United Kingdom – Work Permits and Working Legally

Do expats need a work permit to work legally in the United Kingdom?

The UK operates a points-based immigration system that applies to the vast majority of foreign nationals seeking employment. Although the formal document once known as a “Work Permit” was abolished, the term continues to be used informally to describe the sponsorship mechanisms that succeeded it — first the Tier 2 (General) visa, and subsequently the Skilled Worker visa, which came into effect in December 2020 as a consequence of Brexit.

British and Irish citizens need no work visa whatsoever. EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals who have obtained pre-settled or settled status through the EU Settlement Scheme are similarly exempt. All other nationalities must secure the appropriate visa before commencing employment. Crucially, unlike regimes where obtaining a work permit rests solely with the individual, the UK places significant responsibility on the employer: businesses must be licensed sponsors before they can lawfully recruit most non-UK workers, making the process a collaborative undertaking between both parties.

Certain visa routes — the Global Talent visa and the Youth Mobility Scheme visa among them — operate without the need for employer sponsorship, enabling applicants to apply independently of any specific employer. These are, however, specialist or quota-restricted pathways. For the overwhelming majority of skilled workers seeking UK employment, sponsorship from a licensed employer remains a prerequisite.

The UK’s immigration landscape shifted dramatically following Brexit. EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals who once benefited from free movement must now, in most cases, navigate the same visa system as any other overseas worker. No bilateral free movement arrangements remain between the UK and EU member states. That said, the Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS) grants two-year, non-renewable work visas to people aged 18 to 30 from 13 countries with which the UK has concluded bilateral agreements, including Australia, Canada and New Zealand.

What types of work permit are available in the United Kingdom?

The Skilled Worker route is the principal visa pathway for overseas workers coming to the UK. Applicants must be sponsored by an employer to fill a role at graduate level or above and must receive a minimum annual salary set at whichever is the greater of the general salary threshold and the occupation-specific “going rate” — a benchmark pegged to median earnings for that role. The general threshold has increased on several occasions, climbing to £38,700 in April 2024 before rising again to £41,700 in July 2025.

Skilled Worker visa holders who spend five years in the UK may become eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), conferring permanent residency. Once ILR is granted, individuals can work in any position for any employer without needing to renew or maintain their visa, enjoying full employment freedom. It should be noted that the Government has announced plans to extend the qualifying period to ten years for some migrants, with changes expected to begin in April 2026.

A distinct Health and Care Worker visa sits within the Skilled Worker framework, specifically for qualified medical professionals working for the NHS or in adult social care. Only organisations registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) are permitted to sponsor new care worker visas, and overseas recruitment for care positions in unregulated environments is now subject to restriction.

The Global Talent visa targets established leaders or high-promise emerging talent across science, engineering, digital technology, arts, and culture. The High Potential Individual (HPI) visa is designed to attract promising graduates who are at the early stages of their careers, offering UK employers access to an additional pool of internationally educated talent. Candidates must hold a qualification awarded within the last five years by an eligible university and may apply from within or outside the UK without requiring an employer sponsor. From November 2025, the list of qualifying universities for the HPI route was doubled in size, though an annual cap of 8,000 applications has been introduced.

The Seasonal Worker visa caters to agricultural and horticultural roles, permitting stays of up to six months. The quota for 2025 stands at 45,000 places (of which 2,000 are reserved for poultry workers), a reduction from the 57,000 cap in place during 2023 and 2024.

Entrepreneurs seeking to establish a business in the UK may apply for the Innovator Founder visa. As of 2025, this route replaces the earlier Start-up and Innovator visas, bringing simplified endorsement criteria and greater flexibility for business founders.

The Youth Mobility Scheme visa offers a temporary pathway for young people from participating countries to live and work in the UK for up to two years. Applicants must be aged between 18 and 30 (or between 18 and 35 for certain nationalities) at the point of application and must demonstrate savings of at least £2,530.

The Graduate visa is open to international students who have successfully completed a UK degree. As an unsponsored route, it allows recipients to remain in the UK and work at any skill level for two years after graduation, or three years for those who have completed a doctorate. Graduate visas cannot be extended, though holders may be able to switch to an alternative route such as the Skilled Worker or Health and Care visa. Note that for applications submitted from 1 January 2027 onwards, the Graduate visa duration will be reduced to 18 months, with doctoral graduates retaining the three-year entitlement.

A suite of Temporary Worker visas also exists, covering areas such as charity work, creative and sporting activities, religious roles, and other short-term positions. All require a Certificate of Sponsorship and are structured for fixed-term stays rather than ongoing employment.

How do you apply for a work permit in the United Kingdom, and how long does it take?

Applying for a Skilled Worker visa is a two-stage process that involves both the employer and the applicant. Rather than allowing workers to approach a government labour ministry independently, the UK’s framework requires the employer to take the first step. Any business wishing to hire overseas workers through the Skilled Worker route must first possess a valid sponsor licence. Licence applications are submitted to the Home Office, which assesses the employer’s HR systems, internal processes, and supporting documentation. If approved, the licence comes with stringent and continuing compliance obligations.

1. Employer obtains a sponsor licence. The employer submits an online application to the Home Office and provides supporting documents by email. Processing typically takes up to eight weeks, though this may extend further if the Home Office decides to carry out an on-site compliance visit.
2. Employer assigns a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). Once a job offer has been made to an overseas candidate, the employer must generate a Certificate of Sponsorship through the Home Office’s Sponsor Management System. The CoS remains valid for three months from its date of issue.
3. Applicant gathers supporting documents. The applicant assembles all necessary paperwork, including their passport, evidence of English language proficiency, proof of financial means, and any relevant academic or professional qualifications, ensuring everything is up to date and in the required format.
4. Applicant submits the online visa application. Using the UK government’s GOV.UK website, the applicant completes the application form, enters their CoS reference number, and pays both the visa fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge at this stage.
5. Applicant completes biometric enrolment. Depending on the instructions received after submission, the applicant either confirms their identity through the Immigration ID Check app or attends an in-person appointment at a Visa Application Centre or UKVCAS centre to provide fingerprints and a photograph.
6. Await a decision. Overseas applications are generally decided within three weeks of biometric enrolment under the standard service. A Priority Service, costing an additional £500, aims to return a decision within five working days; the Super Priority Service, at £1,000, targets a next working day decision. Availability of these expedited options varies by country.

One of the most frequent causes of delay is an employer not yet holding a sponsor licence when an offer is extended. Preparing for and receiving a decision on a sponsor licence application can take several months in total, so employers are strongly advised to begin the process well in advance. Incomplete application forms and incorrect documentation are also common sources of hold-ups for both employers and applicants.

The visa is open to applicants from anywhere in the world, though the precise process varies depending on whether someone is applying from abroad or switching from another visa category while already in the UK. Always confirm current processing times directly with UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) on GOV.UK, as these can fluctuate.

What documents do expats need to apply for a work permit in the United Kingdom?

The precise documentation required varies according to visa type. For the Skilled Worker route, the following are typically necessary. Always verify the current checklist on GOV.UK, as requirements are subject to revision.

Documents required from the applicant:

• A valid passport or travel document
• The Certificate of Sponsorship reference number provided by the employer
• Proof of English language proficiency at the appropriate CEFR level (B2 for first-time applicants from January 2026; B1 for those extending an existing Skilled Worker permission)
• Evidence of funds held in a bank account for 28 consecutive days prior to application, unless the sponsor agrees to certify maintenance on the CoS
• Academic qualifications or professional credentials relevant to the position
• Tuberculosis test results, where required for applicants from listed countries
• Passport-sized photographs (where required at a Visa Application Centre)

Documents required from the employer (sponsor):

• A valid sponsor licence granted by the Home Office
• The Certificate of Sponsorship, which must specify the job title, occupation code, salary, and intended start date
• Evidence confirming the role is genuine and satisfies the visa’s skill and salary requirements
• Company registration documents and proof of lawful operation in the UK
• Records demonstrating robust HR procedures, including right-to-work verification processes

Unlike certain other immigration systems that demand a formal labour market test to demonstrate that no suitable local candidate was found, the UK previously operated a Resident Labour Market Test (RLMT) — a requirement that has since been abolished under the current points-based framework. What remains necessary is that the role be genuine, satisfy the applicable skill and salary thresholds, and correspond to an eligible Standard Occupation Code.

Applicants must show they have adequate funds to support themselves and any dependants on arrival in the UK, unless their employer certifies maintenance on the Certificate of Sponsorship. These funds must generally have been held for at least 28 consecutive days before the date the application is submitted.

What does a work permit cost in the United Kingdom?

Obtaining the legal right to work in the UK entails a series of distinct fees payable by both the applicant and the employer. The overall cost burden is notably higher than in many comparable destinations. A 2025 report commissioned by the Royal Society found that aggregate upfront immigration costs in the UK exceed those of numerous peer nations, including Canada, Germany, France, and the USA.

Applicant-side fees (as of April 2025):

The Immigration Health Surcharge is payable by the majority of Skilled Worker visa applicants and their dependants, and grants access to the UK’s National Health Service throughout the period of leave. Although the surcharge covers NHS treatment, certain services — including prescriptions, dental care, and eye tests — may still be subject to separate charges.

Employer-side fees (as of 2025–2026):

With effect from 16 December 2025, the Immigration Skills Charge rose by 32%, bringing the annual cost for large sponsors to £1,320. The individual Certificate of Sponsorship fee also increased substantially — by 120% — during 2025.

A key point regarding cost responsibility: under rules introduced in April 2025, the Certificate of Sponsorship fee may not be recovered from the sponsored worker by the employing organisation, whether through salary deductions, repayment clauses, or any other mechanism. Employers may, however, still reclaim costs that are personal to the employee — such as the visa application fee itself, the Immigration Health Surcharge, or any legal advice the employee chose to obtain. Applicants are advised to clarify the position with their employer before proceeding and to seek independent legal guidance if uncertain. The current fee schedule can always be confirmed at GOV.UK’s immigration and nationality fees page, as charges are liable to change.

Can expats change jobs or employers while on a work permit in the United Kingdom?

A Skilled Worker visa is linked to both a specific employer and a defined role. Holders are expected to remain in the position and with the organisation that sponsored their original application, under the same occupation code as when permission was granted. This employer-tied structure is comparable to many other countries’ sponsored permit systems and stands in contrast to open work permit arrangements — such as certain categories in Canada — where the holder may work for any employer.

Where a visa holder wishes to move to a different employer, that new employer must hold a valid sponsor licence and issue a fresh Certificate of Sponsorship. The holder must then apply for a new Skilled Worker visa based on that CoS and pay all applicable fees again. Work for the new employer cannot begin until the application is granted; however, the existing visa continues to be valid in the meantime, allowing the holder to remain with their current employer throughout the waiting period.

Should a visa holder be made redundant or otherwise lose their position, the Home Office will generally curtail the visa to 60 days or to the original visa expiry date — whichever falls sooner. Within this window, the holder may seek a new sponsor or apply to switch to another eligible visa category.

Limited secondary employment is permitted alongside the main sponsored role. Visa holders may take on supplementary work of up to 20 hours per week, provided they continue to work for their sponsoring employer and the additional role meets the stipulated conditions.

After five years on a Skilled Worker visa, holders may become eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). ILR removes the tie to any particular employer or sponsor, allowing the holder to work in any capacity for any organisation — or to be self-employed — without any further immigration restriction on their employment.

What are the penalties for working illegally in the United Kingdom?

The repercussions of working without proper authorisation — or of breaching the terms of an existing visa — are severe for workers and employers alike, and have been strengthened further by recent legislation.

For workers: Undertaking employment without a valid visa, or in violation of visa conditions — such as working beyond permitted hours or for an employer not covered by the visa — constitutes a criminal offence. Consequences can include detention, removal from the UK, and a bar on re-entry. Immigration violations of this nature can also cause lasting harm to future applications for visa extensions, permanent residency, or British citizenship.

For employers: The Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Act 2025 broadens the reach of civil liability so that employers can be held responsible not only for direct employees but also for contractors, gig economy workers, and individuals working within complex supply chains. Civil penalties for failing to conduct proper right-to-work checks can now reach up to £60,000 for each individual found to be working unlawfully.

The illegal working regime has been extended to encompass a wider range of working arrangements — including contractors, gig workers, and supply chain workers — with potential civil penalties of up to £60,000 per breach. Employers found to have knowingly engaged workers without the right to work may also face criminal prosecution in addition to civil sanctions.

Where the Home Office determines that a sponsor has been failing in its duties — even inadvertently — the sponsor licence may be revoked and civil penalties of up to £60,000 per unlawfully employed worker may apply. Revocation of a sponsor licence places all workers currently sponsored by that business at immediate risk of losing their immigration status.

All employers are legally obliged to conduct right-to-work checks on every employee before they begin work, regardless of their apparent nationality. Maintaining records of these checks is a statutory requirement and constitutes a statutory excuse against civil penalties should a worker subsequently be found to lack the right to work.

Where can expats find reliable and up-to-date information on work permits in the United Kingdom?

The definitive and most authoritative resource for UK immigration information is the work visas section of GOV.UK, maintained by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), a division of the Home Office. This is where official guidance, application forms, current fee schedules, eligibility criteria, and amendments to the Immigration Rules are published.

Key official resources include:

• Skilled Worker visa guidance (GOV.UK) — full details on eligibility, required documents, and the application process
• Immigration and nationality fees (GOV.UK) — the current fee schedule for all visa routes
• Apply for a sponsor licence (GOV.UK) — guidance for employers wishing to sponsor overseas workers
• House of Commons Library — independent, authoritative briefings on recent and forthcoming changes to UK immigration policy
• Migration Observatory at the University of Oxford — detailed research and impartial analysis of UK migration trends and policy developments

For applications submitted from outside the UK, the relevant British embassy or consulate in the applicant’s country of residence can confirm local application procedures, the locations of nearby Visa Application Centres, and any country-specific requirements such as tuberculosis testing. A complete directory of British embassies and consulates worldwide is available on GOV.UK.

Caution is advised when consulting third-party immigration websites, commercial visa agents, or informal social media communities for current figures and requirements. Fees, salary thresholds, and processing timescales change regularly — sometimes at short notice — and unofficial sources may not reflect the most recent rules. UK visa routes are continually subject to revision, so it is strongly recommended to consult official government guidance directly or seek advice from a qualified immigration lawyer before making any application.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do EU citizens still have the right to work freely in the UK?

While EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens previously had free movement rights in the UK, post-Brexit regulations now require most to apply for a visa under the points-based system, unless they hold pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme. Those with settled or pre-settled status can continue to work without a separate work visa.

Can I apply for a Skilled Worker visa without a job offer?

No. To qualify for a Skilled Worker visa, an applicant must have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship from a UK employer licensed by the Home Office. Without a confirmed job offer from a licensed sponsor, the application cannot proceed. Some unsponsored routes — such as the Global Talent or High Potential Individual visa — do not require a prior job offer, but these have their own eligibility criteria.

How long does it take to get a Skilled Worker visa?

Under the standard service, most overseas applications are decided within three weeks of biometric enrolment. However, the total timeline is often longer because the employer must first obtain a sponsor licence, which can take up to eight weeks, or longer if the Home Office conducts a compliance visit. Applicants should build the full employer and personal application timeline into their planning.

What is the minimum salary required to get a Skilled Worker visa?

The general salary threshold rose to £41,700 in July 2025. However, there are exceptions for people under the age of 26, those working in occupations on the Immigration Salary List (ISL), and those in health and education jobs whose salaries are based on agreed pay scales. Always check the current going rate for the specific occupation code on GOV.UK.

Can I bring my family with me on a Skilled Worker visa?

Skilled Worker visa holders can bring their partner and children as dependants, and dependants generally have the right to work in the UK, with limited exceptions. However, as of early 2024, care workers and senior care workers are no longer permitted to bring dependants. Workers employed in occupations covered by the Immigration Salary List (ISL) and the new Temporary Shortage List (TSL) at RQF Level 3–5 are also not permitted to bring dependants.

Can sponsorship costs be passed on to the employee by the employer?

Under April 2025 rules, the CoS fee cannot be recouped from the migrant worker by the sponsoring organisation. Sponsors must not seek to recoup by deduction, repayment clause, or any other means. Employers may, however, still recoup personal costs that belong to the employee, such as the visa application fee or the Immigration Health Surcharge. If you are unsure about what your employer is charging you, seek independent legal advice.

What happens to my visa if I lose my job in the UK?

If you lose your job, the Home Office will typically curtail your visa to 60 days or until your visa expiry date, whichever is sooner. During this grace period, you can find a new sponsor or switch to another visa category if eligible. It is important to act quickly and not to work for an unauthorised employer during this period, as doing so would be a breach of immigration conditions.

When can I apply for permanent residency (ILR) after arriving in the UK on a work visa?

After spending five years in the UK with a Skilled Worker visa, holders may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). However, the Government has proposed extending this standard qualifying period. The qualifying periods will now depend much more on each person’s individual circumstances — for example, people in higher-skilled jobs who earn over £50,270 or work in public sector healthcare and teaching roles could still qualify after five years. Always verify the current rules on GOV.UK before making plans based on settlement timelines.