Work Permit in the UK

Securing a work permit in the United Kingdom is a crucial step for individuals seeking employment opportunities in the country.

A work visa or work permit is essential for foreign nationals intending to work in the United Kingdom. If you are a non-UK citizen seeking employment opportunities in the country, obtaining the necessary work authorization is a mandatory requirement.

The UK offers a Post-Study Work (PSW) visa, formally known as the Graduate Route, which enables international graduates who have completed their studies in the country to extend their stay for either two or three years. The two-year duration is granted to those who have finished an undergraduate or Master's degree, while the three-year period is applicable to individuals who have completed a PhD.

Obtaining a work visa or work permit in the UK without a job offer is feasible through applications for visas like the High Potential Individual visa, Graduate visa, or Global Talent visa. While the necessity of a job offer is eliminated, applicants must fulfill additional criteria to ensure a successful application for an unsponsored work visa in the UK.

When applying for a Skilled Worker visa in the UK, you must furnish the following details:

1. Certificate of sponsorship reference number, provided by your employer.
2. Evidence of your proficiency in English.
3. Valid passport or another identity document showcasing your nationality.
4. Job title and annual salary information.
5. Job occupation code.
6. Employer's name and sponsor licence number, available on your certificate of sponsorship.

To qualify for the Skilled Worker visa, you need to:

1. Work for a UK employer approved by the Home Office.
2. Possess a 'certificate of sponsorship' from your employer outlining the offered role in the UK.
3. Engage in a job listed within the eligible occupations.
4. Receive a minimum salary, with the specific amount depending on your job type.

As of Spring 2024, new immigration rules dictate an increase in the minimum salary required for a Skilled Worker visa from £26,200 to £38,700. However, healthcare workers, such as doctors, nurses, care workers, and those on national pay scales (e.g., teachers), are exempt from this salary requirement change, as per the Home Office. These changes aim to align the salary threshold for skilled workers with the median wage for eligible skilled roles.

Once you have selected a work permit or visa, the typical process involves online application and payment through the official gov.uk website. This can be initiated as early as 3 months before your intended employment start date. As part of the application, you will be required to present proof of identification along with supporting documents.

Depending on your nationality and passport, you may be directed to attend an appointment at a visa application center or utilize the 'UK Immigration: ID Check' smartphone app to verify your identity. For applications submitted from outside the UK, the typical waiting time for a decision on work visas is approximately 3 weeks.

Securing a work permit for the UK from India entails navigating several nuances. Prospective applicants must first obtain a job offer from a UK-based employer willing to sponsor their visa, adhering to specific eligibility criteria within the points-based system. Different visa categories, such as Tier 2 (General) or Tier 5 (Temporary Worker), may apply depending on the nature of the job. The application process involves document submission, health checks, and fees, with varying processing times. Given the complexity, seeking professional guidance is advisable to ensure a successful and timely application process.

EU citizens are no longer covered by the free movement rules that allowed them to work in the UK without a specific work permit. However, under the new immigration system, EU citizens (except those from Ireland) are required to apply for a work visa to work in the UK.

The specific type of visa depends on factors such as the nature of the work and the individual's qualifications. The most common work visa for skilled workers is the Skilled Worker visa, which is based on a points system that considers factors like job offer, skill level, and proficiency in English.

The Skilled Worker visa is crafted to draw in highly skilled individuals from Pakistan and other non-EU countries, providing them with a pathway to establish a long-term presence in the UK. This particular Work visa caters to professionals with expertise in their respective fields, enabling them to enter the UK and engage in employment with licensed employers.

Pakistani citizens can avail themselves of the UK Skilled Worker visa by accumulating 70 points through meeting specific eligibility criteria. These criteria include demonstrating a certain skill and salary level, showcasing proficiency in the English language, and securing a valid sponsorship license along with a qualified job offer from a UK employer.

The processing time for UK work permits is approximately 3 weeks across various visa types. The application fees vary depending on the category, ranging from £244 for Temporary Seasonal Worker to £1,408 for Skilled Worker or Intracompany Transfer. Health and Care Worker visas, with fees ranging from £232 to £464, do not require a healthcare surcharge, while other visas incur a £624 per year charge. Applicants are generally required to demonstrate savings, with amounts ranging from £1,270 for most categories, except Temporary Seasonal Worker, which may require equivalent support from the sponsor.