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:
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 |
Answers to some questions you might have
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.
There are two different types of services:
Unlock the secrets to landing your dream job. Whether you’re a recent graduate, a seasoned professional, or an international job seeker, this book provides the tools you need to craft standout applications, ace interviews, and secure the perfect position. Don’t let the competitive job market hold you back—equip yourself with the knowledge and confidence to succeed with this indispensable resource.