Work in
the UK

Navigate the various work visa options in the UK

If you are a foreign national and you want to work in the UK, you will usually need to apply for a work visa if you do not hold an existing right to work. There are many different routes to working in the UK, and each visa category has its own set of requirements. Some routes require sponsorship from an approved UK employer, whilst others are unsponsored, meaning you are free to work in most jobs without a sponsor.

UK work visa categories

Skilled Worker Visa

For Skilled Workers being sponsored by an approved UK employer.

Health & Care Worker Visa

For healthcare professionals working in the NHS or in adult social care.

Senior or Specialist Worker (GBM) Visa

For employees of an overseas business undertaking assignments in the UK.

UK Expansion Worker (GBM) Visa

For existing employees setting up a UK branch of an overseas business.

Graduate Trainee (GBM) Visa

For existing employees of an overseas business undertaking graduate training.

Secondment Worker (GBM) Visa

For overseas employees working for a different organisation in the UK.

Service Supplier (GBM) Visa

For overseas workers providing services to a UK company as part of a contract.

Scale-up Worker Visa

For skilled workers being sponsored by a fast-growing business in the UK.

Graduate Visa

A post-study work route for international graduates in the UK.

High Potential Individual Visa

For graduates with an eligible qualification gained overseas.

Global Talent Visa

An unsponsored visa for leaders and potential leaders in selected fields.

Temporary Worker Visas

Visa options for short-term employment in the UK.

Youth Mobility Scheme Visa

For young people aged 18-35 from participating countries.

British National (Overseas) Visa

A pathway to citizenship for Hong Kong BNOs and their family members.

UK Ancestry visa

For Commonwealth citizens with a grandparent born in the UK.

Do I need a sponsor to get a UK work visa?

It depends on which UK work visa category you are applying for. Many categories, such as the Skilled Worker visa and the Global Business Mobility (GBM) visas require applicants to have a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from an approved employer in order to apply for the visa. However, other categories such as the Global Talent, Graduate and High Potential Individual visas are unsponsored. Check the eligibility requirements of your chosen route to find out more.

Where can I find a list of UK sponsors?

The Home Office keeps a list of organisations licensed to sponsor workers on the Worker and Temporary Worker immigration routes. It includes information about the category of workers they’re licensed to sponsor and their sponsorship rating. The list can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/register-of-licensed-sponsors-workers

Can Smith Stone Walters help me get a UK work visa?

Smith Stone Walter is an immigration practice. We support employers and individuals with a range of application types including sponsor licence applications, Skilled Worker visa applications and more. We are not a recruitment agency and therefore we cannot help individuals find work in the UK. If you have an employment offer to work in the UK, we would be delighted to assist you and your employer with the next steps in your immigration journey. Contact us to find out more.