Work in the UK – Complete Guide to All UK Work Visa Options (2025)

Work in the UK – All Visa Options (2025)

Navigating the UK’s immigration system can be challenging, especially with frequent changes to visa policies. At UKBLOOM, we provide up-to-date, Work in the UK options available route in the UK. This guide covers Skilled Worker, Health and Care, Global Talent, Scale-up, Graduate, Youth Mobility, and other categories under the UK’s points-based immigration system.

Whether you’re a healthcare professional, an academic, a tech entrepreneur, or a recent graduate, there’s likely a visa that aligns with your background and goals.

Overview of the UK Points-Based Immigration System

Since the UK’s departure from the EU, all overseas nationals (including EU citizens) must apply for a visa to work in the UK. The system awards points for skills, salaries, English proficiency, and job offers. Each visa has specific eligibility criteria, salary thresholds, and application processes.

Skilled Worker Visa – The UK’s Flagship Route

The Skilled Worker Visa is the primary pathway for non-UK citizens to work in eligible skilled roles. It replaced the Tier 2 (General) Visa in 2020.

Key Features

Requires a job offer from a licensed sponsor
Minimum salary of £38,700 (as of July 2025)
Occupation must be on the government’s eligible occupations list
Can lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 years

Who Can Apply?

Professionals in roles such as IT specialists, engineers, teachers, healthcare workers, and others
Must meet English language requirements

Related Read: ILR Based on 5-Year Skilled Worker Route

The Health and Care Worker Visa is a subset of the Skilled Worker route but offers significant advantages for healthcare professionals.

Key Benefits

Reduced visa fees
Exemption from the Immigration Health Surcharge
Fast-track processing

Eligible Roles

Nurses, doctors, care workers, paramedics, and senior care staff

Important Update: From 22 July 2025, the UK will end overseas recruitment for care workers. Only NHS and private medical professionals in eligible roles will qualify.
Read more: UK Ends Overseas Recruitment for Care Workers

Global Talent Visa – For Highly Skilled Leaders

The Global Talent Visa is designed for exceptional talent in science, digital technology, arts, and academia.

Eligibility

Must be endorsed by an approved UK body (e.g. Tech Nation, Arts Council)
No job offer required
Can switch into this route from other visas

Advantages

Flexible work rights
Fast track to settlement (after 3 years for exceptional talent)
Ideal for entrepreneurs, researchers, and tech professionals

Scale-Up Visa – For High-Growth Businesses

The Scale-Up Visa enables skilled workers to join rapidly growing UK companies.

Requirements

Sponsored by a UK scale-up company for the first 6 months
Minimum salary of £36,300
English language proficiency

After 6 months, visa holders can work for any employer.

Explore More: UK Salary Threshold Increases – Skilled Worker Visa July 2025 Update

Graduate Visa – Stay Post-Study

The Graduate Visa allows international students who’ve completed a UK degree to stay for work.

Key Details

Stay for 2 years (3 years for PhD holders)
No job offer required
Cannot extend, but can switch to a Skilled Worker Visa

Related Article: UK Universities and Graduate Visa Opportunities

Youth Mobility Scheme – Temporary Youth Work

This visa allows young people (18–30 or 18–35 depending on nationality) to live and work in the UK for up to 2 years.

Participating Countries (2025)

Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Korea, Japan, and more

Requirements

Must have £2,530 in savings
No sponsorship required

Temporary Work Visas

Several temporary routes exist under the Temporary Work category, including:

Seasonal Worker Visa

Valid for up to 6 months
For agriculture jobs only
Sponsored by UK employers

Creative Worker Visa

For artists, performers, and entertainers
Valid for up to 12 months
Requires sponsorship

Religious Worker Visa

For religious roles (not preaching/leading congregations)
Sponsored by a licensed religious organisation

High Potential Individual Visa – For Global Graduates

The High Potential Individual (HPI) Visa is ideal for graduates from top global universities who wish to work or seek work in the UK.

Eligibility

Must have graduated within the past 5 years from a qualifying university
No job offer or sponsorship needed

UK Ancestry Visa – For Commonwealth Citizens

This visa applies to Commonwealth citizens with a UK-born grandparent.

Benefits

5-year visa with work rights
Can lead to ILR
No job offer required at application

Innovator Founder Visa – For Entrepreneurs

Replaces the Innovator and Start-up visas.

Requirements

Endorsed by an approved UK endorsing body
Innovative, viable, and scalable business idea
Investment funds not mandatory (unlike previous scheme)

Internal Link: Apply for a UK Visa as a Business Founder

UK Work Visa Comparison Table

Visa Type	Sponsorship	Duration	ILR Eligible	Salary Threshold
Skilled Worker	Yes	Up to 5 yrs	Yes	£38,700
Health & Care	Yes	Up to 5 yrs	Yes	Lower thresholds
Global Talent	No	3–5 yrs	Yes	None
Scale-Up	Yes (initial)	2 yrs	Yes	£36,300
Graduate	No	2–3 yrs	No	None
Youth Mobility	No	2 yrs	No	None
HPI	No	2 yrs	No	None
Temporary Work	Yes	6–12 months	No	Varies
Innovator Founder	Yes	3 yrs	Yes	N/A
UK Ancestry	No	5 yrs	Yes	None

Switching Between Visa Routes

You can switch visas inside the UK if you meet the new route’s eligibility requirements. Common switches include:

Graduate → Skilled Worker
Scale-Up → Global Talent
Temporary → Skilled Worker

Always check the latest UK Home Office guidelines.

Key Documents Required for UK Work Visas

While specifics vary by visa type, most applications will require:

Certificate of Sponsorship (if applicable)
Valid passport
Proof of English language skills
Financial maintenance documents (if needed)
Criminal record certificate (for sensitive roles)
Tuberculosis test results (for listed countries)

Application Processing Times and Costs

Visa Type	Processing Time (Outside UK)	Application Fee	IHS Surcharge
Skilled Worker	~3 weeks	From £719	£1,035/year
Health & Care	~3 weeks	From £284	Exempt
Graduate	~8 weeks	£822	£1,035/year
Global Talent	~3 weeks	£716	£1,035/year

Note: Fast-track services are available for an extra fee.

Internal Resources to Help You Apply

FAQs – Working in the UK

Can I bring dependants on a UK work visa?
Yes, most work visa routes allow partners and children as dependants.

Can I work multiple jobs?
Some visas (like Skilled Worker) allow supplementary work under conditions.

Does a job have to be on the Shortage Occupation List?
No, but roles on the list benefit from lower salary thresholds and fees.

What happens if I lose my job?
You have up to 60 days to find a new sponsor or switch routes before your visa is curtailed.

Conclusion

The UK offers a broad range of visa options for workers, graduates, entrepreneurs, and creatives. With the right preparation and documentation, securing a UK work visa is entirely achievable. We recommend reviewing your long-term goals—whether it’s settlement, flexibility, or a specific profession—and choosing the most strategic visa pathway.

Stay informed and plan effectively using our expert tools and resources tailored for migrants.

Disclaimer

This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration rules are subject to frequent updates. For the most current guidance, always refer to the official UK government immigration website or consult an OISC-registered immigration advisor.