Sponsored employment routes for skilled roles, healthcare, business transfers, scale-up businesses, religious workers and elite sport.
Long-Term Work Visas
Sponsored employment routes for skilled roles, healthcare, business transfers, scale-up businesses, religious workers and elite sport.
Visa Types in This Category
Skilled Worker Visa
The main sponsored employment route for a job offer from a UK Home Office-licensed employer at the required skill and salary level.
Health and Care Worker Visa
A fast-track, reduced-fee route for eligible doctors, nurses and social care professionals sponsored by an approved health or care body.
Global Business Mobility – Senior or Specialist Worker
For employees of an overseas business being assigned to a linked UK branch.
Global Business Mobility – Graduate Trainee
For employees on a structured graduate training programme being transferred to the UK for a defined period.
Global Business Mobility – UK Expansion Worker
For senior employees establishing a UK branch or subsidiary of an overseas business.
Global Business Mobility – Service Supplier
For overseas contractual service suppliers delivering a service under an international trade agreement.
Global Business Mobility – Secondment Worker
For workers seconded to the UK as part of a high-value contract or investment.
Scale-up Worker Visa
For skilled individuals hired by a fast-growing, Home Office-recognised UK "scale-up" business.
Minister of Religion Visa (T2)
For religious workers taking up a post within a UK faith community, sponsored by that organisation.
International Sportsperson Visa
For elite sportspeople and qualified coaches endorsed by their sport's UK governing body.
Eligibility Requirements
- A confirmed job offer from a UK Home Office-licensed sponsor
- Role and salary meet the route's skill and salary thresholds
- A Certificate of Sponsorship issued for the correct occupation code
- Meet the English language requirement (typically level B1)
- Meet the maintenance/funds requirement unless certified by the sponsor
- No relevant re-entry ban or adverse immigration history
Document Checklist
- Valid passport
- Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) reference number from the licensed UK sponsor
- Proof of qualifications relevant to the job (degree certificates, professional registration)
- Employment contract or job offer letter confirming salary and duties
- English language evidence (degree taught in English, approved test, or majority-English-speaking country)
- Proof of personal savings, if required
- Tuberculosis (TB) test certificate from an approved clinic
- Criminal record certificate for certain occupations (e.g. education, healthcare)
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) payment receipt
Government Fees for This Category
| Visa Type | Home Office Fee |
|---|---|
| Skilled Worker Visa (up to 3 years) | £819 |
| Skilled Worker Visa (more than 3 years) | £1,618 |
| Health and Care Worker Visa (up to 3 years) | £324 |
| Health and Care Worker Visa (more than 3 years) | £628 |
| Global Business Mobility routes (up to 3 years) | £819 |
| Global Business Mobility routes (more than 3 years) | £1,618 |
| Scale-up Worker Visa | £937 |
| Minister of Religion Visa (T2) | £819 |
| International Sportsperson Visa (up to 12 months) | £340 |
| International Sportsperson Visa (more than 12 months) | £819 |
Most work, study, family and settlement routes also require the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): approximately £1,035 per year for adults and £776 per year for children/students, paid upfront for the full length of the visa. Visitor and transit visas are IHS-exempt. Fees change periodically — confirm the exact current figure using the official Home Office fee calculator.