🇬🇧

How to get a work visa in United Kingdom as a Mexican citizen

Complete guide to all available work permit pathways, requirements, costs, and processing times.

8
Visa pathways
3-8
Processing (weeks)
£284-1036
Application fee
No minimum
Lowest salary req.
Elena Müller
European Immigration Correspondent··8 min read

Why Mexicans choose United Kingdom

United Kingdom offers Mexican workers 8 distinct visa pathways to live and work legally. Mexicans are valued for a strong passport, manufacturing and engineering depth, and proximity to North America. Around 20,000 Mexicans already live in United Kingdom, so an established community is in place. Applications are made through the VFS Global - Mexico City.

Who this is best for

  • Nurses, doctors and carers (Health & Care visa, discounted threshold)
  • Finance and professional-services specialists in London
  • IT and engineering professionals with a job offer
  • International students using the 2-year Graduate visa
  • Commonwealth applicants with strong English

Available visa pathways

The Skilled Worker visa is the UK's primary route for employer-sponsored immigration. It uses a points-based system where you need 70 points, earned through three mandatory requirements: a job offer from a licensed sponsor (20 points), a job at the appropriate skill level of RQF 3 or above (20 points), and English language ability at B1 level (10 points). The remaining 20 points come from meeting the salary threshold.

Min salary
£38,700/yr
Duration
5 years
Processing
3-8 weeks
PR pathway
5 years
Language: B1-EnglishFamily allowed

The Global Talent visa is the UK's route for individuals recognized as leaders or emerging leaders in academia, research, digital technology, arts, and culture. Its defining feature is that no job offer is required — you can freelance, start a business, or work for multiple employers. This makes it the most flexible work visa available in the UK.

Min salary
Not required
Duration
5 years
Processing
3-8 weeks
PR pathway
3 years
No job offer neededFamily allowed

The Scale-Up visa is a relatively new UK route launched in August 2022, targeting skilled workers who have been recruited by a qualifying high-growth company (a "scale-up"). Its unique feature is that after just six months with your initial sponsor, you are no longer tied to that employer and can work for anyone, start a business, or freelance for the remainder of your visa.

Min salary
Not required
Duration
2 years
Processing
3-8 weeks
PR pathway
5 years
Language: B1-EnglishFamily allowed

The Health and Care Worker visa is a variant of the Skilled Worker visa specifically for medical professionals, nurses, and social care workers coming to work in the UK's health and care sector. Its main advantages are significantly reduced fees and exemption from the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), saving thousands of pounds over the visa's duration.

Min salary
£29,000/yr
Duration
5 years
Processing
3-8 weeks
PR pathway
5 years
Language: B1-EnglishFamily allowed

The High Potential Individual (HPI) visa targets recent graduates from the world's top universities as ranked on a specified global list. If you graduated from one of these universities within the last five years, you can come to the UK without needing a job offer, employer sponsorship, or meeting a salary threshold. It is designed to attract global talent early in their careers.

Min salary
Not required
Duration
2 years
Processing
3-8 weeks
PR pathway
No
No job offer neededDegree requiredLanguage: B1-EnglishFamily allowed

The Graduate visa is available to international students who have completed a degree at a UK higher education institution on a Student visa. It provides two years of unrestricted work authorization (three years for PhD graduates) without needing employer sponsorship, a minimum salary, or a job related to your field of study. It is the most flexible post-study work option in the UK.

Min salary
Not required
Duration
2 years
Processing
3-8 weeks
PR pathway
No
No job offer neededDegree requiredFamily allowed

The Innovator Founder visa replaced the old Innovator visa in April 2023 and is designed for experienced business people who want to establish an innovative, viable, and scalable business in the UK. Unlike its predecessor, there is no minimum investment requirement — the focus has shifted entirely to the quality and credibility of your business idea.

Min salary
Not required
Duration
3 years
Processing
3-8 weeks
PR pathway
3 years
No job offer neededLanguage: B2-EnglishFamily allowed

The UK Intra-Company Transfer visa now falls under the Global Business Mobility route and allows multinational companies to transfer senior managers, specialist employees, and graduate trainees to their UK branch. It is designed for established employees who need to work in the UK as part of their company's international operations.

Min salary
Not required
Duration
5 years
Processing
3-8 weeks
PR pathway
No
Family allowed

💡 Tip for Mexicans applicants: Have your Mexico City police clearance certificate ready, and check whether your degree and supporting documents need to be apostilled or legalised for use in United Kingdom.

Application timeline for United Kingdom

Find a sponsored job

Secure a job offer from a UK employer who holds a valid sponsor licence. The role must meet the skill level and salary requirements.

Varies

Employer issues Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

Your employer assigns you a CoS through the Sponsorship Management System (SMS) with details of your role and salary.

1-2 weeks

Prove English language ability (B1+)

Pass an approved English language test (IELTS for UKVI, Trinity ISE) or prove you're from a majority English-speaking country.

2-4 weeks

Submit visa application online

Apply online via the UKVI website, pay the application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).

1 day

Attend biometrics appointment

Visit a visa application centre (VAC) to provide fingerprints and a photo. Book the earliest available slot.

1-3 weeks

Decision & visa issued

Standard processing takes 3-8 weeks. Priority (5 working days) and super priority (1 working day) services are available for an extra fee.

3-8 weeks

Common required documents

Document requirements may vary by visa type.

Valid passport
Current passport with at least one blank page.
Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) reference number
Provided by your UK employer/sponsor via the SMS system.
Proof of English language ability
IELTS for UKVI, Trinity ISE, or degree taught in English. Must be B1 or above.
Bank statements
Show at least £1,270 held for 28 consecutive days (unless employer certifies maintenance).
Criminal record certificate
Required for certain regulated professions (education, healthcare).
Tuberculosis test results
Required if applying from a listed country.
Academic qualifications
If relevant to the job or required by the CoS.
ATAS certificate
Required for certain sensitive research roles.

Cost estimate in Mexican Peso (MXN)

Approximate conversions for Mexicans. Currency rates are indicative - check current rates before applying.

ItemAmountIn MXN
Visa application fee£284-1036$6,554
Minimum salary threshold (per year)£29,000$669,231/yr

Mexican community in United Kingdom

Approximately 20,000 Mexicans live in United Kingdom, one of the larger Mexicans communities abroad. An estimated 20,000 hold work visas.

Embassy and application centres

Mexicans apply through the VFS Global - Mexico City. Book appointments early - slots fill fast.

Related guides

Working and living in United Kingdom

Key industries hiring

The UK's biggest employers of international workers are the NHS and wider healthcare sector, financial services in the City of London, technology, and the creative industries. Engineering and construction also face persistent skills shortages reflected on the Immigration Salary List.

Cost of living and quality of life

London is among Europe's most expensive cities - a one-bedroom flat averages £1,800 a month - but Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow and Leeds are considerably cheaper. After paying the Immigration Health Surcharge (or with a Health & Care visa exemption), the NHS provides comprehensive healthcare free at the point of use.

Next steps for Mexican applicants

Ready to start your United Kingdom visa application? Here is what to do next:

  1. Check which visa you qualify for
  2. Gather your documents
  3. Apply through the official portal

How to apply for a United Kingdom visa from Mexican

Applications for United Kingdom are processed through VFS Global. Here is how to apply, step by step:

  1. 1
    Prepare your documents

    Cover letter, bank statements, photos, and supporting evidence.

  2. 2
    Book your appointment at VFS Global

    Processing time: 15-20 business days. Service fee: £55-70.

  3. 3
    Attend your appointment with all documents and passport

    Biometrics: 10 fingerprints + photo at the centre.

  4. 4
    Track your application after submission

    Use your reference number on the tracking portal.

  5. 5
    Collect your passport when notified

    You will receive an SMS or email when your passport is ready. Collect within 30 days.

Frequently asked questions

What salary is needed for a Skilled Worker Visa in United Kingdom?

The minimum salary is £38,700 per year.

How long does it take to get a work visa in United Kingdom?

Processing times range from 3 to 8 weeks.

Do I need a job offer for a United Kingdom work visa?

Not always. Global Talent Visa, High Potential Individual Visa, Graduate Visa, Innovator Founder Visa do not require one.

Can I bring my family on a United Kingdom work visa?

Yes. 8 of 8 visa types allow dependants.

How many Mexicans live in United Kingdom?

Approximately 20,000 Mexicans currently live in United Kingdom, making it one of the more established Mexicans communities abroad.

How much does a United Kingdom work visa cost for Mexicans?

Visa application fees start at £284 - approximately $6,554. Budget extra for medical checks, document authentication, and travel to the embassy.

Can Mexicans apply for a United Kingdom work visa from Mexico City?

Yes. Mexicans apply through the VFS Global - Mexico City. Processing takes 3-8 weeks.

Is there a path to permanent residency in United Kingdom?

Yes. 5 of the 8 visa pathways on this page can lead to permanent residency in United Kingdom.

Other nationalities applying to United Kingdom