Many people migrate to the UK in search of better lifestyles and employment opportunities. However, to migrate to the UK, you will require a work permit or visa to enter the country and settle down.

Before understanding how to obtain a work permit in the UK, let us get a brief idea about what work permits are and their different types. 

What is a work permit?

A work permit refers to a document that allows you to enter a foreign country for employment purposes. You can apply for your work visa in the UK if you have a job offer starting in a span of 3 months from now. 

What are the different types of work visas in the UK?

 Work visas in the Uk can be broadly classified into 4 categories - 

1. Long-term work visas

Long-term work visas are further classified into 5 subcategories as mentioned below: 

• Skilled worker visa 

This visa allows you to work for the company sponsoring you in the UK. This visa is given to people who are recruited by an employer in the UK based on a specific skill they have that will benefit the employer.  

• Health and care worker visa

This visa is granted for all the health care professionals offered a job with the NHS and NHS supplier company. 

• Intra Company Visa

You are granted this visa when you are transferred from your company to the UK branch. 

• Minister of religion visa

You are granted this visa when you are offered a job within a faith community. 

• International sportsperson visa

If you are a high-performing sports person or a coach and received a job offer to train others in the UK, you will be granted an International sportsperson visa. 

2. Short-term work visas

Short-term work visas are temporary and they only allow you to stay for a certain period of time. They are further classified into 3 subcategories - 

• Graduate visa - This visa allows international students who have completed their degree program in the UK to work. 

• Intra company graduate trainee visa - This visa is granted to individuals who are being transferred to the UK as a part of a graduate program.

• Temporary work visa - This visa is granted to individuals who have a short-term work offer in the UK. Temporary work visas are further classified into 6 categories, viz. Creative worker visa, seasonal worker visa, charity worker visa, religious worker visa, international agreement visa and government authorised exchange visa. 

3. Investor visa

Wealthy people who are willing to invest a minimum of £2 million in the UK are eligible for the Investor Visa. This visa is also given on the basis of the UK Points Based immigration system. 

How to get a work permit in the UK?

To grant a work visa in the UK, the government here follows a point-based system. To be eligible for a work visa, you need to have a minimum of 70 points. 

In order to get those 70 points, you need to have - 

• A valid certificate of sponsorship

Obtain a valid certificate of sponsorship from your employer. You must apply for the work permit within 3 months of receiving your sponsorship certificate. 

• You must have an eligible job

You can find a list of eligible jobs on the official website. Ensure that your job is on that list. 

• You must also be paid the minimum eligible salary

You must be paid a minimum salary for your job. Your minimum salary could be any of the options from the list given below - 

1. £ 25,600 per year
2. £ 10.10 per hour 
3. The going rate 

• You must pass the English test

To get your work permit, you must pass the basic English test. This will award you 10 points. This English test checks whether you can read and write in English. 

How to get an Intra Company work visa?

The required steps to obtain an Intra Company work visa are as follows - 

1. Receive a sponsorship certificate

This step is similar to that of the skilled worker visa. You need to apply within three months of receiving the sponsorship certificate. 

2. You should have worked for the company outside the UK beforehand

Since Intra company visas are granted when you are being transferred to the UK company. You should have some prior experience in that company before moving to the UK. 

Now there are some criteria for how long you have worked and how much you earn. 

• If you earn less than £ 73,900 per year, then you should have worked with your employer outside the UK for a minimum period of 12 months.

• If you are earning more than £ 73,900 per year, then there is no restriction on the minimum period for which you have worked. 

• If you are applying for an Intra Company graduate trainee, then you must have worked for your company for at least 3 months. 

3. Similar to a skilled worker visa, you must have a job that is on the eligibility list. And you must be paid a minimum salary of £ 41,500 or the going rate for your job.

Provided you meet all these requirements, you are eligible to apply for a work permit in the UK. 

Additionally, Here’s a list of documents required - 

1. A complete application form
2. Recent colour photographs
3. Accommodation proof
4. Valid Passport
5. Detail about your travel
6. Proof supporting your financial sustainability during the stay
7. Biometric Test
8. Sponsorship Letter from your employer. 

How to apply?

The process of application depends on where you are applying from. However, here let us discuss how to apply for a uk visa if you are applying from outside of the UK. 

You can apply online for your uk work permit. Make sure you have all the required documents. After verifying all your details, you may need to report to the nearest visa application centre. You will be notified of their decision in three to four weeks. 

Seek Professional help today!

Before applying for the UK work visa, make sure that you meet all the eligibility to work in the UK. 

To smoothen the visa application process, it is highly recommended to hire professionals like Work Permitz today!