United Kingdom

UK Skilled Worker Visa

For employment with sponsorship (CoS). Includes fee + IHS and maintenance evidence.

About this visa

Skilled Worker is the main UK work route for sponsored employment. The center of your case is your employer sponsorship (Certificate of Sponsorship / CoS) and a consistent story across your CV, qualifications, role description, and contract.

Costs typically include the visa application fee plus the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). You will usually also need to show you have at least £1,270 available for maintenance, unless exempt (or your sponsor certifies maintenance), per GOV.UK.

Comparison: UK work is sponsorship-driven (CoS). If you’re also considering a COE-based pathway like Japan work (COE), the “sponsor package” idea is similar, but the documents and timing differ.

Varies (check UKVI times)

Required Documents

📄Basic Documents

Valid passport

Completed online application (UKVI)

Biometrics appointment and submission

English language evidence (as required)

💰Financial Documents

Maintenance funds proof (£1,270) or sponsor certification (if applicable)

optional

📋Other Documents

Translations to English (if documents are not in English)

optional

Application Process

Confirm sponsorship (CoS)

Confirm your CoS details match your job offer and role.

Prepare personal documents

Prepare CV, qualifications, English evidence, and identity docs.

Maintenance & costs

Plan fee + IHS and maintenance evidence (or sponsor certification).

Apply online

Complete online application with consistent role/dates/salary.

Biometrics & submission

Attend biometrics appointment and submit documents as instructed.

Decision & relocation plan

After approval, plan arrival and first-month logistics.

Important Tips & Advice

Ensure CoS, contract, and role description are consistent.

Prepare clear evidence of qualifications relevant to the role.

Plan total cost: fee + IHS + maintenance evidence.

Avoid contradictions between CV and employment history.

Keep your narrative simple: one role, one sponsor, one timeline.

Processing Fees

Application fee (standard)

Skilled Worker official fees depend on duration and circumstances (outside the UK).

£769 (up to 3 years) / £1,519 (over 3 years)

Lower fee (Immigration Salary List)

Lower fee applies if the job is on the Immigration Salary List.

£590 (up to 3 years) / £1,160 (over 3 years)

Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)

IHS is paid as part of the application depending on visa length.

£1,035/year (most applicants)

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need sponsorship (CoS)?

Yes. Skilled Worker is a sponsored route. Your employer issues a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) and your documents must match it.

How much are the fees and IHS?

Fees depend on duration and circumstances (e.g., £769 up to 3 years, £1,519 over 3 years). IHS is usually £1,035 per year (most applicants).

Do I need to show £1,270 maintenance funds?

Usually yes, unless you are exempt or your sponsor certifies maintenance on the CoS.

Can my family apply with me?

In many cases dependants can apply, but eligibility and costs differ. Each person pays fees and IHS.

What causes refusals?

Inconsistencies between CoS, job details, CV, and documents are a common problem. Keep one consistent story across all evidence.

United Kingdom Visa Types

Explore other visa options that might suit your needs

UK Standard Visitor Visa

UK Long-Term Visitor Visa

UK Student Visa

UK Family Visa (Partner/Spouse)

UK Transit Visa (DATV / Visitor in Transit)