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UK Working Visa FAQs

When and how do I apply for a UK visa?

To find out more information and to get the necessary application forms contact your nearest British Consulate or High Commission and either download the application forms from their site, or contact them directly and ask them to send you the forms by post. Read through the forms carefully to ensure you are eligible for that visa, and to see what documents you will need to provide. Fill out the forms completely and return to the British High Commission or Consulate in your country of residence with all of the necessary documents. If you have questions about filling out the forms, you should contact the British High Commission or Consulate on the number provided on your UK visa application forms.

Most UK Visa applications will be processed within up to six weeks in most Commonwealth countries, but that is not a guarantee. Each individual UK High Commission or Embassy will usually have different processing times, be sure to check with your nearest one. Note that applications for a Tier 1 visa can take up to several months to be assessed. It is not normally recommended to purchase your airline tickets until you have received your UK visa if this is something that will effect whether you go to the UK or not.

Still not sure? Follow these easy UK Visa steps…

The working holiday visa guidance says that I can only apply if I am entering the UK within three months of the application date — but what if I want/need to apply earlier?

This guidance means that the latest your visa can be dated is three months from the date of application. So, if you are applying in February, you should state the your expected date of arrival in the UK is no longer than three months after you apply (ie May). You can still enter the UK at any time after this date, however the two year validity period of your visa will already have started. So the later you leave entering the UK, the less time you will have on your visa.

How much money do I need to have saved for my visa application?

For a working holiday visa application, you should show that you have at least approximately AU$3000/CAD3000/NZD$4000 (eg. a recent bank statement, no older than 1 month, which clearly displays your name and the last 3 months of transaction history). You will have to explain any large deposits, so it is simpler if the money has been in your account for at least three months.

For a Tier 1 visa application, you will have to show savings at least £2,800 if you are applying from outside the UK. You need to provide evidence such as original bank statements or a letter from your bank to show that this amount has been in your bank account for at least three months. For applicants outside the UK, the evidence must be dated no more than 7 days before your application is submitted.

I am almost 31 and want to apply for a working holiday visa — do I have time?

You application must reach the British Consulate in your home country before your 31st birthday. Your visa will then be valid for the standard two year period and you can enter the UK any time during this period.

What is the Youth Mobility Visa and how will it be different to the current working holiday visa? — Working holiday visa changes

The Working Holdiday Visa changes to the Youth Mobility Visa/Tier 5 visa as part of the new tiered visa system the UK phased in, late in 2008. It replaces the current working holiday visa around November 2008 and is designed for people who want to temporarily work in the UK. No-one will know the exact requirements/details of the visa until it is phased in (UK immigration typically do not give many details about a visa until it is launched) however the requirements seem to be very similar to the working holiday visa. One of the major changes proposed is that the 12 month restriction will be lifted and travellers will be permitted to work the entire two year period. To receive updates about the Youth Mobility Visa, subscribe to our newsletter.

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I am travelling overseas before I enter the UK — can I apply for my visa in another country?

Visa guidance states that you must apply for your UK working visa from the country in which you are resident and where you legally live. You must also be in your home country at the time of application. If you are in another country for an extended period of time (ie on a student visa or similar long-stay visa) then the embassy there could possibly process your application for you at their discretion. You should contact them for more details.

WORKgateways has heard of a small number of cases where applicants have been able to obtain their visas while travelling in other countries.

I need to provide a letter for my UK Ancestry Visa Application — how do I get one?

When applying for your UK Ancestry Visa, you may be required to provide proof that you have sought employment in the UK. Usually, proof that you are registered with a suitable UK recruitment agency is sufficient, usually in the form of either a letter or email.

To get a letter, you will need to be registered with a UK recruitment agency that specialises in your industry. When requesting a letter from them, be sure to indicate that you are registered with them, provide your postal address (though an emailed letter may be all they can provide), and the date by which you need this letter. Most agencies featured on WORKgateways will gladly assist with this. Simply register with them or applying to jobs.

How hard is it to secure a sponsor for a work permit from outside the UK?

If you do not qualify for a working holiday visa or a Tier 1 visa you could also investigate the possibility of sponsorship for a work permit. Unless your occupation falls into a National Shortage Occupation (in mid 2008 these include some engineering, healthcare and other occupations, including teachers and vets – see the Home Office website for an updated list) then it is a very difficult process to obtain sponsorship for a work permit from outside the UK. Employers will usually always want to meet you before sponsoring.

If you do fall into one of the shortage occupations and wish to find a UK employer to sponsor you, you can start by registering with the relevant recruitment agencies. If you qualify for a working holiday visa or a Tier 1 visa, it is recommended you look into these avenues to determine which is the better option for you.

After November 2008, work permit applications will fall under the Tier 2 — General category. See the Home Office website for more details.

I am in the UK on a working holiday maker visa that is coming to an end but I want to stay here for longer. What are my options?

It always happens — you come to the UK expecting only to stay for a year or so, and you love it so much you don't want to go home just yet! This is the situation a lot of working holiday makers find themselves in and the good news is that you may have a couple of options. Many working holiday makers who are young, experienced professionals with a degree and earning power qualify for the Tier 1 visa – you will have to return home for around a month or more to apply for this visa and you will have to plan thoroughly up to a year in advance (ie collecting wage slips, original bank statements, saving money to contribute towards the visa fee and the savings required). You do not need a job offer for a Tier 1 visa and you can work for any employer. See Tier 1 (General) Highly Skilled Workers

You can also obtain sponsorship for a work permit from an employer you have already been working for on your working holiday visa. Although this is quite a complicated process (for those whose occupation is not on the national shortage list) it is a common transition for working holiday makers. A work permit is non-transferable and only allows you to work for the employer who sponsors you. You will have to return to your home country though, and it is also a good to enlist the services of a visa agency.

Both these options can be expensive, especially when you take into account flights home, so start saving! Or, some working holiday makers get their employers to foot the bill — however consider the commitment you will have to make to an employer if they pay for your visa.

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Should I use a visa representative/visa agency for my visa application?

Some UK visa applications are more difficult and more time-consuming than others. For example, while a working holiday maker visa can be relatively straightforward, Tier 1 visas and work permits take much longer and require more paperwork. While many people do their visa applications on their own, some choose to enlist the help of a visa agency to ensure their application runs smoothly and to check things like that they have included all the relevant documentation. Of course, there are extra fees for this service, on top of the already quite substantial visa fees.

If you choose to use a visa representative, try to find one that has been recommended to you, or that is a partner with respected and legitimate recruitment agents or websites like WORKgateways. Check that they are accredited by the Offices of the Immigration Services Commissioner. Make sure you are well aware of all the fees you will be responsible for.

Arriving in the UK: what is it like going through immigration?

Depending on what airport you arrive at and what time you arrive, everyone has different experiences of UK immigration. There is no need to be nervous, however you may be asked a few questions and it is useful to be prepared. Make sure you are aware of any restrictions on your visa — for instance, if you enter the UK on a working holiday visa you should be prepared to tell them that you are aware of the 12 month working restriction and you plan to leave the UK at the end of two years. For working holidaymakers: you should also say, if asked, that you intend to balance work with travel. If you are entering the UK on a work permit, you may be asked some details about your employer.

Make sure you have the UK address of where you will be staying to write on your landing card. You may also be asked to show proof of savings that you have (like a bank statement) however this is unlikely.

There are tons more questions about UK visas and jobs on our WORKgateways forum or for regular visa updates, subscribe to our popular UK newsletter or join our Facebook group.
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