What UK work visas are available for US citizens?

Content

As a US citizen planning to relocate to the UK for employment, what specific UK work visa categories are currently available to me? I’m particularly interested in options for skilled workers, intra-company transfers, recent graduates, or entrepreneurs, and I’d also like to understand key eligibility requirements such as sponsor sponsorship, salary thresholds, and application processes. Are there any routes specifically for US citizens, or do I need to follow the same application process as other nationalities? Also, how might Brexit changes impact my options compared to pre-Brexit arrangements?

The following work visa routes are available for US citizens to work in the UK, subject to eligibility criteria as per UK immigration rules:

1. Skilled Worker Visa

  • Purpose: For individuals with a job offer at RQF Level 3 (A-Level equivalent) or higher from a UK-licensed sponsor.
  • Requirements:
    • Valid Certificate of Sponsorship from a licensed employer.
    • English language proficiency (B1 CEFR or higher).
    • Meeting the salary threshold (currently £26,200 or the "going rate" for the role, whichever is higher).
    • £1,270 maintenance funds in a personal bank account for 28 days before application.
  • Duration: Up to 5 years (can be extended indefinitely).
  • Path to Settlement: Eligible after 5 years continuous residence, passing the Life in the UK test, and meeting salary requirements.

2. Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) Visa

  • Purpose: For employees of multinational companies transferring to a UK branch.
  • Subcategories:
    • Long-term Staff: ≥12 months with the overseas employer; max 9 years in the UK.
    • Short-term Staff: ≥3 months overseas; max 6 months in the UK (no settlement route).
    • New Entrant: Graduates/junior staff; max 2 years in the UK.
  • Requirements:
    • Valid Certificate of Sponsorship.
    • Role must be senior or specialized.
    • Minimum salary (e.g., £48,000 for Long-term).

3. Global Business Mobility Visa (April 2024 onwards)

Replaces and expands the ICT category:

  • Key Routes:
    • Senior or Specialist Worker: 5-year limit (no settlement).
    • Graduate Trainee: 2 years for graduates.
    • UK Expansion Worker: Initial 6 months to set up a UK branch.
  • Requirements: Sponsorship, English language, and role-specific criteria.

4. Innovator Founder Visa

  • Purpose: For entrepreneurs establishing a scalable, innovative business in the UK.
  • Requirements:
    • Endorsement from a UK approved body (e.g., UKTI, Tech Nation).
    • £50,000 available investment (or personal savings of £50,000).
    • Business viability and innovation assessment.
  • Duration: 3 years; extendable for another 3 years.
  • Path to Settlement: Eligible after 3 years (business meeting growth/salary criteria).

5. Scale-up Visa

  • Purpose: For joining UK scale-up businesses (≥20% annual growth for 3 years; 10+ employees).
  • Requirements:
    • Job offer at RQF Level 3+ with salary ≥£33,000.
    • 3+ months relevant experience or £50,000 funds.
    • Endorsement from the scale-up company.
  • Duration: 2 years (extendable).

6. Health and Care Worker Visa

  • Purpose: For qualified healthcare professionals (e.g., nurses, doctors) joining the NHS or care sector.
  • Requirements:
    • Registration with the relevant UK regulatory body (e.g., GMC, NMC).
    • Certificate of Sponsorship.
    • No salary threshold if meeting typical rate for the role.
  • Duration: 5 years; eligible for settlement after 5 years.

7. Temporary Worker Visas

  • Creative Workers: Up to 3 months for creative industry work (e.g., film, fashion). Requires sponsorship.
  • Charity Workers: Up to 12 months for registered charities. Requires sponsorship.
  • Private Household Workers: For domestic staff accompanying employers.

8. Representative of an Overseas Business Visa

  • Purpose: For senior employees establishing a UK branch/subsidiary of an overseas company.
  • Requirements:
    • Must be a senior decision-maker.
    • Company must not have a UK presence.
  • Duration: Initially 5 years; settlement possible after 5 years.

9. High Potential Individual Visa

  • Purpose: For individuals with a degree from a top global university (e.g., Times/US News Top 50).
  • Requirements:
    • Degree awarded within the last 5 years (PhD: 3+ years earlier).
    • £1,270 maintenance funds.
  • Duration: 2 years (Bachelors/Masters) or 3 years (PhD).
  • No sponsor required—allows work with any employer.

10. Youth Mobility Scheme

  • Purpose: For youth (18–30) to work/travel in the UK.
  • Requirements: Ballot-based application (limited quota; currently suspended until 2024).
  • Duration: 2 years.

Key Considerations

  • Sponsorship: Most work visas require a licensed UK employer to sponsor you.
  • Fees: Visa application fees (£719+), healthcare surcharge (£1,035/year), and other costs (criminal record checks, translations).
  • Immigration Rules: Policies change frequently; always consult the UK Government official guidance.
  • Settlement: Routes to indefinite leave to remain (ILR) exist for long-term visas (Skilled Worker, Innovator, etc.) after meeting the 5-year residency criteria.

US citizens must apply under the UK points-based system. Always verify requirements with the latest UKVI guidelines before applying.

Published: November 29, 2025