A Useful Guide On UK Work Permit To Work In The UK

For any non-UK resident, it is essential to have a permit that allows you to enter the UK and work for a full-time or part-time job. In order to make a career, you first should learn about the UK work permit to work in the UK.

The UK work visas are granted for a specific duration, with a maximum duration of up to 5 years.

To apply for a UK work visa, you must meet the eligibility criteria, and requirements and submit accurate documentation.

In this blog, we have broadly covered UK Work Permit 2023, why you need it, and what is the application process.

Listed below are the various types of UK Work Visas. These visas cater to particular job roles and purposes you can take up on that visa.

Here are the requirements in order to qualify for a UK Work Visa:

1. A Valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
2. Your UK-based employer must be on Sponsor Licence register on the UK government website
3. Your job must be on Standard Occupation Classification (SOC) list with an appropriate salary
4. You must meet the English language requirement
5. You must also fulfill the financial requirement

UK work permit visa requirements for a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS):
This is an e-document provided by the UK-based employer, who has decided to hire you. Only upon receiving a CoS, you can apply for your UK work visa. The following visas require a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) –
Skilled Worker Visa UK, Health and Care Worker Visa, International Sportsperson Visa, Minister of Religion Visa, Creative Worker Visa Seasonal Worker Visa, International Agreement Visa, and Charity Worker Visa

UK work permit 2023 Financial Requirement:

• Most UK work visas require you to have a certain amount of money in your bank account for 28 consecutive days, as proof that you can support yourself during your first month in the UK – the money can be held by you or the UK-based employer can certify maintenance funds for you.
• Most UK work visas require at least £1,270 for the main applicant. There is an additional financial requirement for any dependant family members applying with you on your UK Work Visa.
• The Youth Mobility scheme requires at least £2,530

However, here are some exceptions:

• For a UK Domestic Worker Visa, the UK-based employer is required to certify maintenance funds for the applicant
• NO such financial requirement applies to the UK Graduate Visa or the Post-Study Work Visa

You must pay the below-mentioned amount as a work visa UK cost:

*Personal funds are part of the maintenance funds required for the UK Work Visa.

• You must visit the official UK government website (https://www.gov.uk/) and fill out the visa application form online
• For any UK work visa category that you are looking to apply for, you must apply online
• While filling out the application, make sure to mention all the correct details and attach the required and relevant documents
• You will have to pay the visa application fees + Immigration Healthcare Surcharge (IHS) online before you finally submit your application
• Attend the VFS/VAC and submit your biometrics

You can apply for a UK work visa 3 months prior to the day you are due to start work in the UK. This date will be mentioned on your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).

A work permit can be granted for up to 5 years, if your work permit is endorsed for a lesser duration it may be possible for you to extend your work permit if your employer agrees to it. You may be able to switch to another category of visa too.

Do I have to be fluent in English in order to qualify for a UK work permit to work in the UK?

You’ll usually need to prove your knowledge of the English language (up to level B1) when you apply for most of the UK work visas.

You can prove your knowledge of English by:

• Passing an IELTS Test from an approved provider, OR
• Having a GCSE, A level, Scottish National Qualification level 4 or 5, Scottish Higher or Advanced Higher in English, gained through study at a UK school that you began when you were under 18, OR
• Having a degree-level academic qualification that was taught in English – if you studied abroad, you’ll need to apply through Ecctis (formerly UK NARIC) for confirmation that your qualification is equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or PhD

You are exempted if:

• You have proved this in a previous successful visa application

How much is the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) for UK Work Permit 2023?
The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) for all UK work visas is £624 for each year granted on your visa. However, you DO NOT have to pay the IHS if you are applying for a UK Health and Care Worker Visa or a UK Domestic Worker Visa.

What should I do if I resign from my work and decide to work for a different UK employer?
After arriving in the UK, if you decide to change your job and work for another UK company – you will have to get a new Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from the new UK employer and update your current visa. You also have to inform the UK Home Office without fail.

And you are not permitted to start work with your new employer till your visa is approved.

What should I do if my UK Work Visa has expired and I still have not received a decision on my UK Work Visa Extension?
You can continue to remain in the UK and continue with your employment whilst you await an outcome on your application. You shouldn’t leave the country whilst your application is still under process.

If you are in the UK on a Dependant Visa of any UK visa category, you can take up most employment opportunities subject to the endorsement on your BRP. You can also start your own business in the UK!