UK work visas (apply, extend, switch)

Written by: Muhammad Usman Rasheed
Last Updated: 03 January 2026

In the UK, there are several types of work visas available for individuals seeking employment. Are you dreaming of pursuing a prosperous future in the United Kingdom? Look no further, as Deluxe Law Chambers stands tall as the premier immigration law firm, propelling individuals towards their British aspirations.

You must meet all the UK work visa requirements for a successful work visa application. Get the lowdown on UK work visas, with an in-depth look at the requirements, types, processing, and costs involved for all prospective UK workers.

Apply for UK visa online

A UK work visa allows you to live and work in the UK. To apply for a UK work visa, you must mee all the UK work visa requirements.

If you are looking to work in the UK, our work visa lawyers can help you.

Work in the UK

If you are a non-EEA or Swiss national and you are interested in working in the UK, you will need to apply for a UK Work Visa. The UK government operates a Five-Tier Points-based System for non-EEA migrants to work in the UK.

Thinking of applying for UK work visa? Contact our expert team of work visa solicitors for fast, friendly, reliable and fixed fee legal services for your work visa application. We specialise in all types of UK work visas. Our expert team of work visa solicitors can provide legal help and assistance at all stages of work visa applications including applications for entry clearance for work visa, switching into work visa from inside the UK, renewal/extension of work visas and Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) on the basis of work visas.

What are UK Work Visas?

Simply put, a UK work visa is a legal document that gives you the authority to work in the United Kingdom. There are several different types of work visas, based on the type of job, your qualifications, and where you come from.

Work Visas UK

  1. Skilled Worker Visa UK
  2. Care Worker Visa UK
  3. Scale-up Worker Visa UK
  4. T2 Minister of Religion Visa UK
  5. Global Talent Visa UK
  6. UK Ancestry Visa
  7. Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa UK
  8. Sole Representative Of An Overseas Business Visa UK
  9. Innovator Founder Visa UK
  10. BNO Visa UK

Dependants of Work Visa Holders

  1. Skilled Worker Dependant Visa
  2. Scale-Up Worker Dependant Visa UK
  3. Health and Care Worker Dependant Visa
  4. UK Ancestry Dependant Visa
  5. T2 Minister of Religion Dependant Visa
  6. Global Talent Dependant Visa
  7. Graduate Dependant Visa UK
  8. Dependants Of Tier 1 Entrepreneur Migrant
  9. Sole Representative Dependant Visa UK
  10. Dependants Of International Sportsperson
  11. Dependants Of High Potential Individual (HPI)
  12. BNO Dependant Visa UK
  13. BNO Adult Dependent Relative Visa UK
  14. Dependants Of Senior or Specialist Worker
  15. UK Expansion Worker Dependant Visa
  16. Turkish Businessperson Dependant Visa UK

Eligibility Criteria & Types of UK Work Visas

The first thing to understand about UK work visas is the eligibility criteria. It mainly depends on the type of job you have and your nation of origin.

  • General work visa (Tier 2): This is for people who have received a job offer in the UK from a company that is licensed to sponsor visas.
  • Health and Care visa (Tier 2): Designed specifically for qualified doctors, nurses, and health professionals who have a confirmed job offer in the UK’s health sector.
  • Intra-company Transfer visa (Tier 2): This allows employees of multinational companies to move to a UK branch of the company.
  • Temporary Worker visas (Tier 5): These visas are for certain types of seasonal or short-term work.
  • Youth Mobility Scheme visa (Tier 5): This is designed for young people (18-30 years) from certain countries who want to live, work, or study in the UK for up to 2 years.

Is getting one of these visas difficult? How much do they cost? We’ll discuss that next.

Processing and Costs of UK Work Visas

Getting a UK work visa can be a fairly straightforward process, but factors such as your nationality, job type, and other situations can complicate it. Fees range from £200 to £1,500, depending on the visa category. Remember, this is only the application fee and does not include healthcare surcharges and other potential costs.

Long term UK Work Visas

Long term work visas as listed below are based on sponsorship from a Home Office approved UK employer. With the exception of ICT visa, all long term work visa as mentioned below lead to ILR after 5 years residence in the UK.

Why Clients Choose Deluxe Law Chambers?

With offices in Manchester and London, Deluxe Law Chambers provides expert legal advice for all UK visa and immigration matters. Our experienced immigration lawyers are committed to making the visa process clear, efficient, and stress-free from start to finish.

  • Our team has over 11 years of practical experience of working in UK immigration law firms and stays fully up to date with the latest Home Office rules and guidance, ensuring accurate and reliable legal advice.
  • Every immigration case is different. Our immigration solicitors take the time to understand your circumstances and provide tailored legal solutions that meet your specific needs.
  • Where eligible, we offer Priority and Super Priority UK visa services to help you obtain faster immigration decisions.
  • We offer flexible video, telephone, and in-person appointments from our Manchester office, assisting clients across the UK and overseas.
  • Our immigration lawyers are available seven days a week, including weekends, for urgent and time-sensitive immigration matters.
  • We provide clear fixed-fee pricing, with instalment options available and no hidden costs.

At Deluxe Law Chambers, our SRA-regulated immigration solicitors are committed to delivering professional, honest, and results-driven UK immigration advice you can trust.