Travel And Work In The Uk: A Comprehensive Guide

If you're thinking about travelling to the UK for work, there are a few things you should know. Firstly, the UK offers a range of work visa options, including the Youth Mobility Scheme visa, Tier 2 visa for long-term work, and Tier 1 visa for exceptional talent. It's important to research which visa category you fit into, as the application process can be complicated and visas are limited.

If you're not a member of the European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA), finding work in the UK can be challenging. However, there are organisations like BUNAC and The UK Pub Co. that can help you secure internships or hospitality jobs, respectively. These programs often require a valid passport, a certain level of education, and financial support.

Additionally, if you have family ties to the UK or are a citizen of a country with a working holiday agreement, you may be eligible for special visa programs.

Remember to plan ahead, as most UK working visas have specific application deadlines and limited availability.

Visa options for working in the UK

The UK has a structured visa system designed to accommodate a wide range of employment scenarios. There is no general work visa or permit for the UK. Instead, the UK offers many different work visa routes, focused mainly on skilled workers and specific schemes designed to attract certain profiles of workers. Here is a list of some of the visa options for working in the UK:

Skilled Worker Visa

The Skilled Worker visa enables you to work an eligible job for a UK employer. The eligibility requirements are as follows:

• You must have a confirmed job offer and a 'certificate of sponsorship' (CoS) from your employer with information about the role you’ve been offered.
• You must work for a UK employer that’s been approved by the Home Office.
• You must do a job that’s on the list of eligible occupations.
• You must be paid a minimum salary, depending on the type of work and the date you got your CoS.
• You must be able to speak, read, write and understand English.
• Your visa can last for up to 5 years before you need to extend it.

Health and Care Worker Visa

This visa is for doctors, nurses, or those working in health or adult social care. It is cheaper to apply for and you do not need to pay the annual immigration health surcharge.

British National (Overseas) Visa

Youth Mobility Scheme Visa

High Potential Individual (HPI) Visa

Global Business Mobility Visa

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)

Overseas Domestic Worker Visa

Representative of an Overseas Business Visa

Innovator Founder Visa

Temporary Worker Visa

There are five types of UK Temporary Work visas:

• Creative Worker Visa
• Seasonal Worker Visa
• International Agreement Worker Visa
• Charity Worker Visa
• Government Authorised Exchange Visa

International Sportsperson Visa

Minister of Religion Visa (T2)

Scale-up Worker Visa

Frontier Worker Permit

Finding work in the UK

Requirements for International Candidates

Firstly, ensure you meet the requirements to work in the UK. You will need a valid visa, proof of proficiency in English, and relevant academic qualifications.

Visa

There are various work visas available, including the Skilled Worker Visa, Health and Care Worker Visa, Senior or Specialist Worker Visa, and Scale-up Worker Visa. Each visa has specific requirements, so it is essential to review and choose the one that suits your situation.

English Proficiency

You must prove that you can speak, read, write, and understand English at a minimum of B1 level on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) scale. Certain professions, such as nurses, doctors, and teachers, may be exempt from this requirement if they have already passed an English assessment recognised by their professional organisation.

Academic Qualifications

Depending on the job, you may need relevant academic qualifications. For example, healthcare jobs typically require undergraduate degrees or diplomas, while engineering jobs may require undergraduate degrees or apprenticeships.

Job Search Strategies

Once you have ensured you meet the requirements, it's time to begin your job search. Here are some strategies to help you find suitable job opportunities:

Online Job Platforms

Use job boards, career websites, company websites, and social media platforms to search for jobs within your industry. You can use keywords relevant to the type of job you want and combine them with the phrase "jobs in the UK". For example, search for "microbiology jobs in the UK" or "engineer jobs in the UK".

Networking

Connect with your network of family, friends, and colleagues in the UK and ask about any job openings they may know about. You can also build new connections through professional social media platforms or by joining professional organisations in your field.

Application Process

When applying for jobs, there are several steps you can take to increase your chances of success:

CV and Cover Letter

Prepare a CV and cover letter that showcases your educational qualifications, work experience, skills, and professional achievements. Adapt these documents to each specific job application, demonstrating your commercial awareness of the company. Review the job descriptions and match your skills to the required role, including relevant keywords that employers may be looking for.

Interview Preparation

If you are invited for an interview, take time to prepare. You can search for common interview questions for your specific job position and practise your answers. Employers may also use assessment centres and psychometric tests to evaluate your suitability, so be prepared for potential aptitude and personality tests.

Popular Industries in the UK

To help guide your job search, here are some popular industries in the UK to consider:

• Healthcare: Includes public and private sector jobs, often requiring undergraduate degrees and diplomas.
• Engineering and Manufacturing: A fast-paced sector with a range of opportunities, including building, aircraft, and motor vehicle-related jobs.
• Retail: Includes warehouse and logistics jobs, as well as traditional retail sales roles.
• Accounting and Finance: Jobs in this field involve financial tasks such as filing taxes, preparing financial documents, and developing budgets.

By understanding the requirements, utilising effective job search strategies, and preparing a strong application, you can enhance your chances of finding the right work opportunity in the UK.

Internships and exchanges

Internships are a great way to gain valuable work experience, build your resume, and get a taste of the UK's work culture. The UK is a premier destination for international students and recent graduates looking to intern abroad and gain experience at leading companies. Here are some things to keep in mind if you're considering an internship in the UK:

Popular Industries for Internships in the UK

• Business: With many large international corporations based in the UK, interns can explore areas such as business analytics and supply chain management.
• Finance: London, being a financial capital, provides access to top firms and fintech startups.
• Law: The common law system practised in the UK is also used in the US, Australia, Canada, and India, making it an attractive option for international law students.
• Media & Communications: Marketing and communications are ever-growing fields, and interns can gain experience with PR firms, ad agencies, and news publications.

Best Cities for Internships in the UK

• London: Offering the most opportunities, London is ideal for internships in fields like law, business, and journalism.
• Manchester: Known as the "London of the North," Manchester is great for creative fields, marketing, communications, and engineering.
• Birmingham: As the second-largest city, Birmingham offers internships in tourism, hospitality, and healthcare.
• Liverpool: This coastal city is ideal for those seeking internships in clean energy, engineering, or business.

How to Apply for Internships in the UK

• Check eligibility requirements: Many internships don't require a specific field of study, but candidates usually need native or near-native English proficiency.
• Prepare application materials: Update your resume, cover letter, and portfolio, and write a compelling personal statement.
• Submit documents: Send copies of academic transcripts and letters of recommendation.
• Interview: Dress professionally and practice common interview questions.
• Apply for a visa: Depending on the internship's length and type (paid vs. unpaid), you may need a Government Authorised Exchange visa, which requires employer sponsorship.

Work Culture and Etiquette in the UK

• Teamwork and sociability are valued in UK workplaces, with regular outings to the pub after work.
• Politeness is important, so remember to use "please" and "thank you."
• Punctuality and professionalism are highly valued.
• While English speakers can easily communicate, be prepared for different accents and vocabulary variations.

Sponsorship and requirements

To travel and work in the UK, you will need to meet certain requirements and may need to be sponsored by an employer. Here is an overview of the sponsorship process and the requirements for obtaining a UK work visa:

Sponsorship

If you are a non-UK resident, the main immigration route for workers is the Skilled Worker visa, which requires sponsorship from a licensed UK employer. To sponsor a foreign worker, an employer typically needs a sponsor licence. This includes sponsoring citizens from the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland who arrived in the UK after 31 December 2020.

A sponsor licence is not required for certain groups, such as those with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme or those with indefinite leave to remain in the UK.

The process for obtaining a sponsor licence involves several steps:

• Checking if your business is eligible
• Ensuring your job is suitable for sponsorship
• Choosing the type of licence based on the type of worker you want to sponsor
• Deciding who will manage sponsorship within your business
• Applying online and paying the fee
• UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) may inspect your business to ensure it meets the requirements
• If your application is successful, you will be given a licence rating and can issue certificates of sponsorship for suitable jobs

The cost of a sponsor licence application depends on the size of the organisation. For medium or large sponsors, the fee is £1,476, while for small or charitable sponsors, it is £536. Employers can also opt for the premium sponsor scheme, which offers enhanced support and costs between £2,000 and £25,000.

Once a sponsor licence is obtained, the employer must assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to each foreign worker they sponsor. This electronic record contains a unique number that the worker uses to apply for their visa. The cost of assigning a CoS to a Skilled Worker visa holder is £239.

A UK sponsorship visa licence is valid for four years and must be renewed to continue employing sponsored workers. The cost of renewal is the same as the initial application fee.

Requirements for the Skilled Worker Visa

To qualify for a Skilled Worker visa, you must meet the following requirements:

• Have a confirmed job offer from a UK employer approved by the Home Office
• Obtain a 'certificate of sponsorship' (CoS) from your employer, which includes details of the role offered
• Ensure your job is on the list of eligible occupations
• Meet the minimum salary threshold, which depends on the type of work and the date you received your CoS
• Have knowledge of the English language (speaking, reading, writing, and understanding)
• Prove your identity and provide necessary documents

The specific eligibility criteria may vary depending on your job, and you may need to allow extra time for an appointment to prove your identity. The processing time for a Skilled Worker visa application is typically three weeks for applicants outside the UK and eight weeks for those inside the UK.

In addition to the application fee, visa applicants must also pay the healthcare surcharge for each year of their stay and demonstrate sufficient personal savings.

The Skilled Worker visa allows individuals to work in eligible jobs, bring their partners and children as dependents, take on additional work in certain circumstances, travel abroad and return to the UK, and apply to settle permanently in the UK after living there for five years, among other benefits.

Other Work Visa Options

While the Skilled Worker visa is the main route, there are other work visas available that may not require sponsorship, such as the Global Talent visa. Other options include the Health and Care Worker visa, Temporary Worker visas, Global Business Mobility visas, and the Scale-Up Worker visa (initial six-month sponsorship). Each visa has its own specific requirements and eligibility criteria.

It is important to carefully review the requirements and eligibility criteria for both the employer and the employee when considering sponsorship and applying for a UK work visa.

Travel visas

When travelling to the UK, the type of visa you need depends on your nationality, how long you want to stay, and your personal circumstances and skills.

Standard Visitor Visa

If you want to visit the UK for tourism, business, study, or other permitted activities, you can apply for a Standard Visitor Visa. This visa allows you to stay in the UK for up to 6 months and costs £115. You can also apply for a long-term Standard Visitor Visa if you visit the UK regularly.

Marriage Visitor Visa

If you want to visit the UK to get married or register a civil partnership, you must apply for a Marriage Visitor Visa.

Student Visa

If you want to study in the UK, the type of visa you need depends on the length of your course. A Standard Visitor Visa allows you to take a short course of up to 6 months, while a Short-term Study Visa is for English language courses lasting between 6 and 11 months. For longer courses, you will usually need a Student Visa, which may allow you to do some work.

Work Visas

There are many types of work visas available for those who want to work in the UK, including the Youth Mobility Scheme Visa, the Innovator Founder Visa, and the Skilled Worker Visa. The type of work visa you need depends on your skills and qualifications, whether you have a job offer and sponsorship, if you want to bring your family, and the type of work you will be doing.

Family Visa

If you want to join a family member who is a British citizen or settled in the UK, you can apply for a family visa. Your family member may need to show that they can support you financially. After a certain period of time, you may be able to apply for indefinite leave to remain in the UK.

Frequently asked questions