The UK is a big attraction for abroad workers. The UK offers numerous vacant jobs with high salaries, good working conditions, and a market-oriented economy, making it an ideal country for immigrants to work. 

Are you also planning to immigrate to the UK for work and want to apply for a UK visa?

But do you know how to get a working UK visa? What are the requirements? 

The UK follows a complete procedure to give a working visa and requires numerous documents and eligibility tests to check if you are eligible or not to work in the UK. 

If you do not know the UK visa process requirements, we have this guide to learn all the details.

Eligibility Requirement

If you are eligible under the following criteria, then you will be given a UK working visa. According to the new UK visa immigration points-based system launched in January 2021, the eligibility criteria for offering the visa are measured by the points which the candidate is scoring. 

The points are awarded based on various factors of the candidate like skills, educational qualifications, and abilities.

• A minimum score of 70 points is necessary to qualify in the parameters like specific skills, salaries, qualifications, and professions.
• Also, it is essential to meet the salary threshold of £25,600. It depends on your occupation and the going rate.
• A bachelor's degree or an equivalent of two years of skilled work experience from the eligible occupation list is necessary.
• Your job offer must be at the required skill level – RQF 3 or above.
• The proof on the job offer from a Home Office licensed sponsor company.
• Your English language should be at B1 level or more in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

Documents Requirement

The UK visa process required for a working visa in the UK depends on the tier and the visa a company employee needs. You must ensure which Tier you need from Tier One, Two, Three, Four, or Five.

All the tiers are:

• Tier One: 

It includes visas for highly skilled workers, investors, entrepreneurs, and graduate students who live outside the EEA and EU. It is not particular for the candidates to have a job offer to apply for this visa.

• Tier Two:

UK tier 2 visa includes visas for professional sports persons, skilled workers, and clergy members who live outside EEA. It is particular for the candidates to have a job offer to apply for this visa, and they can fill the country's labour force gap.

• Tier Three:

It includes a UK job visa for low-skilled workers willing to work as temporary labourers. In this tier, the government does not accept immigrants from outside the EU. Thus, this visa has been removed. 

• Tier Four:

It includes visas for students above 16 years of age who live outside the EEA. These students apply for a UK visa to study at a school, college, or university in the UK.

• Tier Five:

It includes visas for temporary workers willing to work in sporting and creative positions, charity organisations, religious affairs, and on holidays.

The documents required for a UK visa to obtain a work permit are: 

• An application form
• Certified translated documents in either English or Welsh
• Two colour photographs (taken within the past six months)
• Proof of UK visa fees payment
• A valid passport
• Proof of all the financial means to cover UK living costs
• A visa invitation letter in case of the stay at a friend or a family member
• Proof of accommodation
• Your Biometric information
• Tuberculosis test results

Visa Fee Requirements

The Visa fee payment is a requirement to proceed further with the visa application process. Here are a few visa fees which should be kept in mind. .

• Visa Application Fee for the employee to stay up to three years is 610 pounds.
• Visa Application Fee for an employee who stays for more than three years is 1220 pounds.
• The Visa Application Fee for the job you have applied for on the Shortage Occupation List for the stay of three years is 464 pounds.
• The Visa Application Fee for the job you have applied for on the Shortage Occupation List for a stay of more than three years is 928 pounds.
• Visa Application Fee for UK NARIC is 49.50 pounds.
• Along with these visa fees, it is required to pay a health surcharge of 624 pounds. This amount is refundable in case your application gets rejected.  

UK Work Permit Requirement

To obtain a working visa, you require a work permit. However, you cannot apply for a work permit, and it has to be done by your employer in the UK on your behalf. You can not start your job in the UK even after being selected to work until and unless you have a work permit proof. The permitted length depends on your work type and the sort of permit granted. 

Though not all workers require a work permit, it is only applicable to highly skilled and quality foreign workers. It mainly includes UK tier 2 visa professionals like entrepreneurs, investors, and exceptional talents that add value to the country's growth and productivity.

Application Process

The application process starts three months before the trip, so it is necessary to apply for a UK visa at the right time. This process takes around three weeks. You can apply for the visa through an application centre or on the online website of UK Home Office Visas and Immigration Services.

 Ensure that you are well aware of the Tier details, UK Work Permit, and all the other relevant information, and it also clears everyone what they need to apply. The whole UK immigration process and permissions will become fully digitalized by 2025.

Seek professional help for better visa success rate

Now that you know all the requirements to obtain a UK Working Visa and the UK visa process, if you need further assistance, Work Permitz is here for your help in applying for a UK visa.