UK work visas for American citizens

Primary work visa for skilled professionals with a job offer from a licensed UK sponsor.

Processing time

3-8 weeks (Priority: 5 working days for extra fee)

Validity

Up to 5 years, renewable

Government fees

£819 (up to 3 years) / £1,618 (over 3 years) + £1,035/year Immigration Health Surcharge

Requirements

• Job offer from UK employer with sponsor license
• Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from employer
• Meet minimum salary threshold (£26,200 or going rate)
• English language proficiency (CEFR B1)
• Have enough funds (£1,270 in bank for 28 days)

Documents you will need

• Valid US passport: With 6+ months validity
• Certificate of Sponsorship: Reference number from employer
• Proof of English: US passport holders exempt if citizen
• Bank statements: Showing £1,270 for 28 days
• TB test results (optional): Not required from US

Worth knowing

• Tech roles are often on the Shortage Occupation List - lower salary threshold
• Priority processing available for faster decision
• Partner can work in UK without restrictions
• Can switch to settlement (ILR) after 5 years
• Immigration Health Surcharge gives access to NHS

Path to residency: Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 years

For leaders and potential leaders in digital technology, endorsed by Tech Nation.

Processing time

8 weeks for endorsement + 3 weeks for visa

Validity

5 years initially

Government fees

£561 (endorsement) + £205 (visa) + £1,035/year IHS

Requirements

• Endorsement from Tech Nation as Exceptional Talent or Exceptional Promise
• Evidence of being a leader or potential leader in tech
• Track record of innovation or significant contributions

Documents you will need

• Tech Nation endorsement: Apply through Tech Nation first
• Evidence of achievements: For endorsement application
• Letters of recommendation: 3 letters from senior figures
• CV and personal statement: For endorsement

Worth knowing

• No job offer required - can be self-employed or freelance
• Faster path to settlement (3 years for Exceptional Talent)
• Tech Nation looks for: product leadership, open source, startup success
• Strong for founders, senior engineers, CTOs
• Partner can work freely

Path to residency: ILR after 3 years (Exceptional Talent) or 5 years (Exceptional Promise)

For experienced entrepreneurs with an innovative business idea.

Processing time

3-8 weeks after endorsement

Validity

3 years, extendable

Government fees

£1,357 + IHS

Requirements

• Innovative, viable, and scalable business idea
• Endorsement from approved endorsing body
• At least £50,000 in investment funds (or exemption)
• English language proficiency (B2 level)

Documents you will need

• Endorsement letter: From approved body
• Business plan: Detailed plan for endorsement
• Proof of funds: £50,000 investment or exemption
• English language proof: Unless from English-speaking country

Worth knowing

• Great for founders who want to start a UK business
• Endorsing bodies include: Tech Nation, accelerators, universities
• Investment can come from self, angels, or VCs
• Can work on your own business or take other employment

Path to residency: ILR after 3 years (if business is successful)

For recent graduates of top global universities (within 5 years).

Processing time

3-8 weeks

Validity

2 years (Bachelor's/Master's) or 3 years (PhD)

Government fees

£880 + IHS

Requirements

• Graduated from eligible top university in past 5 years
• Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD from qualifying institution
• Not previously held HPI, Graduate, or Student visa

Documents you will need

• Degree certificate: From qualifying university
• Academic transcript: Showing completion
• ENIC verification: If degree is from outside UK

Worth knowing

• Check if your US university is on the eligible list
• Stanford, MIT, Harvard, etc. are typically included
• No job offer needed - can work or look for work
• Cannot be extended - must switch to another visa

Restrictions

• One-time visa - cannot be extended or reapplied
• Must have graduated within past 5 years
• Limited list of qualifying universities