Which UK Visa to Apply for and How to Get It?
To work in the UK, you will need a current work visa unless you have an EU passport or right to abode. There are a variety of UK work visas, work permits, and passports that will enable you to legally work in the UK. Each has its own eligibility requirements and restrictions.
On this page:
- You can quickly find the best UK work visa option for you, with links to more information on the most common types of visas.
- We will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using a service to assist you and also how to apply for a visa yourself.
- We will also discuss the timing – when to get the wheels in motion for your visa!
UK Work Visa Types
In order of popularity for Australians, New Zealanders and Canadians
| Common Name | Official Name | Period of Validity | Main Requirements | Full Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Working Holiday Visa | Youth Mobility Scheme visa | 2 Years (can be renewed for another year) | ✔ Aged between 18 and 35 years inclusive for Australians, Canadians, New Zealanders, and South Koreans only ✔ Have at least £2,530 in savings | Youth Mobility Scheme Visa |
| Ancestry Visa | UK Ancestry Visa | 5 Years (renewable for another 5 years) | ✔ You can apply if you are a Commonwealth citizen, British overseas citizen, British overseas territories citizen, British national (overseas), or citizen of Zimbabwe. ✔ Proved that one of your grandparents was born in the UK, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man ✔ Meet other eligibility requirements | UK Ancestry Visa |
| Worker Visa / Sponsorship | Skilled Worker Visa | 5 years (renewable) | ✔ You need to be hired by a UK employer ✔ Specific eligibility depends on your job | Sponsorship |
| Spouse Visa | Family Visa | -2 years and 9 months -6 months if you are applying for fiancé or fiancée | ✔ You need to be 18 years old or over ✔ You’ve been in a relationship for at least 2 years ✔ You will marry in the UK within 6 months of arriving ✔ Meet the financial requirements and other requirements | Spouse |
Highlights
- 50% of Workgateways applicants who are from Australia, New Zealand, and Canada choose the Working Holiday Visa — Youth Mobility Scheme visa. It’s truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that you shouldn’t miss.
- Australians, New Zealanders, Canadians, and other nationalities should check if they qualify for a British Passport or an Ancestry Visa instead of a Working Holiday Visa due to the added flexibility it offers.
- Sponsorship can be an excellent way for many to work in the UK. Often, it’s much easier to get this if you’ve already been in the UK.
- Spouse Visas can work full-time without any restrictions.
Table of Contents
FAQs
Answers to some questions you might have
Who uses a Visa Service or Immigration Agency?
For some, using a visa service can be a good option to ensure the visa is done right the first time.
For more complex visas, such as Sponsorship or moving a family to the UK, using an Immigration Agency is often the best way to ensure applications are approved and costly mistakes are avoided. We do not specifically recommend any Immigration Agencies as we mainly focus on Working Holidaymakers, who either use a Visa Service or apply on their own.
Why use a Visa Service? (for Working Holiday and Ancestry)
- Getting help through a Visa Service ensures you get your visa as quickly as possible while avoiding common visa mistakes. It also saves you from having to understand all the complexities involved!
- If you love filling out lots of forms that require attention to detail and have time on your side, skip below to the section that explains how to do it yourself.
- If you dislike filling out lots of forms and want to get your application approved as quickly as possible with minimal hassle, we recommend using a Visa Service.
What types of Visa Services are there?
There are two different types of services:
- Work and Travel Companies — These companies are set up to provide low-cost work visa assistance services. They mainly focus on Working Holidays but can sometimes help with more complex situations too. These travel companies are usually one-stop shops that also offer services for opening bank accounts, obtaining NI numbers and other services.
- Visa Companies or Immigration Agencies — These companies specialize in providing Visa Services or Immigration advice. They typically assist with more complex visas, such as sponsorships or helping families relocate to the UK.
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