UK clean energy jobs – visa options for international professionals

As the UK drives forward with its clean energy transition, the Government has committed to creating 650,000 new jobs by 2030, bolstering renewables, nuclear, insulation and clean power technologies as part of the mission to become a ‘clean energy superpower’.

Critical to this ambition is Great British Energy – a publicly-owned company designed to drive deployment of renewable energy projects – namely wind farms, floating offshore platforms and new domestic supply chains – whilst simultaneously investing in local communities and manufacturing. This initiative, along with major funding for offshore wind supply chains, industrial renewal and clean power generation, is expected to unlock thousands of skilled jobs across Scotland, the North-East, East Anglia, Wales and beyond.

For international professionals in the clean energy, sustainability and green tech sectors, this represents a substantial opportunity. But what visa paths are available, and how can you, as a skilled worker, researcher or specialist, navigate the UK’s immigration system to contribute to this growth?

Clean energy job growth: the opportunities

Some key developments include:

• Great British Energy will own, manage and operate clean power projects, working with devolved governments, local communities and the industry to build infrastructure and generate investment.
• A public-private investment deal of £1 billion in offshore wind supply chains was announced, expected to support up to 14,000 jobs in manufacturing, port infrastructure, floating platforms, high-voltage cabling and turbine production in regions such as Teesside, East Anglia, Scotland and Wales.

The UK Government’s target of delivering 95% low-carbon electricity generation by 2030 underpins the need for engineers, project managers, environmental scientists, operations specialists and more.

These sectors demand a wide variety of skills – from technical and engineering roles through to project finance, procurement, grid integration, environmental assessment and R&D. For many international professionals, especially those with expertise in renewables, sustainability or cleantech, the UK offers attractive career opportunities – but only if the right immigration route can be secured.

Key UK work visa routes for clean energy professionals

Skilled Worker visa

This is likely to be the most direct route for many international clean energy professionals. The key features and requirements are as follows:

• You must have a job offer from a UK employer who holds a valid sponsor licence.
• The job must be in a role eligible for the Skilled Worker visa, with an occupation code on the UK’s list of eligible roles. As of 22 July 2025, new rules raised the minimum skills threshold to RQF Level 6 (roughly equivalent to a UK Bachelor’s degree) for new applications. Roles previously eligible at lower levels may only qualify under temporary shortage or other transitional conditions.
• Salary requirements: a minimum of £41,700 per year or the “going rate” for the role, whichever is higher. Some exceptions exist (e.g. for new entrants).
• English language requirements and maintenance funds also apply.

Other possible routes

Depending on your role, qualifications and experience, there may be additional pathways:

Global Talent visa

For outstanding individuals in science, research, arts or technology – if you’ve made a significant impact in your field or have recognised achievements – this visa may allow you to work without needing a job offer or a sponsor.

Innovator Founder visa

A route for entrepreneurs wanting to establish or run an innovative business in the UK (including green tech or sustainable businesses).

Scale-up Worker visa

A newer route that allows faster entry if an employer has certified growth and is offering a skilled role.

Each of these routes has different criteria, costs and benefits. Eligibility depends on endorsements, business plans, investment size or evidence of exceptional talent.

Step-by-step guidance: applying for a Skilled Worker visa in clean energy

If you are a professional in clean energy or sustainability and you are considering the UK as a place of work, here is a structured roadmap:

1. Assess your qualifications and role:

• Identify your occupation code aligned with your profession (e.g. environmental engineer, offshore wind technician, project manager).
• Confirm whether your sills, experience or qualifications meet the RQF Level 6 threshold (or higher if required).

2. Secure a job offer with a UK sponsor:

• The employer must have a valid Home Office sponsor licence.
• The job offer must meet the requirements: eligible occupation, required salary (at least the general minimum or going rate), full-time or required hours.

3. Check additional eligibility criteria:

• English language requirement – usually at least CEFR Level B1, unless you are exempt.
• Maintenance funds – ability to support yourself (and any dependants) without recourse to public funds.
• Compliance with criminal record checks and TB test (if applicable).

4. Prepare and submit the application:

• Obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your employer.
• Complete the visa application online, submitting valid documents.
• Pay the visa application fee, immigration health surcharge (IHS) and any sponsor/visa related costs.

5. Plan for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or Settlement:

• To maintain eligibility:
  • Avoid long absences from the UK (typically no more than 180 days in any 12-month period under continuous residence rules).
  • Ensure you have remained in eligible employment and met salary thresholds throughout.
  • Retain documentation and records of employment, tax, salary, etc.

Challenges and legal considerations

Salary threshold increases: recent reforms have raised both skill and pay thresholds. Professionals whose roles fall just below may face hurdles.

Occupation eligibility: not all roles in clean energy are clearly listed at this time. Some technician or lower technical support roles may not meet the new thresholds.

Cost of visas: application fees, health surcharge, sponsor costs, etc., can add up.

Final thoughts: clean energy + immigration = opportunity

The UK’s clean energy drive represents a major opportunity for international professionals: engineers, project developers, environmental scientists, supply chain experts, technicians and many more. With major public investment initiatives like Great British Energy, offshore wind supply chain funding and targets such as 95% low-carbon electricity by 2030, the demand is real and growing.

If you have the right experience and qualifications, work in an eligible occupation and secure a job with a licenced sponsor, the Skilled Worker visa (or other routes, such as the Global Talent or the Innovator Founder visas) can open the door. However, careful planning, legal compliance and up-to-date advice are all essential in successfully navigating the ever-changing Immigration Rules.

How Gherson can assist

Gherson’s Immigration Team are highly experienced in advising on all UK visa matters. If you have any questions arising from this blog, please do not hesitate to contact us for advice, send us an e-mail, or, alternatively, follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn to stay-up-to-date.

The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please do not hesitate to contact Gherson. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.

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