UK Visa Routes Explained: Which One is Right for You?

The UK offers multiple visa routes for people wanting to work in the country. Understanding the differences between these routes is essential for choosing the right path for your circumstances. This guide breaks down each major visa category.

Overview of UK Work Visa Routes

The UK’s points-based immigration system includes several work visa categories:

Visa Route	Sponsorship Required	Main Purpose
Skilled Worker	Yes	Long-term skilled employment
Health and Care Worker	Yes	NHS and care sector jobs
Global Talent	No	Exceptional talent in specific fields
Scale-up	Yes (initial only)	Fast-growing company employees
Graduate	No	Recent UK graduates
Global Business Mobility	Yes	Intra-company transfers
Temporary Worker	Yes	Short-term work arrangements

Let’s examine each route in detail.

Skilled Worker Visa

The Skilled Worker visa is the main route for overseas workers to take up skilled jobs in the UK.

Key Features

• Duration: Up to 5 years, unlimited extensions
• Salary threshold: £41,700 or going rate (whichever is higher)
• Skill level: RQF 6+ (graduate level)
• Settlement: Eligible after 5 years
• Dependants: Can bring family

Who It’s For

• Professionals with job offers from licensed sponsors
• Workers in shortage occupations
• Those seeking long-term UK residency

Advantages

• Clear path to permanent residency
• Can change employers (with new CoS)
• Family can work and study
• No limit on visa renewals

Disadvantages

• Requires employer sponsorship
• Relatively high salary threshold
• Tied to specific job initially

Search Skilled Worker sponsors →

Health and Care Worker Visa

A specialised route for medical professionals working in the NHS or UK care sector.

Key Features

• Duration: Up to 5 years
• Salary threshold: £29,000 (lower than Skilled Worker)
• Skill level: Medical/care qualifications required
• Settlement: Eligible after 5 years
• Special benefits: Exempt from Immigration Health Surcharge

Eligible Occupations

• Doctors and consultants
• Nurses and midwives
• Allied health professionals (physios, OTs, etc.)
• Care workers and home care staff
• Paramedics and ambulance staff

Advantages

• Lower salary requirements
• No Immigration Health Surcharge
• Faster processing times
• Lower application fees
• Family can join

Who It’s For

Healthcare professionals with job offers from:

• NHS trusts
• NHS contractor organisations
• Care providers meeting regulatory standards

Global Talent Visa

For those who are leaders or potential leaders in academia, research, arts, culture, or digital technology.

Key Features

• Duration: Up to 5 years
• Sponsorship: Not required (endorsement needed instead)
• Settlement: After 3-5 years depending on endorsement type
• Work flexibility: Can work for any employer

Endorsement Bodies

1. UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) - Academia and research
2. Tech Nation - Digital technology
3. Arts Council England - Arts and culture
4. Royal Society - Natural sciences
5. Royal Academy of Engineering - Engineering
6. British Academy - Humanities and social sciences

Two Track Options

Exceptional Talent: For established leaders

• Settlement after 3 years
• Must show significant achievements

Exceptional Promise: For emerging talent

• Settlement after 5 years
• Must show potential for leadership

Advantages

• No employer sponsorship required
• Full work flexibility
• Faster settlement (3 years for Talent track)
• Can be self-employed
• Ideal for entrepreneurs and researchers

Disadvantages

• Competitive endorsement process
• Requires strong evidence of achievements
• Limited to specific fields

Scale-up Visa

A newer route for workers joining fast-growing UK businesses.

Key Features

• Duration: 2 years initially
• Salary threshold: £36,300 minimum
• Sponsorship: Only needed for first 6 months
• Settlement: Eligible after 5 years

Qualifying Scale-up Businesses

The sponsoring company must have:

• Average annualised growth over 3 years of 20%+ in either employee numbers or turnover
• At least 10 employees at start of 3-year period

Advantages

• Work flexibility after 6 months
• Can change employers freely
• Lower ongoing sponsor requirements
• Ideal for startup ecosystem

Disadvantages

• Limited to qualifying scale-up companies
• Shorter initial visa (2 years)
• Must demonstrate continued high-skill employment

Graduate Visa

For international students who have completed a UK degree.

Key Features

• Duration: 2 years (3 years for PhD)
• Sponsorship: Not required
• Work restrictions: Can work in any job at any level
• Settlement: Not eligible directly

Eligibility

• Valid Student visa at time of application
• Completed degree at approved institution
• Must apply from within the UK

Advantages

• No sponsorship needed
• Complete work flexibility
• Bridge to Skilled Worker visa
• Time to gain UK experience

Disadvantages

• No direct path to settlement
• Cannot extend (one-time visa)
• Must have studied in UK

Global Business Mobility Routes

For employees moving within multinational companies.

Sub-Categories

1. Senior or Specialist Worker - Established employees transferring
2. Graduate Trainee - International graduate programmes
3. Service Supplier - Contracted service providers
4. UK Expansion Worker - Setting up UK operations

Key Features

• Internal company moves only
• Various salary thresholds
• Settlement options vary by category

Temporary Worker Visas

For short-term work arrangements in specific categories.

Categories Include

1. Creative Worker - Entertainment industry roles
2. Charity Worker - Unpaid charity work
3. Religious Worker - Ministry and religious roles
4. Seasonal Worker - Agriculture sector
5. Government Authorised Exchange - Sponsored schemes
6. International Agreement - Specific contracts

Key Features

• Usually 12-24 months maximum
• Lower salary thresholds (some routes)
• Limited or no path to settlement
• Specific to particular sectors

Choosing the Right Route: Decision Guide

You Should Consider Skilled Worker If:

• You have a job offer from a licensed sponsor
• You meet the salary threshold
• You want a path to permanent residency
• You’re in a professional/skilled occupation

You Should Consider Health and Care Worker If:

• You work in healthcare
• You have a job offer from NHS or care provider
• You want lower fees and no IHS
• You meet medical qualification requirements

You Should Consider Global Talent If:

• You’re a leader or emerging leader in your field
• You want work flexibility without sponsorship
• You can demonstrate exceptional achievements
• You work in academia, tech, or creative industries

You Should Consider Scale-up If:

• You have an offer from a fast-growing company
• You value work flexibility after initial period
• The company meets scale-up criteria
• You’re comfortable with startup environment

You Should Consider Graduate If:

• You recently completed a UK degree
• You need time to find sponsored work
• You want to explore different opportunities
• You’re not ready to commit to specific employer

Salary Comparison Chart

Visa Route	Minimum Salary
Skilled Worker	£41,700
Health and Care Worker	£29,000
Scale-up	£36,300
Graduate	No minimum
Global Talent	No minimum
Temporary Worker	Varies by category

Processing Times and Costs

Visa Route	Processing Time	Application Fee
Skilled Worker	3-8 weeks	£719-£1,420
Health and Care	3 weeks	£284-£551
Global Talent	3-8 weeks	£192 (endorsement) + £192 (visa)
Scale-up	3 weeks	£822
Graduate	8 weeks	£822

Conclusion

Choosing the right UK visa route depends on your qualifications, career goals, and circumstances. For most skilled workers, the Skilled Worker visa offers the clearest path to long-term residency, while specialised routes like Global Talent or Health and Care Worker may offer advantages for those who qualify.

Ready to explore your options? Search our sponsor database to find employers who can support your visa application.