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. Requires endorsement from a designated body (e.g. Tech Nation, UKRI). No sponsor or salary floor needed.
Two-year post-study work visa for graduates of UK universities. No sponsor needed, no salary threshold, no job offer required. Often used as a bridge to Skilled Worker.
For graduates of top global universities (as listed by the Home Office). Two-year visa with no sponsor required. Cannot be extended; switch to another route.
For workers joining qualifying high-growth companies. Requires sponsor for the first 6 months, then free to change employers. Salary threshold £36,300/yr.
For multinational companies transferring established employees to a UK branch. Requires sponsor and a minimum salary. 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 or going-rate threshold.