UK Skilled Worker Visa Application: How to Apply Online

You must apply for a UK Skilled Worker visa online through the GOV.UK portal using your CoS reference, pay the visa fee and IHS, and prove your identity. Before applying, you need a confirmed job offer from an approved UK employer, a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), an eligible occupation and the required salary.

This guide explains how to apply for a UK Skilled Worker visa online, including the application form, documents, identity checks, fees and what happens after you apply.

Table of Contents

How Do You Apply for a Skilled Worker Visa Online?

You must apply for a Skilled Worker visa online through the GOV.UK Skilled Worker Visa Portal. The application process depends on whether you are applying from outside the UK, extending your current Skilled Worker visa or switching from another eligible visa inside the UK.

The main steps are:

1. Step 1: Check Your Skilled Worker Visa Eligibility
2. Step 2: Get Your Certificate of Sponsorship
3. Step 3: Prepare Your Skilled Worker Visa Documents
4. Step 4: Complete the Skilled Worker Visa Online Application
5. Step 5: Pay the Skilled Worker Visa Fees
6. Step 6: Prove Your Identity
7. Step 7: Upload Your Supporting Documents
8. Step 8: Attend Your Biometric Appointment If Required

Step 1: Check Your Skilled Worker Visa Eligibility

Before starting your application, make sure your job and circumstances meet the Skilled Worker visa requirements.

You normally need:

• A job offer from a Home Office-approved UK employer
• A valid Certificate of Sponsorship
• An eligible occupation
• The required salary
• The required level of English
• A valid passport or other identity document
• Enough money to support yourself, unless an exemption applies

Your occupation code and job duties must also match the requirements for the Skilled Worker route.

Step 2: Get Your Certificate of Sponsorship

Your UK employer must issue you with a Certificate of Sponsorship before you apply.

The CoS is an electronic record containing information about your sponsored job. Your employer will give you a CoS reference number, which you need for your visa application. You normally need to apply within 3 months of receiving your CoS.

Check that the information on your CoS is correct before submitting your application, particularly your:

• Job title
• Occupation code
• Salary
• Employer details
• Sponsorship reference number

Step 3: Prepare Your Skilled Worker Visa Documents

When applying for a UK Skilled Worker visa, you may need to provide:

• Valid passport or travel document
• Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) reference number
• Job title, annual salary and occupation code
• Employer name and sponsor licence number
• Proof of your knowledge of English
• Evidence of personal savings, if required
• Tuberculosis (TB) test results, if applicable
• Evidence of your relationship with your partner or children, if they are applying with you
• Additional documents depending on your job, circumstances and application

Step 4: Complete the Skilled Worker Visa Online Application

Once your documents are ready, you can start the Skilled Worker visa application online.

You will need to provide information about:

• Your personal details
• Passport and nationality
• Current immigration status, if applying from inside the UK
• Your employer
• Certificate of Sponsorship
• Job and occupation code
• Salary
• Previous immigration history
• English language requirement
• Criminal convictions, where applicable
• Dependants, if they are applying with you

You can save the application and return to complete it later.

Step 5: Pay the Skilled Worker Visa Fees

You must pay the relevant visa application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge when required.

In 2026, the UK Skilled Worker visa application fee ranges from £819 to £1,865, plus the Immigration Health Surcharge, usually £1,035 per year.

The amount depends on factors including:

• Whether you apply inside or outside the UK
• The length of your visa
• Whether your job qualifies for a reduced fee
• Whether you use a priority service

Each dependant normally has to pay their own visa application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge.

Step 6: Prove Your Identity

You must prove your identity as part of the application.

Depending on your circumstances, you may either:

• Use the UK Immigration: ID Check app; or
• Attend a visa application centre or UKVCAS service point to provide fingerprints and a photograph.

The application will tell you which process you need to follow.

Step 7: Upload Your Supporting Documents

You may be asked to upload supporting documents as part of your online application.

Make sure your documents are clear, complete and consistent with the information in your application and Certificate of Sponsorship.

Incorrect, missing or inconsistent information can cause delays or lead to questions about your application.

Step 8: Attend Your Biometric Appointment If Required

If you are required to provide biometric information, you will be told how and where to do this during the application process.

You may need to provide your fingerprints and photograph at a visa application centre if applying from outside the UK, or at a UKVCAS service point when applying from inside the UK.

How Much Does a Skilled Worker Visa Cost?

For a Skilled Worker visa of up to 3 years, the total cost in 2026 is £4,048 when applying inside the UK and £3,924 when applying outside the UK, including the visa application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).

These are the main mandatory government costs for a standard Skilled Worker visa application. Additional costs may apply for priority processing, legal advice, translations and other supporting documents.

How Long Does a Skilled Worker Visa Application Take?

The UK Skilled Worker visa processing time in 2026 is usually 3 weeks for applications made outside the UK and 8 weeks for applications made inside the UK.

You may be able to pay for a faster decision if the service is available for your application.

Can You Apply for a Skilled Worker Visa Before Your Job Starts?

Yes. You can apply for a Skilled Worker visa up to 3 months before the start date shown on your Certificate of Sponsorship.

Can You Apply for a Skilled Worker Visa from Inside the UK?

Yes, if you meet the requirements for switching or extending your visa.

However, some immigration categories cannot switch to the Skilled Worker route from inside the UK. For example, visitors, seasonal workers and certain other categories must normally leave the UK and apply from overseas.

What Happens After You Submit Your Application?

After submitting your application, you may need to complete your identity and biometric requirements and provide supporting documents.

The Home Office will then assess your application and may contact you if it needs further information or verification.

If your application is successful, you will receive a decision explaining how you can prove your immigration status and what you need to do next.

Common Skilled Worker Visa Application Problems

Common problems can include:

• Incorrect Certificate of Sponsorship details
• Incorrect occupation code
• Salary not meeting the applicable requirement
• Missing documents
• Incorrect English language evidence
• Insufficient maintenance funds where evidence is required
• Problems with previous immigration history
• Incorrect information in the online application
• Missing or incorrect dependant documents

Checking the application and supporting evidence carefully before submission can help reduce avoidable problems.

Can a Solicitor Help with a Skilled Worker Visa Application?

Yes. Our immigration solicitor can review your eligibility, occupation code, salary, Certificate of Sponsorship and supporting documents before you submit your application.

We can also help identify potential problems with your application and advise you on the relevant immigration requirements.

Need help with your UK Skilled Worker visa application?

Completing a UK Skilled Worker Visa application form correctly is essential to avoid delays and maximise the chances of approval.

Contact Wembley Solicitors on 020 3417 3700 or submit an online enquiry for expert assistance with your UK Skilled Worker Visa application.

We can help you check your eligibility, Certificate of Sponsorship, occupation code, salary, documents and online application before submission.