UK Work Visas
Your Complete 2025 Guide

Over £41,700 salary threshold • RQF Level 6 skill requirement • Sponsorship needed for most routes

Important: Rules changed in July 2025. New salary thresholds apply. Care worker route is now closed.
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31%

Salary increase for Skilled Worker visa (since 2024)

3 weeks

Typical processing time (outside UK)

5 years

To reach Indefinite Leave to Remain

UK Work Visas at a Glance

Visa Route Need Job Offer? Sponsor Required? Max Stay Leads to Settlement?
Skilled Worker ✅ Yes ✅ Yes 5 years ✅ After 5 years
Health & Care Worker ✅ Yes ✅ Yes 5 years ✅ After 5 years
Graduate ❌ No ❌ No 2 years (18 months from 2027) ❌ No (must switch)
Scale‑up Worker ✅ Yes ✅ First 6 months only 2 years (renewable) ✅ After 5 years
High Potential Individual (HPI) ❌ No ❌ No 2/3 years ❌ No
Global Business Mobility (GBM) ✅ Yes ✅ Yes 1‑5 years ❌ No

*Settlement = Indefinite Leave to Remain (permanent residence)

Explore Each Visa Route

Skilled Worker Visa

The main sponsored work route for most professionals. Requires job offer and salary £41,700+.

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Health & Care Worker

For doctors, nurses and healthcare pros. Lower fees and no NHS surcharge. Care worker route closed.

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Graduate Visa

For UK university graduates. Stay 2 years (18 months from 2027). Work or look for work.

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Scale‑up Worker Visa

For employees of fast‑growing UK companies. Only 6 months sponsorship needed.

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High Potential Individual (HPI)

For top global university graduates. No job offer needed. 2‑3 years stay.

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Global Business Mobility

For overseas workers on temporary UK assignments. No settlement path.

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Frequently Asked Questions About UK Work Visas

The general minimum salary is £41,700 per year or the 'going rate' for your specific occupation, whichever is higher. Lower thresholds may apply for new entrants (under 26 or switching from Student/Graduate).

Yes, provided you have completed your course and have a job offer from a licensed sponsor. You can apply from inside the UK before your Student visa expires.

No. You must switch to a Skilled Worker or another settlement‑eligible visa. Only time on that subsequent visa counts toward the 5‑year ILR requirement.

Yes. Most work visas allow you to bring your partner (spouse, civil partner, unmarried partner) and children under 18 as dependants. They can work or study in the UK.

You may be eligible for an Administrative Review if you believe a case‑working error was made. Otherwise, you can submit a fresh application after correcting the reasons for refusal. Our consultants can help analyse the refusal notice and advise on the best next steps.

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