Visas and immigration
- Preventing people from working illegally
- Checking eligibility to work in Scotland
- Extending or switching a work visa
Our employer guide identifies types of visas or status and any associated restrictions on working in the UK. This is only an overview guide and should not be seen as legal advice. As an employer you are still legally obligated to ensure that the person has the right to work in the UK and their employment is not restricted by their particular visa.
This is intended as a quick guide only, individual visa holders will always need to comply with the specific terms of their visa and the immigration rules.
Quick reference guide
All Visitor visas
No employment allowed unless stated.
Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur)
Can work for an employer for a maximum of 20 hours per week, whilst also setting up their own business.
Global Talent Visa
Can usually take up employment or self-employment. This visa is not linked to one specific employer.
Graduate Route
Can usually take up employment. This visa is not linked to one specific employer.
Tier 2 (General)/Skilled Worker Visa
Employer must be registered with the Home Office before sponsoring individuals to work. The employee can only work for the employer who has sponsored their specific visa, except in certain circumstances.
Tier 2 (Intra Company Transfer)/Intra-Company Route Visa
Employer must be registered with Home Office before sponsoring individuals to work. The employee can only work for the employer who has sponsored their specific visa, except in certain circumstances.
Tier 4 (General) – students/Student Visa
Weekly working time restricted to level of study: Degree course: usually 20 hours term-time (full-time during vacations); Further Education College course: usually 10 hours (full-time during vacations).
Tier 5 (Youth Mobility Scheme)/Temporary Worker
There are restrictions which prevent you from working as a doctor or dentist in training or professional sportsperson.
Tier 5/Temporary Worker - all other categories
Various restrictions apply.
UK Ancestry
No restrictions during validity of visa.
Refugees
(with grants of: indefinite leave to remain/discretionary leave/humanitarian protection)
No restrictions during validity of visa unless stated otherwise on individuals' specific visa.
Asylum seekers
No employment permitted unless stated otherwise on Application Registration Card (ARC).
EU Settlement Scheme – Settled or Pre-Settled Status
No restrictions during validity of visa.