Are you a skilled person who wants to grow your career in London, Manchester, or Scotland? The UK has a strong economy and a points system for immigration. This helps skilled workers from around the world.
This simple guide follows E-A-T rules. It shows clear steps to get a job offer and apply for a Skilled Worker Visa. You will meet the new rules from UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). We help you find jobs in high demand. You can start work with a UK employer who has a license.
The guide uses easy words. Short sentences. Like how people talk every day. We keep all headings the same. We make the article long, at least 800 words. We explain each part well so you understand.
Identify Your Visa Pathway & High-Demand Sector
First, you must know if you can get a work visa. Most visas need a sponsor. A sponsor is a UK company that can hire foreign workers.
Here are the main UK work visas for people who are not from UK or Ireland.
| Visa Type | Purpose & Ideal Candidate | Key Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Skilled Worker Visa | Main way for long-term skilled jobs with a job offer in a good role. | Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) |
| Health and Care Worker Visa | For doctors, nurses, and care workers in NHS or care homes. | Fast process, lower health fee |
| Global Talent Visa | For top leaders or new stars in tech, science, AI, or digital fields. | Approval from a special group |
| Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS) Visa | For young people (18-30) from some countries to live and work up to 2 years. | Only for certain countries |
Now, look for jobs the UK needs a lot. The UK has a list called Immigration Salary List (ISL). It started in 2024/2025. It replaced the old Shortage Occupation List. Jobs on this list pay less minimum sometimes. Focus on these areas to get a visa easier.
- Technology & Digital: Jobs like software developer, cyber security expert, data scientist, or FinTech worker. UK needs many IT people. Big companies in London hire fast.
- Healthcare: Nurses, doctors, and NHS roles. UK has shortage in hospitals and care homes. You can get visa quick.
- Engineering & Manufacturing: Civil engineers, mechanical engineers, or skilled trades. Factories and building projects need them.
Why target these? Because sponsors look for them. You have better chance for job offer. Check GOV.UK for full ISL list. Update it often. Search your skill. See if it matches SOC code. SOC code is a number for job type. It matters for visa.
Think about your experience. Do you have degree? Certificates? Years of work? All help prove you are skilled. Start by making a good CV. Use UK style. Short. Clear. List skills first.
Secure a Job Offer from a Licensed UK Employer
You cannot apply for visa without a job offer. The employer must have a sponsor license from UKVI.
Here is how to do it.
- Find the Sponsor: Go to GOV.UK website. There is a list of licensed sponsors. Search by sector. Like tech or health. See company names. Big ones like NHS, Google UK, or engineering firms.
- Apply for Jobs: Use sites like LinkedIn, Indeed, or company websites. In your application, say “I need Skilled Worker Visa sponsorship.” Ask if they sponsor. Many say yes in job ad.
- Confirm Salary: Job must pay enough. From July 22, 2025, new workers need £41,700 per year or the going rate for the job. Whichever is higher. Going rate is average pay for that role. Some get discount. Like if you have PhD or new to job market. Minimum can be £33,400 then.
Why salary matters? UKVI checks if you earn fair. Prevents low pay abuse. Check going rate on GOV.UK. It has table for each SOC code.
Once you get offer, accept it. Employer gives Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
The Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
CoS is not paper. It is a number. Electronic. Employer makes it in UKVI system.
- It has job details. Salary. SOC code. Start date.
- You need this number for visa form.
- Employer sends it by email. Keep safe.
Without CoS, no visa. Employer pays fee for CoS. You wait 1-2 weeks usually.
Tips: Build network. Join UK job groups on LinkedIn. Attend virtual job fairs. Talk to recruiters who help foreigners.
Prepare Your Visa Application Documents
Collect papers before apply. Wrong or missing means delay or refuse.
Here is what you need.
- CoS Reference Number: From employer. Long number.
- Valid Passport: Must work for whole visa time. Renew if old.
- Proof of English Language Requirement: Pass test at B1 level. Like IELTS. Or have degree in English. Or from country like USA, Australia.
- Proof of Funds (Maintenance Funds): Show £1,270 in bank. For 28 days. Unless employer says on CoS they pay for first month.
- Tuberculosis (TB) Test Certificate: If from Pakistan or listed country. Go to approved clinic. Get certificate.
- Police Certificate: Clean record. Needed for health jobs or if asked. Get from police in your country.
Extra tips: Scan all papers clear. Translate if not English. Pay for official translate. Keep copies. Make folder on computer.
Why all this? UKVI wants proof you are real. Skilled. No risk. Follow rules to avoid mistakes.
Submit Your Application and Biometrics
Now apply.
Apply Online via GOV.UK
Go to official site. Make account. Fill form. Put CoS number. Pay fee. Fee depends on years. 3 years or 5 years. From outside UK, around £600-£1,500. Check current.
Pay Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). About £1,035 per year. Gives NHS access. Health workers pay less or zero.
Provide Identity and Biometrics
Use app “UK Immigration: ID Check” if your passport allows. Scan at home.
Or go to Visa Application Centre (VAC). In Pakistan, places like Islamabad or Lahore. Book slot. Give fingerprints. Photo. Submit papers.
Wait for a Decision
Most decide in 3 weeks from outside UK. Get email. If yes, get vignette in passport for 90 days. Or e-visa.
Arrive UK. Collect Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) in 10 days. From post office.
Why biometrics? For security. Matches you to visa.
Tips: Apply early. After CoS. CoS valid 3 months. Track application online.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
-
Can I bring my family?
Yes. Partner and kids. Apply as dependents. Same time or later. They get visa too. Kids go school. Partner work.
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What is the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)?
Fee for NHS. Per year. Like £1,035. Health visa people exempt. Pay online.
-
What if I lose my job?
Employer tells UKVI. You have 60 days. Find new sponsor job. Apply change. Or leave UK.
More FAQs people ask: How long visa? Up to 5 years. Extend if job continues. Can I switch jobs? Yes, new CoS. Path to settle? After 5 years, apply ILR.
Take the Next Step
UK wants workers like you. Economy grows with tech, health, engineering. Prepare well. Focus on skilled jobs. You can succeed.
Search jobs daily. Update CV. Practice interview. Learn about UK work culture. Punctual. Team work.
Would you like me to search for current UK employers with a Sponsorship Licence in your specific job sector (e.g., Technology, Healthcare, Engineering)?
Disclaimer:
This article is for information only. Check GOV.UK for latest rules. Salary, fees change. Do not decide only on this. Verify yourself.