Obtaining a permit to work in the United Kingdom can be complicated. There are multiple permit types, called Tiers, that each have their own sub-categories. The most common kinds of work permits, however, have a relatively straightforward application procedure. Whether you are applying for a long-term general work permit or a temporary work permit, you will need to meet the basic qualifications, get sponsorship from an employer or government, and take a test before you can apply for your permit. Once you have accomplished these requirements, all you have to do is fill out an application online and pay the fee.
Points Based System
The new UK points system was introduced on 1 December 2020 and included a number of significant changes to the points based system. The Skilled Worker visa replaced the Tier 2 visa scheme and allows entry to the UK on a long term basis to fill a skilled job vacancy in a wide range of skilled occupations including in IT, accountancy, teaching, and healthcare. The occupation needs to be on the Skilled Worker eligible occupations list, which has been expanded to include more lower skilled occupations.
If the occupation is on the Skilled Worker Shortage Occupation List it is easier to gain enough points under the points system. Before they apply, Skilled Worker visa applicants must have a job offer and a Certificate of Sponsorship from a UK employer with a valid Skilled Worker sponsor license.
UK work visa categories
- The Skilled Worker visa is for workers who have a skilled job offer and a certificate of sponsorship from a UK employer with a valid sponsor licence. The Skilled Worker visa applicant will need to gain enough points under the UK visa system.
- Tier 2 (Intra-Company Transfer) visa: For employees of a multinational company who are being transferred to the business’s UK branch. Applicants must have a valid certificate of sponsorship from their employer. There are two sub-categories:
- Long term staff
- Graduate trainee
- Tier 2 (Minister of Religion) visa: For workers who’ve been offered a job, such as missionary or minister of religion, within a religious community organization in the UK.
- Tier 2 (Sportsperson) visa: For elite sportspeople and coaches. The applicant must be recognized or endorsed by their sport’s governing body.
Skilled Worker Shortage Occupations List
It should be easier to gain enough points under the points system if the occupation is on the shortage occupation list.
Jobs found on this list include IT people, engineers, nurses and many other occupations.
Documents
Skilled Worker visa applicants must provide a number of documents with their application, these include:
- Current passport and/or other travel documents
- Proof that they can meet the maintenance funds requirements for their visa. Usually the Skilled Worker A rated sponsor guarantees maintenance in the UK. Another way to show this is to have bank statements over 28 days showing maintenance funds.
- Proof that they meet the Skilled Worker English Language requirements, such as qualification equivalent to a bachelors degree or higher taught in English or English language test results.
- A clear tuberculosis (TB) test result letter, if the applicant is from one of the countries on the Home Office’s TB testing list
Skilled Worker Visa Points system
Skilled Worker visa applicants must score at least 70 points on the Skilled Worker points test.
Getting a General Work Permit
- Meet the basic qualifications. You will need to have a valid passport from your country of origin, your birth certificate, proof of qualifications and references, copies of any previous work permits, and your entry visa. You must also have one of the following: criteria:
- A UK degree-level qualification. This is essentially a degree from an accredited university or college.
- A Higher National Diploma qualification that relates to the work you are seeking.
- A Higher National Diploma that doesn’t related to your employment with one year of full-time work experience that is relevant to your potential employment.
- A minimum of 3 years of experience using skills that apply to the position you are seeking.
- Find an employer to sponsor you. Look online for positions open to foreign workers. Your potential employer must first have an Employer Sponsorship License that allows them to hire foreign workers. The employer must issue you a certificate of sponsorship that details the position you are being offered and how much you will be paid for your work.
- Your employer will need to advertise for the position and try to get an employee from within the European Economic Area (EEA) before they can sponsor a non-EAA worker. The employer does not have to advertise if the position is on the Shortage Occupation List found here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/immigration-rules/immigration-rules-appendix-k-shortage-occupation-list
- Once your potential employer has issued their certificate of sponsorship, you must apply for your work permit within 3 months.
- Take the Tier 2 points-based eligibility test. You can take an unofficial test online to see if you can meet the 75 point score minimum. To gain points on the test, you will have to meet certain criteria. For example, having a valid certificate of sponsorship is worth 30 points. For an official test, you must choose from the list of approved tests and providers.
- You can find the list of approved test providers on the United Kingdom’s work visa guidance webpage at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-on-applying-for-uk-visa-approved-english-language-tests
- You will earn points on this test by meeting certain criteria. Knowledge of the English language is a major and mandatory component of passing the points-based test.
- The other mandatory requirement of the test is that the applicant must have sufficient funds available to help them settle in the United Kingdom. You must provide a statement from a bank where you have an account with at least £945. If you have a fully approved sponsor who will cover this cost for a month, the requirement is waived.
- Apply for the Tier 2 work permit. You can only apply for your Tier 2 work permit online. Make sure you have your personal documentation, your employer’s certificate of sponsorship, and proof that you meet the mandatory requirements of the points-based test. You can begin your application here: https://visas-immigration.service.gov.uk/apply-visa-type/tier2
- Additionally, you will need to have your fingerprints and photograph taken at a visa application center.
- You will have to pay the healthcare surcharge and other potential fees as part of your application. You can calculate how much you will need to pay by using the test found here: https://www.immigration-health-surcharge.service.gov.uk/checker/type
- Some positions will require that you also receive a criminal record certificate before you apply. The most common jobs that require a criminal record certificate are in education, healthcare, and social services.[9]
Obtaining a Temporary Work Permit
- Determine which worker category applies to you. Temporary workers fall under the Tier 5 work visa. The most common Tier 5 categories are:
- Charity workers.
- Creative and sporting workers.
- Religious workers.
- Workers employed through government exchanges or international agreements.
- Young people sponsored by their home government taking part in the Youth Mobility Scheme.
- Have a licensed sponsor issue a certificate of sponsorship. Your potential employer must first have an Employer Sponsorship License that allows them to hire foreign workers. The employer must issue you a certificate of sponsorship that details the position you are being offered and how much you will be paid for your work, and how long you expect to stay in the United Kingdom.
- The most common employers who are able to issue certificates of sponsorship for Tier 5 work permits are organizations running approved exchange programs, institutions of higher education, and government departments and agencies.
- Most licensed sponsors will issue a certificate of sponsorship that allows the worker to stay in the UK for up to 24 months, but the time you are granted will ultimately depend on how long the employer requests your services.
- Take the Tier 5 points-based eligibility test. You will need to score a minimum of 50 points on the points assessment. Demonstrated competence with the English language and proof of a minimum of £1,600 in your personal bank account are mandatory components of the points-based test.
- You can look online for unofficial tests that will help you figure out if you can get 50 points on the test. You must take an official test from one of the approved test providers found here:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-on-applying-for-uk-visa-approved-english-language-tests
- Apply for your Tier 5 work permit. The application for a Tier 5 work permit is only available online. You will need to have your personal documentation,proof that you meet the mandatory requirements of the points-based test, and your employer’s certificate of sponsorship. You can start your application by selecting which Tier 5 permit fits your position here: https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration/work-visas
- You will need to have your fingerprints and photograph taken at a visa application center as part of this application.
- You will have to pay an application fee with a credit or debit card.
