Other Visa Routes

Below is information on other routes by which an individual can work in the UK.

British National (Overseas) Hong Kong

British nationals (overseas) from Hong Kong and their family members, can apply for a British National (Overseas) visa (BNO visa). This visa enables individuals to live, work and study in the UK. The route can lead to settlement after 5 years resident in the UK.

  • To be eligible applicants must
  • be a British National (overseas)
  • be 18 or older
  • Have a permanent home in Hong Kong, an application is made outside of the UK
  • in the UK, channel islands, Isle of Man, an application is made in the UK

Find more information on GOV.UK.

Graduate route

The Graduate route opened for applications on 1 July 2021.

The visa allows international students that have completed an eligible course to stay in the UK and to work, including taking self employment and voluntary work.

The visa length granted will depend on the level of course:

  • Degree and PGCE students will be eligible for a 2 year visa length
  • DPhil students will be eligible for a 3 year visa length

Find more information on GOV.UK.

PBS dependents

Family members of Global Talent, Skilled Worker, Student/Tier 4 and Tier 5 visa holders can apply for a Dependant visa. The only restrictions on employment for Dependant visa holders is that they cannot undertake work as a doctor or dentist in training, a professional sportsperson, or a sports coach.

It is possible to switch out of a Dependant visa into another visa route from within the UK. It is also possible to switch from most visa routes to a Dependant visa from within the UK (but not from a Visitor, Short-term Student, Parent of a Child Student, Seasonal Worker, or Domestic Worker visa or a visa granted Outside the Immigration Rules).

Find more information on GOV.UK.

Other visa routes

There are a variety of other routes through which you can gain the right to work in the UK. However, gaining a visa through one of these other routes is contingent upon an individual having strong links with the UK, either through family, ancestry or due to the length of time already lived in the UK

Find further guidance on GOV.UK.

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