US & UK Employment Visa Guide

Right to Work — Who Qualifies Automatically

US citizens, lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders), and individuals with valid Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) can work for any employer without sponsorship. All employers must verify work eligibility through Form I-9, which requires presenting identity and work authorization documents within three days of starting employment.

H-1B — Specialty Occupation Workers

The H-1B is the most common employment visa for skilled foreign nationals. It applies to roles that typically require at least a bachelor’s degree in a specific field — most commonly software engineering, data science, finance, accounting, and architecture.

• Annual cap: 65,000 standard cap + 20,000 for US master’s degree holders
• Duration: 3 years, renewable to 6 years (extendable if a Green Card petition is pending)
• Process: Employer files Form I-129 with USCIS after registration in the annual H-1B lottery (April start)
• Prevailing wage: Employer must pay the higher of the actual wage paid to similar workers or the prevailing wage per US DOL foreign labor certification
• Cap-exempt employers: Universities, non-profits affiliated with universities, and government research organisations are exempt from the lottery cap

L-1 — Intracompany Transferees

The L-1 visa allows multinational companies to transfer employees who have worked for the company outside the US for at least one continuous year within the past three years. L-1A covers managers and executives; L-1B covers employees with specialised knowledge. Neither is subject to a numerical cap, making it a reliable route for qualifying transferees.

TN Visa — Canada & Mexico (USMCA)

Canadian and Mexican citizens in listed professional categories (engineers, accountants, scientists, nurses, and others) can enter the US under TN status at the port of entry. No prior USCIS petition is required for Canadians; Mexicans must obtain a TN visa at a US consulate. TN status is granted in one-year increments with unlimited renewals.

EB Green Card — Employer-Sponsored Permanent Residence

For long-term US work, employer-sponsored Green Cards offer permanent residence. The main employment-based categories are:

US Healthcare — NCLEX & Clinical Credentialing

International nurses and clinical professionals must complete additional licensing steps before working in US healthcare settings:

• NCLEX-RN: National Council Licensure Examination administered by NCSBN. Required for all registered nurses regardless of origin country.
• CGFNS VisaScreen: Required for health professionals applying for certain immigration benefits. Verifies education, licensure, and English proficiency.
• State Board Endorsement: Nursing licences are issued per state. Some states participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), allowing multi-state practice with a single licence.
• USMLE: International medical graduates (IMGs) must pass all USMLE steps and obtain ECFMG certification before residency and licensure.

Right to Work — UK Citizens & Settled Status

British citizens and those with Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or EU Settlement Scheme Settled Status can work without restriction. Employers must conduct a right to work check for all employees using the Home Office online service or by inspecting physical documents. Failure to conduct checks can result in a civil penalty of up to £60,000 per illegal worker.

Skilled Worker Visa — The Primary Work Route

The Skilled Worker visa replaced Tier 2 (General) after the UK’s points-based immigration system launched on 1 December 2020. It is the standard route for most overseas professionals taking a job offer in the UK.

• Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): Employer must hold a Home Office Sponsor Licence and assign a CoS to the applicant before the visa application.
• Salary threshold: At least £38,700 per year (as of April 2024) or the going rate for the SOC code, whichever is higher. Lower threshold of £23,200 applies for shortage occupations on the Immigration Salary List.
• Points required: 70 points total — mandatory: job offer (20pts), approved sponsor (20pts), English language (10pts); tradeable: salary level (0–20pts), shortage occupation (20pts), PhD (10–20pts).
• Duration: Up to 5 years, renewable. After 5 continuous years, eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
• Dependants: Spouse/partner and children under 18 can apply as dependants.

Health and Care Worker Visa

A sub-category of the Skilled Worker visa designed for doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, and adult social care workers. Key benefits include reduced visa fees (no application fee for some roles), exemption from the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), and a faster processing target. Eligible roles are those in eligible SOC codes working for the NHS, an NHS-commissioned service provider, or an adult social care employer regulated by CQC.

Global Talent Visa

For leaders or potential leaders in academia, research, arts, digital technology, and science. Applicants must be endorsed by a designated endorsing body (e.g., Tech Nation for digital technology, UK Research and Innovation for science). No job offer is required at the point of endorsement. Initial leave is granted for up to 5 years; settlement is available after 3 years for “leaders” or 5 years for “promise” endorsees.

Graduate Visa

Allows international students who have completed an eligible UK degree to stay and work (or look for work) for 2 years (3 years for PhD graduates) without needing a sponsor. The Graduate visa cannot be extended but provides a bridge to a Skilled Worker visa once a qualifying job is found.

UK Healthcare — NMC & GMC Registration

• NMC (Nursing and Midwifery Council): Overseas nurses must apply for NMC registration and pass the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) and, where required, the Computer-Based Test (CBT). See NMC international registration guidance.
• GMC (General Medical Council): International medical graduates must have primary medical qualifications recognised by the GMC or pass the PLAB tests. Full registration requires a supervised practice period.
• HCPC: Allied health professionals (physiotherapists, radiographers, paramedics, etc.) must register with the Health and Care Professions Council before practising.

Quick Comparison: US vs UK Work Visa

Frequently Asked Questions