Section A: Overview of the UK Visa System
The UK work visa framework sits within the wider immigration system that groups routes by purpose of stay, such as work, study, visit or family. It accommodates a wide range of employment scenarios, focused mainly on skilled workers and specific schemes designed to attract certain profiles of workers. While this breadth presents opportunities, it also creates complexity for those working through the rules to secure the necessary permission to work.
Many work routes operate under the Points Based System, which places weight on job skill level, salary and sponsorship. Not every work route is PBS based, for example UK Ancestry and the Frontier Worker Permit sit outside it. Since EU free movement ended, the system has been re-worked to apply the same immigration rules to EU and non-EU nationals.
1. The Legal Framework Governing Work Visas in the UK
The core legal source is the Immigration Rules, applied by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). These set the entry requirements, conditions and grounds for refusal or cancellation. Policy guidance and sponsor guidance explain how UKVI expects applicants and employers to meet the Rules. While the PBS is central to many work routes, some routes are outside the PBS and follow their own criteria.
a. The Immigration Act
This legislation underpins control of entry and stay. It also provides for enforcement powers and employer duties.
Read our extensive guide to the Immigration Act 2016 here >>
b. The Points Based System (PBS)
The PBS assesses attributes such as sponsorship, salary and skill. It applies to routes like Skilled Worker and Scale-up. It does not cover every work route, so check the route-specific rules rather than assuming PBS applies.
Read our extensive guide to the Points Based System here >>
c. Sponsorship
Employers that hire under sponsored routes need a sponsor licence issued by UKVI. Licences are granted under the Worker and Temporary Worker categories. Before a visa application is made, the sponsor assigns a Certificate of Sponsorship that confirms the role details and that the applicant meets the route criteria.
Read our extensive guide to the Principles of Immigration Sponsorship here >>
2. Who Needs a Visa to Work in the UK?
Whether you need a work visa depends on your nationality or status and the activity you plan to carry out. Non-British and non-Irish nationals without indefinite leave to remain or EU Settlement Scheme status generally need a visa for employment. Visitors cannot take employment, though limited business activities are allowed under the Visitor Rules. Student visa holders have limited work rights while studying; to take full-time post-study employment you will need an appropriate route. Graduate permission currently allows unsponsored work for two years, or three years for PhD graduates. From 1 January 2027, most new Graduate grants will be for 18 months, with three years for PhD graduates remaining.
| Status or Situation | Work Visa Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| British citizen | No | Full right to live and work in the UK |
| Irish citizen | No | Covered by Common Travel Area rights |
| Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) | No | May work without restriction |
| EU/EEA/Swiss national with Settled Status | No | Full work rights under EU Settlement Scheme |
| EU/EEA/Swiss national with Pre-settled Status | No | Work permitted while status remains valid |
| Non-UK national without ILR or EUSS status | Yes | Most foreign nationals need a visa to work |
| Visitor (tourist or business) | Yes | No employment permitted; limited business activities only under Visitor Rules |
| Sponsored by UK employer | Yes | Apply under routes such as Skilled Worker or Global Business Mobility |
| Student visa holder | Sometimes | Limited work rights during study; a separate route is needed for post-study employment |
| Graduate visa holder | No | Unsponsored work for 2 years (3 for PhD). From 1 January 2027, most new grants are 18 months, with 3 years for PhD |
| Spouse/Partner visa holder | No | Permitted to work in the UK without restriction |
3. Choosing the Right Work Visa
It’s easy to underestimate the impact your choice of work visa will have on your UK plans. With UK immigration rules becoming ever more detailed, applicants can find themselves lost in a maze of categories, requirements and hidden pitfalls. The key is clarity and understanding precisely what each visa entails, its limitations and what life in the UK might look like under that status. Selecting the wrong visa can be costly, both financially and personally; it can restrict employment prospects, limit your ability to bring family members or delay the path to permanent settlement.
An effective strategy involves assessing your long-term goals and aligning them with visa provisions. Skilled workers, entrepreneurs, students and family applicants each have distinct paths with unique benefits and constraints. The UK’s immigration system rewards meticulous preparation and punishes assumptions. Taking professional advice, doing your research upfront and realistically evaluating your eligibility will save significant stress down the road. Remember, the right visa is not necessarily the easiest or quickest to obtain; it is the one that matches your personal circumstances, career ambitions and future plans most closely, offering a strong foundation for success and stability in the UK.
DavidsonMorris Strategic Insight
Most work routes sit within the Points Based System, which assesses factors like skill level, salary and English to ensure applicants can contribute and add value to the UK. This is because fundamentally, economic migration in the UK is designed to prioritise higher skilled and higher paid workers. Lower skilled and lower paid roles are generally not open to foreign nationals for long-term sponsorship, aside from limited temporary schemes.
Section B: Types of Work Visas in the UK
If you have a job offer in the UK
If you don’t have a job offer in the UK
British National Overseas Visa
High Potential Individual HPI visa
If you will be working in the UK for your overseas employer
Senior or Specialist Worker Visa (Global Business Mobility)
UK Expansion Worker Visa (Global Business Mobility)
Graduate Trainee Visa (Global Business Mobility)
Secondment Worker Visa (Global Business Mobility)
Service Supplier Visa (Global Business Mobility)
Representative of an Overseas Business Visa
Service Providers from Switzerland
If you are looking to apply for temporary or seasonal work
Seasonal Worker Visa (Temporary Work)
Government Authorised Exchange Visa (Temporary Work)
Creative Worker Visa (Temporary Work)
Religious Worker Visa (Temporary Work)
Charity Worker Visa (Temporary Work)
International Agreement visa (Temporary Work)
Working in your own UK business
Sponsors and sponsorship
UK visa sponsorship for employers
UK Visa Sponsorship Management System
Employees: if your visa sponsor loses their licence
Other UK work visas and permits
International Sportsperson visa
Minister of Religion visa (T2)
Work visas that are closed to new applicants
DavidsonMorris Strategic Insight
Route selection is a critical early stage. Take the time to assess all possible options and check eligibility before starting the application process. Beyond eligibility, each route has specific conditions and restrictions on the employer and worker, which both parties will need to understand to avoid issues later.
Section C: Work Visa Eligibility Criteria
Each work visa category has specific eligibility requirements, which applicants must show they satisfy as part of their application.
In addition to these route-specific requirements, work visa applicants will also have to meet the following general eligibility and suitability requirements:
1. General Requirements for UK Work Visas
a. Points-Based System (PBS)
Most work visas are assessed under the PBS, where applicants must score specific points for attributes like sponsorship, salary and skills.
Read our extensive guide to the Points Based System here >>
b. Sponsorship
Most UK work visa applications are for routes requiring a job offer from a UK employer that holds a valid sponsor licence.
For sponsored work routes, workers can only proceed with their visa application once they have been assigned a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from their sponsor, detailing the role and confirming that the applicant meets the job requirements.
Read our extensive guide to the Principles of Immigration Sponsorship here >>
c. English Language Proficiency
The UK work visa system requires most applicants to demonstrate a command of the English language.
Exemptions depend on the route. For work routes, applicants usually meet the requirement by majority English-speaking nationality, a degree taught in English, a SELT at the set level, or disability-based exceptions where applicable. The age-65 exemption relates to settlement cases, not to most work-visa applications.
Most work visa applicants will need to prove their knowledge of English, either by providing evidence that their degree was taught or researched in English or by passing a recognised English language test at the B1, B2, C1 or C2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), depending on the visa type. Tests can only be taken with providers approved by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).
For first-time applicants in routes including Skilled Worker, Scale-up and High Potential Individual, the required level is scheduled to rise to B2 from 8 January 2026, with transitional arrangements for existing permission holders when they extend.
Read our guide to English language requirements here >>
d. Maintenance and financial ability
Applicants may need to show funds to maintain themselves and any dependants without access to public funds. On some routes an A-rated sponsor can certify maintenance. Amounts and evidential rules are set by the route and Appendix Finance.
e. Suitability and criminality
UKVI assesses suitability, including criminal history, immigration history and conduct. Serious or repeated offences, deception, previous breaches or unpaid NHS debt can lead to refusal. Security checks may include database searches and interviews.
f. Health requirements
Applicants from listed countries are required to provide an approved tuberculosis certificate for entry clearance of more than six months. Certain research roles may require Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) clearance before permission can be granted.
2. Route-specific eligibility factors that commonly apply
a. Salary thresholds and eligible occupations
Sponsored jobs need to be in an eligible occupation code and paid at or above the applicable threshold for the route and code. Where both a general salary floor and a going rate apply, the offer needs to meet the higher requirement. Immigration Salary List roles follow route rules that differ from standard rates.
b. Genuineness and role suitability
UKVI considers whether the vacancy is genuine and at the correct skill level for the code. Duties should match the code description. Inflated titles, contrived roles or sham vacancies risk refusal and can expose the sponsor to enforcement action.
c. Switching in the UK
Whether an applicant can switch into a work route from within the UK depends on their current permission and the target route. Visitors and short-term students are not able to switch in country. Some first grants of permission need to be made from overseas.
d. Dependants
Many work routes allow partners and children to apply as dependants, subject to eligibility and finance rules. Some routes, such as Seasonal Worker, do not permit dependants. Conditions for dependants, including work and study, are set by the route.
e. Sponsor-side factors that affect eligibility
Eligibility can fail if the sponsor does not meet licence duties or assigns an inappropriate occupation code or salary. Sponsors are required to comply with licence conditions and, where applicable, pay the Immigration Skills Charge.
Section D: Work Visa Application Process
Applying for a UK work visa involves a series of steps to ensure that only qualified individuals enter the UK for employment.
| Step | Action | Key points |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Determine the correct visa type | Match your plans to the right route by checking the job, skill level and salary. Make sure the route supports longer term aims such as family or settlement. Confirm the exact eligibility rules before you proceed. |
| 2 | Get sponsored | If your route is sponsored, secure a genuine job offer from a UK employer with a sponsor licence. The employer assigns a Certificate of Sponsorship with role details and salary. You cannot apply until the CoS has been issued. |
| 3 | Prepare your evidence | Line up identity, English language proof, maintenance funds and role details. Gather everything in advance. Arrange certified translations if documents are not in English or Welsh. |
| 4 | Apply online | Complete the form on the official UK government website. Enter personal details, your CoS reference if sponsored, and role information. Keep answers consistent with your evidence. |
| 5 | Pay fees and the IHS | Pay the application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge for access to NHS services. The IHS is £1,035 per year of leave per applicant, reduced to £776 for children, students and Youth Mobility Scheme applicants. Health and Care Worker applicants and their dependants are exempt. Employers should budget for the Immigration Skills Charge where applicable, including the increase taking effect on 16 December 2025. See the comprehensive guide to UK visa fees here >> |
| 6 | Verify identity and give biometrics | Either verify identity using the Immigration ID Check app or attend a Visa Application Centre or UKVCAS centre to give fingerprints and a photograph. You will be told which option applies when you submit the form. |
| 7 | Submit your documents | Depending on location, upload evidence online or provide it through the application centre. Follow route instructions and keep copies of everything submitted. |
| 8 | Attend an interview (if required) | If invited, respond promptly and attend with any additional information requested. Answer questions clearly and consistently. |
| 9 | Receive your visa decision | Processing times vary by route and location. Priority services may be available in some cases. Check typical timeframes for your visa type before you apply. |
1. How to Apply for a UK Work Visa
Start by matching your plans to the right route. Check the job on offer, the skill level and salary, and whether the route aligns with longer term aims such as bringing family or working toward settlement. Confirm the exact eligibility rules for that route before you go further.
If your route is sponsored, you need a genuine job offer from a UK employer that holds a sponsor licence. The employer assigns a Certificate of Sponsorship with the role details and salary. You cannot apply until that CoS has been issued.
Line up what the route requires, such as identity, English language proof, maintenance funds and role details. Gather it in advance so there are no gaps. If documents are not in English or Welsh, arrange certified translations.
Complete the application on the official UK government website. Enter your personal details, your CoS reference if you are sponsored, and the information about the role. Answer every question fully and keep details consistent with your evidence.
Pay the application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge. The IHS gives you access to NHS services during your stay. The IHS costs £1,035 per year of leave per applicant, with a reduced rate of £776 per year for children, students and Youth Mobility Scheme applicants. Health and Care Worker applicants and their dependants are exempt from the IHS. Read our comprehensive guide to UK visa fees here >>. If you are an employer, build in the Immigration Skills Charge where it applies, including the increase taking effect on 16 December 2025.
You will either verify your identity using the Immigration ID Check app or attend an appointment to give fingerprints and a photograph at a Visa Application Centre or a UKVCAS centre. You will be told which route applies when you submit the form.
Depending on your location, you will either upload your evidence online or provide it through the application centre. Follow the instructions for your route and keep copies of everything you submit.
Some applicants are invited to interview. If contacted, respond promptly and answer questions clearly. Bring any additional information requested.
Wait for the decision on your application. Processing times vary by route and location, and priority services may be available in some cases. Check the typical timeframe for your visa type before you apply.
2. UK Work Visa Fees
| Visa Type | Application Inside UK | Application Outside UK |
|---|---|---|
| Skilled Worker Visa (up to 3 years) | Varies — see official fee tool (typically within £769–£1,751) | Varies — see official fee tool (typically within £769–£1,751) |
| Skilled Worker Visa (over 3 years) | Varies — see official fee tool (typically within £769–£1,751) | Varies — see official fee tool (typically within £769–£1,751) |
| Health and Care Worker Visa (up to 3 years) | £304 | £304 |
| Health and Care Worker Visa (over 3 years) | £590 | £590 |
| Student Visa | £524 | £524 |
| Graduate Visa | £880 | N/A |
| Visitor Visa (Standard, 6 months) | N/A | £127 |
| Family Visa (Spouse/Partner) | £1,321 | £1,938 |
| Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) | £3,029 | N/A |
Read our comprehensive guide to UK visa fees here >>
3. Documents Required for the Application
The documents you need will depend on the visa route and your circumstances, but there are core items that most applicants should expect to provide. You will need your current passport, which should be valid for the full period of your planned stay. If your route is sponsored, you will include the Certificate of Sponsorship reference issued by your UK employer. You should also provide evidence of English, usually an approved test result or proof that a qualifying degree was taught in English. Bank statements may be required to show you can maintain yourself in the UK without access to public funds. If you are applying from a country on the Home Office list and for a stay of more than six months, you will need an approved tuberculosis test certificate. For roles that involve work with vulnerable people, an overseas criminal record certificate may be required. Finally, if you are sponsored, you should include confirmation of salary and role details from your employer so that the application reflects the offer set out on the Certificate of Sponsorship.
| Application Tip | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Double-check the visa type | Confirm the route matches your job offer, skill level and salary, and that it aligns with your longer term plans such as bringing family or working toward settlement. |
| Complete the form accurately | Answer every question fully and consistently with your evidence, since errors and contradictions can cause delays or refusals. |
| Organise documents carefully | Prepare the required evidence in advance, follow any formatting rules and provide certified translations where documents are not in English or Welsh. |
| Meet the English requirement | Check the level set for your route and provide the correct proof, whether through an approved test, an eligible nationality or a qualifying degree taught in English. |
| Maintain financial stability | Show that you meet the finance rules for your route and that you can support yourself in the UK without access to public funds. |
| Follow health guidelines | Complete any required health checks, such as a tuberculosis test if you are applying from a listed country for a stay of more than six months. |
| Consult an expert when needed | Seek advice from a qualified immigration adviser if you are unsure about eligibility or evidence, so that issues are addressed before you apply. |
DavidsonMorris Strategic Insight
Process errors can be just as damaging as eligibility issues and can render an application invalid, forcing you to start again.
The application process itself has fixed stipulations and you cannot deviate. Once the application is in, you are on the Home Office track and are expected to respond to queries. You’re also bound by its timescales. While processing service standards exist, delays can arise if there are issues or questions with the application, which is another reason to double check everything and be fully confident in the submission.
Section E: Living in the UK on a Work Visa
Living in the UK on a work visa comes with specific rights and responsibilities designed to protect workers and support compliance.
As a work visa holder you can work in the UK in the job set out in your permission. Your role should match the terms stated on your permission, including the agreed salary and working hours.
If you plan to change employer or role on a sponsored route you need a new Certificate of Sponsorship and a new grant of permission before you start the new job. Do not begin the new role until the updated permission has been issued.
Many routes allow you to bring your partner and children, subject to eligibility and finance rules. Some routes do not permit dependants, for example Seasonal Worker, so check the route rules before you apply.
Eligible dependants can access state education while living in the UK.
You can access NHS services if you have paid the Immigration Health Surcharge or if an exemption applies. NHS services include GP visits, hospital treatment and emergency care. Some services, such as prescriptions, dental care and eye tests, may involve additional charges.
You are expected to follow the conditions of your permission at all times. Do not access public funds where prohibited, and report changes in your circumstances to the Home Office where the rules require it. Breaches can affect your current permission and future applications.
You are liable for UK income tax and National Insurance on your employment in the UK. Your treatment of foreign income depends on your residence status and whether funds are brought into the UK. If you are unsure of your position, take professional tax advice before you file.
Employers are required to carry out right to work checks before employment starts and to complete any follow-up checks where they apply. You should cooperate with these checks and provide the requested evidence on time so that your employer can meet their legal duties and you can start or continue working without delays.
Section F: Summary
Working in the UK starts with choosing the right route and proving you meet the rules that apply to that route. Most applicants will need a sponsor, the correct occupation code and salary, and to meet finance and English requirements. Fees and the Immigration Health Surcharge should be budgeted alongside employer costs such as the Immigration Skills Charge. Keep an eye on confirmed policy changes, including the uplift to B2 English for first-time Skilled Worker, Scale-up and High Potential Individual applicants from 8 January 2026, and the Graduate route moving to 18 months for most new grants from 1 January 2027.
Success comes down to accuracy and timing. Check your eligibility and prepare evidence that will stand up to UKVI scrutiny. If you change roles, secure new permission before you start.
If you are uncertain on any point, take tailored advice before you apply so you can proceed with confidence and avoid avoidable costs or delays.
Section G: Need Assistance?
With evolving immigration policies, rising application fees and the Home Office tightening scrutiny around suitability and compliance, the route to working in the UK is far from straightforward. The reality is that successfully obtaining a work visa demands that applicants meet the relevant eligibility criteria and understand how immigration officials will assess their applications. Too many hopeful applicants make costly errors that are often easily avoidable with the right guidance and preparation.
At DavidsonMorris, we offer professional advice and support to help visa applicants through the complexities of the UK immigration system. We help transform the daunting task of applying for a work visa into a stepping stone towards achieving your career goals in the UK. Contact our experts for specialist guidance.
Section H: UK Work Visa FAQs
How do I apply for a UK work visa?
Choose the correct route, line up eligibility, then apply online. If your route is sponsored your employer assigns a Certificate of Sponsorship before you submit the form. You will verify your identity through the app or at a visa centre, pay the fees and upload your evidence.
What are the fees for UK work visas?
Fees vary by route, job type and where you apply. Use the official fee tables to check the current amount for your category. For an overview see our guide: UK visa fees >>
How long does a UK work visa take to process?
Timelines vary by route and location. Some applications qualify for priority services for an extra fee. Check current estimated times for your route before you apply and factor in biometrics and any document checks.
Can I bring my family with me?
Many work routes allow partners and children to apply as dependants, subject to eligibility and finance rules. Some routes do not allow dependants, for example Seasonal Worker, so check the route rules before you make plans.
Do I have to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge?
Most applicants pay the IHS for access to the NHS. The charge is £1,035 per year of leave, with a reduced rate of £776 for children, students and Youth Mobility Scheme applicants. Health and Care Worker applicants and their dependants are exempt. See our overview: Immigration Health Surcharge >>
Can I switch to a work visa inside the UK?
Switching depends on your current status and the target route. Visitors and short-term students cannot switch in country. Some first grants need to be made from overseas. Check the route-specific rules before you apply.
Can I change employer after my visa is granted?
On sponsored routes you need a new Certificate of Sponsorship and a new grant of permission before you start a new sponsored job. Do not begin the new role until the updated permission is in place.
What English level do I need?
The level depends on the route and how you prove it. For first-time applicants on routes including Skilled Worker, Scale-up and High Potential Individual, the required level rises to B2 for applications made from 8 January 2026, with transitional arrangements for extensions. See: Appendix English Language guide >>
Do I still need to register with the police?
The police registration scheme ended on 4 August 2022. There is no police registration requirement on current routes.
What if my work visa application is refused?
You will receive a decision letter explaining the reasons. If eligible you can request an administrative review. In other cases you may re-apply with stronger evidence or consider appeal routes where available. Take tailored advice before you decide your next step.
Section I: Glossary
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) | The Home Office directorate that administers the Immigration Rules, decides applications and regulates sponsors. |
| Points Based System (PBS) | The framework used for many economic routes that awards points for attributes such as sponsorship, salary and English. Not all work routes sit in the PBS. |
| Sponsor licence | Home Office authorisation that permits a UK employer to sponsor workers under the Worker or Temporary Worker categories. |
| Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) | An electronic record assigned by a licensed sponsor that confirms the role, code, salary and start date for a sponsored worker. |
| Skilled Worker visa | The main sponsored work route for eligible roles at the required skill level and salary, leading to settlement if criteria are met. |
| Global Business Mobility (GBM) | A set of sponsored routes for overseas businesses, including Senior or Specialist Worker, Graduate Trainee, UK Expansion Worker, Secondment Worker and Service Supplier. |
| Scale-up Worker visa | A hybrid route that needs sponsorship for the first six months, after which the worker is unsponsored if conditions are met. |
| Immigration Salary List (ISL) | A list of roles with route-specific salary rules that differ from standard rates. It interacts with the going rate and general salary floor. |
| SOC code / Occupation code | The code that classifies the job. The duties and pay need to align with the chosen code for sponsorship to be valid. |
| Going rate | The occupation-specific salary benchmark for the role’s code. Where both going rate and a general floor apply, the higher requirement needs to be met. |
| Immigration Skills Charge (ISC) | A levy paid by sponsors for most Skilled Worker and GBM hires. Employers should note the increase that takes effect on 16 December 2025. |
| Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) | The annual charge that gives access to the NHS. The rate is £1,035 per year, reduced to £776 for children, students and Youth Mobility. Health and Care Worker applicants and their dependants are exempt. |
| Appendix English Language | The rules that set who needs English, acceptable evidence and levels. From 8 January 2026 the level for first-time Skilled Worker, Scale-up and HPI applicants rises to B2. |
| Appendix Finance | The rules on maintenance funds, who needs to show them, acceptable evidence and when a sponsor can certify maintenance. |
| Frontier Worker Permit | Permission for EU, EEA or Swiss nationals who began working in the UK by 31 December 2020 and continue to be frontier workers. Not a route for new arrivals. |
| Graduate visa | Unsponsored post-study permission. Grants remain two years (three for PhD) until 1 January 2027, when most new grants become 18 months, with three years for PhD unchanged. |
| ATAS | The Academic Technology Approval Scheme. Some research roles require an ATAS certificate before a decision can be made. |
| Right to work check | The employer’s legal check of an individual’s permission to work, completed before employment starts and repeated where follow-ups are required. |
| Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) | Permission to stay in the UK without time limit. It allows work without restriction and is a step toward British citizenship for eligible applicants. |
| Administrative review | A process to challenge a decision on the basis of a case-working error. It is only available where the route provides a right to administrative review. |
| UK Immigration: ID Check app | The app used by eligible applicants to verify identity and provide biometrics without attending a visa centre. |
Section J: Additional Resources
| Resource | Description | Link |
|---|---|---|
| GOV.UK – Work visas overview | Official starting point for UK work visa categories, eligibility and how to apply. | https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration/work-visas |
| Immigration Rules | Primary legal framework for entry clearance and permission to stay. | https://www.gov.uk/guidance/immigration-rules |
| Home Office fees table | Current visa application fees by route and location. | https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/visa-regulations-revised-table/fees-overview |
| Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) | Who pays, the current rates and how to pay the IHS. | https://www.gov.uk/healthcare-immigration-application |
| Appendix English Language | English level requirements, exemptions and accepted evidence. | https://www.gov.uk/guidance/immigration-rules-appendix-english-language |
| Approved SELT providers | List of UKVI approved English test providers and centres. | https://www.gov.uk/guidance/prove-your-english-language-abilities-with-a-secure-english-language-test-selt |
| Skilled occupations list | Eligible occupation codes and going rates used for sponsorship. | https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/skilled-worker-visa-eligible-occupations-and-codes |
| Appendix Immigration Salary List (ISL) | List of occupations subject to ISL salary rules. | https://www.gov.uk/guidance/immigration-rules-appendix-immigration-salary-list |
| Employer sponsorship guidance | How to get and manage a sponsor licence and sponsor workers. | https://www.gov.uk/uk-visa-sponsorship-employers |
| Right to work checks | Employer guidance on acceptable checks and evidence. | https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/employers-right-to-work-checks |
| Visa processing times | Typical decision times by visa route and where you apply. | https://www.gov.uk/visa-processing-times |
| TB testing for UK visas | Countries that require TB tests and approved clinics. | https://www.gov.uk/tb-test-visa |
| ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme) | When ATAS clearance is needed for research roles. | https://www.gov.uk/guidance/academic-technology-approval-scheme |
| UK Immigration: ID Check app | Guidance on using the app to verify identity and submit biometrics. | https://www.gov.uk/guidance/using-the-uk-immigration-id-check-app |
| Check if you need a UK visa | Gov.uk checker to confirm if you need a visa and which route fits. | https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa |
