The United Kingdom is one of the largest economies in the world. Over the years, millions of people have made their way into the country seeking greener pastures. In 2022, an estimated 104.9 million passengers arrived in the UK from outside the Common Travel Area (CTA), a figure that includes returning UK residents.
With the number of new arrivals set to increase in 2024, getting a work permit is an utmost priority for any foreigner seeking to work and earn a living in the United Kingdom.
A UK work permit is an essential document for all foreigners willing to earn a living in the United Kingdom for a specific period. These “work permits” provide an authorization that allows non-UK residents to work legally in the United Kingdom.
In this article, I will walk you through all the details you need to know about the UK work permit, including the application process, requirements, and so on.
UK Work Permit: General Information
The UK work permit is a document that provides authorization that allows non-UK residents to work legally in the United Kingdom. Any foreigner willing to work in the United Kingdom must possess a work permit.
Work permit was introduced by the UK Government to encourage skilled workers to work in the United Kingdom. Over the years, the scheme has seen various changes. However, it has continued to achieve its purpose, providing an opportunity for overseas citizens seeking to gain valuable international work experience in the UK.
A work permit can be issued for any period between 1 month to 3 months. The duration of the work permit is dependent on the length of time requested by the sponsoring company and is also at the discretion of the Home Office.
To secure a UK work permit, some criteria must be met by such foreigners. Here are the requirements needed to be eligible.
Requirement Needed To Apply For UK Work Permit
- You must have a job offer from a UK employee
- You must be aged 18 or over.
- You must have the required skills for the job.
- You must be able to speak English to a certain level.
- You must have enough money to support yourself during your stay in the UK.
- You must have comprehensive health insurance.
- You must have a valid passport.
How To Apply For UK Work Permit
Applying for a UK work permit in 2024 requires less effort. However, it could be difficult if such foreigners do not meet the requirements. Having met the requirements listed above, below are steps you need to take while trying to apply for your work permit.
1. Visit The Official UK Government Website
To kickstart your work permit process, visit the UK Government’s Official Website (http://www.gov.uk), on this page, navigate to the Visa and Immigration section.
The Visa and immigration section consists of various options of which you will have to click on Workthe in the UK link.
2. Select Your Work Permit Type
On the Work In The UK page, you have access to the various types of work permits available in the United Kingdom. Below are some of the work permits available for foreigners and their requirements.
Skilled Worker Visa – A Skilled Worker visa allows you to come to or stay in the UK to do an eligible job with an approved employer.
Health and Care Worker Visa:
A Health and Care Worker visa allows medical professionals to come to or stay in the UK to do an eligible job with the NHS, an NHS supplier, or in adult social care.
- UK Graduate Work Visa: A Graduate visa permits you to stay in the UK for at least 2 years after completing a course in the UK.
- UK Domestic Worker Visa: Apply if you want to work as a domestic worker
- International Sportsperson Visa: You can apply if you’ve been offered a job within a faith community (for example as a minister of religion, missionary, or member of a religious order) in the UK
- Creative Worker Visa: Allows you to work in the UK if you’ve been offered work in the UK as a creative worker.
- Charity Worker Visa: Apply if you want to do a voluntary unpaid job
- Seasonal Worker Visa: You can apply for a Seasonal Worker visa to come to the UK and work in:
- horticulture for up to 6 months – for example, picking fruit and vegetables or flowers
- poultry from 2 October to 31 December, in the same year
Innovator Work Visa: Innovator work permit is designed for those wanting to stay in the UK to set up and run an innovative business. This visa allows you to stay for up to 3 years with a renewal option.
Global Talent visa: You can apply for a Global Talent visa to work in the UK if you’re a leader or potential leader in one of the following fields:
- academia or research
- arts and culture
- digital technology
UK Ancestry visa: You can apply for this if you’re one of the following:
- a Commonwealth citizen
- a British overseas citizen
- a British overseas territories citizen
- a British national (overseas)
- a citizen of Zimbabwe
3. Fill out the application form appropriately
Having chosen your preferred work permit type, the next step of action is filling out the application form. Ensure you input your accurate information. During the application process, you’ll need to provide proof of identification as well as your supporting documents.
Supporting documents needed are listed below:
- Valid passport
- Cos (Certificates Of Sponsorship)
- Proof of English language proficiency
- Evidence of your qualifications and job offer
4. Schedule Biometric Appointment
Schedule and attend a biometric appointment to provide your fingerprints and a photograph. Your fingerprint must be captured on this occasion to clear all fraudulent doubt.
5. Make Your Payment
Applying for a UK work permit will see you make some payment. Pay the relevant visa application fees and the Immigration Health Surcharge. Payment varies based on the type of work permit you are applying for.
Application fee for a skilled worker varies from £610 to £1,408 per person while work permits for health and care workers up to 3 years – £232 per person and 3 years – £464 per person. Temporary – Seasonal Worker application fee is set at £244.
You’ve successfully applied for a UK work permit. All you have to do is keep calm and wait for your application result.
Frequently Asked Question
How much does a UK work permit cost?
The costs associated with applying for the right to work in the UK differ depending on the work permit but are usually made up of an application fee and a healthcare surcharge.
How Long does the UK work permit application take?
It takes about three weeks to get a response after applying for a UK work permit.
Do I need a work permit to work in the UK?
All foreigners will have to secure a work permit before they can work in the United Kingdom.
Do you need a job offer to be eligible to stay and work in the UK?
In most cases, to be eligible to come and work in the UK you’ll need a confirmed job offer, or to be in an existing role and transferred to your company’s UK branch.
Is IELTS required for a UK work permit?
A foreigner willing to work in the United Kingdom must prove he can communicate without any difficulties.
You must demonstrate that you have met the required level of English by taking a Home Office-approved Secure English Language Test (SELT), such as IELTS for UKVI (Academic and General Training) or IELTS Life Skills.
Can a UK Work Permit Be Extended?
Yes, a UK work permit can be extended. The time for which they extend depends on the type of work permit.
How can you extend a UK work permit?
To extend a UK work permit, you must apply for a visa extension. You can apply for a visa extension online or at a UK visa application center.
To be eligible to extend your UK work permit, you must meet the following requirements:
- You must be in the UK with a valid work visa.
- You must still be employed by the same employer who sponsored your original visa.
- Your job must still be on the UK’s shortage occupation list (if applicable).
- You must meet the salary requirements for your visa category.
- You must have a clean criminal record.
What are the documents required to extend a UK work permit?
You will need to provide the following documentation when applying for a UK work permit extension:
- Your current passport
- Your original visa
A letter from your employer confirming that you are still employed and that your job is still on the UK’s shortage occupation list (if applicable)
A copy of your payslips for the last 6 months
A police certificate from your home country (if applicable)
What are the steps to extend a UK work permit?
Here are the steps on how to extend your UK work permit online:
- Go to the UK Visas and Immigration website.
- Click on “Visas and immigration”.
- Select “Apply for a visa”.
- Select “Extend my visa”.
- Enter your visa details.
- Select the type of visa extension you are applying for.
- Provide the required documentation.
- Pay the application fee.
- Submit your application.
You will receive an email confirmation of your application. You can track the progress of your application online.
If your application is successful, you will be issued a new visa. Your new visa will be valid for the same length of time as your original visa.
What is the processing time for a UK work permit extension
The processing time for a visa extension varies depending on the type of visa you are applying for. For example, the processing time for a Skilled Worker visa extension is currently 8 weeks.
Do you need a work permit to stay in the UK?
You can visit the UK for up to 6 months without a work permit, and during that time you may travel, visit family and friends, undertake short-term study, and attend job interviews, events, and conferences.
As an entrepreneur, can I get a work permit as a self-employed individual?
Yes, there are some visas more tailored to entrepreneurs and self-employed individuals. Examples of these work permits are Innovator and Start-up.
Innovator work permit is designed for those wanting to stay in the UK to set up and run an innovative business. This visa allows you to stay for up to 3 years with a renewal option.
On the other hand, the Start-up work permit is designed for people wanting to start an innovative business. This visa allows you to stay for up to 2 years but without the option for renewal.
Conclusion
The United Kingdom helps skilled foreigners to secure a better future by offering them an opportunity to work in their nation. To work in the United Kingdom, foreigners need to get a work permit based on their profession.
Prices for these work permits vary and takes at least three weeks before it is processed.
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