How to get a UK Work Permit? | Step by Step All Process
Looking for a job in the UK but don’t know how to apply for a work permit? Well, look no further. Abex Technologies is here with a detailed guide on how you can apply for a UK work permit, along with its types and eligibility criteria. We’ve got you covered.
There is not just one work permit in the UK, but you have a variety of options to choose from.
There are different types of UK work permits depending on the kind of job you want or have already secured. Skilled Worker Visa is the most popular UK work permit, with over 65% of all work visas granted in 2023 in this category. There has also been a 20% increase in Healthcare Worker Visa applications since 2022, which reflects the growing demand for healthcare professionals in the UK.
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If you’re interested in working in another country, then read our other blogs:
How to get a Greece work permit? | Step by Step All Process
How to get a Portugal work permit?
Or if you’re a student and want to change your future with a foreign scholarship, then this might be helpful for you:
10 Easy Steps to Get a Study Abroad Scholarship 2024
Let’s walk you through each and every step to make sure you select the right one for yourself. Firstly, you have to understand what a UK work permit is.
What is a UK Work Permit?
A UK work permit or a work visa is a document that allows you to work legally in the United Kingdom. The type of UK work permit you need depends on the job you have, your nationality, and several other factors.
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Understanding the different types of work visas and their eligibility requirements is much more important to make sure you apply for the right one.
What are the types of UK Work Permits?
There are many different types of UK work permits, each designed for different kinds of jobs and situations.
Now, we understand that it may take a lot of your time to search, study, and analyze different types of work permits in the UK. So we made it easy to understand. .
Here are different types of UK work permits with eligibility criteria and the duration of the employment.
| Visa Type | Eligibility Requirements | Duration |
| Skilled Worker Visa | Job offer from a UK employer in a skilled occupation, minimum salary of £26,200, English language proficiency. | Up to 5 years, extendable. |
| Global Talent Visa | Endorsement as a leader or potential leader in specific fields like science, engineering, the arts, or digital technology. | Up to 5 years, extendable. |
| Start-up Visa | Endorsement from an authorized body to set up an innovative business for the first time in the UK. | 2 years, not extendable, but can switch to Innovator Visa. |
| Innovator Visa | Minimum £50,000 investment, endorsed by an approved body, and planning to set up an innovative business. | 3 years, extendable. |
| Health and Care Worker Visa | Job offers from the NHS, an NHS supplier, or adult social care in the medical sector. | Up to 5 years. |
More Work Permits
| Temporary Worker Visas | Various types include Charity Worker, Creative and Sporting, Religious Worker, and others. Each has specific requirements based on the nature of the work. | Typically 12-24 months |
| Graduate Visa | Completed a degree from a UK institution, looking to stay for work. | 2 years (3 years for PhD) |
| Youth Mobility Scheme Visa | Aged 18-30, from an eligible country, with at least £2,530 in savings. | 2 years, not extendable |
| Frontier Worker Permit | EU, EEA, or Swiss citizens working in the UK but living elsewhere, with work started before 31 December 2020. | No time limit |
| High Potential Individual Visa | Graduates from top global universities within the past 5 years. | 2 years (3 years for PhD) |
| Representative of Overseas Business Visa | The only representative of an overseas company who is planning to set up a branch in UK. | 3 years but can be extended for another 2 years |
| Seasonal Worker Visa | Job offer for seasonal work in agriculture or related sectors. | Up to 6 months |
| UK Ancestry Visa | Citizen with a UK-born grandparent | 5 years, extendable |
We made it easy for you to select the type of work permit you require. Now, the question is, how will you acquire it?
Get a UK work permit in simple steps:
To apply for a UK permit, follow these steps:
Identify the Right Visa:
Choose the visa that fulfills your requirements like your job, personal situation, residence, time period of the job etc.
For example, if you have secured a job offer from a UK employer and plan to work for the upcoming years, then the Skilled Worker Visa is the best one for you.
Check Eligibility Criteria
Each work permit in the UK has some specific requirements. Remember to meet all necessary requirements before applying. The salary decided between you and your employer may play an important role in your permit being accepted. The UK government needs to make sure you will be able to support yourself with the job that you acquired.
Prepare Documents
So, you’ve decided on the right type of UK work visa, and luckily you fulfill all the eligibility criteria for it.
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The next step is to gather all necessary documents like a valid passport, a job offer letter, proof of educational qualifications, and if required, proof of English language proficiency( Through IELTS or TOEFL).
Apply Online
Most UK work permits are applied for online through the UK government’s official website. To proceed, you need to fill out the application form (make sure all fields are filled responsibly with accurate information), and pay the application fee.
Attend a Visa Appointment
Depending on the visa type, you may need to attend an appointment to provide biometric information like fingerprints and photos. This information is necessary to confirm your identity and lies in accordance with UK’s immigration laws.
Wait for the Approval
The processing time for your UK work permit may take a few weeks or months.
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The acceptance or rejection will be notified through an email or posted to your mentioned address.
Fly to the UK
Once all is done and set, grab your bags and fly yourself to the UK, where better career opportunities await you!
UK work permit: Price and Processing time
All of the UK’s work visas have different fees and processing times, all of which need to be known before applying for a UK work permit. We won’t confuse you with lengthy discussions and fee structures.
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Instead, we bring you a concise view of all you need to know about your desired work permit’s processing time and the required fee.
| Visa Type | Processing Time | Price |
| Skilled Worker Visa. | 3-8 weeks | £610 – £1,408 |
| Intra-Company Transfer Visa. | 3-8 weeks | £625 – £1,423 |
| Global Talent Visa. | 3-8 weeks | £623 |
| Start-up Visa. | 3-8 weeks | £378 |
| Innovator Visa. | 3-8 weeks | £1,036 |
| Health and Care Worker Visa. | 3 weeks | £232 – £464 |
| Temporary Worker Visas. | 3 weeks | £259 |
| Graduate Visa. | 8 weeks | £715 |
| Youth Mobility Scheme Visa. | 3 weeks | £259 |
| High Potential Individual Visa. | 3 weeks | £715 |
| UK Ancestry Visa. | 3 weeks | £531 |
Now, you’re all set for the adventure of your lifetime. For further information, visit:
https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration/work-visas
Abex Technologies is the best digital marketing partner near you. Contact us today for all your digital and intellectual needs and we’ll be here for you 24/7.
FAQs
Apply online through the UK government’s website. Ensure you meet all eligibility requirements before submitting your application.
The Skilled Worker Visa is best for those with a job offer in a skilled occupation in the UK.
Processing times typically range from 3 to 8 weeks, depending on the type of visa you are applying for.
Costs vary by visa type, from £232 for the Health and Care Worker Visa to £1,423 for the Intra-Company Transfer Visa.
Many UK work permits allow you to bring dependents, such as your spouse and children, provided you meet the financial requirements.
Identify the right visa, check eligibility, prepare required documents, apply online, and attend a visa appointment if necessary.
You must follow the same process as other applicants: choose the appropriate visa, meet the eligibility criteria, and apply online through the UK government’s website.
It depends on the visa type and your eligibility. Meeting all requirements and providing accurate information can increase your chances of approval.
Some visas, like the Global Talent Visa and Start-up Visa, do not require a job offer, but most work permits do.