Types of UK Work Visas
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Skilled Worker Visa
The Skilled Worker visa is the most common route for long-term employment in the UK. To qualify, you must have a job offer from a UK employer who holds a valid sponsor licence. Your job must meet the visa's minimum salary threshold, and you'll need to prove your knowledge of English. For documents not in English or Welsh, a certified translation is required. Check the full list of requirements here. -
Temporary Work Visa (UK)
This visa is for short-term jobs, including charity work, seasonal work, or creative work. It’s essential to meet specific requirements for each category, including having a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your employer. If your supporting documents, like your employment contract, are not in English, Certling can provide certified translations. For more on temporary visas, visit here. -
Post Study Work Visa UK (Graduate Visa)
The Graduate visa allows international students who have completed an eligible course in the UK to stay and work for two years (or three years for PhD graduates) without needing a job offer. This is a popular option for those seeking a post-study work visa in the UK. Find more details here. -
UK Work Visa Without Job Offer
Most work visas require a job offer, but some exceptions exist. For instance, the Global Talent Visa allows individuals with exceptional talent in fields like science, arts, and technology to work without a job offer. Supporting documents for this visa, including academic achievements or professional endorsements, may require certified translations. Learn more about the Global Talent visa here.
UK Work Permit Visa Requirements
To get a work visa in the UK, you’ll typically need to provide the following:
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Valid Passport
A passport valid for the entire duration of your stay in the UK is required. -
Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
If you're applying for a Skilled Worker or Temporary Work Visa, your employer must provide a Certificate of Sponsorship detailing your role and salary. -
Proof of English Proficiency
Depending on the visa type, you may need to demonstrate your English language proficiency, typically by passing a recognised test. -
Proof of Financial Means
You’ll need to show that you can support yourself during your stay, which may include bank statements. If your financial records are not in English or Welsh, certified translations are necessary. -
Educational Certificates
You may also need to provide proof of your qualifications or experience. If these documents are in another language, Certling can assist with certified translations.
For more details on the UK work permit visa requirements, visit the official guidelines here.
UK Work Visa Fees
The cost of a UK work visa depends on the type and length of your visa:
- Skilled Worker Visa: £610-£1,408, depending on the job role and length of stay.
- Temporary Work Visa: Fees vary based on the visa category.
- Graduate Visa: £715.
These fees may also include a healthcare surcharge, so be sure to budget accordingly.
What You Can and Cannot Do on a Skilled Worker Visa
What You Can Do
With a Skilled Worker visa, you can:
- Work in an eligible job.
- Study.
- Bring your partner and children with you as your ‘dependants’, if they’re eligible.
- Take on additional work in certain circumstances.
- Do voluntary work.
- Travel abroad and return to the UK.
- Apply to settle permanently in the UK (also known as ‘indefinite leave to remain’) if you’ve lived in the UK for 5 years and meet the other eligibility requirements.
What You Cannot Do
With a Skilled Worker visa, you cannot:
- Apply for most benefits (public funds), or the State Pension.
- Change jobs or employer unless you apply to update your visa.
Certified Translations for UK Work Visa Applications
For any documents not in English or Welsh, UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requires certified translations. This includes key documents like employment contracts, bank statements, or academic certificates. At Certling, we ensure that your translations meet the necessary standards for a smooth visa application process.
By understanding the different types of UK work visas and gathering the necessary documents, including certified translations, you’ll be well-prepared to apply for your visa. For more details on visa lengths and processing times, visit the UK government statistics page.