top of page
Search

What do you need to work in the UK?

Updated: 5 days ago



How to Work in the UK: A Complete Guide for International Workers

For many people, working in the UK is a long-held dream. Whether you want better opportunities, experience in a new country, career progression or simply a fresh start, the UK continues to attract overseas workers across healthcare, engineering, hospitality, construction, IT, finance and social care.

Yet the process can feel overwhelming. Visas, sponsorships, job offers, documents, rules and changing immigration requirements can easily confuse anyone trying to navigate it on their own.

This guide breaks everything down in a simple, narrative way so you understand what you need, what to expect, and the current routes available if you want to work in the UK.

I’ve also included up-to-date information on visa changes and overseas recruitment rules, especially relevant from 2024 onward, as the UK has tightened some areas of immigration but expanded others, particularly in essential sectors.


What You Need Before You Can Work in the UK

Before applying for any role, these documents are essential. You’ll be asked for them during interviews, onboarding or when applying for a visa.


You will need:

  • A valid passport

  • Your birth certificate

  • Proof of your qualifications

  • References from previous employers

  • Copies of any past work permits (if applicable)

  • Your entry visa (once approved)

  • A UK bank account (you can set this up once you arrive)

  • A National Insurance Number

If you're coming from overseas, most employers will also ask for:

  • Evidence of English language ability (for certain visas)

  • Police clearance from your country of origin

  • Medical screening (for some job sectors, especially healthcare)

These documents help employers confirm your identity, eligibility and experience before they can offer sponsorship or proceed with hiring.


Understanding Your Right to Work in the UK

You are allowed to work in the UK without a visa if you are:

  • A British citizen

  • An Irish citizen

  • A person with Settled or Pre-Settled Status under the EU Settlement Scheme

All other nationalities will need a visa to work legally in the UK.

You can check your specific situation here:https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa


The UK’s Main Visa Routes for Overseas Workers

The UK’s immigration system is now a points-based system, and most people who come to work in the UK fall into one of these main categories:


1. Skilled Worker Visa (formerly Tier 2 General)

This is the most common visa route for overseas workers.

To qualify, you must have:

  • A job offer from a UK employer

  • An employer with a valid Sponsor Licence

  • A role that meets the required skill level

  • A salary that meets the minimum requirement (these change annually)

Current updates (2024–2025):

  • Salary thresholds increased for most roles, except those on the Shortage Occupation List.

  • The UK has introduced the Immigration Salary List, replacing and updating some shortage roles.

  • The Health and Care Worker visa remains one of the most open routes for overseas applicants.


2. Health and Care Worker Visa

This route remains one of the most accessible for overseas personnel due to high demand.

Eligible roles include:

  • Nurses

  • Doctors

  • Care assistants

  • Senior carers

  • Occupational therapists

  • Physiotherapists

  • Laboratory technicians

  • Radiographers

Benefits include:

  • Lower visa fees

  • Fast-track processing

  • Exemption from paying the NHS surcharge

Since 2024, some care organisations must now prove higher standards of compliance to reduce illegal recruitment. Workers must be directly employed, not self-employed.


3. Temporary Worker Visas

These routes allow people to work in the UK for short periods, usually up to 12 months.

Categories include:

  • Charity workers

  • Creative and sporting workers

  • Government Authorised Exchange

  • Religious workers

  • Seasonal workers (e.g., farming)

  • Youth Mobility Scheme

Some require sponsorship, but others (like Youth Mobility) do not.

List of countries eligible for Youth Mobility:Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong and others under specific agreements.


4. Global Talent Visa

For highly skilled individuals recognised as leaders or future leaders in research, arts, digital technology or academia.

Proof of global recognition is required.


5. Business and Investment Visas

For entrepreneurs and investors.

Examples include:

  • Start-Up Visa

  • Innovator Visa

  • Investor Visa

  • Representative of an Overseas Business


6. Student Visa with Limited Work Rights

International students can work 10 to 20 hours a week during term time and full-time during breaks.

Many use this route to gain experience before switching to another visa.



Sponsorship: What It Means and How It Works

If you need a Skilled Worker Visa, you must be sponsored.

This means:

  • The employer must hold a Sponsor Licence

  • They confirm you are qualified for the role

  • They offer a salary that meets visa requirements

  • They issue you a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

You cannot apply for the visa until the CoS is issued.

To check if a job has sponsorship:Search for roles marked as “Skilled Worker Visa sponsorship available” or check the list of approved employers here:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/register-of-licensed-sponsors-workers


Shortage Occupation Roles (Now Immigration Salary List)

The shortage occupation list has now been updated and replaced with the Immigration Salary List (ISL).

These roles:

  • Are in high demand

  • Have reduced salary thresholds

  • Make it easier for overseas workers to qualify

Common ISL sectors include:

  • Health and social care

  • Engineering

  • Construction

  • Science and technology

  • Certain IT roles


National Insurance Number: Why You Need It and How to Get One

To work legally and access UK benefits, you need a National Insurance (NI) number.

You can apply once you arrive in the UK.Applications are made online, and you may be asked for an identity check.

Your NI number:

  • Tracks your tax payments

  • Ensures your contributions are linked to you

  • Gives you access to state pension rights in the future

Do not pay third-party agencies unless you want support. The application is free if you do it yourself.


Understanding UK Tax and Minimum Wage

When you work in the UK:

  • You pay tax on your income

  • Your employer deducts this automatically (PAYE)

  • You also pay National Insurance contributions

The UK has a legal minimum wage, which changes each April. Rates vary depending on age and job type.

If you're self-employed, you must complete an annual tax return.


How to Check Whether Your Qualifications Are Recognised in the UK

Qualifications earned overseas can still be used in the UK, but they may need to be verified through:

UK ENIC (formerly UK NARIC)This organisation compares international qualifications with UK standards.

Professional roles (nursing, teaching, engineering, social work) may require registration with UK bodies such as:

  • NMC

  • HCPC

  • GMC

  • Engineering Council

  • Social Work England


Finding Work in the UK: Where to Look

Here are popular job boards used by UK employers:

  • Indeed

  • CV-Library

  • Reed

  • Totaljobs

  • Adzuna

  • Monster

  • Jobsite

  • Everyjobsite

  • Adecco

  • Trovit

For Northern Ireland roles:

  • JobApplyNI

  • NIJobs

  • CommunityNI (third sector roles)

For sponsored jobs:

  • NHS Jobs

  • Care Home portals

  • Companies on the Sponsor Register

Before applying, prepare:

  • A UK-style CV

  • Tailored cover letters

  • Proof of your experience

If you need help with CV writing, interview preparation or job search strategies, I can support you.


Arriving in the UK: What Happens Next?

Once you receive your visa:

  1. You’ll travel with your passport and visa decision letter.

  2. On arrival, you’ll collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) from the Post Office (unless switching to the new eVisa system).

  3. You’ll open a bank account.

  4. You’ll apply for your National Insurance Number if required.

  5. You’ll sign your new employment contract.

After that, you're ready to settle into your new role and new life in the UK.


Useful Websites for Working in the UK


Need Help Getting Started?

If you're preparing to move to the UK or already here and unsure how to navigate job searching, CVs, sponsorship or interviews, I can help.

I support clients from all backgrounds, including international workers, to prepare strong applications and build confidence in the UK job market.

If you’d like this turned into a PDF, a downloadable lead magnet, or a shorter version for social posts, just let me know.


15 Minute Career Consultation
15min
Book Now

Coaching 60
£75.00
Buy Now

ree

Comments

bottom of page