Every year, the UK’s sizable digital tech sector generates billions of dollars in revenue and millions of employment for the country’s economy. However, employers may find themselves more reliant on foreign talent to fill professions needing a high degree of competence as fewer young Britons are enrolled in formal education.

Given the high cost of living in large cities, the erratic nature of the British economy, and the evolving immigration regulations in the wake of Brexit, some individuals may not be quite certain they can create a life in the UK.

The process of completing the visa requirements is one of the most crucial considerations for individuals who are ready to relocate to the United Kingdom and for employers looking to hire candidates who plan to go there.

Continue reading to find out more about obtaining the work permits and visas required for UK companies and employees to operate lawfully in the country, as well as the conditions that must be met by both parties in order to effectively navigate the immigration system.

Types of work visas and permits in the UK

Conducting thorough research before applying for work visas in the UK is crucial due to the five distinct levels of the application process. Each level caters to different individuals seeking to live and work in the country, spanning various industries and expertise.

The UK’s tiered system simplifies the process by offering five distinct work visa entitlements, which contrasts with the complexity associated with determining appropriate work visas in some other countries. The system comprises five tiers, where tier one is exclusive to highly skilled individuals looking to initiate or expand businesses, and tier five is designed for temporary workers.

Understanding the specific tier applicable is vital, as each tier comes with unique requirements for documentation, entitlements, and application processes. Applicants must provide specific data according to their classification category.

Outlined below are the details of the five work visa tiers:

1. Tier One: Entrepreneur Visa
   Also known as the entrepreneur visa, this category is for individuals planning to establish or grow a business in the UK. While visa holders can own a business, employment is not allowed. Strict requirements include a detailed business plan and proof of financial solvency.
2. Tier Two: Skilled Worker Visa
   Formerly tier two (general), this is now called the skilled worker visa. Aimed at individuals with specialized skills, it permits them to relocate to the UK for up to five years with a job offer from an approved employer. Eligible fields include professions like teaching, medicine, and law.
3. Tier Three: Not Currently Available
   Historically intended for individuals without specialized skills during labor shortages, this visa is not presently available.
4. Tier Four: Graduate Visa
   Known as the tier four visa, this is for student visa holders recently graduated and wishing to continue living in the UK. It is valid for up to two years.
5. Tier Five: Temporary Work Visa
   •    The tier five visa covers six categories of workers:
   • Charity Worker Visa: Allows volunteering with a nonprofit or charity.
   • Creative Worker Visa: Permits employment in creative fields like acting or graphic design.
   • International Agreement Visa: Enables working in government or international-related fields.
   • Government-Authorized Exchange Visa: Involves working for a government-authorized exchange scheme.
   • Youth Mobility Scheme Visa: Allows individuals under 30 from specific nationalities to live and work in the UK.
   • Religious Worker Visa: Permits working in the religious sector.

With a tier five visa, individuals can reside and work in the UK for up to 24 months, depending on the specific visa category they apply for.

The UK work visa requirements

Even with the relatively simple tier-based visa application process in the UK, it might be difficult to understand the basic requirements needed to obtain a work visa. Notably, there is an extra degree of difficulty due to the notable differences in visa requirements between students and entrepreneurs.

It is important to consult the official website of the UK immigration department in order to manage this complexity and make sure you are adhering to the precise criteria of your intended work visa. You can get a detailed list of prerequisites specific to your visa category there.

As an alternative, you could choose to start the application procedure with your neighborhood UK embassy. This path provides individualized assistance in determining the proper permit and comprehending the related requirements. But be ready for any setbacks; this approach may require more than one consultation, which could prolong the application process.

The following list is not exhaustive and might contain items that are not applicable to your situation, but it provides a general framework for estimating the requirements that you will probably need to meet when submitting your application:

1. A valid and unexpired passport (with at least one blank page, depending on your passport’s country of issuance).
2. Evidence of proficiency in the minimum required level of English.
3. A certificate demonstrating visa sponsorship from the UK employer.
4. Information pertinent to your prospective role in the UK, encompassing:
   • Annual salary
   • Agreed-upon job title
   • Occupation code for your eligible career field.
5. Relevant employer details, including but not limited to:
   • Company name
   • Tax identification number (TIN)
   • Sponsor license number.
6. Proof of financial stability.
7. Pertinent educational history.
8. Licenses and certifications verifying your qualification for the intended job.
9. Health certifications, inclusive of a negative tuberculosis test.
10. Biometrics information.
11. Confirmation of a clean criminal history (pertinent in select industries such as healthcare, education, and social services).

How to apply for the UK work visa and permit

Conducting thorough research before initiating a work visa application in the UK is paramount due to the existence of five distinct levels in the application process. Each level is tailored to accommodate different individuals seeking opportunities to live and work in the country, spanning various industries and skillsets.

The UK’s tiered system simplifies this process by offering five distinct work visa entitlements, which sets it apart from the complexities often associated with determining appropriate work visas in some other countries. The system comprises five tiers, where tier one caters exclusively to highly skilled individuals looking to establish or expand businesses, and tier five is specifically designed for temporary workers.

A critical aspect of this process is understanding the specific tier that applies, as each tier comes with unique requirements for documentation, entitlements, and the application process. Applicants are required to provide specific data based on their classification category.

Outlined below are details of the five work visa tiers:

1. Tier One: Entrepreneur Visa
   Also known as the entrepreneur visa, this category is intended for individuals planning to establish or grow a business in the UK. While visa holders can own a business, employment is not permitted. Strict requirements include a comprehensive business plan and proof of financial solvency.
2. Tier Two: Skilled Worker Visa
   Formerly known as tier two (general), this is now called the skilled worker visa. It is aimed at individuals with specialized skills, allowing them to relocate to the UK for up to five years upon receiving a job offer from an approved employer. Eligible fields include professions like teaching, medicine, and law.
3. Tier Three: Not Currently Available
   Historically intended for individuals without specialized skills during labor shortages, this visa is not presently available.
4. Tier Four: Graduate Visa
   Known as the tier four visa, this is for student visa holders recently graduated and wishing to continue living in the UK. It is valid for up to two years.
5. Tier Five: Temporary Work Visa
   The tier five visa covers six categories of workers, including charity workers, creative workers, those involved in international agreements, government-authorized exchange workers, individuals under the Youth Mobility Scheme, and religious workers. This visa allows individuals to reside and work in the UK for up to 24 months, depending on the specific visa category they apply for.

Planning to hire or work in the UK? Here's how EOR Services can help

If you’re an employee wishing to relocate to the UK and want to be sure you don’t run into any legal problems down the road, you must have the necessary paperwork demonstrating you have the legal right to live and work there.

If employers are unable to provide proof that they can only hire employees who are eligible to work in the UK legally and fulfill other standards, they risk being held legally responsible as well.

Whichever category you fall into, you don’t want random variables like a candidate’s nationality to interfere with your ability to build a successful working relationship with the business or, should you discover one, the candidate.