Moving to the United Kingdom for a job: visas and work permits

How to move to the United Kingdom for work: Skilled Worker visa, Senior or Specialist Worker visa (intra-company transfer), Global Talent visa. Salary thresholds, costs, processing times and routes for your partner and children, from official sources.

Work permits and visas

Skilled Worker visa

A Skilled Worker visa allows you to come to or stay in the UK to do an eligible job with an approved employer. It is for people with a confirmed job offer from a Home Office-approved UK employer who meet the salary and English language requirements. Your partner and children may be able to apply to join you as your dependants.

Bringing your partner and children: Your partner and children may be able to apply to join you or stay in the UK as your dependants; each of them needs to make a separate application. Source
Family of workers in 'medium skilled' jobs: If your job is listed as 'medium skilled', family from outside the UK can only join you if you have worked in such a job on a Skilled Worker visa since before 22 July 2025, or if they are your child born in the UK. Source
How long you can stay: Your visa can last up to 5 years before you need to extend it. Source
Eligible jobs: Your job's occupation code must be on the list of eligible jobs; jobs listed as 'higher skilled' qualify, while 'medium skilled' jobs only qualify in limited cases, such as being on the immigration salary list or temporary shortage list. Source
Fee for your partner and children: Your partner or child each pays the application fee for the same length of time as you, even if they apply after your visa has been granted. Source
Healthcare surcharge: You also usually pay a healthcare surcharge of £1,035 for each year of your stay. Source
Application fee from inside the UK, more than 3 years: If you apply from inside the UK to extend, switch or update your visa for more than 3 years, the standard fee is £1,865 per person. Source
Application fee from inside the UK, up to 3 years: If you apply from inside the UK to extend, switch or update your visa for up to 3 years, the standard fee is £943 per person. Source
Application fee from outside the UK, more than 3 years: If you apply from outside the UK for more than 3 years, the standard fee is £1,618 per person. Source
Application fee from outside the UK, up to 3 years: If you apply from outside the UK for up to 3 years, the standard fee is £819 per person. Source
Immigration salary list fee, more than 3 years: If your job is on the immigration salary list, you and your family each pay £1,235 if you are staying for more than 3 years, whether you apply from inside or outside the UK. Source
Immigration salary list fee, up to 3 years: If your job is on the immigration salary list, you and your family each pay £628 if you are staying for up to 3 years, whether you apply from inside or outside the UK. Source
English language level: If you need to pass an English test, you must show you can read, write, speak and understand English to at least level B2 on the CEFR scale. Source
Money for each additional child: You need £200 for each additional child. Source
Money for your first child: You need £315 for one child. Source
Money to support yourself: You must have at least £1,270 in your bank account, held for at least 28 days in a row, unless you are exempt (for example if your employer covers your costs). Source
Money for your partner: You or your partner need £285 to show your partner can support themselves in the UK. Source
Earliest time to apply: You can apply up to 3 months before the start date of your job shown on your certificate of sponsorship. Source
No access to most benefits: You cannot apply for most benefits (public funds) or the State Pension. Source
What the visa is: This visa lets you come to or stay in the UK to do an eligible job for an approved employer. Source
Decision time from inside the UK: If you extend, switch or update from inside the UK, you usually get a decision within 8 weeks of your application date. Source
Decision time from outside the UK: If you apply from outside the UK, you usually get a decision within 3 weeks of applying, proving your identity and providing your documents. Source
General salary threshold: You usually need to be paid at least £41,700 per year, or the going rate for your job if that is higher. Source
Healthcare and education jobs: In some healthcare or education jobs, your salary must be at least £25,000, or more if the going rate for your job (based on national pay scales) is higher. Source
Under 26, student, recent graduate or in training: If you are under 26, studying or a recent graduate, or in professional training, you can be paid 70% of your job's standard going rate as long as your salary is at least £33,400 per year. Source
Non-STEM PhD salary threshold: If you have a relevant non-STEM PhD-level qualification, you can be paid 90% of your job's standard going rate, as long as you are paid at least £37,500 a year. Source
Immigration salary list threshold: If your job is on the immigration salary list, you must be paid at least £33,400 per year, and still at least the standard going rate for your job. Source
STEM PhD salary threshold: If you have a relevant STEM PhD-level qualification, you can be paid 80% of your job's standard going rate, as long as you are paid at least £33,400 a year. Source
Settling permanently: After 5 years, you may be able to apply to settle permanently in the UK (indefinite leave to remain). Source
When to apply after getting your certificate: You must apply for your visa within 3 months of getting your certificate of sponsorship from your employer. Source
Job offer from an approved employer: You need a job offer from a UK employer approved by the Home Office (a sponsor) before you apply. Source
Extra work outside your sponsored job: You can work up to 20 hours a week in another job or your own business, as long as you keep doing the job you are sponsored for. Source
Your partner can work: Your partner or child can work, except as a sportsperson or coach. Source

Senior or Specialist Worker visa (intra-company transfer)

The Senior or Specialist Worker visa (Global Business Mobility) lets you come to or stay in the UK to do an eligible job at your employer’s UK branch. It is for existing employees of a Home Office-approved sponsor who are being transferred to the UK, and it replaced the Intra-company Transfer visa. Your partner and children can apply to join you as dependants if they are eligible.

Bringing your family: Your partner and children can apply to join you or stay in the UK as your dependants if they are eligible. Their visa will usually end on the same date as yours. Source
How long you can stay: Your visa can last up to the time given on your certificate of sponsorship plus 14 days, within the maximum total stay allowed. Source
Maximum total stay (£73,900 or more): If you are paid £73,900 a year or more, your maximum total stay is 9 years in any 10 year period. Source
Maximum total stay (under £73,900): If you are paid less than £73,900 a year, your maximum total stay is 5 years in any 6 year period. Source
Who can apply: You must already work for an organisation approved by the Home Office as a sponsor and do a job on the list of eligible occupations. Source
Healthcare surcharge: You also pay the healthcare surcharge, usually £1,035 per year. Source
Application fee from inside the UK (more than 3 years): If you apply from inside the UK to extend, switch or update your visa for more than 3 years, the fee is £1,865 per person. Source
Application fee from inside the UK (up to 3 years): If you apply from inside the UK to extend, switch or update your visa for up to 3 years, the fee is £943 per person. Source
Application fee from outside the UK (more than 3 years): If you apply from outside the UK for more than 3 years, the fee is £1,618 per person. Source
Application fee from outside the UK (up to 3 years): If you apply from outside the UK for up to 3 years, the fee is £819 per person. Source
Money for each additional child: You need £200 for each additional child. Source
Money for your first child: You need £315 for one child. Source
Money to support yourself: You must have at least £1,270 in your bank account, held for at least 28 consecutive days, unless you are exempt. Source
Money for your partner: You or your partner need £285 to support your partner. Source
Time worked for your employer abroad: If you earn less than £73,900 a year, you must have worked for your employer outside the UK for at least 12 months. If you earn £73,900 or more, there is no minimum time. Source
What the visa is: This visa lets you come to or stay in the UK to do an eligible job at your employer’s UK branch. It replaced the Intra-company Transfer visa. Source
Family decision time from inside the UK: Your partner and children applying from inside the UK will usually get a decision within 8 weeks. Source
Family decision time from outside the UK: Your partner and children applying from outside the UK will usually get a decision within 3 weeks. Source
Decision time from inside the UK: If you apply from inside the UK, you will usually get a decision within 8 weeks. Source
Decision time from outside the UK: If you apply from outside the UK, you will usually get a decision within 3 weeks. Source
Minimum salary: You must be paid at least £52,500 a year or the going rate for your job, whichever is higher. Source
No route to settlement: You cannot apply to settle permanently in the UK (indefinite leave to remain) on this visa. Source
Certificate of sponsorship: Your employer must give you a certificate of sponsorship, and you must apply for your visa within 3 months of getting it. Source
Who counts as a dependant: Your husband, wife, civil partner or unmarried partner, your children under 18, and children over 18 who already have permission to be in the UK as your dependant can apply. Source
Unmarried partners: If you are not married or in a civil partnership, you must show you have been living together, or in a relationship, for at least 2 years when you apply. Source
Your work rights: You can work for your sponsor in the job on your certificate of sponsorship, and do up to 20 hours a week of additional work in the same occupation code and level or on the Skilled Worker shortage occupation list. Source
Partner and child work rights: Your partner or child can work, except as a sportsperson or coach, and can study. Source

Global Talent visa

The Global Talent visa lets you live and work in the UK if you are a leader or potential leader in academia or research, arts and culture, or digital technology. You either apply directly as the winner of an eligible prestigious prize or first get an endorsement. Your partner and children can apply to come with you as your dependants.

Bringing your partner and children: Your partner and children can apply to join you or stay in the UK as your dependants if they are eligible. Their visa usually ends on the same date as yours. Source
How long you can stay: You can live and work in the UK for up to 5 years at a time, and each extension can last from 1 to 5 years with no limit on your total stay. Source
Minimum age: You must be at least 18 years old. Source
Who can apply: You can apply if you are a leader or potential leader in academia or research, arts and culture, or digital technology. Source
Prize or endorsement: If you have won an eligible prestigious prize you can apply for the visa directly. Otherwise you first need an endorsement proving you are a leader or potential leader in your field. Source
Fee for partner and children: If you include your partner or children in your application, they each need to pay £766. Source
Endorsement part of the fee: If you apply based on an endorsement, you pay £561 of the £766 when you apply for the endorsement. Source
Application fee: The visa costs £766 to apply. Source
Healthcare surcharge: You also pay the healthcare surcharge, usually £1,035 per year for each person applying. Source
Visa part of the fee: If you apply based on an endorsement, you pay the remaining £205 of the £766 when you apply for the visa itself. Source
Evidence needed to extend: To extend, you must show that you earned money in your expert field during your time in the UK, for example with payslips. Source
Decision time from inside the UK: If you extend or switch from inside the UK, decisions are usually made within 8 weeks of your application date. Source
Decision time from outside the UK: If you apply from outside the UK, you usually get a decision within 3 weeks after proving your identity and providing your documents. Source
Settling in the UK: You may be able to get indefinite leave to remain after 3 or 5 years, depending on your field and how you apply. Source
Applying after an endorsement: If you were endorsed, you must apply within 3 months of receiving your endorsement letter, from an organisation approved by the Home Office that has not withdrawn its approval. Source
Partner and children can work: Your partner or child can work, except as a sportsperson or coach, and can study. Source

Looking for work

High Potential Individual visa

The High Potential Individual (HPI) visa lets you stay in the UK for 2 years (3 years with a PhD or other doctoral qualification) to work, look for work or be self-employed. It is for people awarded a qualification by an eligible university outside the UK in the last 5 years, and you do not need a job offer to apply.

Partner and children: Your partner and children can apply to join you or stay in the UK as your dependants if they are eligible. Their visa will usually end on the same date as yours. Source
Length of stay with a PhD: If you have a PhD or other doctoral qualification, your visa lasts for 3 years. Source
Standard length of stay: Your HPI visa lasts for 2 years. Source
One application only: You can only apply for an HPI visa once. Source
Recent qualification: You must have been awarded your qualification in the last 5 years. Source
Eligible universities: Your qualification must come from a university on the eligible list, which is based on world rankings. UK universities are not eligible. Source
Application fee: You pay an £880 application fee. Source
Ecctis qualification check: You pay £252 (including VAT) for Ecctis to check your qualification is valid. Source
Healthcare surcharge: You usually pay a healthcare surcharge of £1,035 for each year you will be in the UK. Source
English language level: If you need to take an English test, you must prove you can read, write, speak and understand English to at least level B2 on the CEFR scale. Source
Money for each additional child: You or your family need £200 for each additional child. Source
Money for your first child: You or your family need £315 for one child. Source
Money to support yourself: You must have at least £1,270 in your bank account, held for at least 28 days in a row. Source
Money for your partner: You or your family need £285 to support your partner. Source
Yearly limit on applications: There is a yearly limit on applications, with the application year running from 1 November to 31 October. You will be told when you apply online if the limit has been reached. Source
No extension: You cannot extend your HPI visa, but you may be able to switch to a different visa, such as a Skilled Worker visa, before it expires. Source
What the visa is: The HPI visa lets you stay in the UK for 2 years. To apply, you must have been awarded a qualification by an eligible university in the last 5 years. Source
Decision time when switching in the UK: If you switch from inside the UK, you will usually get a decision within 8 weeks. Source
Decision time from outside the UK: If you apply from outside the UK, you will usually get a decision within 3 weeks. Source
No route to settlement: Time on an HPI visa does not count towards settling in the UK. Source
No job offer needed: You do not need a job offer to apply. Source
Work allowed: You can work in most jobs, look for work and be self-employed, but you cannot work as a professional sportsperson. Source
Partner can work: Your partner or child can work, except as a sportsperson or coach. Source

Moving with your family

Partner and children of a Skilled Worker

This route is for the partner and children of someone on a Skilled Worker visa who want to join them in the UK or stay with them as their 'dependants'. Each family member makes a separate application, and partners can usually work and study in the UK.

How long the visa lasts: Your partner's or child's visa usually ends on the same date as the worker's visa; if a child's parents have different expiry dates, the child's visa ends on the earlier date. Source
Limits for families of care workers: If you are a care worker or senior care worker, your partner and children can usually only join you if you have been continually employed in that role on a Skilled Worker visa since before 11 March 2024 (other exceptions, such as a child born in the UK, may apply). Source
Requirements for children: Your child must live with you (unless they are away in full-time education) and must not be married or in a civil partnership. Source
Limits for families of medium skilled workers: If your job is listed as 'medium skilled', your partner and children can usually only join you if you have been continually employed in such a job on a Skilled Worker visa since before 22 July 2025 (other exceptions, such as a child born in the UK, may apply). Source
Proving your relationship with your partner: You must be married or in a civil partnership recognised in the UK, or have been in a relationship (usually living together) for at least 2 years when you apply. Source
Healthcare surcharge: Each family member also pays the healthcare surcharge, usually £1,035 per year of the stay. Source
Fee from inside the UK, more than 3 years: Applying from inside the UK to extend, switch or update for more than 3 years costs £1,865 per person. Source
Fee from inside the UK, up to 3 years: Applying from inside the UK to extend, switch or update for up to 3 years costs £943 per person. Source
Immigration salary list fee, more than 3 years: If the worker's job is on the immigration salary list, each family member pays £1,235 for a stay of more than 3 years. Source
Immigration salary list fee, up to 3 years: If the worker's job is on the immigration salary list, each family member pays £628 for a stay of up to 3 years. Source
Fee from outside the UK, more than 3 years: Applying from outside the UK for more than 3 years costs £1,618 per person. Source
Fee from outside the UK, up to 3 years: Applying from outside the UK for up to 3 years costs £819 per person. Source
Fee length matches the worker's visa: Your partner or child pays the fee for the same length of time as the worker's visa, even if they apply after the worker's visa was granted. Source
Money needed for each additional child: You or your family need £200 available for each additional child. Source
When you do not need to show the money: You usually do not need to show proof of funds if you have all been in the UK with a valid visa for at least 12 months, or if your employer covers your family's costs during your first month and this is confirmed on your certificate of sponsorship. Source
Money needed for one child: You or your family need £315 available for one child. Source
How long the money must be held: The money must have been available for at least 28 days in a row, and day 28 must be within 31 days of the application. Source
Applying at a different time: If your partner or child applies at a different time to you, they only need to prove funds if they have been in the UK for less than 1 year. Source
Money needed for your partner: You or your family need £285 available to support your partner. Source
Who cannot switch inside the UK: Your partner or children cannot switch to this visa from inside the UK if they are on a visit visa, short-term student visa, seasonal worker visa or certain other visas, or on immigration bail. Source
Children born in the UK: A child born in the UK does not automatically become a British citizen; you must apply for their dependant visa if you want to travel in and out of the UK with them. Source
No access to most benefits: Your partner or child cannot claim most benefits (public funds) or the State Pension. Source
Separate applications: Each family member must complete a separate application, pay the visa fee and apply before travelling to the UK. Source
Decision time from inside the UK: Your partner or child usually gets a decision within 8 weeks when applying from inside the UK. Source
Decision time from outside the UK: Your partner or child usually gets a decision within 3 weeks when applying from outside the UK. Source
Settling permanently: Your partner or child can apply to settle permanently (indefinite leave to remain) after living in the UK for 5 years and meeting the other requirements. Source
Children over 18: A child over 18 can only apply if they already have permission to be in the UK as your dependant. Source
Children under 18: Your children under 18 can apply as your dependants, including children born in the UK during your stay. Source
Partners who can apply: Your husband, wife, civil partner or unmarried partner can apply as your dependant. Source
Your partner can work: Your partner or child can work in the UK, except as a sportsperson or coach, and can also study. Source

Partner and children of a Senior or Specialist Worker

This route lets the husband, wife, civil partner, unmarried partner and children of someone on a Senior or Specialist Worker visa (Global Business Mobility) join them in the UK or stay with them as dependants. Each family member applies separately, and their visa usually ends on the same date as the worker's.

How long the family visa lasts: Your partner's or child's visa will usually end on the same date as yours. If a child's parents have visas with different end dates, the child's visa ends on the earlier date. Source
Separate applications and fees: Each family member must complete a separate application and pay the visa fee. They must apply before they travel to the UK. Source
Money needed for each additional child: You need to show £200 for each additional child. Source
When you do not need to show the money: You usually do not need to show proof of funds if you have all been in the UK with a valid visa for at least 12 months. The same applies if your employer confirms on your certificate of sponsorship that it will cover your family's costs during the first month. Source
Money needed for one child: You need to show £315 for one child. Source
How long the money must be held: The money must have been available for at least 28 days in a row, and day 28 must fall within 31 days of the date of the application. Source
Money needed for your partner: You, or your partner, need to show £285 to support your partner in the UK. Source
Children born in the UK: A child born in the UK during your stay does not automatically become a British citizen. You must apply to add them to your visa before they turn 18 if they want to stay in the UK. Source
Extending the family visa: Your partner's or child's visa does not extend automatically when you extend yours. If they do not extend it, it stays valid until its original end date. Source
No access to most benefits: Your partner and children cannot apply for most benefits (public funds) or the State Pension. Source
Who cannot switch to this visa in the UK: Your partner or children cannot switch to this visa from inside the UK if they are there on certain visas. These include a visit visa, a short-term student visa, a seasonal worker visa, and immigration bail. Source
Family can join the worker: Your partner and children can apply to join you in the UK, or stay with you there, as your dependants if they are eligible. Source
Decision time from inside the UK: If your family applies from inside the UK to extend or switch, they will usually get a decision within 8 weeks. Source
Decision time from outside the UK: If your family applies from outside the UK, they will usually get a decision within 3 weeks of applying, proving their identity and providing their documents. Source
Children aged 16 or over: A child aged 16 or over must live with you, unless they are in full-time education at boarding school, college or university. They must also not be married, in a civil partnership or have children of their own, and you must support them financially. Source
Who counts as a dependant: Your husband, wife, civil partner or unmarried partner can come, as can your children under 18. A child over 18 qualifies only if they already have permission to be in the UK as your dependant. Source
Proving your relationship with your partner: You must be married or in a civil partnership recognised in the UK, or have been in a relationship for at least 2 years when you apply. Normally this means living together, but you can also qualify if you cannot live together. Source

Partner and children of a Global Talent visa holder

This route lets the husband, wife, civil partner, unmarried partner and children of a Global Talent visa holder join them or stay with them in the UK as dependants. Each family member applies separately and pays their own visa fee and healthcare surcharge.

How long the visa lasts: Your partner's or child's visa usually ends on the same date as the Global Talent visa holder's; if the parents' visas end on different dates, the child's ends on the earlier date. Source
Application fee per family member: Your partner and each child must each pay a £766 application fee. Source
Healthcare surcharge: Each family member also pays the healthcare surcharge, usually £1,035 per year per person. Source
Separate application before travel: Each family member outside the UK must make a separate application, pay the visa fee and apply before travelling to the UK. Source
Children born in the UK: A child born in the UK does not automatically become British; you must apply for their dependant visa before they turn 18 if they want to stay. Source
No access to most benefits: You cannot claim most benefits (public funds) or the State Pension. Source
Who cannot switch in the UK: You cannot switch to this dependant visa from inside the UK if you are there on a visit visa, short-term student visa, seasonal worker visa or certain other permissions. Source
Settling in the UK: You can apply for indefinite leave to remain after living in the UK for 5 years, if you meet the other eligibility requirements. Source
Children under 18: Your children under 18 can apply as your dependants, including children born in the UK during your stay. Source
Conditions for children: Your child must live with you (unless away in full-time education) and must not be married or in a civil partnership. Source
Children over 18: A child over 18 can only apply if they already have permission to be in the UK as your dependant. Source
Partner who can apply: Your husband, wife, civil partner or unmarried partner can apply as your dependant. Source
Proving your relationship: You must be married or in a civil partnership recognised in the UK, or have been in a relationship for at least 2 years when you apply, whether living together or not. Source
Right to work: As a partner or child you can work, except as a sportsperson or coach, and you can study. Source

Partner and children of a High Potential Individual

This route lets the husband, wife, civil partner, unmarried partner and children of someone with a High Potential Individual (HPI) visa join them in the UK, or stay there, as dependants. Each family member applies separately, and their visa usually ends on the same date as the HPI visa holder's.

How long the visa lasts: Your partner's or child's visa usually ends on the same date as yours. If a child's parents have visas with different end dates, the child's visa ends on the earlier date. Source
Application fee: Each family member must complete a separate application and pay the visa fee. Source
Healthcare surcharge for a child, 2-year visa: If the HPI visa is for 2 years, the healthcare surcharge is £1,552 for each child aged under 18 when you apply. Source
Healthcare surcharge for a child, 3-year visa: If the HPI visa is for 3 years, the healthcare surcharge is £2,328 for each child aged under 18 when you apply. Source
Healthcare surcharge for an adult, 2-year visa: If the HPI visa is for 2 years, the healthcare surcharge is £2,070 for each adult family member. Source
Healthcare surcharge for an adult, 3-year visa: If the HPI visa is for 3 years, the healthcare surcharge is £3,105 for each adult family member. Source
Money for each additional child: You need a further £200 for each additional child. Source
When you do not need to show money: You usually do not need to show proof of the money if you have all been in the UK with a valid visa for at least 12 months. Source
Money for your first child: You need £315 available for one child. Source
How long the money must be held: The money must have been available for at least 28 days in a row, and day 28 must be within 31 days of the application. Source
Money for your partner: You, or your partner, need £285 available to support your partner in the UK. Source
Applying at a different time: If your partner or child applies at a different time from you, they only need to prove they have enough money if they have been in the UK for less than 1 year. Source
Apply before travelling: Family members outside the UK must each apply online before they travel, using your application number. Source
Children born in the UK: A child born in the UK during your stay does not automatically become a British citizen. You must apply for their dependant visa before they turn 18 if they want to stay in the UK. Source
No access to most benefits: Your partner and children cannot claim most benefits (public funds) or the State Pension. Source
Who cannot switch inside the UK: Your partner or children cannot switch to this route from inside the UK if they are there on certain visas, such as a visit visa, a short-term student visa or a seasonal worker visa, or on immigration bail. Source
Decision time when switching inside the UK: If your family switches their visa from inside the UK, they will usually get a decision within 8 weeks. Source
Decision time from outside the UK: If your family applies from outside the UK, they will usually get a decision within 3 weeks. Source
Children under 18: Your children under 18 can apply as your dependants, including children born in the UK during your stay. Source
Conditions for children: Your child must live with you, unless they are away in full-time education, and must not be married or in a civil partnership. Source
Children over 18: A child over 18 can only qualify if they already have permission to be in the UK as your dependant. Source
Partner: Your husband, wife, civil partner or unmarried partner can apply as your dependant. Source
Proving your relationship: You must be married or in a civil partnership recognised in the UK, or have been in a relationship for at least 2 years when you apply, either living together or, if you cannot live together, showing an ongoing commitment to each other. Source
Work and study: Your partner or child can work, except as a sportsperson or coach, and can study. Source

Extracted from official government pages with AI (Claude) and checked against the page text every day. Each fact links to its source. This is general information, not legal advice: check the official page before you apply.

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