Moving to the United Kingdom for work can be life-changing, offering career growth, cultural immersion, and access to a world-class professional environment. However, before you pack your bags and book that flight, it’s crucial to understand the immigration requirements—specifically, how to get a work visa in the UK that aligns with your skills, role, and long-term goals.

This guide explains the work permits and visas in the UK, outlining the types of permissions available, the challenges expats often face, and practical steps to secure your ideal status. We’ll also explore how an Employer of Record in the UK can simplify the process, ensuring compliance with British regulations and giving you more time to focus on your new life and career.

1. Types of work permits & visas in the UK

The UK offers several work visa categories to accommodate different skill sets, job roles, and durations of stay.

Selecting the right one influences your professional opportunities and impacts how smoothly you adapt to local life. Below are the most common routes:

Skilled worker visa

• Overview: Replaced the Tier 2 (General) visa, designed for people with a confirmed job offer in an eligible role and a sponsoring employer.
• Eligibility: You need a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a UK employer, meeting minimum salary thresholds (often around £26,200 or the going rate for your occupation).
• Duration and extensions: Typically valid for up to five years, with the option to extend or apply for settlement if you still meet the requirements.

Global talent visa

• Overview: A route for highly skilled individuals recognized as leaders (or potential leaders) in fields such as science, humanities, engineering, the arts, or digital technology.
• Eligibility: Requires endorsement by an approved body (e.g., Tech Nation for digital tech or the Arts Council for arts and culture).
• Advantages: Offers more flexibility in job roles and doesn’t require an employer sponsor. You can also bring family members.

Temporary work (seasonal or exchange programs)

• Overview: Cater to short-term employment, e.g., Tier 5 Youth Mobility Scheme, creative worker visas, or charity worker visas.
• Duration: Usually 6–24 months, depending on the scheme.
• Key point: Perfect for younger travelers or those seeking short stints in the UK job market.

Intra-company transfer (ICT)

• Overview: Designed for employees of international companies relocating to a UK branch.
• Eligibility: Must be on the company’s payroll, with minimum salary thresholds higher than the Skilled Worker route.
• Limitations: Less flexible for switching employers or applying for settlement.

Startup / innovator visa

• Overview: Ideal for entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas endorsed by approved bodies.
• Key Benefit: Enables entrepreneurs to establish or run a company in the UK.
• Requirement: You’ll need a robust business plan showing innovation and potential for growth.

For example, a marketing pro from New York, tried moving to London by applying for a Temporary Worker visa, only to face a swift refusal—his job offer actually required a Skilled Worker permit. Frustrated and unsure, he contacted an Employer of Record (EOR) that handles cross-border hires daily. After reviewing his contract, they identified the correct visa route, sorted out the Certificate of Sponsorship, and helped him reapply with the proper paperwork. Within a month, James finally secured his visa and landed in London, relieved that he could rely on the EOR’s expertise in UK immigration, rather than handling the rules alone.

For more information on official visa types, eligibility criteria, and application procedures, visit UK Visas and Immigration (GOV.UK). To understand how points are assigned for Skilled Worker visas and other routes, consult the Points-Based System Guidance.

2. Key challenges expats face

While government guidelines are available, the process of securing a visa can still feel complex. You typically need to provide proof of qualifications, English language test results, bank statements for maintenance funds, and, if relevant, a Certificate of Sponsorship.

Delays or overlooked paperwork can lead to application hold-ups. In addition, the UK regularly updates its immigration rules and salary thresholds, making it risky to rely on outdated sources.

Submitting incorrect details or violating any visa conditions might result in refusals, fines, or even deportation. Moreover, the entire process can be demanding, especially if you’re juggling other relocation tasks, job searches, or family responsibilities.

The application process can be time-consuming, especially if you’re balancing relocation logistics, job hunting, or family responsibilities. That’s why Employer of Record in UK can help you handle complicated processes with collecting documentation, local requirements, and reducing risks.

3. How Employer of Record (EOR) services simplify the process

An Employer of Record in the UK can be a vital ally in ensuring your move goes smoothly. While an EOR primarily supports companies hiring in the region, these services also benefit expats by reducing stress around legal compliance and documentation:

• Compliance with local laws: EORs remain current with UK regulations, ensuring you’re employed under the correct visa category.
• Streamlined applications: They collaborate with you and your sponsoring employer (if applicable) to gather the right paperwork, eliminating many administrative tasks.
• Reduced risk of mistakes: By handling HR, payroll, and visa processes, EORs prevent common pitfalls like misclassification of your job role or missed deadlines.
• Focus on personal settlement: Freed from bureaucratic chores, you can put your energy into house-hunting, exploring the UK, and preparing for your new work environment.

An Employer of Record (EOR) handles various cases daily, collaborating with professionals at different stages of their careers and from various sectors. Because of this firsthand experience, an EOR stays current on local tax regulations, labour laws, visa categories, and the practicalities of the application process.

As a result, they can offer tailored guidance that aligns with current policies, making it simpler for expats and businesses to meet all the requirements and reduce administrative burdens.

4. Your step-by-step guide to obtaining a work permit in the UK

Below is a practical roadmap to help you handle the visa process, from research to relocation:

Research the right visa type

• Identify your skill set, job offer, and career goals.
• Check if you need a sponsor, endorsement, or financial threshold.

Prepare documentation

• Gather a valid passport, academic or professional credentials, financial statements, proof of English proficiency, and any required sponsorship certificates.
• Ensure documents are translated into English if necessary.

Submit the application

• Apply online through the official GOV.UK portal or via a visa application centre in your home country.
• Pay the application fee and any healthcare surcharge applicable (e.g., the Immigration Health Surcharge).

Follow up and wait for a decision

• Processing times vary based on visa type and application route, so track progress via your online account or email updates.
• If additional information is requested, respond promptly to avoid delays.

Get ready for the move

• Arrange accommodation, banking, and other essentials before arrival.
• If you’re using an Employer of Record in the UK, coordinate contract details and ensure all work conditions match your visa requirements.

For an authoritative starting point on the visa application process, visit How to Apply for a UK Visa (GOV.UK), where you’ll find an overview of fees and documentation requirements. You can also explore UK Visa Application Centres Worldwide for details on local appointments and submission procedures. These official sources ensure you’re following up-to-date guidelines as you move forward.

5. Making your transition smoother with professional support

UK immigration laws can shift due to economic or political changes. Subscribing to government updates or following reputable legal blogs ensures you stay ahead of new policies or additional eligibility criteria.

Working with an Employer of Record means you won’t need to establish your own UK entity or handle day-to-day HR complexities. For you as an expat in the UK, it’s a safeguard that your employment contract, visa status, and local taxes align with British regulations. If your employer isn’t local or lacks UK expertise, an EOR is a direct solution to bridging that gap.

If your goal is to move to the UK for work permanently or for an extended period, certain visa categories pave the way to settlement, also known as Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). Understanding how your chosen visa affects timelines for settlement rights is essential. For instance, the Skilled Worker route often allows you to apply for ILR after five years, provided you meet salary and continuous residence requirements.

Conclusion: your next steps

Navigating work permits & visas in the UK doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By choosing the correct visa route, preparing thorough documentation, and possibly partnering with an Employer of Record in the UK, you can avoid the common pitfalls that delay or derail many relocation plans.

Identify the visa that matches your career path, gather essential paperwork, and submit a robust application. Keep abreast of updates to immigration regulations to maintain your legal status and avoid fines. If you have questions or need hands-on support, EOR services and immigration advisors can offer peace of mind.

Whether you’re aiming for a short-term contract or a full-fledged career in the UK, understanding the rules around how to get a work visa is the foundation for a smooth transition. With the proper guidance and resources, you can confidently leap, knowing you’ve set yourself up for success in one of the world’s most dynamic job markets.

Ready to get started? Contact us to learn more about how Employer of Record solutions can streamline your move to the UK and secure the ideal work visa route for your new professional journey.