🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Work Visa
Work permit categories, eligibility, sponsorship, application steps, and processing times.
Quick answer
Most workers use the Skilled Worker visa, which requires a job offer from a Home Office-licensed sponsor, a role at the required skill level, and a salary at or above the applicable threshold. The visa is points-based and administered by UK Visas and Immigration.
Work visas are administered by UK Visas and Immigration (Home Office). The main route is the Skilled Worker visa, which requires sponsorship by a licensed employer.
- The Skilled Worker visa requires a job offer from a licensed sponsor and meeting salary/skill thresholds.
- Employers must hold a sponsor licence before they can sponsor workers.
- Other routes include the Global Talent and Health and Care Worker visas.
Official authorities
- GOV.UK — Visas and immigration
Work visas and sponsorship.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a sponsor for the Skilled Worker visa?
Yes — you need a Certificate of Sponsorship from a licensed UK employer before you can apply.
Is there a salary requirement?
Yes — you must meet the general salary threshold or the going rate for your occupation, whichever is higher, with some exceptions.
Can the Skilled Worker visa lead to settlement?
Yes — after a qualifying period (commonly five years) you may apply for indefinite leave to remain if you meet the requirements.
Official-information aggregation, not legal advice. Always verify on the authority's own site.
Government portals
- UK Government (GOV.UK) — UK's unified government services portal — visas, taxes, driving licences, benefits and more
- UK Visas and Immigration — UK visa applications, Biometric Residence Permits (BRP), and work authorization
- HM Revenue & Customs — Self Assessment tax returns, National Insurance, VAT registration and payment