Who is this article for?
Non-UK residents who are applying for work visas in the UK.
Sponsored Workers
To review the policy on sponsored workers, see here.
For employers looking to sponsor workers, see our UK Employer Visa Guide.
Skilled Workers
This was previously called the Tier 2 (General) work visa. In the UK, skilled worker jobs require A-levels, Scottish Highers, or their technical equivalents. These are advanced technical and service-based positions.
Skilled workers will need to prepare the following documents:
- Certificate of sponsorship reference number (provided by the employer)
- Passport
- Proof of knowledge of English
- Job title and annual salary
- Job occupation code
- Employer name and sponsor license number
- Additional documents that may be requested:
- Financial evidence
- You must have at least £1,270 in your personal bank account, and the amount should be consistent for at least 28 days.
- Show proof through bank statements
- Tuberculosis test for certain countries
- Criminal record certificate
- ATAS certificate
Charity Worker Visa
This is a temporary visa for those who want to do unpaid voluntary work for a charity.
To qualify for a Charity Worker Visa, you must meet the following criteria:
- At least 18 years old at the time of application
- Have a certificate of sponsorship from a UK sponsor (the charity organization has a sponsor licence)
- Financial evidence:
- You must have at least £1,270 in your personal bank account, and the amount should be consistent for at least 28 days.
- Or you can show that the employer can cover the costs during your first month in the UK, up to £1,270
Charity workers will need to prepare the following documents:
- Certificate of sponsorship reference number
- Valid passport or other identification documents
- Financial evidence
- Tuberculosis test for certain countries