Skilled Worker & Long-Term Work Visas

The UK’s points-based immigration system offers a range of long-term work visa routes for skilled professionals. Most routes require sponsorship from a licensed UK employer and offer a pathway to Indefinite Leave to Remain after five years. Visa Professionals advises both employers and employees on the most appropriate route.

Skilled Worker Visa

The main UK work visa for skilled non-UK nationals. To qualify, you must have a job offer from a licensed sponsor in an eligible occupation, meet the minimum salary threshold, and demonstrate English language proficiency. The visa lasts up to five years (extendable) and leads to settlement. Suitable for a wide range of roles across technology, finance, education, engineering, healthcare and many other sectors.

Health and Care Worker Visa

A sub-category of the Skilled Worker route, specifically for qualified healthcare professionals including doctors, nurses, and care workers. It benefits from reduced visa fees and exemption from the Immigration Health Surcharge. The role must be with an approved NHS body, medical provider, or CQC-registered care organisation.

UK Scale-Up Visa

This visa is for individuals joining a recognised high-growth UK company in a senior skilled role. It begins with six months of sponsored employment, after which the visa holder can work for any employer or become self-employed without needing to change status. It offers a route to settlement after five years.

Graduate Visa (Post-Study Work)

Graduates from UK universities can remain in the UK for 2 years (3 years for PhD holders) to work or look for work at any skill level. This is an unsponsored route and provides an excellent opportunity for recent graduates to transition into the UK job market.

Minister of Religion Visa

For religious workers — including ministers, missionaries, and members of religious orders — coming to work full-time in their faith community in the UK. A Certificate of Sponsorship from a licensed religious organisation is required.

Minimum Salary Thresholds (2025)

The general minimum salary for a Skilled Worker Visa is £38,700 per year (or the going rate for the occupation, if higher). A lower threshold of £30,960 applies to shortage occupation roles and certain other circumstances. Health and Care Worker roles have specific salary thresholds aligned to NHS pay bands.

Contact Visa Professionals on 0203 137 8699 or email info@visaprofessionals.com to discuss your work visa options.