UK Work Permit: Rules, Eligibility, and How to Apply

When you want to work in the UK, you need a UK work permit, a legal authorization that allows non-UK nationals to take up employment in the country. Also known as a UK work visa, it’s not just a formality—it’s the only way to legally hold a job if you’re not a British citizen or settled resident. The system changed in 2021 after Brexit, and now most work permits fall under the Skilled Worker Visa route. This means you need a job offer from a licensed UK employer before you can apply. No job offer? No permit. It’s that simple.

The UK work permit, a legal authorization that allows non-UK nationals to take up employment in the country. Also known as a UK work visa, it’s not just a formality—it’s the only way to legally hold a job if you’re not a British citizen or settled resident. The system changed in 2021 after Brexit, and now most work permits fall under the Skilled Worker Visa route. This means you need a job offer from a licensed UK employer before you can apply. No job offer? No permit. It’s that simple.

Employers have to be on the Home Office’s list of licensed sponsors. That’s not automatic—they apply, pay fees, and prove they’ve tried to hire locally first. If they’re approved, they give you a Certificate of Sponsorship. That’s your ticket to apply. You’ll also need to prove you speak English and have enough money to support yourself for the first month. The salary threshold varies by job, but it’s usually at least £26,200—or the going rate for your role, whichever is higher. Some jobs, like nurses and teachers, have lower thresholds because the UK needs them.

There are other routes too. If you’re under 30, you might qualify for the Youth Mobility Scheme. If you’re a researcher or academic, there’s a Global Talent Visa. And if you’re coming for a short-term job—say, three months to fix equipment or give a training session—you might not need a full permit at all. But for most people working long-term in the UK, the Skilled Worker Visa is the path.

It’s not just about paperwork. Your permit ties you to your employer. If you quit or get fired, you usually have 60 days to find a new job with another licensed sponsor—or leave the country. You can’t just switch jobs freely. And if you’re bringing family, they’ll need their own visas, but they can work too. That’s one thing that makes this route more flexible than older systems.

Applications are online, but they’re not easy to get right. Mistakes get you rejected. Missing documents? Delayed. Wrong salary proof? Rejected. You need your passport, bank statements, your employer’s sponsorship details, and sometimes a tuberculosis test. It all takes time. Processing can take weeks. So plan ahead.

Once you’re approved, you get a biometric residence permit or a digital visa in your phone. You can start work. But don’t forget: you’ll pay the Immigration Health Surcharge. It’s not optional. It’s around £776 a year and gives you access to the NHS. Skip it? Your application fails.

What you’ll find below are real, practical guides from people who’ve been through it. How to find a sponsoring employer. How to avoid common mistakes. What to do if your visa gets refused. How to switch jobs without losing your status. And how to plan for settlement later—because yes, this permit can lead to permanent residency, if you play it right.