If you’re a non-EU/EFTA national wanting to work in the UK, you need an appropriate work permit. Most of the UK work visas require sponsorships from a local employer; you to secure a suitable job and sponsorship before applying for the UK work visa. UK work visas are currently unavailable to casual or low-skilled employment. As a result, it isn’t possible to enter the UK on another type of visa and take up casual or temporary work.
Information on UK work visa sponsorships for Tier 2 and Tier 5 visas is available here.
You also need to apply for a biometric residence permit if you’re staying in the UK for longer than six months.
The following groups of people are exempt from UK work visa requirements:
- diplomats who were outside of the UK when offered the post
- overseas government ministers on official business
- members of Commonwealth or Overseas Territories armed forces posted to the UK
- officials working for a head of state