Types of UK Work Visas and Permits
The UK offers a range of work visa options to suit different needs and qualifications, including:
Skilled Worker Visa
For individuals with a job offer in an eligible skilled occupation from a UK-based sponsor.
Scale-Up Visa
Designed for high-growth businesses to attract highly skilled talent. Requires a job offer from a qualifying employer.
Temporary Worker Visa
Allows short-term work for specific roles, such as charity, creative, or seasonal work.
Global Business Mobility Visa
For overseas workers transferring to a UK branch or working on high-value contracts.
High Potential Individual (HPI) Visa
For graduates from top global universities who wish to work in the UK without a job offer.
Graduate Visa
For international students who have completed a degree in the UK, allowing them to stay and work.
Global Talent Visa
For exceptional individuals in academia, research, arts, and digital technology.
UK Ancestry Visa
For Commonwealth citizens with UK ancestry who wish to work, live, and study in the UK.
To secure a UK work visa or work permit, most applicants need a valid job offer from an employer with a sponsor licence. There are exceptions, including the High Potential Individual (HPI) Visa and the Graduate Visa, which allow eligible individuals to work in the UK without a job offer.
Since Brexit, EU nationals who wish to work in the UK must also apply for a work visa or permit. However, EU nationals with Pre-Settled or Settled Status under the EU Settlement Scheme are exempt from this requirement.
How 1 Stop Advisory Can Help
Navigating the family visa application process can be complex, but 1 Stop Advisory is here to provide expert support every step of the way.
Eligibility Assessment
Ensuring you and your family member meet all requirements
Application Preparation
Helping you gather and submit the required documents
Tailored Advice
Guiding you on the most suitable family visa route
Long-Term Planning
Advising on options for settlement and citizenship
Contact us today to discuss your UK family visa needs.
At 1 Stop Advisory, we are dedicated to helping families reunite and build a future together in the UK.
The Skilled Worker Visa allows skilled foreign nationals to work in the UK and has replaced the previous Tier 2 (General) visa. This visa is a key route for individuals with expertise in eligible occupations to contribute to the UK workforce.
Eligibility Requirements
To apply for a Skilled Worker Visa, applicants must meet the following criteria under the Home Office’s points-based system (PBS):
📄 Job Offer
You must have a confirmed job offer from a licensed sponsor in the UK.
📝 Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
Your UK employer must provide a valid CoS as part of your application.
📌 Eligible Occupations
Your job must be on the list of eligible occupations recognized by the UK government.
💰 Minimum Salary Requirements
The minimum salary is typically £41,700 or the ‘going rate’ for your occupation.
A lower salary threshold may apply if:
- Your job is on the shortage occupation list.
- You are under 26 years old.
- You hold a Ph.D. relevant to your role.
🗣️ English Language Requirements
You must meet the required level of English proficiency to qualify.
📆 Visa Duration and Settlement Pathway
Initial Stay: The Skilled Worker Visa is valid for up to 5 years.
Extensions: You can extend your visa as needed.
Permanent Settlement (ILR): After completing 5 years in the UK on this visa, you may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), providing a pathway to permanent residency.
How 1 Stop Advisory Can Help
Navigating the family visa application process can be complex, but 1 Stop Advisory is here to provide expert support every step of the way.
Eligibility Assessment
Ensuring you and your family member meet all requirements
Application Preparation
Helping you gather and submit the required documents
Tailored Advice
Guiding you on the most suitable family visa route
Long-Term Planning
Advising on options for settlement and citizenship
Contact us today to discuss your UK family visa needs.
At 1 Stop Advisory, we are dedicated to helping families reunite and build a future together in the UK.
The Health and Care Worker Visa is a specialized route under the UK’s Skilled Worker Visa framework. It is designed for qualified professionals in the healthcare and social care sectors who wish to work in the UK. This visa allows individuals to contribute to essential services in the UK while enjoying reduced visa fees and other benefits.
✅ Who Is Eligible?
This visa is open to:
Qualified Doctors, Nurses, Health Professionals (e.g., paramedics, midwives), and Adult Social Care Professionals (e.g., care workers, home carers).
📋 Requirements
Job Offer: Have an eligible job offer from a licensed health and care sector employer in the UK.
Sponsorship: Be sponsored by an approved UK organization (e.g., NHS trusts, private healthcare providers).
Eligible Occupation: Your job must be on the UK government's list of eligible health and care roles.
Salary Threshold: Meet the minimum salary requirements, with lower thresholds possible for health and care roles.
🎯 Benefits
Reduced Visa Fees: Lower costs compared to other visa categories.
No Immigration Health Surcharge: Exempt from IHS.
Pathway to Settlement: Eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 years.
How 1 Stop Advisory Can Help
Navigating the family visa application process can be complex, but 1 Stop Advisory is here to provide expert support every step of the way.
Eligibility Assessment
Ensuring you and your family member meet all requirements
Application Preparation
Helping you gather and submit the required documents
Tailored Advice
Guiding you on the most suitable family visa route
Long-Term Planning
Advising on options for settlement and citizenship
Contact us today to discuss your UK family visa needs.
At 1 Stop Advisory, we are dedicated to helping families reunite and build a future together in the UK.
The Scale-Up Visa, introduced on 22nd August 2022, is designed for highly skilled foreign nationals with qualifications and expertise to contribute to the success of fast-growing UK businesses. This visa offers flexibility with two options: sponsored and unsponsored, making it a versatile choice for professionals.
✅ Eligibility Requirements
High-Level Skills or Academic Excellence: Demonstrate advanced skills or qualifications, or be considered “academically elite”.
Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): For First-Time Applicants: A valid CoS from a sponsoring UK Scale-Up company is required. For Renewals: Not required if previously granted permission.
Job Offer from a Scale-Up Company: The job must be with a UK company in the growth phase, with at least 20% growth over the last 3 years.
Salary Requirements: Minimum salary of £33,000 per year or the "going rate".
English Language Proficiency: Meet the required level of English proficiency.
⏳ Visa Duration and Path to Settlement
Initial Stay: Up to 2 years.
Extensions: Can be renewed as needed.
Settlement (ILR): After 5 continuous years, eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
🎯 Benefits of the Scale-Up Visa
Flexibility to change jobs after initial 6 months with sponsor.
Work for high-growth, innovative companies.
Provides a clear path to settlement in the UK.
How 1 Stop Advisory Can Help
Navigating the family visa application process can be complex, but 1 Stop Advisory is here to provide expert support every step of the way.
Eligibility Assessment
Ensuring you and your family member meet all requirements
Application Preparation
Helping you gather and submit the required documents
Tailored Advice
Guiding you on the most suitable family visa route
Long-Term Planning
Advising on options for settlement and citizenship
Contact us today to discuss your UK family visa needs.
At 1 Stop Advisory, we are dedicated to helping families reunite and build a future together in the UK.
The Temporary Worker Visa allows foreign nationals to work in the UK for a short duration, specifically for permitted purposes. This visa is ideal for individuals seeking temporary roles across various sectors, offering flexibility and valuable experience in the UK.
🧾 Types of Temporary Worker Visas
Charity Worker Visa: For unpaid voluntary work for a charitable organization.
Creative Worker Visa: For those in creative industries (e.g., performers, artists).
Government Authorised Exchange Visa: For approved work experience/training.
International Agreement Visa: For roles under international agreements.
Religious Worker Visa: For religious roles like preaching.
Seasonal Worker Visa: For specific seasonal work (e.g., agriculture).
📋 Eligibility Requirements
Age Requirement: At least 18 years old.
Job Offer: From a UK employer with a Temporary Worker Sponsor Licence.
Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): Must obtain from the sponsor.
Financial Support: At least £1,270 in savings.
Check the specific visa type for additional criteria.
🕒 Visa Duration and Switching Options
Duration: Valid between 3 months and 2 years, based on visa type.
Extensions: Some types allow extended stays.
Switching: May switch to another visa (e.g., Skilled Worker Visa). No direct settlement route, but options exist.
How 1 Stop Advisory Can Help
Navigating the family visa application process can be complex, but 1 Stop Advisory is here to provide expert support every step of the way.
Eligibility Assessment
Ensuring you and your family member meet all requirements
Application Preparation
Helping you gather and submit the required documents
Tailored Advice
Guiding you on the most suitable family visa route
Long-Term Planning
Advising on options for settlement and citizenship
Contact us today to discuss your UK family visa needs.
At 1 Stop Advisory, we are dedicated to helping families reunite and build a future together in the UK.
Launched in 2022, the Global Business Mobility Visa Scheme streamlines the process for overseas businesses to operate in the UK. This visa route allows existing employees of overseas businesses to work in the UK, either for an established UK branch or to set up a new subsidiary.
🧾 Types of Global Business Mobility Visas
Senior or Specialist Worker Visa: Replaces the Intra-Company Transfer Visa (ICT).
Graduate Trainee Visa: Replaces the Intra-Company Transfer Graduate Visa.
UK Expansion Worker Visa: Replaces the Sole Representative of an Overseas Business Visa.
Secondment Worker Visa: For employees seconded to the UK as part of high-value contracts or investments.
Service Supplier Visa: For self-employed professionals or overseas workers providing services under a trade agreement.
📋 Key Requirements
Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): Must be issued by a licensed UK sponsor.
Meet the specific eligibility for the chosen visa type.
🕒 Duration and Extensions
Length of Stay: From 6 months (Service Supplier Visa) to 5 years (Senior or Specialist Worker Visa).
Extensions: Most visas can be extended within permitted limits.
🛤️ Path to Settlement
No Direct Route to Settlement: These visas do not offer a direct path to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
Switching: You may switch to a visa type that qualifies for settlement (e.g., Skilled Worker Visa).
How 1 Stop Advisory Can Help
Navigating the family visa application process can be complex, but 1 Stop Advisory is here to provide expert support every step of the way.
Eligibility Assessment
Ensuring you and your family member meet all requirements
Application Preparation
Helping you gather and submit the required documents
Tailored Advice
Guiding you on the most suitable family visa route
Long-Term Planning
Advising on options for settlement and citizenship
Contact us today to discuss your UK family visa needs.
At 1 Stop Advisory, we are dedicated to helping families reunite and build a future together in the UK.
It is possible to obtain a UK work visa without a job offer by applying for one of the following unsponsored visa routes:
High Potential Individual Visa | Graduate Visa | Global Talent Visa
These visas do not require a job offer, but applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria to apply successfully.
🎓 High Potential Individual (HPI) Visa
Launched on 30th May 2022, for foreign nationals with a degree-level qualification from a top global university recognized by the UK Home Office.
Key Requirements:
• Be 18 years or older
• Hold a degree from a university on the Global Universities List (last 5 years)
• Meet English language requirements
• Have sufficient funds (£1,270 minimum)
Duration and Limitations:
• Stay for 2 years (or 3 years if holding a Ph.D.)
• Cannot be extended or used for ILR
• Must switch to another visa to settle (e.g. Skilled Worker Visa)
📘 Graduate Visa
For international students who completed a degree in the UK.
Key Requirements:
• Apply from within the UK
• Hold a valid Student Visa or Tier 4 Visa
• Have completed a UK bachelor’s or postgraduate degree
Duration and Limitations:
• Stay for 2 years (or 3 years if holding a Ph.D.)
• Cannot be extended or used for ILR, but you may switch
🌟 Global Talent Visa
For individuals recognized as leaders or potential leaders in fields like:
Academia, Research, Arts, Digital Tech
Key Requirements:
• Be 18 years or older
• Secure an endorsement from a recognized UK body (e.g. British Academy, Tech Nation, Arts Council)
Duration and Benefits:
• Stay for up to 5 years
• Apply for ILR after 3 years (if fast-track) or 5 years
📜 UK Ancestry Visa
For Commonwealth and British Overseas citizens with UK ancestry.
Key Requirements:
• Be 17 years or older
• Be a Commonwealth citizen or citizen of Zimbabwe
• Have a grandparent born in the UK, Channel Islands or Isle of Man
• Apply from outside the UK
Duration and Settlement:
• Stay for up to 5 years
• Apply for ILR after 5 years
🧭 Other UK Work Permits & Options
Additional routes include:
• Frontier Worker Permit
• Dependant Family Permit
• Overseas Domestic Worker Visa
• Youth Mobility Scheme
• British National (Overseas)
Also includes business-related options like:
• Innovator Visa
• Start-up Visa
How 1 Stop Advisory Can Help
Navigating the family visa application process can be complex, but 1 Stop Advisory is here to provide expert support every step of the way.
Eligibility Assessment
Ensuring you and your family member meet all requirements
Application Preparation
Helping you gather and submit the required documents
Tailored Advice
Guiding you on the most suitable family visa route
Long-Term Planning
Advising on options for settlement and citizenship
Contact us today to discuss your UK family visa needs.
At 1 Stop Advisory, we are dedicated to helping families reunite and build a future together in the UK.