How to get a working visa

Applying for a working visa

• 1

  Look for a job. You will need a job offer and a sponsor, who will usually be your employer. If you are coming to the UK as an investor or entrepreneur however you do not need to have a job offer, but you will still need to complete the points assessment. Investors will be awarded points based on their ability to invest £1million into the UK.

• 2

  Complete the points-based assessment form on the website of the UK Border Agency. The points you score will determine which category you fall into, which could be highly skilled, skilled, temporary worker, or other.

• 3

  Fill in the visa application form via the UK Border Agency website. (See Resources below)

• 4

  Send off the form along with the applicable fee, which can vary between £250 if you are a skilled worker applying from outside the UK, to £1,095 for a domestic worker applying in person. Fees are entirely dependent on the type of application. The current costs are valid as of July 2010, but they are subject to change.