Types of work visas

The route depends on the job, whether you already have a UK sponsor, and whether you are switching from another visa.

Skilled Worker

The main route for a skilled job with a UK employer. You need a job offer, a Certificate of Sponsorship, and to meet the skill and salary rules for the role.

Health and Care Worker

A sponsored route for eligible jobs in the NHS, adult social care, and some related employers. The visa conditions follow the Skilled Worker rules, with lower fees and no Immigration Health Surcharge for the worker and their dependants.

Scale-up Worker

For a job with a UK scale-up sponsor. You need a Certificate of Sponsorship and a salary at the scale-up threshold. After a period of sponsored work you can change employer without a new sponsor.

Senior or Specialist Worker

Part of Global Business Mobility. For staff of an overseas business who transfer to a linked UK entity in a senior or specialist role. It does not lead to settlement on its own.

Temporary Worker

Short routes with a sponsor, including Seasonal Worker, Creative Worker, Charity Worker, Religious Worker, Government Authorised Exchange, and International Agreement. Each has its own time limit and does not normally lead to settlement.

Visas you can apply for without a job offer

  • Graduate. For a person who has completed an eligible course in the UK on a Student visa. You can work at any skill level. You cannot extend it. You can later switch to a sponsored work visa if you qualify.
  • High Potential Individual. For a graduate of a university on the Home Office list, awarded the degree in the last 5 years. You do not need a job offer. You cannot extend it.
  • Youth Mobility Scheme. For young people of listed nationalities. Age limits and quotas apply. You can work in most jobs.
  • Innovator Founder. For a person setting up a new business that an endorsing body has approved. You need the endorsement, not a licensed employer.
  • Global Talent. For a leader or potential leader in academia, research, arts, or digital technology, with an endorsement or an eligible prize.

Partners and children

On several work routes your partner and children can apply as dependants. They need to show the relationship and, unless they are exempt, enough money to support themselves. A dependant partner can usually work. Some care jobs no longer allow dependants. Check the route before you rely on that.

Requirements for candidates