Skilled workers in eligible occupations can live and work in the UK under the UK Skilled Worker visa. There are many professionals who use it to immigrate around the world, including healthcare workers, engineers, IT specialists, and others.
This guide explains how to apply in clear, step-by-step stages, with all requirements and conditions updated for 2025.
Step 1: Verify your eligibility
Before applying, ensure that you meet the following requirements:
- Sponsorship: If you wish to sponsor yourself, you must have a confirmed job offer from a UK employer.
- Role eligibility: Your occupation must appear on the Skilled Worker list of approved occupations.
- Minimum salary threshold: You must earn the minimum wage, either the general threshold or the going rate in your industry.
- Language proficiency: You must prove that you are proficient in English on level B1 (reading, writing, speaking, and listening).
- In the event that your sponsor confirms they will support you, you may need to show that you have sufficient funds.
Step 2: Obtain the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
You will be issued a Certificate of Sponsorship by your employer. A unique reference number will be assigned to this electronic record, which you will need to attach to your application. In general, there are two types:
- Defined CoS – for applications made outside the UK.
- Undefined CoS – for domestic applications (extensions and switching).
Step 3: Prepare Your Documents
What you’ll need is:
- A valid passport or travel document.
- Identify the Certificate of Sponsorship by its reference number.
- English language proficiency (test, academic qualification, or exemption).
- Personal savings proof (if required).
- Results of your tuberculosis test (if you are from one of the listed countries).
- A criminal record certificate (if you work in healthcare, social care, or education).
- A copy of the marriage certificate or birth certificate if the applicant has dependents.
Step 4: Complete the Online Application
Online applications are submitted through the visa service of the UK government. It is important that you:
- Applicants should apply at least 3 months before the job start date listed on their CV.
- You can choose to apply from within the UK or from outside.
- Enter your personal information, employment information, and CoS information.
Step 5: Pay the Fees
Payment is due:
- Fees for visa applications:
- For up to 3 years: £769 (outside UK) / £885 (inside UK).
- Over 3 years: £1,519 (outside UK) / £1,751 (inside UK).
- When your job is listed as a shortage, fees are reduced.
- Surcharges for Immigration Health (IHS): £1,035 per year.
In addition to the visa fee, dependents must also pay the IHS.
Step 6: Provide Biometrics and Verify Identity
- The UK Immigration ID Check app can be used to confirm your identity.
- You will need to provide fingerprints and a photo at a Visa Application Centre if you are not eligible for the app.
- Provide supporting documents or upload them.
Step 7: Await the Decision
- In countries outside the UK, most decisions are made within three weeks.
- Inside the UK: Processing may take up to 8 weeks.
- A priority service is available in some locations for faster results at a higher price.
Step 8: Receive Your Decision
- To travel to the UK, you will receive an entry vignette (or digital visa) if your application has been approved from abroad.
- Upon arrival in the UK, you will either receive a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) or manage your status online with a digital eVisa.
Step 9: Start Work in the UK
- By using a Right to Work share code, you can let your employer know your immigration status.
- Start your employment as agreed in your contract of service.
Step 10: Plan for Extensions or Settlement
- There is a maximum validity of 5 years on the visa, but it can be extended if certain conditions are met.
- A person who has continuously resided in a country for 5 years may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), provided that he or she meets salary, residence, and suitability requirements.
Here is a quick checklist
- An offer of employment from a licensed UK sponsor.
- Occupational eligibility and SOC code confirmed.
- The salary meets the threshold.
- Assurance that English language requirements have been met.
- Reference number for the Certificate of Sponsorship.
- Prepared supporting documents.
- The application fee and health surcharge are ready.
- Online application submitted.
- Check of biometrics and identity has been completed.
- Visa granted and decision received.
In conclusion
Professionals who wish to live and work in the United Kingdom can apply for the UK Skilled Worker visa. The application process involves many steps-eligibility checks, employer sponsorships, documentation, fees, and biometric enrolment-but careful preparation ensures a smooth process.
Nigerians and other international applicants benefit from this visa not only by having job security, but also by being able to settle permanently in the UK and be eligible to become citizens.