UK Work Visas
Herrington Carmichael has dedicated Immigration lawyers; our specialists work with individuals and businesses to ensure they are legally covered on their career journeys in the UK.
There is a variety of work visas and routes into the UK that give you the legal right to live and work, or to work under various circumstances. Some lead to settlement in the UK while others do not. Take a look at the different work visas to see which works best for you.
For businesses, we offer comprehensive immigration legal services to ensure your hiring of migrant workers is compliant, efficient and as simple as possible.
If you are unsure of which visa to pursue, you would like help with completing the application with the best chance of success, or both, get in touch with us and we can set up a 10 minute free consultation call where we can get a better understanding of your situation and guide you from there.
Skilled Worker Visa
Skilled Worker Visas enable individuals to lawfully live and work in the UK in an eligible skilled role.
To qualify, applicants must have a confirmed job offer from an employer that holds a valid Sponsor Licence. The sponsoring employer must be authorised to issue Certificates of Sponsorship and able to demonstrate that the role is genuine and skilled.
Visa holders can work, volunteer, undertake additional part‑time employment, and pursue studies while in the UK. Dependants of the main applicant may also accompany or join them under this route.
The Skilled Worker Visa provides a pathway to settlement and, ultimately, British citizenship.
Read our FAQs on Skilled Worker Visa here.
Senior or Specialist Worker Visa
The Senior or Specialist Worker Visa has replaced the former Tier 2 (Intra‑Company Transfer) Long‑Term Staff route. It is designed for senior managers and specialist employees who are being assigned to a UK branch or connected entity of an overseas organisation to undertake specific, skilled work on a temporary basis.
This visa allows eligible employees to work in the UK and bring their dependants with them. However, it is important to note that this route does not lead to settlement in the UK.
Length of Stay
Under the Senior or Specialist Worker Visa, applicants may stay in the UK for:
- Up to 5 years in any 6‑year period, or
- Up to 9 years in any 10‑year period for high earners.
These limits apply cumulatively across all periods spent in the UK under this route
Read our FAQs on Senior or Specialist Worker Visa here.
Permitted Paid Engagement Visa
The Permitted Paid Engagement Visa is designed for individuals who have been formally invited to the UK to undertake a short‑term paid assignment in their field of expertise. This route is available to recognised professionals who have been asked to carry out specific engagements by a UK‑based organisation or client.
Eligible visitors may stay in the UK for up to one month to complete the engagement. This visa cannot be extended, and applicants must meet the strict criteria demonstrating that the work is pre‑arranged, relevant to their professional expertise, and permissible under the visitor rules.
Read our FAQs on Permitted Paid Engagement Visa here.
High Potential Individual Visa
The High Potential Individual visa is an exciting category designed to enable those who have been awarded an eligible degree‑level qualification from an institution featured on the Global Universities List within the last five years.
This flexible route allows individuals to live and work in the UK without sponsorship, offering a stay of 2 or 3 years, depending on the level of qualification. Eligible applicants may also bring their dependent partner and children, provided they meet the relevant requirements.
While this visa does not lead directly to settlement, it offers an excellent opportunity to gain UK experience. At the end of the visa period, individuals may switch into another immigration category that can lead to long‑term residence, should they wish to remain in the UK.
Read our FAQs on High Potential Individual Visa here.
International Sportsperson Visa
The International Sportsperson Visa is designed for elite athletes and highly qualified sports coaches who are internationally recognised and able to make a significant contribution to the development of their sport at the highest level in the UK.
As this is a sponsored immigration route, the UK‑based club, team, or organisation must hold a valid Sponsor Licence. Applicants may apply under either the short‑term route (up to 12 months) or the long‑term route (more than 12 months), depending on the nature of their engagement.
Securing an International Sportsperson Visa involves a two‑stage process:
- Governing Body Endorsement – The applicant must first obtain an endorsement from the relevant UK sports governing body confirming their international standing and the value they bring to the sport.
- Visa Application – Once endorsed, the applicant can apply for entry clearance or permission to stay under the International Sportsperson route.
Read our FAQs on International Sportsperson Visa here.
Minister of Religion (T2) Visa
The Minister of Religion Visa is designed for individuals who have been sponsored to undertake pastoral or other religious duties within a UK‑based faith organisation. This route is intended for authorised religious workers who will lead or support worship and carry out key roles within their religious community.
Applicants must meet the 70‑point requirement, which is assessed across three categories:
- Attributes (including a valid Certificate of Sponsorship)
- English Language, and
- Financial Maintenance.
Successful applicants may be granted permission to stay for up to 3 years and 1 month, or for the duration stated on their Certificate of Sponsorship plus an additional 14 days, whichever is shorter. After the initial grant of leave, individuals may apply to extend their stay, subject to meeting the relevant requirements.
Read our FAQs on Minister of Religion(T2) Visa here.
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Minister of Religion Visa (T2)
The Tier 2 Minister of Religion route is for an authorised person who has been sponsored to perform and conduct…
Skilled Worker Visa FAQS
A Skilled Worker Visa allows an individual to legally enter the UK to live and work. It requires you to…
Permitted Paid Engagement Visa FAQS
This visa is applicable where you need to visit the UK for a paid engagement where you have been invited…
Senior or Specialist Worker Visa FAQs
This visa has replaced the Tier 2 (Inter-company Transfer) long-term staff visa. The senior or specialist worker visa is for…
High Potential Individual FAQS
The High Potential Individual visa is an exciting category designed to enable those who have been awarded a degree-level qualification…
International Sportsperson Visa FAQs
The International Sportsperson visa route is for an elite sportsperson or qualified sports coach who is internationally established and can…