UK Work Visas 2025 | MFY Legal

Why is a Work Permit Important in the UK?

The UK is one of the world’s most preferred work destinations with a strong economy, high living standards and international job opportunities. Foreigners from Turkey and other countries must obtain a work visa UK in order to work legally in the UK. Work visas are divided into different categories according to the person’s professional qualifications, the job offer and the purpose of the application.

👉 For general visa types see: UK Visa Guide 2025

As MFY Legal | Law Firm (www.mfylegal.av.tr), we provide our clients with reliable and strategic advice in accordance with the latest legislation in the UK work permit process.

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Types of UK Work Visas

UK work visas are divided into two main groups:

Long-Term Visas Requiring a Sponsor

These visas require employer sponsorship for long-term employment in the UK.

• Skilled Worker Visa: Available to skilled workers who have a sponsored job offer in the UK. There is a salary limit, English language requirement and the employer must be approved by the Home Office. 👉 For details see: UK Skilled Worker Visa
• Global Business Mobility (GBM) Visas:
  • Senior or Specialist Worker → Transfer of manager/specialist to the UK branch of the same company.
  • Graduate Trainee → Transfer within the scope of training or internship in international companies.
  • UK Expansion Worker → An employee assigned to a foreign company to open a new branch in the UK.
  • Service Supplier → Service providers based on international trade agreements.
• Overseas Domestic Worker Visa: For domestic workers to come to the UK with their employer.

Temporary Work Visas

These visas are for those who wish to work in the UK for a limited period of time on a business or project.

• Seasonal Worker Visa: For temporary workers in the agricultural sector.
• Government Authorized Exchange Visa: For participation in educational and cultural exchange programs.
• Creative Worker Visa: For artists, musicians, actors and other creative professionals.
• Religious Worker Visa: For religious workers.
• Charity Worker Visa: For unpaid workers in voluntary charity organizations.
• International Agreement Visa: Work based on diplomatic or international agreements.

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Difference with Business and Investment Visas

Apart from work visas, the UK also offers special visas for entrepreneurs and investors:

• Innovator Founder Visa: For entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas. 👉 For details see: UK Innovator Founder Visa
• Global Talent Visa: For international achievers in science, technology, arts and literature. 👉 For details see: UK Global Talent Visa
• Scale-up Visa: For qualified professionals who want to work in fast-growing British companies. 👉 For details see: UK Scale-up Visa

⚠️ Visas Closed: Tier 1 Investor, Tier 1 Entrepreneur and Start-up Visa applications are now closed. The most current option for investors and entrepreneurs who want to apply for these categories is the Innovator Founder Visa. You can contact us for the most suitable visa for you.

👉 For detailed comparison see: UK Business Startup and Investment Visas

Application Process Step by Step

Applications for UK work visas can only be made through gov.uk and authorized intermediary VFS Global. The general process consists of the following steps:

1. Determining the Right Visa Type → Select the appropriate category according to the nature of your business proposal.
2. Online Application Form → The official application form is filled in completely.
3. Payment of Application Fee → Visa fees are paid online.
4. Biometrics Appointment → Fingerprints and photographs are taken at VFS Global centers.
5. Submission of Supporting Documents → Job offer, Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), diploma, language certificate, etc. are uploaded.
6. Result and Passport Delivery → Average processing time is between 3-8 weeks.

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Terms and Documents

Depending on the type of visa to be applied for, the general requirements are as follows:

• Valid Passport (at least 6 months).
• Business Proposal and Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
• Salary Threshold: Usually £26,200 per year for Skilled Worker (lower for some occupations).
• English Proficiency: Document from approved exams such as IELTS, SELT.
• Financial Qualification: At least £1,270 in savings (employer may sponsor in some cases).
• Clean Criminal Record.
• Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).

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Benefits and Risks

Advantages

• Legal right to work and reside in the UK.
• Possibility to bring family members with you.
• Indefinite leave to remain (ILR) after a certain period of time.
• Use of health services (NHS).

Risks

• Wrong visa category selection → rejection.
• Missing documents → prolonged process.
• Sponsorship cancellation → visa invalidation.

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Legal Basis

UK work visas are regulated under the Immigration Rules.

• Official source: UK Work Visas – gov.uk
• Immigration Act 1971, c.77 (legislation.gov.uk)

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Example Situation

Example: A software engineer in Istanbul received a job offer from a technology company in the UK with a salary of £35,000. CoS was issued by the sponsoring employer, IELTS certificate and bank account statement were submitted during the application process. The application was approved within 4 weeks and Skilled Worker Visa was obtained.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion and Professional Legal Support

UK visa applications have complex requirements that vary depending on your personal situation. Choosing the wrong category or submitting incomplete documents can lead to a prolonged process or even rejection.

MFY Legal | Law Firm manages your application process in the most accurate way with its lawyers specialized in UK immigration law.

👉 Contact MFY Legal now for expert legal support tailored to you.