A clear, step-by-step walkthrough of the entire application process — from securing a job offer to accessing your eVisa.
Your UK employer must hold a valid Skilled Worker sponsor licence. They must also confirm that your role is at RQF Level 6 or above, meets the salary threshold, and is listed under an eligible Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code.
You can check whether a company is a licensed sponsor using the Register of Licensed Sponsors on GOV.UK.
Your employer assigns you a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) — a unique reference number (not a physical document). This must be issued no more than 3 months (90 days) before you submit your visa application.
Your CoS will include your job title, SOC code, salary, start date, and personal details. Check everything carefully — errors can delay your application.
The CoS reference number is essential for your application. Keep it safe.
Before applying you will need to collect the following:
For the complete documented checklist, download our Applicant Checklist.
Fees vary depending on how long you are applying for and whether you are applying from inside or outside the UK.
| Fee type | Approx. cost (2026) |
|---|---|
| Visa application fee (up to 3 years, from outside UK) | £819 |
| Visa application fee (more than 3 years, from outside UK) | £1,618 |
| Visa application fee (up to 3 years, extending/switching inside UK) | £943 |
| Visa application fee (more than 3 years, extending/switching inside UK) | £1,865 |
| Immigration Salary List role (lower fee, up to 3 years / more than 3 years) | £628 / £1,235 |
| Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) per year | £1,035 |
| Priority service (optional — faster decision) | £500+ |
Always confirm current fees on GOV.UK before applying — they can change without notice. Note: some fees are paid by employers.
Apply online via the GOV.UK Visa and Immigration service. You will need to create an account, complete the application form and upload supporting documents digitally.
If applying from outside the UK you can apply up to 3 months before your intended start date. If applying from inside the UK (switching or extending), you must apply before your current permission expires.
Depending on your nationality and document type, you will either:
Standard processing is usually within 3 weeks for applications from outside the UK. Priority and super-priority services are available for faster decisions at additional cost.
You can generally continue working or remain in the UK if you applied to extend or switch before your current visa expired ("3C leave").
If approved and applying from outside the UK, you will receive a short-validity vignette sticker in your passport allowing you to enter (usually valid for up to 90 days). The UK now uses a digital eVisa system rather than a physical Biometric Residence Permit — make sure you have created and signed in to your UKVI account online to view your eVisa and prove your status to employers, landlords or at the border.
You can extend your Skilled Worker visa if you continue working for the same sponsor (or switch to a new one). You must apply before your current permission expires. Extensions can be granted for up to 5 years at a time.
If you change employers or jobs, you may need to update your visa. You can do this by applying for a new Skilled Worker visa on the basis of your new Certificate of Sponsorship — before starting the new role if it involves a different sponsor.
Your partner and children can apply as dependants alongside your main application (or at any time while your visa is valid). They will need their own applications and fees, including the Immigration Health Surcharge. They can generally work freely in the UK.