Skilled Worker Visa Documents Checklist
- Details
- Written by: Wembley Solicitors
Unsure which documents are required for a UK Skilled Worker visa? Check out our UK Skilled Worker visa document checklist 2025 to ensure you're fully prepared.
When submitting your UK Skilled Worker visa application, you must provide several documents, such as your passport, CoS, and English language certificate.
Incomplete or incorrect documentation can result in a Skilled Worker visa refusal. If you're uncertain about what's required, contact us for expert guidance.
Table of Contents
- What Is a UK Skilled Worker Visa?
- Skilled Worker Visa Eligibility Requirements
- What Documents Are Required for a Skilled Worker Visa?
- Valid Passport or Travel ID
- Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
- Evidence of Your Knowledge of English
- Financial Evidence for a Skilled Worker Visa
- Documentation Confirming Relationship to Dependants
- How Wembley Solicitors Can Help with Your Skilled Worker Visa
- Contact UK Skilled Worker Visa Solicitors
- Frequently Asked Questions on UK Skilled Worker Visa Documents
- What documents do I need for the UK Skilled Worker Visa application?
- What is a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)?
- Do I need to provide proof of my qualifications for the Skilled Worker Visa?
- Is proof of English proficiency required for the Skilled Worker Visa?
- Do I need to provide a criminal record certificate?
- Do I need to translate my documents?
- What if my employer is not on the approved list of sponsors?
- How can I ensure I have all the required documents?
- What if I miss submitting a document for my visa application?
What Is a UK Skilled Worker Visa?
The Skilled Worker visa, formerly known as the Tier 2 (General) Work visa, allows overseas nationals to work in the UK for a licensed UK employer.
The UK Skilled Worker visa is a long-term work visa that can lead to settlement. It means you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) to settle in the UK after five qualifying years.
Skilled Worker Visa Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for a UK Skilled Worker visa, you must meet the following criteria:
- You must have a job offer from a UK employer licensed by the Home Office.
- The role must be at the required skill level.
- You must be paid at least the minimum salary for your job type.
- You must meet the financial maintenance requirements.
- You must hold a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) confirming your job role and salary.
- You must satisfy the English language requirement.
- You must meet other requirements depending on your circumstances.
What Documents Are Required for a Skilled Worker Visa?
If you're applying for a Skilled Worker visa in 2025, make sure you've got the right documents to show you meet the requirements.
You will need to provide:
- Your valid passport or travel document.
- Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) reference number.
- Proof of job offer from a licensed UK employer.
- Your job title, salary, and occupation code.
- Employer's name and sponsor licence number.
- Proof of English language
- Evidence of sufficient personal savings.
- TB test results (if applicable).
- References from previous employer(s).
- Any additional documents based on your circumstances.
Please note that you may need additional supporting documents depending on your circumstances. Get in touch with us today for a detailed list of required documents to increase your chances of success.
Valid Passport or Travel ID
You are required to provide your valid passport or another official document verifying your identity and nationality.
When you apply for a UK Skilled Worker visa, you'll need to provide:
- Valid passport or travel ID
- Previous passports (if applicable)
- eVisa or online immigration status record (if applicable)
- Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), if applicable
Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
Your employer must issue you a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), which is a unique reference number that confirms your job, salary, and employer.
CoS is an electronic record, not a physical document, that is mandatory when applying for the UK Skilled Worker visa.
A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) includes:
- A unique reference number linked to your job offer
- Job details, including title, salary, and occupation code
- Confirmation that the job meets eligibility criteria
Evidence of Your Knowledge of English
To be eligible for the UK Skilled Worker visa, you must show that you can speak, read, write, and understand English to at least level B1 on the CEFR scale.
To meet the English language requirement, you must provide one of the following forms of evidence:
- English language test certificate
- UK degree taught in English
- Degree from an English-speaking country (UK NARIC approved)
If you're over 65 or a citizen of a majority English-speaking country, you might be exempt from the English language requirement.
Financial Evidence for a Skilled Worker Visa
Skilled Worker visa applicants must provide evidence that they have enough money to support themselves in the UK.
Applicants must show they have held at least £1,270 in their bank account for 28 consecutive days to prove they can support themselves without public funds.
If your employer is willing to certify your maintenance on your CoS, this requirement may be waived.
You'll typically need to provide proof of funds when applying, unless:
- You've legally lived in the UK on a valid visa for 12 months or more, or
- Your employer confirms they'll cover up to £1,270 of your expenses for your first month in the UK.
Documentation Confirming Relationship to Dependants
When submitting a Skilled Worker visa application with dependants, you must include the following documents:
- A marriage or civil partnership certificate for your spouse or partner
- Birth certificates for any children under the age of 18
How Wembley Solicitors Can Help with Your Skilled Worker Visa
At Wembley Solicitors, we provide expert guidance at every stage of the Skilled Worker visa process. Our services include:
- Assess your eligibility for the Skilled Worker visa
- Advise on required supporting documents
- Guide you on the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
- Prepare and submit your application
- Assist with refusals, appeals, or reapplications
- Communicate with UKVI on your behalf
- Provide regular updates on application progress
Contact UK Skilled Worker Visa Solicitors
If you need help with your UK Skilled Worker visa, please contact our immigration solicitor at 0203 417 3700 or via email at info@wembleysolicitors.com.
There are several ways to contact Wembley Solicitors:
- Phone - Call us on 0203 417 3700
- Email us - info@wembleysolicitors.com
- Online - Fill in our online enquiry form
- Live Chat - Click on the chat button below
- Visit our office - 561 High Rd, Wembley London HA0 2DW
Our team of immigration solicitors is based in Wembley, London about a 4-minute walk from the Wembley Central underground station which gives easy access to clients.
Frequently Asked Questions on UK Skilled Worker Visa Documents
To apply for the UK Skilled Worker Visa, you will need the following documents:
- Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your UK employer
- Proof of English language proficiency
- A valid passport or identity document
- Proof of sufficient funds, unless your sponsor certifies maintenance
- Tuberculosis (TB) test results (if required)
- Criminal record certificate (if applicable)
- Additional documents based on personal circumstances
A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is a unique electronic reference number issued by your UK employer. It confirms that your job offer meets the eligibility criteria for the Skilled Worker visa and is required for your application.
Yes, you may need to provide proof of your qualifications, depending on your job role and the visa requirements. It's recommended to book a consultation with an immigration solicitor to ensure you have all necessary documents.
Yes, unless you qualify for an exemption, you must provide proof of English language proficiency. This can be done through an approved English language test or by providing evidence of a degree taught in English.
A criminal record certificate is generally required if your job involves working with vulnerable individuals, such as in healthcare, education, or social services.
Yes, if any of your supporting documents are not written in English or Welsh, you must have them translated into English (or Welsh, if applicable) by a certified translator.
Your employer must be listed on the Home Office's approved sponsor list to sponsor your visa. If they’re not on the list, they will need to apply for a sponsor license before they can issue a CoS.
To avoid delays or mistakes, it's best to consult with an immigration solicitor who can review your documents and ensure you meet all the requirements for the UK Skilled Worker visa.
Missing or incomplete documents can delay your application or lead to refusal. It's key to double-check all required documents before submitting your application or seeking legal advice to ensure everything is in order.
Legal Disclaimer
The information provided is for general informational purposes only and should not be taken as legal advice. While we make every effort to ensure accuracy, the law may change, and the information may not reflect the most current legal developments. No warranty is given regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information, and we do not accept liability in such cases. We recommend consulting with a qualified lawyer at Wembley Solicitors before making any decisions based on the information provided on this website.
