (Global Business Mobility)

For employees transferring to a UK branch of an overseas company. This route supports temporary assignments within multinational organisations.

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Innovator Founder Visa

For entrepreneurs who want to establish an innovative, viable and scalable business in the UK. Applicants must have an endorsed business idea from an approved body.

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High Potential Individual (HPI) Visa

For graduates of eligible top global universities. This visa allows you to live and work in the UK without employer sponsorship for up to two or three years.

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UK Ancestry Visa

Available to Commonwealth citizens with a UK-born grandparent. It allows you to live and work in the UK for five years and apply for settlement.

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Youth Mobility Scheme Visa (Working Holiday)

For young people aged 18–30 (or 18–35 for some nationalities) from eligible countries. It allows you to live and work in the UK for up to two years without sponsorship.

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India Young Professionals Scheme Visa

A ballot-based visa for Indian nationals aged 18–30. It allows successful applicants to live and work in the UK for up to two years.

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British National (Overseas) Visa (Hong Kong)

For Hong Kong residents with BN(O) status and their eligible family members. This route allows you to live, work and study in the UK and can lead to permanent residence.

Select a visa below to read the full eligibility requirements, costs and application process.

Explore Each Work Visa In Detail

❓ UK Work Visa FAQ

🛂 Which UK work visa is right for me?

The right visa depends on your qualifications, job offer, and long-term plans.
If you have a confirmed job offer from a licensed sponsor, the Skilled Worker visa is the most common route. Healthcare professionals often apply under the Health and Care Worker visa, while graduates in the UK may qualify for the Graduate visa. If you’re transferring within a multinational company, the Senior or Specialist Worker visa may apply. Your eligibility depends on salary thresholds, occupation codes, and sponsorship.

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🔄 Can I switch jobs on a work visa?

Yes, but usually you must update your visa.
If you are on a Skilled Worker visa and want to change employers, your new employer must be a licensed sponsor and issue you a new Certificate of Sponsorship. You’ll normally need to apply to update your visa before starting the new role. Changing roles within the same company may also require a visa update if the job code changes.

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👨‍👩‍👧 How long until I can bring family?

In most cases, you can bring eligible family members immediately.
Skilled Worker and Health and Care Worker visas allow dependants (partner and children) to apply at the same time or join you later. However, some routes such as certain care worker roles from 2024 onwards, have restrictions. Each dependant must meet financial and relationship requirements.

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📄 Do I need a job offer to move to the UK?

For most work visas, yes.
The Skilled Worker and Health and Care Worker visas require a confirmed job offer from a licensed UK sponsor before you apply. However, some routes do not require sponsorship, such as the Graduate visa, Youth Mobility Scheme, or UK Ancestry visa (if eligible).

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⏳ What happens if my job visa expires?

You must take action before it expires.
If your visa is close to expiry, you may be able to extend it (if you still meet the requirements), switch to another visa route, or leave the UK. Overstaying can seriously affect future applications, so it’s important to apply for an extension or new visa before your current permission ends.

What Happens After Your Work Visa Is Approved

Getting your visa is just the first step. Once you arrive in the UK, you’ll need to sort essential tasks like renting accommodation, opening a bank account, registering with a GP, and understanding the cost of living.

• First 90 Days in the UK
• Renting in the UK (Guide)
• Cost of Living in the UK

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