10 Required Documents for the UK Skilled Worker Visa Sponsorship Process

The UK Skilled Worker Visa is one of the most popular routes for professionals seeking employment and long-term residency in the United Kingdom. Whether you’re a nurse, engineer, IT specialist, or hospitality worker, this visa allows you to work legally in the UK with sponsorship from an approved employer.

   

But before you pack your bags, you need to get your paperwork in order. Missing or incorrect documents can delay or even derail your application. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the 10 required documents for the UK Skilled Worker Visa sponsorship process—so you can apply with confidence.

1. Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

This is the backbone of your application. Your UK employer must issue a Certificate of Sponsorship—a unique reference number that confirms your job offer and sponsorship.

The CoS includes:

• Job title and description
• Salary details
• Employer’s sponsor licence number
• Occupation code

Make sure the information matches your application exactly.

2. Valid Passport

You must submit a valid passport or travel document that proves your identity and nationality. It should have at least one blank page for the visa stamp and be valid for the duration of your stay.

If your passport is expiring soon, renew it before applying.

3. Proof of English Language Proficiency

To work in the UK, you must demonstrate your ability to speak, read, write, and understand English. Accepted evidence includes:

• IELTS or TOEFL test results
• A degree taught in English
• National of a majority English-speaking country

Check the full list of accepted qualifications here.

4. Job Details and Occupation Code

Your job must be on the list of eligible occupations. You’ll need to provide:

• Job title
• Annual salary
• Occupation code (as listed by the UK Home Office)

This ensures your role meets the visa’s skill and salary thresholds.

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5. Employer’s Sponsor Licence Number

Your employer must be registered with the UK Home Office and hold a valid sponsor licence. This number will be included in your Certificate of Sponsorship, but you should also verify it independently.

You can check if your employer is licensed.

6. Proof of Qualifications

Depending on your job, you may need to submit academic or professional qualifications. These could include:

• University degrees
• Vocational certificates
• Professional licenses

If your qualifications are from outside the UK, you may need a UK ENIC statement of comparability.

7. Criminal Record Certificate

For certain roles—especially in healthcare, education, or security—you’ll need a criminal record certificate from your home country or any country you’ve lived in for 12+ months in the past 10 years.

This helps ensure you meet the UK’s character requirements.

8. Tuberculosis (TB) Test Results

Applicants from certain countries must provide a TB test certificate from an approved clinic. This applies if you’re coming to the UK for more than six months.

Find out if your country is on the list and locate approved clinics.

9. Proof of Maintenance Funds (if applicable)

If your employer is not certifying your maintenance on the CoS, you’ll need to show you have enough money to support yourself. The current requirement is:

• £1,270 in your bank account for at least 28 consecutive days

This ensures you won’t need public funds upon arrival.

10. Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) Payment Confirmation

To access the UK’s National Health Service (NHS), you must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge. This is typically:

• £624 per year for most applicants

You’ll receive a reference number after payment, which must be included in your visa application.

Final Tips for a Smooth Application

• Double-check all documents for accuracy
• Translate non-English documents using certified translators
• Submit your application early to avoid delays
• Keep digital and physical copies of everything

FAQs

Can I apply without a Certificate of Sponsorship? No. The CoS is mandatory and must be issued by a licensed UK employer.

Do I need to show proof of funds if my employer covers maintenance? No. If your employer certifies maintenance on the CoS, you don’t need to provide bank statements.

Is the English test required for everyone? Not always. Nationals of majority English-speaking countries or those with degrees taught in English may be exempt.

How long does the visa process take? Most applications are processed within 3 weeks if applying from outside the UK.

Can I bring my family with me? Yes. You can sponsor your partner and children, but they’ll need to meet their own documentation requirements.

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