Every route for working in the UK — sponsored, unsponsored and temporary — with the fees, timelines and rules that decide which one fits.
Skilled Worker · Health and Care · Global Talent · Graduate · Temporary Work routes.
Reviewed by the Morgan Smith Immigration team — IAA-regulated UK immigration specialists. Last reviewed 2026-07-14.
TL;DR
UK work visas split into sponsored routes (Skilled Worker from £819, requiring an employer sponsor licence), unsponsored routes (Graduate £937, High Potential Individual £880, Global Talent £766) and temporary work routes (£340). Most outside-UK decisions take 3 weeks.
£819+
Skilled Worker fee
£340
Temporary route fee
3 weeks
Typical decision (outside UK)
Sponsored Work Routes
Long-term employment with a licensed UK sponsor.
Work Without Sponsorship
No sponsor licence needed — flexible routes for exceptional and early-career talent.
Temporary Work Routes
Sponsored short-term routes — all £340, stays from 6 months to 2 years.
Hiring From Overseas?
The employer side of every route above starts with a sponsor licence.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about uk work visas in 2026.
Which UK work visa do I need?
For most long-term jobs the answer is the Skilled Worker Visa, which needs an employer with a sponsor licence. Recent UK graduates can use the Graduate route without sponsorship, exceptional talent can use Global Talent, and short-term roles use the £340 temporary work routes.
Do all UK work visas need a sponsor?
No. Graduate, High Potential Individual, Global Talent and Youth Mobility need no employer sponsorship. Skilled Worker, Health and Care, Scale-up, Sportsperson, Minister of Religion and the temporary work routes are all sponsored.
How much does a UK work visa cost in 2026?
Temporary work routes are £340; Skilled Worker starts at £819 (£1,618 for over three years); Graduate is £937, High Potential Individual £880 and Global Talent £766. Most applicants also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge of £1,035 per year.
What salary do I need for a Skilled Worker Visa?
At least £41,700 per year or the going rate for the occupation code, whichever is higher. Some roles — including Immigration Salary List and health and education roles — carry lower thresholds.
How long do UK work visa decisions take?
Usually 3 weeks for applications made outside the UK and 8 weeks inside the UK. Priority services can be available for an extra fee.
Which work visas lead to settlement?
Skilled Worker, Health and Care, Scale-up, Sportsperson, Minister of Religion and Global Talent can lead to indefinite leave to remain, usually after 5 years. Graduate, HPI, Youth Mobility and the temporary work routes do not lead directly to settlement.
Can I switch between work visas inside the UK?
Often, yes — for example Graduate to Skilled Worker, or a temporary route into Skilled Worker where the rules allow. Switching must normally happen before current permission expires.
What is the English language requirement for work visas?
Most sponsored work routes require English at CEFR level B2 for new applications since January 2026, proven by an approved test, a degree taught in English or certain qualifications.
Can my family join me on a work visa?
Most work routes allow eligible partners and children as dependants, each paying their own fee and health surcharge. Some routes restrict dependants, so check the specific route page.
Can Morgan Smith Immigration handle the whole process?
Yes. Our IAA-regulated immigration advisers act for both employers (sponsor licences, Certificates of Sponsorship, compliance) and applicants (route selection, applications, extensions and settlement).
Sources
Legal information on this page is based on guidance from GOV.UK, the UK Home Office / UK Visas and Immigration, legislation.gov.uk, and Free Movement. Rules change frequently — speak to our team to confirm current requirements.
Find the Right Work Route
One conversation to match your role, timeline and budget to the right visa — for employers and applicants alike.