All Documents You Need for UK Skilled Worker Visa Sponsorship

Are you a skilled worker looking to take your career to the next level in the United Kingdom?

If so, you’re likely familiar with the UK Skilled Worker visa, a popular pathway for international talent to contribute to the UK’s thriving economy.

However, navigating the application process can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to gathering the necessary documents.

In this article, we’ll demystify the documentation requirements for UK Skilled Worker visa sponsorship, providing a comprehensive guide to help you assemble the necessary paperwork with confidence.

From the Certificate of Sponsorship to proof of qualifications and language proficiency, we’ll walk you through each essential document, ensuring you’re well-prepared for a successful application.

Whether you’re an employer looking to sponsor international talent or a skilled worker seeking a new opportunity, this guide will help you navigate the complex world of UK visa sponsorship with ease.

Skilled foreign people can work in the UK for licenced firms under the sponsored working visa route known as the Skilled Worker visa.

Following your online application, identification verification, and submission of supporting documentation, you should receive a decision regarding your visa in 3 weeks if you’re applying from outside the UK and 8 weeks if you’re applying from within.

Applicants for skilled worker visas are typically allowed to stay for a maximum of 5 years.

You can request to extend your stay after the first five years expire, and after five years you might be eligible for permanent settlement in the UK (ILR).

DOCUMENTS FOR UK SKILLED WORKER VISA SPONSORSHIP

There are particular paperwork requirements for each type of UK visa.

Should you choose to apply for a UK skilled worker visa, the following documents are required.

CERTIFICATE OF SPONSORSHIP (COS) REF NUMBER

This digital certificate is issued by the UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) department and serves as formal confirmation of your employer’s intention to sponsor your visa application.

The CoS contains your personal details, job title, salary, and other relevant information.

You will require this reference number from your employer.

It verifies that the position for which you are applying is eligible for a skilled worker visa and that your employer is authorised to sponsor foreign workers.

To assign you a CoS, your company will use the Sponsorship Management System (SMS) of the UK government.

You will receive a message with your CoS reference number as soon as you are assigned a CoS.

This reference number is what you will need to use when applying for your visa.

The following details will be included in your CoS:

• Name and birthdate of the individual
• Your occupation code and job title
• Name and sponsor licence number of your employer
• The beginning and ending dates of your employment offer
• The amount of money you will be paid as salary

The period of validity for your CoS is three months from the date of assignment. Within these three months, you must submit your visa application.

PASSPORT THAT SHOWS YOUR IDENTITY AND NATIONALITY

Your passport has to be valid for an additional three months following the date on which you intend to depart the United Kingdom.

Additionally, the visa must have at least one blank page. It may not be possible for you to travel if your passport has expired.

PROOF OF LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY IN ENGLISH KNOWLEDGE

As a skilled worker, you’ll need to demonstrate your English language skills to communicate effectively in the UK.

You can provide results from approved English language tests like IELTS, TOEFL, or Trinity College London. Don’t worry if you’re not a native speaker – there are options for non-native English speakers too.

EXCEPTIONS

The following countries are exempted as they won’t have to meet the English language requirements: Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Canada, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, New Zealand, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, USA

If you are also certified by the appropriate authorised professional body in your field of work as having passed an English language proficiency exam.

JOB TITLE AND ANNUAL SALARY

The job title must match the minimum pay criteria and be included as an eligible occupation on the UK Government’s list of jobs.

The minimum annual wage required for a skilled worker visa is £26,200, or the “going rate” for that particular job title, whichever is greater.

The typical pay for a certain job title in a specific area of the UK is known as the “going rate.” On the UK Government website, you may determine the going wage for your job title.

The minimal salary requirement is not always met. See Here To learn more about the minimum wage.

JOB OCCUPATION CODE

You will be required to submit your job’s occupation code.

This six-digit number indicates the kind of work you will be performing in the United Kingdom.

The occupation code for your position is available here.

NAME OF EMPLOYER AND THEIR SPONSOR LICENSE NUMBER

You will be required to provide the sponsor licence number and employer’s name as critical pieces of information when applying for a UK Skilled Worker visa.

Noting that only employers in possession of a genuine sponsor licence are permitted to sponsor foreign workers is essential. You should contact your employer directly if the UK Government website does not contain the sponsor licence number for your employer.

The sponsor licence number of your employer is available on the website of the UK Government.

ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS

You’ve gathered the essential documents from your employer and showcased your skills and qualifications.

Now, it’s time to consider additional documents that may be required to support your UK Skilled Worker visa application.

These extra documents can help strengthen your case and demonstrate your commitment to your new role in the UK.

Keep in mind that not all applicants will need to provide these documents, but it’s always better to be prepared!

• Criminal record certificate: If you’re from certain countries or have lived in the UK before, you might need to provide a criminal record certificate. This document confirms whether you have any criminal convictions or not. Don’t worry if you have a clean record – it’s just a formality!
• Tuberculosis test results: If you’re from a country with a high incidence of tuberculosis, you may need to provide test results to ensure you don’t have the infection. This is a standard requirement to protect public health in the UK.
• Proof of maintenance funds: In some cases, you might need to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to support yourself in the UK. This could include bank statements or proof of financial support from your employer.
• Valid ATAS certificate: You may need to provide a valid ATAS certificate if your employer informs you that you need one because your job involves researching a sensitive subject at PhD level or higher.
• Evidence of your partnership status or parental status if your offspring are accompanying you: This may include certificates of marriage, birth, or other official documents.

HOW TO APPLY FOR UK SKILLED WORKER VISA (2024)

You must fill out an online application on the Home Office website in order to apply for a skilled worker visa from outside of the United Kingdom.

Before you may begin your application, you must have a job offer, a Certificate of Sponsorship, and the previously mentioned supporting documentation.

If necessary, you have the option to save your work and return to the application at a later time.

The following are the steps for applying:

• Verify if you qualify for a skilled worker visa.
• Obtain a job offer from a UK sponsor with a licence.
• Get your sponsorship certificate from your UK company.
• Get ready the paperwork you’ll need to demonstrate your eligibility for a visa for skilled workers.
• Fill out the online application form. Depending on whether you are applying from outside the UK or transferring from another visa while already in the UK, you will need to fill out a different form.
• Please pay the biometric fee, the application fee, and the healthcare surcharge (see below).
• Upload any supporting papers that are needed for your application.
• Make an appointment for biometrics so that your picture and fingerprints can be taken.

If your application is submitted outside of the UK, you should expect a decision within three weeks after the submission date. UKVI will get in touch with you if more information is required to support your application.

CONCLUSION

Congratulations! You’ve made it to the final stage of our guide to UK Skilled Worker visa sponsorship.

By now, you should be well-equipped with the knowledge and resources needed to navigate the application process with confidence.

Be aware that the UK Skilled Worker visa is a fantastic opportunity to take your career to the next level, and with the right documents, preparation, and mindset, you can overcome any obstacles and achieve your career dreams in the UK.

Good luck with your application, and we wish you a successful and fulfilling career in the UK!