A UK work visa (often called a UK work permit) lets you live and work in the UK for an approved employer. The system runs on sponsorship: to work in the UK you need a job offer from an employer who holds a sponsor licence, and that employer issues you a Certificate of Sponsorship to support your application. Most routes also use a points-based assessment covering your job, salary and English.
The old ‘Tier 2’ work permit system was replaced in stages between 2020 and 2022. If you have been reading about Tier 2 visas, the routes below are what those became. The rules have changed substantially, so it is worth getting current advice rather than relying on older guidance. Below we explain every step in a language that anyone can easily understand.
UK work permit requirements
Before you can apply for a UK work visa you must usually satisfy the following requirements:
- Have a confirmed offer of employment from a licensed UK employer who holds a valid sponsor licence and will act as your sponsor; and
- Be in possession of a valid Certificate of Sponsorship issued by your sponsoring employer; and
- Meet the points-based requirements for your route, including the salary and English language thresholds, details of which can be found on the category specific pages listed below.
The application process is led by the employer, who holds the sponsor licence and is responsible for issuing you (the applicant) with a Certificate of Sponsorship.
Types of UK work visa
There are three main UK work visa routes we advise on. These are:
- Skilled Worker visa – the main UK work visa, which replaced the Tier 2 (General) work permit in December 2020. It is for people taking up an eligible skilled job with a licensed UK employer. For most roles the job must be at degree level, and there is a general salary threshold (currently £41,700 a year, or the going rate for the occupation, whichever is higher). The Skilled Worker visa leads to settlement: after five years you may qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain.
- Senior or Specialist Worker visa – this replaced the Tier 2 Intra-Company Transfer work permit and now sits within the Global Business Mobility framework. It is for employees of multinational companies being transferred to a UK branch, typically senior managers and specialists. It is designed for temporary assignments and does not lead directly to settlement, though it is often possible to switch to the Skilled Worker route to work towards permanent residence.
- International Sportsperson visa – this replaced the Tier 2 Sportsperson work permit in 2021. It is for elite, internationally established sportspeople and qualified coaches who can make a significant contribution to their sport at the highest level in the UK. It requires an endorsement from the sport’s recognised UK governing body, alongside a Certificate of Sponsorship.
Employers who want to know more about sponsoring overseas workers are advised to read our section on work visa information for employers.
Work Visas & Settlement
The Skilled Worker route leads to settlement. After living and working in the UK for a minimum of five years you may qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which can then be followed by British naturalisation as a UK citizen.
Senior or Specialist Worker & International Sportsperson Routes
The Senior or Specialist Worker and International Sportsperson work visas work differently. They are designed for time-limited assignments and do not offer a direct path to settlement. In many cases, switching to the Skilled Worker route is the way to build towards permanent residence. We can advise on whether that is possible in your situation.
Please note that the government’s 2026 White Paper proposed extending the settlement qualifying period from five to ten years for some work routes. As of now this is not in force, and the five year period still applies. We will advise you on the current position when you apply.
Changing Employers on a UK Work Visa
If you wish to change employers you must get a new Certificate of Sponsorship from a licensed employer and submit a new work visa application. Your new role must meet the skill and salary rules in force at the time. The resident labour market test that applied under the old Tier 2 work permit rules has been abolished, so employers no longer need to advertise the role first, though the job must still be a genuine vacancy.
How We Can Help You
- Assessment of Your Personal Circumstances
We know that every case is different. Our IAA registered consultants are here to listen, understand and provide you with accurate advice about the best UK work visa route according to your personal circumstances – all on a transparent, fixed-fee basis with no surprises.
- Documentation
Following our comprehensive assessment of your circumstances we will provide you with full details of all documentation we require to prepare and submit a successful work visa application on your behalf.
- Preparation and Submission of Your Application
Once you’ve provided all of the requested documents your dedicated case manager will collate all documentation and prepare your application in accordance with the latest immigration rules and requirements.
- Support for Employers
We advise employers on the sponsorship side, including applying for and managing a sponsor licence, assigning Certificates of Sponsorship correctly, and staying compliant with Home Office reporting duties.
- Application Monitoring and Liaising with UKVI
Your case worker will submit your application to UKVI on your behalf and monitor progress, keeping you up to date at every step of the way. We will also manage any requests for additional information from UKVI. Then as soon as UKVI have approved your work visa application we’ll notify you immediately. Our team of qualified immigration consultants know first-hand the stress involved with making a UK visa application and we’re on hand to answer any questions you have throughout the application process.