There are 8 different types of work visas available for the United Kingdom, each depending on the type of activity you wish to carry out in the country and its specific requirements:
Skilled Worker Visa:
This UK work visa can be chosen by various sectors:
- All workers requiring this type of visa will need to have a university degree, such as scientists or doctors.
- Managerial or administrative positions that require qualifications.
- Specialized trades, such as carpenters, plumbers, etc.
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Apply for a job that meets the necessary criteria.
- Have a job offer.
- Earn a minimum salary. The amount of this salary will depend on the job performed in the UK. It could be one of these options:
- £25,600.
- £10.10 per hour.
- The standard rate according to the job performed.
- It is recommended to have English language proficiency (speaking, reading, and writing). However, this is not always required, depending on the type of job.
It is possible to receive a salary lower than the figure above, at 70% or 90% of the threshold. The minimum salary should not exceed £20,480 per year if:
- The job is in high demand in the UK and there is a shortage of workers.
- The applicant is under 26, a student, a recent graduate, or in vocational training.
- The applicant holds a PhD in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM).
- The applicant has a postdoctoral or higher education degree.
Shortage Occupation:
- The worker will be paid 80% of the standard job rate.
- A reduced visa fee may be applicable.
You can check the list of jobs in shortage in the UK using the following link:
Skilled Worker Visa Shortage Occupations
For applicants under 26 years old, they can be paid up to 70% of the standard job rate:
- Must be under 26 at the time of application.
- Must hold a student visa and be studying for a degree or higher, or have done so in the last 2 years, with the last visa issued being a visit or student visa.
- Must live in the UK and hold a Graduate Entrepreneur visa.
- Must be working towards a qualification recognized by the UK.
- Must be working towards full or chartered registration in the occupation for which they are sponsored.
If the applicant holds a PhD relevant to their job, the pay could range from 80% to 90%, depending on the field of qualification:
- In STEM fields, the worker can be paid 80%, but no less than £20,480 per year.
- If the qualification is not STEM-related, they can be paid 90% of the job rate, but no less than £23,040 per year.
For postdoctoral positions in science or higher education, the worker can be paid 70% of the job rate for postdoctoral positions in scientific or higher education roles. The stay in the UK must not exceed 4 years, including any time spent on a Tier 2 visa. The list of eligible occupations includes:
- Chemical scientists.
- Biologists and biochemists.
- Physical scientists.
- Social scientists and humanists.
- Natural and social science professionals not elsewhere classified, such as research fellows and sports scientists.
- Higher education teaching professionals.
Required Documentation:
- Documents proving identity, such as a passport or other document showing nationality. Use the "UK Immigration: ID Check" app to scan documents. Creating a UKVI account is required.
- Biometric information.
- Certificate of Sponsorship reference number.
- Job title and annual salary.
- Employer's name and sponsorship license number, found on the Certificate of Sponsorship.
Additional documentation may be required:
- If there is no sponsorship, proof of financial savings to support yourself in the UK (e.g., bank statements).
- Proof of relationship with a partner or children if they are applying with you.
- Tuberculosis test results.
- Criminal record certificate. Applicants under 28 need a certificate from each country where they have stayed for 12 months or more since turning 18. Those over 28 need a certificate from any country they have lived in during the past 10 years.
- An ATAS certificate.
- PhD certificate or Ecctis reference number. The Ecctis number can be obtained from the following link: Ecctis Visas and Nationality.
All documents not in English must be accompanied by a certified translation.
With the exception of postdoctoral roles, this visa can last up to 5 years and can be extended, provided the worker remains eligible. After 5 years, it is possible to apply for permanent residency in the UK.
Application Process
- If applying from outside the UK:
- Prove identity and submit supporting documents.
- Complete biometric tests.
- Use the UK Immigration: ID Check app and sign in to your UK Visas and Immigration account.
Note that the visa center may hold onto your passport and documents during the application process. Confirmation of the visa usually takes 4 weeks. If there is a delay, the visa center will contact you directly.
Important:
- The immigration center may require additional documents.
- All documents must be in English or Welsh, or translated.