UK Work Visas in 2023 without offer letter
The allure of the UK for work and academic opportunities remains strong. This guide will walk you through the diverse work Visa options in 2023, detailing those that require a job offer and those that don’t. Many UK-based businesses provide visa sponsorships, emphasizing the significance of selecting the right one. Prospective applicants can conveniently submit their applications online, and many of these visas have an unlimited renewal feature.
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Diverse UK Work Visa Options for 2023:
A. Core Employment Visas:
- Professional Worker Visa
- Health Profession Visa
B. Visas Not Mandating a UK Job Offer:
- Overseas British National Visa
- Recent Graduate Visa
- Young Movers Program Visa
- India-UK Young Professional Visa
- Universal Talent Visa
- UK Lineage Visa
- Emerging Leader Visa
C. Limited-duration Work Visas:
- Agricultural Worker Visa
- Professional Exchange Visa
- Arts and Performance Visa
- Faith-based Work Visa
- Non-profit Volunteering Visa
D. Other Specialized Work Authorizations:
- Global Sportspeople Visa
- Religious Leadership Visa (T2 category)
- Innovative Business Visa
- Cross-border Agreement Visa
Highlighted Visa Details:
- Professional Worker Visa: Previously named Tier 2 Visa, tailored for individuals with a specified job offer in the UK.
- Stay Length: 5 years (with renewal option)
- Fee: £719 (up to 3 years), £1,423 (beyond 3 years)
- Health Profession Visa: In light of the profession’s demand, healthcare roles are notably rewarding, with remunerations between £20,000 to £40,000 monthly.
- Stay Length: 5 years (renewable)
- Fee: £247 (up to 3 years), £479 (beyond 3 years)
- Agricultural Worker Visa: Ideal for short-term roles in farming and horticulture, such as harvesting tasks.
- Stay Length: Half a year
- Fee: £259
- Arts and Performance Visa: Crafted for individuals in the entertainment and arts sectors.
- Fee: £259
- Non-profit Volunteering Visa: Meant for those wanting to offer voluntary services to charities without pay.
- Stay Length: A year
Visa Application Essentials:
Some visas necessitate either a Job Commitment Certificate or an actual job offer, including:
- Professional Worker Visa
- Health Profession Visa
- Agricultural Worker Visa, and others.
An exhaustive directory of UK firms offering sponsorships can be found here.
Financial Stipulations:
A balance of at least £1,270 in one’s bank account is a common requirement for several UK visas.
Approval Timeframe:
On average, it takes between 3 to 6 weeks to process UK Work Visa applications.
For a holistic understanding of work opportunities and visa classifications in the UK, refer to the official UK government website.
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Jobs portal website in the UK
There are numerous job portal websites in the UK that cater to various sectors and employment levels. If you’re considering using or researching job portals in the UK, here’s a list of some of the most prominent ones as of my last training data in September 2021:
- Indeed (UK): One of the most extensive job search engines globally, Indeed’s UK portal lists thousands of jobs across various sectors.
- Reed.co.uk: A major player in the UK job market, Reed offers jobs in numerous sectors and provides career advice.
- Totaljobs: Partnered with Jobsite, this platform offers job listings across the UK and provides resources for both job seekers and employers.
- CV-Library: An extensive UK job board that also offers resources to help job seekers craft their CVs and prepare for interviews.
- Monster UK: Part of the global Monster network, its UK site offers job listings, company profiles, and career advice.
- Jobsite UK: Features jobs from various sectors and offers tools like a salary checker and a blog with advice for job seekers.
- Glassdoor UK: While globally known for its company reviews, Glassdoor also features job listings and provides insights into company cultures.
- Guardian Jobs: The job portal by The Guardian newspaper focuses on quality job listings and covers sectors like arts, government, health, and more.
- NHS Jobs: If you’re looking into the healthcare sector, NHS Jobs is the official job portal for the National Health Service, listing thousands of healthcare roles.
- StepStone UK: Part of a global network, StepStone UK caters to various sectors and levels of employment.
- CW Jobs: A niche site for IT professionals, CW Jobs lists tech roles ranging from software development to IT project management.
- Simply Law Jobs: For those in the legal sector, this niche site offers listings for a range of legal positions.
These platforms offer a mix of direct employer listings, recruitment agency postings, and tools/resources for job seekers. Depending on your industry or career level, one platform may be more beneficial than another. Always ensure you’re using reputable sites and be cautious about sharing personal information. Remember, the job market is dynamic, so always check for the most recent reviews and user experiences before heavily investing your time on a particular portal.
2. How do I qualify for a UK work permit?
You typically need:
- A confirmed job offer in the UK from an employer with a valid Tier 2 sponsorship license.
- A Certificate of Sponsorship from your employer.
- Proof that you'll be earning an appropriate salary.
- Adequate knowledge of the English language.
3. How long does the visa process take?
Visa processing times vary but, on average, it can take between 3 weeks to 3 months from the date of application.
4. How long can I stay in the UK on a Tier 2 visa?
You can stay for a maximum of 5 years and 14 days, or the time given on your certificate of sponsorship plus 1 month, whichever is shorter. You can also apply to extend this visa for another 5 years, as long as your total stay is not more than 6 years.
5. Can I bring my family members to the UK on a Tier 2 visa?
Yes, dependents of Tier 2 visa holders, which includes your spouse, partner, and children under 18, can apply to join or remain with you in the UK.
6. Can I apply for Permanent Residency (Indefinite Leave to Remain) after working on a Tier 2 visa?
Yes, after being in the UK for 5 continuous years on a Tier 2 visa, you may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
7. What happens if my employment ends while I'm on a Tier 2 visa?
You might have to leave the UK if your employment ends. However, you can look for another job. If you find one, your new employer will need to issue a new Certificate of Sponsorship, and you might need to reapply or extend your visa.
8. Can I switch jobs while on a Tier 2 visa?
Yes, but you will need a new Certificate of Sponsorship from your new employer, and you might need to reapply or extend your visa. Some job switches may be easier than others, depending on the nature of the job and whether it's on the shortage occupation list.
9. Are there other work-related visas apart from Tier 2?
Yes, the UK has several work-related visa categories like the Global Talent Visa, Tier 5 Temporary Worker Visa, and others. Each has its own set of criteria and duration of stay.
10. With Brexit now finalized, how does this affect EU, EEA, or Swiss citizens wanting to work in the UK?
EU, EEA, or Swiss citizens who were residing in the UK by December 31, 2020, should apply to the EU Settlement Scheme to continue living in the UK. For those who arrive after this date, they will need to apply for a visa under the UK's points-based immigration system, much like non-EU citizens.
