Immigration Rules part 5: working in the UK
Source: gov.uk (2025-11-11)

Persons seeking to enter or remain in the United Kingdom for employment (paragraphs 128A to 199B).

Work permit employment

General requirements for indefinite leave to remain

128A. DELETED

Requirements for leave to enter the United Kingdom for work permit employment

128.DELETED

Indefinite leave to remain for a work permit holder

134.DELETED

134SD - Specified documents

DELETED

Refusal of indefinite leave to remain for a work permit holder

135.DELETED

Highly skilled migrants

Requirements for leave to enter the United Kingdom as a highly skilled migrant

135A. DELETED

Leave to enter as a highly skilled migrant

135B.DELETED

Refusal of leave to enter as a highly skilled migrant

135C.DELETED.

Requirements for an extension of stay as a highly skilled migrant

135D. DELETED

135DA. DELETED

135DB. DELETED

135DC. DELETED

135DD. DELETED

135DE. DELETED

135DF. DELETED

135DG. DELETED

135DH. DELETED

Extension of stay as a highly skilled migrant

135E.DELETED

Refusal of extension of stay as a highly skilled migrant

135F.DELETED

Requirements for indefinite leave to remain as a highly skilled migrant

135G DELETED

Indefinite leave to remain as a highly skilled migrant

135GA. DELETED

Refusal of indefinite leave to remain as a highly skilled migrant

135H. DELETED

Additional grounds for refusal for highly skilled migrants

135HA. DELETED

Sectors-Based Scheme

Requirements for leave to enter the United Kingdom for the purpose of employment under the Sectors-Based Scheme

135I.DELETED.

Leave to enter for the purpose of employment under the Sectors-Based Scheme

135J.DELETED

Refusal of leave to enter for the purpose of employment under the Sectors-Based Scheme

135K.DELETED.

Requirements for an extension of stay for Sector-Based employment

135L.DELETED.

Extension of stay for Sectors-Based Scheme employment

135M.DELETED.

Refusal of extension of stay for Sectors-Based Scheme employment

135N.DELETED.

International Graduates Scheme

Requirements for leave to enter as a participant in the International Graduates Scheme

135O.DELETED

Leave to enter as a participant in the International Graduates Scheme

135P.DELETED

Refusal of leave to enter as a participant in the International Graduates Scheme

135Q.DELETED

Requirements for leave to remain as a participant in the International Graduates Scheme

135R.DELETED

Leave to remain as a participant in the International Graduates Scheme

135S.DELETED

Refusal of leave to remain as a participant in the International Graduates Scheme

135ST.DELETED

Representatives of overseas newspapers, news agencies and broadcasting organisations

Requirements for leave to enter as a representative of an overseas newspaper, news agency or broadcasting organisation

136.DELETED

Indefinite leave to remain for a representative of an overseas newspaper, news agency or broadcasting organisation

142.DELETED

142-SD Specified documents

DELETED

Refusal of indefinite leave to remain for a representative of an overseas newspaper, news agency or broadcasting organisation.

143.DELETED

143A.DELETED

Leave to enter as a Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland scheme participant

143B.DELETED

Refusal of leave to enter as a Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland scheme participant

143C.DELETED

Requirements for an extension of stay as a Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland scheme participant

143D.DELETED

Extension of stay as a Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland scheme participant

143E.DELETED

Refusal of an extension of stay as a Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland scheme participant

143F.DELETED

Representatives of overseas businesses

Requirements for leave to enter as a representative of an overseas business

144.DELETED

144-SD Specified documents

DELETED

Leave to enter as a representative of an overseas business

145.DELETED

Refusal of leave to enter as a representative of an overseas business

146.DELETED

Requirements for an extension of stay as a representative of an overseas business

147.DELETED

Extension of stay as a representative of an overseas business

148.DELETED

Refusal of extension of stay as a representative of an overseas business

149.DELETED

Indefinite leave to remain for a representative of an overseas business

150.DELETED

150-SD Specified documents

DELETED

Refusal of indefinite leave to remain for a sole representative of an overseas business

151.DELETED

Private servants in diplomatic households

Requirements for leave to enter as a private servant in a diplomatic household

152.Deleted on 27 November 2008 by paragraph 39 of Statement of Changes HC 1113 except insofar as relevant to paragraph 158 and 159.

Indefinite leave to remain for a servant in a diplomatic household
- 158. DELETED.
158-SD Specified documents
- DELETED.
Refusal of indefinite leave to remain for a servant in a diplomatic household

159. DELETED

Domestic workers in private households

Requirements for leave to enter as a domestic worker in a private household

159A. DELETED

Leave to enter as a domestic worker in a private household

159B. DELETED

Refusal of leave to enter as a domestic worker in a private household

159C. DELETED

Requirements for extension of stay as a domestic worker in a private household

159D. DELETED

Extension of stay as a domestic worker in a private household

159E. DELETED

159EA. DELETED

Extension of stay as a domestic worker in a private household for applicants who entered the United Kingdom under the Rules in place before 6 April 2012

159EB DELETED

Refusal of extension of stay as a domestic worker in a private household

159F. DELETED

Indefinite leave to remain for a domestic worker in a private household

159G. DELETED

159G-SD DELETED

Refusal of indefinite leave to remain for a domestic worker in a private household

159H. DELETED

Domestic workers who are the victim of slavery or human trafficking

Requirements for leave to remain as a domestic worker who is the victim of slavery or human trafficking

159I. DELETED

Leave to remain as a domestic worker who is the victim of slavery or human trafficking

159J. DELETED

Refusal of leave to remain as a domestic worker who is the victim of slavery or human trafficking

159K. DELETED

Overseas government employees

Requirements for leave to enter as an overseas government employee

160.Deleted on 27 November 2008 by paragraph 39 of Statement of Changes HC 1113 except insofar as relevant to paragraph 167 and 168.

Indefinite leave to remain for an overseas government employee
- 167. DELETED.
167-SD Specified documents

DELETED.

Refusal of indefinite leave to remain for an overseas government employee

168.DELETED.

Requirements for leave to enter as a minister of religion, missionary, or member of a religious order

169.DELETED

170.DELETED

Refusal of extension of stay as a minister of religion, missionary or member of a religious order

175.DELETED

Indefinite leave to remain for a minister of religion, missionary or member of a religious order

176.DELETED

176-SD Specified documents

DELETED

Refusal of indefinite leave to remain for a minister of religion, missionary or member of a religious order

177.DELETED

177A.DELETED

Requirements for leave to enter the United Kingdom as a visiting religious worker or a religious worker in a non-pastoral role

177B.DELETED

Leave to enter as a visiting religious worker or a religious worker in a non-pastoral role

177C.DELETED

177D.DELETED

Requirements for an extension of stay as a visiting religious worker or a religious worker in a non pastoral role

177E.DELETED

Extension of stay as a visiting religious worker or a religious worker in a non-pastoral role

177F.DELETED

Refusal of an extension of stay as a visiting religious worker or a religious worker in a non pastoral role

177G.DELETED

Airport based operational ground staff of overseas-owned airlines

Requirements for leave to enter the United Kingdom as a member of the operational ground staff of an overseas-owned airline

178.Deleted on 27 November 2008 by paragraph 39 of Statement of Changes HC 1113 except insofar as relevant to paragraph 184 and 185.

Indefinite leave to remain for a member of the operational ground staff of an overseas owned airline
- 184. DELETED.
184-SD Specified documents

DELETED.

Refusal of indefinite leave to remain for a member of the operational ground staff of an overseas owned airline

185. DELETED.

Persons with United Kingdom ancestry

Requirements for leave to enter on the grounds of United Kingdom ancestry

186.DELETED

Leave to enter the United Kingdom on the grounds of United Kingdom ancestry

187.DELETED

Refusal of leave to enter on the grounds of United Kingdom ancestry

188.DELETED

Requirements for an extension of stay on the grounds of United Kingdom ancestry

189.DELETED

Extension of stay on the grounds of United Kingdom ancestry

190.DELETED

Refusal of extension of stay on the grounds of United Kingdom ancestry

191.DELETED

Indefinite leave to remain on the grounds of United Kingdom ancestry

192.DELETED

192-SD Specified documents

DELETED

Refusal of indefinite leave to remain on the grounds of United Kingdom ancestry

193.DELETED

Partners of persons who have or have had leave to enter or remain under paragraphs 128-193 (but not paragraphs 135I-135K)

193A.Nothing in paragraphs 194-196F is to be construed as allowing a person to be granted entry clearance, leave to enter, leave to remain or variation of leave as a partner of a person granted entry clearance or leave to enter under Paragraph 159A where that entry clearance or leave to enter was granted under 159A on or after 6 April 2012.

Requirements for leave to enter as the partner of a person with limited leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom under paragraphs 128-193 (but not paragraphs 135I-135K)
- (i) the applicant is the spouse, civil partner, unmarried or same-sex partner of a person with limited leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom under paragraphs 128-193 (but not paragraphs 135I-135K); and
- (1) any previous marriage or civil partnership (or similar relationship) by either partner has permanently broken down; and
- (2) the parties are not involved in a consanguineous relationship with one another; and
- (3) the parties have been living together in a relationship akin to marriage or civil partnership which has subsisted for 2 years or more; and
- (iii) each of the parties intends to live with the other as his or her partner during the applicant’s stay and the relationship is genuine and subsisting; and
- (iv) there will be adequate accommodation for the parties and any dependants without recourse to public funds in accommodation which they own or occupy exclusively; and
- (v) the parties will be able to maintain themselves and any dependants adequately without recourse to public funds; and
- (vi) the applicant does not intend to stay in the United Kingdom beyond any period of leave granted to his partner; and
- (vii) the applicant must not fall for refusal under Part Suitability; and
- (viii) the applicant holds a valid United Kingdom entry clearance for entry in this capacity; and
- (ix) where the applicant is accompanying or joining a person granted entry clearance or leave to enter or limited leave to remain as the sole representative of an overseas business within the meaning of paragraph 144(ii)(a), the applicant does not have a majority stake in, or otherwise own or control, that overseas business, whether that ownership or control is by means of a shareholding, partnership agreement, sole proprietorship or any other arrangement.
Leave to enter as the partner of a person with limited leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom under paragraphs 128-193 (but not paragraphs 135I-135K)

195.A person seeking leave to enter the United Kingdom as the partner of a person with limited leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom under paragraphs 128-193 (but not paragraphs 135I-135K) may be given leave to enter for a period not in excess of that granted to the person with limited leave to enter or remain under paragraphs 128-193 (but not paragraphs 135I-135K), subject to a condition on study as set out in Appendix ATAS of these Rules, provided the Immigration Officer is satisfied that each of the requirements of paragraph 194 is met.

Refusal of leave to enter as the partner of a person with limited leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom under paragraphs 128-193 (but not paragraphs 135I-135K)

196.Leave to enter the United Kingdom as the partner of a person with limited leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom under paragraphs 128-193 (but not paragraphs 135I-135K) is to be refused if the Immigration Officer is not satisfied that each of the requirements of paragraph 194 is met.

Requirements for extension of stay as the partner of a person who has or has had leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom under paragraphs 128-193 (but not paragraphs 135I-135K)
- (1)has limited leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom under paragraphs 128-193 (but not paragraphs 135I-135K); or
- (2) has indefinite leave to remain in the United Kingdom or has become a British citizen, and who had limited leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom under paragraphs 128-193 (but not paragraphs 135I-135K) immediately before being granted indefinite leave to remain; and
- (ii) meets the requirements of paragraph 194(ii) - (vii); and
- (1) entry clearance or leave to enter as a visitor, short-term student or short-term student (child),
- (2) temporary admission,
- (3) temporary release, or
- (4) after the date on which paragraph 1 of Schedule 10 to the Immigration Act 2016 is commenced, immigration bail in circumstances in which temporary admission or temporary release would previously have been granted; and
- (iv) must not be in the UK in breach of immigration laws except that, where the Exceptions for overstayers section of Part Suitability applies, any current period of overstaying will be disregarded.
Extension of stay as the partner of a person who has or has had leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom under paragraphs 128-193 (but not paragraphs 135I-135K)
- (i) the partner of a person who has limited leave to enter or remain under paragraphs 128-193 (but not paragraphs 135I-135K) may be granted, subject to a condition on study as set out in Appendix ATAS of these Rules, for a period not in excess of that granted to the person with limited leave to enter or remain; or
- (ii) the partner of a person who is being admitted at the same time for settlement, or the partner of a person who has indefinite leave to remain or has become a British citizen, may be granted for a period not exceeding 2 years, subject to a condition on study as set out in Appendix ATAS of these Rules, in both instances, provided the Secretary of State is satisfied that each of the requirements of paragraph 196A is met.
Refusal of extension of stay as the partner of a person who has or has had leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom under paragraphs 128-193 (but not paragraphs 135I-135K)

196C. An extension of stay in the United Kingdom as the partner of a person who has or has had leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom under paragraphs 128-193 (but not paragraphs 135I-135K) is to be refused if the Secretary of State is not satisfied that each of the requirements of paragraph 196A is met.

Requirements for indefinite leave to remain for the partner of a person who has or has had leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom under paragraphs 128-193 (but not paragraphs 135I-135K)
- (1) has limited leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom under paragraphs 128-193 (but not paragraphs 135I-135K) and who is being granted indefinite leave to remain at the same time; or
- (2) is the spouse, civil partner, unmarried or same-sex partner of a person who has indefinite leave to remain in the United Kingdom or has become a British citizen, and who had limited leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom under paragraphs 128-193 (but not paragraphs 135I-135K) immediately before being granted indefinite leave to remain; and
- (ii) meets the requirements of paragraph 194(ii) - (vii); and
- (iii) has demonstrated sufficient knowledge of the English language and sufficient knowledge about life in the United Kingdom, in accordance with Appendix KoLL; and
- (1) entry clearance or leave to enter as a visitor, short-term student or short-term student (child),
- (2) temporary admission,
- (3) temporary release, or
- (4) after the date on which paragraph 1 of Schedule 10 to the Immigration Act 2016 is commenced, immigration bail in circumstances in which temporary admission or temporary release would previously have been granted; and
- (v) must not be in the UK in breach of immigration laws except that, where the Exceptions for overstayers section of Part Suitability applies, any current period of overstaying will be disregarded.
Indefinite leave to remain as the partner of a person who has or has had leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom under paragraphs 128-193 (but not paragraphs 135I-135K)

196E.Indefinite leave to remain in the United Kingdom as the partner of a person who has or has had leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom under paragraphs 128-193 (but not paragraphs 135I-135K) may be granted provided the Secretary of State is satisfied that each of the requirements of paragraph 196D is met.

Refusal of indefinite leave to remain as the partner of a person who has or has had leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom under paragraphs 128-193 (but not paragraphs 135I-135K)

196F.Indefinite leave to remain in the United Kingdom as the partner of a person who has or has had limited leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom under paragraphs 128-193 (but not paragraphs 135I-135K) is to be refused if the Secretary of State is not satisfied that each of the requirements of paragraph 196D is met.

Children of persons with limited leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom under paragraphs 128-193 (but not paragraphs 135i-135k)

196G.Nothing in paragraphs 197-199 is to be construed as allowing a person to be granted entry clearance, leave to enter, leave to remain or variation of leave as the child of a person granted entry clearance or leave to enter under Paragraph 159A where that entry clearance or leave to enter was granted under 159A on or after 6 April 2012.

Requirements for leave to enter or remain as the child of a person with limited leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom under paragraphs 128-193 (but not paragraphs 135I-135K)
- (i) he is the child of a parent with limited leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom under paragraphs 128-193(but not paragraphs 135I-135K) or, in respect of applications for leave to remain only, of a parent who has indefinite leave to remain in the UK but who immediately before that grant had limited leave to enter or remain under those paragraphs; and
- (ii) he is under the age of 18 or has current leave to enter or remain in this capacity; and
- (iii) he is unmarried and is not a civil partner, has not formed an independent family unit and is not leading an independent life; and
- (iv) he can and will be maintained and accommodated adequately without recourse to public funds in accommodation which his parent(s) own or occupy exclusively; and
- (v) he will not stay in the United Kingdom beyond any period of leave granted to his parent(s); and
- (a) the parent he is accompanying or joining is his sole surviving parent; or
- (b) the parent he is accompanying or joining has had sole responsibility for his upbringing; or
- (c) there are serious and compelling family or other considerations which make exclusion from the United Kingdom undesirable and suitable arrangements have been made for his care; and
- (1) entry clearance or leave to enter as a visitor, short-term student or short-term student (child),
- (2) temporary admission,
- (3) temporary release, or
- (4) after the date on which paragraph 1 of Schedule 10 to the Immigration Act 2016 is commenced, immigration bail in circumstances in which temporary admission or temporary release would previously have been granted; and
- (viii) if seeking leave to remain, must not be in the UK in breach of immigration laws except that, where the Exceptions for overstayers section of Part Suitability applies, any current period of overstaying will be disregarded.
Leave to enter or remain as the child of a person with limited leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom under paragraphs 128-193 (but not paragraphs 135I-135K)
- i) in relation to an application for leave to enter, he is able to produce to the Immigration Officer, on arrival, a valid passport or other identity document and has entry clearance for entry in this capacity; or
- (1) entry clearance or leave as a visitor, short-term student or short-term student (child),
- (2) temporary admission,
- (3) temporary release, or
- (4) after the date on which paragraph 1 of Schedule 10 to the Immigration Act 2016 is commenced, immigration bail in circumstances in which temporary release or temporary admission would previously been granted,
- and is able to satisfy the Secretary of State that each of the requirements of paragraph 197 (i)-(vi) and (viii) is met.
- (b) A person seeking leave to remain as the child of a parent who has indefinite leave to remain in the UK and who had limited leave under paragraphs 128 - 193 (but not paragraphs 135l - 135K) immediately before being granted indefinite leave may be given leave to remain in the UK for a period of 30 months, subject to a condition on study as set out in Appendix ATAS of these Rules where the applicant is 18 years of age or over at the time their leave is granted, or will be aged 18 before their period of limited leave expires, provided he is in the UK with valid leave under paragraph 198 and is able to satisfy the Secretary of State that each of the requirements of paragraph 197(i) and 197 (ii) - (vi) and(viii) is met.
Refusal of leave to enter or remain as the child of a person with limited leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom under paragraphs 128-193 (but not paragraphs 135I-135K)
- (i) in relation to an application for leave to enter, a valid passport or other identity document is not produced to the Immigration Officer on arrival and the applicant does not have entry clearance for entry in this capacity; or
- (1) entry clearance or leave to enter as a visitor, short-term student or short-term student (child),
- (2) temporary admission,
- (3) temporary release, or
- (4) after the date on which paragraph 1 of Schedule 10 to the Immigration Act 2016 is commenced, immigration bail in circumstances in which temporary release or temporary admission would previously been granted,
- or is unable to satisfy the Secretary of State that each of the requirements of paragraph 197 (i)-(vi) and (viii) is met.
Requirements for indefinite leave to remain as the child of a person who has or has had leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom under paragraphs 128-193 (but not paragraphs 135I-135K)
- (1) has limited leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom under paragraphs 128-193 (but not paragraphs 135I-135K) and who is being granted indefinite leave to remain at the same time; or
- (2) has indefinite leave to remain in the United Kingdom and who had limited leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom under paragraphs 128-193 (but not paragraphs 135I-135K) immediately before being granted indefinite leave to remain; and
- (ii) meets the requirements of paragraph 197(i) - (vi) and (viii); and
- (1) entry clearance or leave to enter as a visitor, short-term student or short-term student (child),
- (2) temporary admission,
- (3) temporary release, or
- (4) after the date on which paragraph 1 of Schedule 10 to the Immigration Act 2016 is commenced, immigration bail in circumstances in which temporary release or temporary admission would previously been granted; and
- (iv) must not fall for refusal under Part Suitability; and
- (v) must not be in the UK in breach of immigration laws except that, where Exceptions for overstayers section of Part Suitability applies, any current period of overstaying will be disregarded; and
- (vi) has demonstrated sufficient knowledge of the English language and sufficient knowledge about life in the United Kingdom, in accordance with Appendix KoLL, unless he is under the age of 18 at the date on which the application is made.
Indefinite leave to remain as the child of a person who has or has had leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom under paragraphs 128-193 (but not paragraphs 135I-135K)

199A.Indefinite leave to remain in the United Kingdom as the child of a person who has or has had leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom under paragraphs 128-193 (but not paragraphs 135I-135K) may be granted provided the Secretary of State is satisfied that each of the requirements of paragraph 199 is met.

Refusal of indefinite leave to remain as the child of a person who has or has had leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom under paragraphs 128-193 (but not paragraphs 135I-135K)

199B.Indefinite leave to remain in the United Kingdom as the child of a person who has or has had limited leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom under paragraphs 128-193 (but not paragraphs 135I-135K) is to be refused if the Secretary of State is not satisfied that each of the requirements of paragraph 199 is met.