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How to Apply for UK Work Visa – Full 2025 Guide.
Are you an overseas worker who wants to live and work in the UK? Or a UK company looking to hire talent from outside the country? This blog explains everything you need to know about the UK work visa process, including what is required from both the employer and the employee.
Whether you’re applying for a Skilled Worker visa, Health and Care visa, or other job-related routes, this step-by-step guide will help you understand the system in plain, simple English.
Step 1 – Choose the Right UK Work Visa
Before applying, you must know which visa route suits the job role.
The most common one is the Skilled Worker visa, used by employers to bring overseas workers into medium- to high-skill roles. This visa applies to jobs like IT specialists, engineers, accountants, teachers, chefs, and more.
If you are a nurse, doctor, or care worker, the Health and Care Worker visa is another popular option. There are also other visa routes like the Global Business Mobility, Scale-up visa, or Graduate visa, depending on your situation.
Each visa type has its own rules, especially for salary and skills. As of 2025, most Skilled Worker roles require a salary of at least £38,700 per year or the going rate for the job – whichever is higher.
Step 2 – What the UK Employer Must Do
To bring someone to the UK from overseas, the UK company must become a licensed sponsor. This is a legal requirement under UK immigration law.
A. Apply for a Sponsor Licence
The company must show they are a real business with proper systems to track employees. They apply to the Home Office by submitting documents like tax returns, proof of payroll, and business bank statements.
They also name key people in the business to manage the visa system. The process takes around 8 weeks, but faster decisions are available for an extra fee.
B. Assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
Once the company is licensed, they issue a Certificate of Sponsorship to the overseas worker. This is a digital document with details of the job, salary, and employer. It’s needed before the worker can apply for their visa.
C. Pay the Required Fees
Employers pay a fee for the CoS, and usually a yearly Immigration Skills Charge – up to £1,000 per year for each overseas worker.
D. Follow the Rules
Once the worker arrives, the employer must keep records, report changes like job title or location, and make sure the worker is always paid the correct salary. Failing to do this could lead to losing the sponsor licence.
Step 3 – What the Overseas Worker Must Do
Once a job offer and CoS are received, the overseas worker must apply for their UK work visa.
A. Prepare Documents
You will need the following:
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A valid passport
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Certificate of Sponsorship number
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Proof you can speak English (e.g. IELTS test, English degree)
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Proof of funds (at least £1,270) unless your employer covers it
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TB test result (if required)
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Police clearance (for some roles)
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Qualifications or licences (if needed for the job)
B. Apply for the Visa
You apply online, pay the application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (usually £1,035 per year), and then book a biometrics appointment.
You can apply up to 3 months before the job start date on the CoS.
C. Get the Decision
Visa decisions normally take around 3 weeks if you are applying from outside the UK. Faster services are available in some countries.
D. Travel to the UK
Once your visa is approved, you’ll receive a 90-day entry visa. You must travel to the UK during this time and start work as agreed. Your employer will check your right to work on or before your first day.
You may get a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) after arrival or a digital visa depending on your nationality.
Step 4 – Life in the UK and Staying Legal
After arriving, you must follow the conditions of your visa. This means working only for your sponsoring employer, doing the job stated in the visa, and not taking extra work unless your visa allows it.
You also must not be absent from the UK for more than 180 days in any 12-month period, if you plan to apply for settlement (also called Indefinite Leave to Remain) in the future.
After 5 years, you can apply to settle in the UK, if you’ve followed the rules and earned enough.
Recent UK Immigration Changes in 2024–2025
The UK has made several changes in recent months that both employers and workers should know:
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From April 2024, the Skilled Worker minimum salary is now £38,700 (was £26,200).
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The Shortage Occupation List is now replaced by the Immigration Salary List, which still allows some discount on salary.
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From March 2024, care workers can no longer bring family members on their visa.
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Sponsor licence and visa application fees increased in April 2025.
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The government plans to shorten the Graduate visa route to 18 months (not law yet).
These rules are updated often. It’s important to check the official UK Government website or speak to an immigration adviser before applying.
Example – Skilled Worker Visa Process
Let’s say a UK company wants to hire a software developer from India.
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The company applies for and gets a sponsor licence.
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They offer the job with a salary of £42,000.
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They assign a Certificate of Sponsorship.
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The worker applies online, pays fees, and submits documents.
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Three weeks later, the visa is approved.
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The worker travels to the UK and starts work.
This is a simple example, but it shows how the system works when everything is done correctly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Using the wrong job code or offering too low a salary
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Forgetting to prove English language ability
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Not showing enough money in your bank account
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Employers forgetting to report changes in the job role
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Working in a job not listed on your visa
Avoiding these issues will save time, money, and legal trouble.
Conclusion
The UK work visa process can seem difficult at first, but if both the employer and the overseas worker follow each step carefully, it becomes manageable. The key is proper planning, knowing which visa route fits the job, and keeping up with the latest immigration rules.
The UK needs skilled workers, and many employers are ready to sponsor the right people. By understanding what’s needed, you can start your journey to live and work in the UK legally and successfully.
If you’re unsure about anything, always seek help from a qualified immigration adviser or check the official UK Government website for updates.
If you would like further assistance with this or anything else, please get in touch, contact us for expert assistance.
