Work in the UK

The eligibility criteria for working in the UK from overseas in 2024 depend on whether you have a job offer or not. Here’s a breakdown for both scenarios:

With a job offer:

  • Skilled Worker Sponsor: You must have a confirmed job offer from a licensed sponsor in the UK. This employer will hold a sponsor license issued by the Home Office, allowing them to hire overseas workers.
  • Occupation & Skill Level: The job you’re offered must be on the government’s list of eligible occupations and reach a minimum skill level of at least RQF level 3 (equivalent to a UK A-level).
  • Minimum Salary: You must be offered a salary that meets the minimum threshold set by the government. As of 4 April 2024, this is £38,700 per year. However, the exact requirement might vary depending on the specific occupation.
  • English Language Proficiency: You must demonstrate sufficient English language proficiency by passing a Secure English Language Test (SELT) or having an equivalent qualification like a UK degree.

Without a job offer:

There are limited options for obtaining a work visa without a job offer in hand. These are more specialized routes and might have stricter requirements. Some possibilities include:

  • Global Talent visa: This targets highly skilled or talented individuals in specific fields like science, engineering, and the arts.
  • HPI visa (High Potential Individual): This visa is for graduates from top universities around the world with the potential for exceptional talent and entrepreneurialism.
  • Graduate visa: This allows recent graduates from a UK university to stay and work in the UK for a limited period after their studies.

General requirements (apply to both scenarios):

  • Valid Passport: You will need a valid passport from your home country.
  • Financial Maintenance: You might need to show you have sufficient funds to support yourself while living in the UK. This could involve bank statements or sponsorship.
  • Tuberculosis Test: Depending on your nationality, you might need a tuberculosis test result.

Additional resources:

It’s important to note that immigration laws and policies can change, so it’s advisable to check the most up-to-date information on the official website of the UK government or consult with a qualified immigration advisor.

Check if you need a visa

The process of getting a visa to work in the UK will depend on your specific situation. There are two main categories:

  • With a job offer: If you have a job offer from a licensed sponsor in the UK, you will most likely be applying under the Skilled Worker visa route.
  • Without a job offer: There are a few exceptions where you can apply for a work visa without a job offer. These include the Global Talent visa, the HPI visa (High Potential Individual), and the Graduate visa.

Here’s a general guide on how to get a visa to work in the UK with a job offer:

  1. Check your eligibility: The UK government has a website that helps you identify which work visa route you are eligible for.
  2. Find a job and get a certificate of sponsorship: You will need a job offer from a licensed sponsor in the UK. Your employer will be able to guide you through the process of obtaining a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). This document will confirm your job details and salary, which is essential for your visa application.
  3. Apply for your visa online: Once you have your CoS, you can apply for your visa online through the UK government website. You must provide various documents, including your passport, CoS, proof of English language proficiency, and tuberculosis test results (if required).
  4. Pay your visa fee: The visa cost will vary depending on your circumstances. You can check the latest fees on the UK government website.
  5. Attend a biometrics appointment: You may need to attend a biometrics appointment at a visa application centre where your fingerprints and a digital photograph will be taken.
  6. Wait for a decision: The processing time for visa applications can vary. You can check the current processing times on the UK government website.

Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful:

It’s important to thoroughly review the specific requirements and guidelines for the type of visa you’re applying for, as immigration laws and procedures may change. Additionally, consider seeking advice from a qualified immigration advisor if you need assistance with your application.

Accessing healthcare in the UK

Find out how to access healthcare in the UK here.