Compare six UK work visa routes side by side: salary requirements, processing times, and whether you need a sponsor.
Bar length shows minimum salary required. Longer bar means a higher threshold. Routes with no minimum show a short bar.
For leaders and emerging talent in tech, science, engineering, arts, and humanities. Digital technology endorsement is assessed by Tech Nation via the GOV.UK Stage 1 form. No sponsor or salary floor needed.
Post-study work visa for graduates of UK universities. No sponsor needed, no salary threshold, no job offer required. Currently 2 years (3 years with a PhD). Applications from 1 January 2027 are expected to be 18 months for most non-PhD graduates.
For graduates of eligible top global universities (Home Office list, last 5 years). Two years, or three years with a PhD. Annual application cap. Cannot be extended; switch to another route. First-time applicants need English at CEFR B2.
For workers joining qualifying high-growth companies. Requires sponsor for the first 6 months, then free to change employers. Salary threshold £39,100/yr or the going rate, whichever is higher.
For multinational companies transferring established employees to a UK branch. Requires sponsor and a minimum salary of £48,500/yr, or the going rate if higher. Previously called Intra-Company Transfer.
The main work visa route. Requires a licensed sponsor, a job offer in an eligible SOC code, and a salary meeting the general threshold or the going rate, whichever is higher. First-time applicants need English at CEFR B2.