People often wonder if it is possible to get a work permit from the UK without a job offer. The answer is, in most cases, to secure a work permit as a foreigner to the UK, you would need a job offer from a UK employer who has a sponsor license.
That is, You must have legal permission to work in the UK in order to work there. This means that you must be a citizen of the United Kingdom, a member of the EU or EEA, or possess a current work visa.
It will be challenging to obtain a work visa if you do not already have a job offer from a UK employer, as most forms of work visas demand such an offer.
However, there can be certain exceptions to these rules. Learn more on how to get a work permit without a job offer as you read further.
Ways To Get a Work Permit From The UK Without a Job Offer
Table of Contents
The first thing you need to know about getting a UK work permit is that there are several types of visas or work permits in the UK which include;
READ MORE>>>19 Best Websites to Find Remote Jobs
- Skilled worker visa: The Skilled Worker visa allows employers to recruit non-UK resident workers for certain eligible, skilled roles.
- Global business mobility visa: A Senior or Specialist Worker visa allows you to come to or stay in the UK to do an eligible job at your employer’s UK branch
- Temporary work visa: This visa, known as the Tier 5 visa, is for people who want to visit the UK for just a short while in order to work, study, or take part in a government-approved exchange program.
- Entrepreneur Visa: Those who intend to start a business in the UK and invest at least £50,000 in it are eligible for the Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) visa.
- Scale-up visa: A Scale-up Worker visa allows you to come to the UK to do an eligible job for a fast-growing UK business (sometimes called a ‘scale-up business’).
- High-potential individual visa: Those with outstanding skills in the humanities, sciences, engineering, or arts are eligible for the Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) visa.
- Graduate Visa: This visa, known as the Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) visa, is for people who have just graduated from a UK university and wish to launch a business there.
- UK Ancestry visa: Apply for a UK Ancestry visa if you’re a Commonwealth citizen and can prove that one of your grandparents was born in the UK.
- Youth Mobility Scheme visa: This visa is for individuals aged 18-30 who want to come to the UK for up to two years to work or study.
- Investor Visa: It is possible to obtain a Tier 1 visa if you plan to invest at least £2 million in the UK.
READ MORE >>>Admission and Scholarship in the Netherlands
Most types of visas would require you to have a job offer first. Also, the type of work you will be doing will determine the type of visa you will apply for
However, several other types of visas like the High potential visa, and global talent visa, do not require you to have a job first. Although you may need to other requirements for a successful applicant.
High Potential Individual Visa
High potential individual visa is designed to attract international graduates from top universities to the UK. Individuals with these types of visas do not require a job offer to get a work permit. However, they must meet the eligibility requirements, which include;
- Applicants must be at least 18 years
- Applicants must have completed a degree from a recognized university outside the UK within a period of five years
- A support fund of at least £ 1,270
The high-potential individual visa is usually short-term as holders are allowed to stay for a period of two to three years. However, it allows holders to switch to longer visa routes providing they meet visa requirements.
Global Talent Visa
The global talent visa aims at attracting leaders or potential leaders in fields like academia, research, technology, arts, and culture.
This visa allows highly skilled individuals to migrate to the UK for up to 5 years. This gives them the flexibility needed to work without being attached to work sponsors
Holders of this visa can apply to settle permanently in the UK after a period of three years.
UK GRADUATE VISA
The UK graduate visa is for foreign individuals who have successfully completed a degree or post-degree in the UK.
To qualify;
- Applicants must have lived and studied in the UK for a period of time
- Applicants must have a completed degree in the UK
Holders of UK graduate visas are not allowed to extend their stay or apply for more.
But are allowed the switch to a different visa route providing they meet the requirements.
Start-up & Innovator Visa
The start-up visa is specifically for those that want to set up their first business in the UK and would need to work for financial support while developing their ideas while
The innovator visa is for entrepreneurs that are experienced with at least £ 50,000 in funding.
Applicants of both the start-up and innovator visa must meet the financial and language requirements
Applicants must be endorsed by an authorized UK education provider or a business with a proven record of supporting UK-based entrepreneurs.
READ MORE>>>10 Best Countries for Work Permits Without a Job Offer!
If successful, individuals under the start-up route are allowed to stay for a period of two years. They can also move to switch to the innovator visa.
Applicants under the innovator visa are allowed to stay for a period of three years with no limit on how times it can be extended.
For a start-up visa, it cost £364 for individuals outside the UK while the innovator visa cost £1021.
UK Work Visa FAQs
How difficult is it to get a UK-to-work visa?
This depends on the type of UK work visa needed. Some work visas can seem more difficult to obtain, this is because of the different route-specific requirements for each visa
Can I get a work permit for the UK without a job offer?
Yes, this is possible. UK work visas like the High potential work visa, Global Talent Visa, and graduate visa do not require a job offer to obtain. However, Other criteria must be met.
How do I get a work Visa for the UK?
The first thing to do when you want to get a work visa is to apply online. You will be required to pay the necessary fees and provide support documents
For more inquiries, kindly use the comment box below or Join Us on Twitter.
