Work Visas UK
If you are considering applying for a work visa in the UK, you've come to the right place. At Moeen & Co. Solicitors, our team of expert UK immigration solicitors is here to provide you with comprehensive assistance throughout the entire application process, ensuring you navigate the UK work visa requirements with confidence.
Applying for a UK work visa can be a complex and overwhelming process, but with our team of experienced immigration solicitors by your side, you can rest assured that you are in capable hands.
Whether you want to apply, switch, or extend your UK work visa, call our immigration solicitors at 0203 959 7755 for legal help with your work visa application.
Alternatively, fill in our online contact form, we will guide you step-by-step through the process. We ensure that you meet all the necessary eligibility criteria and compile a strong application.
Table of Contents
- What is a work visa in the UK?
- What are the types of work visas available in the UK?
- UK work visa requirements
- Sponsorship for UK work visas
- Document checklist for UK work visas
- How to apply for a UK work visa?
- UK work visa processing time
- Visa application using super priority service
- How can our immigration solicitors help with your UK visa applications?
- How much does an immigration solicitor charge for a UK visa application?
- Frequently asked questions
- Contact immigration solicitors in London
What is a work visa in the UK?
A UK work visa is a type of visa that allows individuals to come to or stay in the UK to do an eligible job with an approved employer for a specified period.
The UK offers several types of long-term and short-term work visas, each designed for different purposes and categories of workers.
What are the types of work visas available in the UK?
The UK offers a range of work visas to accommodate different employment needs. Each work visa category has its own specific requirements and benefits. Here are some of the most common types of UK work visas:
Popular work visas
- Skilled Worker visa
- Skilled Worker visa extension
- Switching from Student visa to Skilled Worker visa UK
- Graduate visa to Skilled Worker visa
- Health and Care Worker visa
- Health and Care Worker visa extension
Start a business
Work visas you can apply for without a job offer
Temporary work visas
- Seasonal Worker visa (Temporary Work)
- Creative Worker visa (Temporary Work)
- Religious Worker visa (Temporary Work)
- Charity Worker visa (Temporary Work)
- International Agreement visa (Temporary Work)
- Government Authorised Exchange visa (Temporary Work)
Other work visas and permits
- International Sportsperson visa
- Minister of Religion visa (T2)
- Scale-up Worker visa
- Frontier Worker Permit
- Representative of an Overseas Business visa
UK work visa requirements
To apply for a UK work visa, you must meet certain eligibility criteria. These requirements vary depending on the type of work visa you are applying for. Below, we will outline the general requirements that apply to most work visa categories, as well as the specific criteria for each visa type.
These requirements include:
- Having a confirmed job offer from a licensed employer in the UK.
- Having a ‘certificate of sponsorship’ from your employer.
- Having enough money to support yourself in the UK without the need for public funds.
- Demonstrating proficiency in the English language.
- Passing the points-based system, which assesses your skills, qualifications, and potential contributions to the UK workforce.
The points-based system assigns points to different criteria, such as your level of education, previous work experience, and salary level. Meeting the minimum required points is essential for a successful visa application.
If you need assistance with determining your eligibility for a UK work visa, you can contact our team of immigration solicitors. Our immigration experts are experienced in guiding applicants through the eligibility assessment and application process. Call us at 0203 959 7755 for a consultation or fill in our online contact form.
Sponsorship for UK work visas
To obtain a UK work visa, having a sponsor is typically a requirement. A sponsor is a licensed employer in the UK who plays a crucial role in the visa application process. Understanding the concept of sponsorship and the responsibilities of licensed sponsors is essential for a successful visa application.
Licensed sponsors are responsible for endorsing and supporting your application for a UK work visa. They play a vital role in ensuring that you meet the necessary criteria and comply with the rules and regulations of the visa category you are applying for.
Sponsors must provide information about the job they are offering, including details about the role, salary, and employment conditions. They must also hold a valid sponsor license issued by the Home Office, demonstrating their commitment to following the immigration rules and providing genuine employment opportunities.
As an experienced immigration law firm, Moeen & Co. Solicitors can guide you through the sponsorship process and provide expert advice. Our team of dedicated professionals is familiar with the intricacies of UK visa sponsorship and can help you navigate the complex requirements.
Document checklist for UK work visas
Applying for a UK work visa requires submitting various supporting documents to prove your eligibility. It is essential to have a complete and well-organised document package to ensure a successful visa application.
| Document | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Proof of Identity | Valid passport or travel document |
| Job Offer | Letter from employer confirming job offer |
| Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) | Your certificate of sponsorship reference number - your employer will give you this |
| English Language Proficiency | English language test certificate (IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge English, etc.) |
| Educational Qualifications | Educational certificates and transcripts |
| Previous Employment | References or CV/resume |
| Financial Documents | Bank statements, employment contracts, sponsorship letters |
| Tuberculosis (TB) Test Results | Valid TB test certificate (if applicable) |
| Additional Documents | Varies depending on visa category (criminal record certificates, proof of qualifications, proof of business ownership, etc.) |
It is crucial to note that the exact document requirements may vary depending on your specific circumstances and the visa category you are applying for. Therefore, it is recommended to consult with a professional immigration solicitor, such as Moeen & Co. Solicitors, who can provide personalised guidance to ensure you have all the necessary documents for a successful UK work visa application.
How to apply for a UK work visa?
Once you have determined your eligibility and gathered all the necessary documents, it's time to start the UK work visa application process. Applying for a UK work visa may seem daunting, but with the right guidance and preparation, it can be a smooth and successful experience.
Follow this step-by-step guide to applying for your UK work visa:
- Determine the most appropriate work visa category
- Gather the required documentation
- Complete the UK work visa application forms
- Book the biometric appointment
- Pay the visa fee
- Submit your application
- Attend appointment
- Await a decision
By following the above steps and seeking professional advice, you can navigate the UK work visa application process with confidence.
If you encounter any difficulties or have concerns during the application process, do not hesitate to contact our dedicated team of immigration solicitors by calling 0203 959 7755 or filling in our online contact form. We are here to provide expert guidance and support, ensuring your work visa application is submitted accurately and on time.
UK work visa processing time
Work visa applications submitted from outside the UK using standard service are currently taking an average of 3 weeks to process. However, you may be eligible to use priority service to get a faster decision.
If the work visa application is made from inside the UK, the Home Office generally takes up to 8 weeks to make the decision.
The processing time for a UK visa application can vary depending on several factors, including the type of visa application, the country from which you are applying, and the volume of applications being processed by the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).
All the applicants are advised to check the latest information about UK visa application processing time on the official UK government website either applying from inside the UK or outside the UK.
Visa application using super priority service
If you require a decision on your visa application urgently, you may be eligible to use the "Super Priority Service" or the "Priority Service", which offers faster processing times for an additional fee. These services aim to provide a decision on your visa application within 24 hours or 5 working days, respectively.
To get a faster decision on your UK visa application, you'll need to pay £1,000 for the "Super Priority Service" or £500 for the "Priority Service" fee per applicant in addition to the visa application fee.
How can our immigration solicitors help with your UK visa applications?
Navigating the UK visa application process can be complex and stressful, especially if English is not your first language or if you are unfamiliar with UK immigration laws. Hiring an immigration solicitor provides peace of mind, knowing that you have professional support to guide you through every step of the process.
Here are some ways in which our team of highly experienced UK immigration solicitors can assist:
- Legal Expertise: Our immigration solicitors have in-depth knowledge of UK immigration laws, policies, and procedures. We can assess your eligibility for different types of visas, advise you on the most suitable visa option, and ensure that your application complies with all relevant legal requirements.
- Consultation and Advice: If you are uncertain about the visa type that best suits your needs or require guidance on the application process, we offer consultations to answer your questions.
- Application Preparation: Our immigration solicitors will fill in your UK visa application forms accurately and submit them.
- Supporting Documents: We will advise you on the required documents to be submitted in support of your visa application and ensure that they meet the specific requirements of the visa category you are applying for.
- Legal Representation: We can represent you in communications with the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) department, embassy, or consulate handling your application. We can correspond with immigration authorities on your behalf, respond to requests for additional information, and address any concerns or queries raised during the processing of your application.
- Appeals and Administrative Reviews: If your visa application is refused, our immigration solicitors can help you explore options for appealing the decision or requesting an administrative review. We can prepare and submit appeal or review applications, gather additional evidence to support your case and represent you at appeal hearings or review proceedings.
If you have any questions or want assistance with your UK visa application, please call our expert immigration solicitors based in London at 0203 959 7755. Alternatively, fill in our online contact form, and one of our UK immigration experts will get back in touch with you soon!
How much does an immigration solicitor charge for a UK visa application?
At Moeen & Co. Solicitors, our immigration solicitors in London charge an affordable fixed fee for complete legal services for your UK visa application. The agreed fixed fee will depend on the type of visa application and the complexity of the matter. Learn more about our legal fees.
Frequently asked questions
Some types of UK work visas allow individuals to bring their spouse, civil partner, or children with them as dependents. However, not all work visas permit dependents, so it's essential to check the specific visa requirements.
Yes, it is possible to switch jobs while on a UK work visa. However, there are certain conditions that need to be met. Switching jobs may require a new sponsorship from your new employer or applying for a different visa category.
Individuals who hold certain types of UK work visas may be eligible to apply for permanent residency (indefinite leave to remain) or citizenship in the UK after meeting specific residency and other requirements. However, this varies depending on the visa category and individual circumstances.
If you are already in the UK on a work visa, you may be able to extend your stay or switch to a different visa category. The requirements and process for extending or switching visas will depend on your current visa status and the visa category you wish to transition to.
Seeking professional assistance from an experienced immigration solicitor can greatly improve your chances of success. At Moeen & Co. Solicitors, we can provide expert guidance, handle complex paperwork, and support you throughout the entire application process.
Contact Immigration Solicitors in London
If you need immigration advice or help with any type of UK visa application, British citizenship application or sponsorship licence application, contact our team of immigration solicitors in London on 0203 959 7755 or fill in our enquiry form to get reliable & confidential advice and help you need.
We're authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), so you know you're in safe hands.
Legal Disclaimer
The information provided is for general informational purposes only and should not be taken as legal advice. While we make every effort to ensure accuracy, the law may change, and the information may not reflect the most current legal developments. No warranty is given regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information, and we do not accept liability in such cases. We recommend consulting with a qualified lawyer at Moeen & Co. Solicitors before making any decisions based on the information provided on this website.
