UK Skilled Worker Visa Documents Checklist

Gathering the right documents is one of the most important parts of your Skilled Worker visa application. A complete and accurate documents checklist ensures your application stands the best chance of approval, without unnecessary delays.

When applying for a UK Skilled Worker visa, you'll need to submit several documents like your valid passport, Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), and others.

If not sure which documents you need for your Skilled Worker visa, give our immigration solicitors a call on 0208 616 5535 or fill out our enquiry form.

Table of Contents

What Is the UK Skilled Worker Visa?

The UK Skilled Worker visa allows foreign nationals to live and work in the UK for an approved employer. To qualify, applicants must have a job offer from a licensed sponsor and meet specific salary and skill requirements.

This visa has replaced the Tier 2 (General) visa and is one of the most common UK work visa routes for professionals worldwide.

A Skilled Worker visa not only enables you to work legally in the UK but also provides a route to settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain) after a certain period.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for a Skilled Worker visa, you need to:

• Have a job offer from a UK employer approved by the Home Office.
• Obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your employer.
• Work in a role listed on the UK government's eligible occupations list.
• Meet the minimum salary requirement, which varies by job type and CoS issue date.

Why Is the Document Checklist Important?

When applying for a Skilled Worker visa, the Home Office evaluates your eligibility based on the documents you provide. Missing or incorrect paperwork can result in delays or even a refusal. Having a complete set of supporting documents for a Skilled Worker visa demonstrates that you meet the necessary criteria and accelerates the decision-making process.

UK Skilled Worker Visa Documents Checklist 2025

Documents you need to provide when applying for a Skilled Worker visa:

• Your valid passport or travel document.
• Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
• Proof of job offer from an approved UK employer.
• Your job title and annual salary.
• Your job's occupation code.
• Name of your employer and their sponsor licence number.
• Proof of your knowledge of English.
• Evidence that you have enough personal savings to support yourself in the UK.
• Tuberculosis (TB) test results (if applicable).
• References from the previous employer.
• Proof of your relationship with your partner or children if they're applying with you.
• Additional documents, depending on your job role and circumstances.

Valid Passport or Travel Document

You'll need to submit a current passport or other valid travel document showing your identity and nationality. Make sure your passport has at least one blank page for the visa vignette.

When you apply, you'll need to provide:

• Your valid passport or travel ID.
• Your previous passports (if applicable).
• Your eVisa (online record of your immigration status), if applicable.
• Your biometric residence permit (BRP), if applicable.

Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

Your UK employer must provide a Certificate of Sponsorship reference number. This digital certificate confirms that you've been offered a job and that your employer is authorised to sponsor Skilled Workers.

Your CoS contains important details such as your job title, a description of your duties, and your salary. Without this, your visa application will not be accepted.

Proof of English Language Proficiency

You must show that you can speak, read, write, and understand English to at least level B1 on the CEFR scale. This can be proven by:

• Passing a Secure English Language Test (SELT) from an approved provider
• Holding a degree taught in English
• Being a national of a majority English-speaking country

Job Details from Your UK Employer

Your job offer must meet the appropriate skill level and salary threshold. The details typically include:

• Job title and occupation code
• Salary offered
• Work location

This information should match what's listed on your Certificate of Sponsorship.

Academic Qualifications or Professional Certifications (if applicable)

If your job requires specific qualifications or registration (e.g. engineers, healthcare workers, teachers), include copies of your relevant certificates or licenses.

Proof of Money to Support Yourself

You may need to show you have enough personal savings to support yourself, especially if your employer isn't covering your costs. This means having at least £1,270 in your bank account for 28 consecutive days before applying.

You won't need to show this money if:

• You've already been living in the UK for 12 months or more on a valid visa.
• Your UK employer agrees to cover your costs during your first month; this must be clearly stated on your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).

Proof of Relationship (for dependents)

If you're applying with your partner or children, include:

• Marriage or civil partnership certificate for your partner.
• Birth certificates for children under 18.

Tuberculosis (TB) Test Results

If you're applying from a country where TB testing is required, you must provide a clear TB test certificate from a Home Office-approved clinic.

Criminal Record Certificate

If you're applying for a Skilled Worker visa from outside the UK and your job involves working with vulnerable individuals, you'll need to provide a criminal record certificate as part of your application.

This applies to roles in sectors such as:

• Education: like teachers, teaching assistants, childminders, education advisers, or school inspectors
• Healthcare: including doctors, nurses, paramedics, pharmacists, dentists, dental nurses, healthcare managers, and opticians
• Therapy and Counselling: such as psychologists, speech and language therapists, and counsellors
• Social Services: including social workers, probation officers, housing officers, and care service managers

This certificate helps show that you're suitable for roles involving trust and responsibility, especially when working closely with children or vulnerable adults.

If You've Lived in More Than One Country

If you've spent time living in different countries, you may need to provide a criminal record certificate from each of them – it depends on your age and how long you lived there.

• If you're under 28, you'll need to get a certificate from any country where you've lived for 12 months or more since you turned 18.
• If you're 28 or older, you'll need to provide one from any country where you've lived in the past 10 years.

This helps the Home Office check your background if you've lived abroad for extended periods.

How to Submit These Documents

Once you've gathered all the required documents for your UK Skilled Worker visa, the next step is to get them ready for uploading. You can either scan your documents or take clear photos of them, just make sure the entire document is visible, and the image is high quality.

Most applications are completed online. After submitting your application form, you'll either:

• Upload digital copies of your documents using the UK Immigration: ID Check app, or
• Visit a visa application centre to provide biometric information and submit documents.

Accepted File Formats

Your scanned document should be saved in one of the following file types:

• PDF
• PNG
• JPG or JPEG

Most scanners will give you one of these formats by default. After scanning, give the file a clear, descriptive name so it's easy to find later, for example, payslip_April2025.pdf or passport_scan.jpg.

How Immigration Solicitors Help with Skilled Worker Visa

Navigating the Skilled Worker visa process can be complicated, but our experienced immigration solicitors are here to make it easier for you. Here's how we can support your application every step of the way:

• Assess Your Eligibility: We carefully review your circumstances and job offer to ensure you meet all visa requirements.
• Complete and Review Applications: We help you fill out your application accurately, avoiding common errors that could cause delays or refusals.
• Gather and Organise Documents: From your Certificate of Sponsorship to proof of English language skills, we guide you on exactly what's needed.
• Offer Expert Advice: If your case has complexities, such as previous refusals or unique financial situations, we provide tailored legal guidance.
• Communicate with UK Visas and Immigration: We handle correspondence on your behalf and respond to any additional requests promptly.
• Prepare You for Biometrics and Interviews: We explain what to expect and help you get ready for biometric appointments or interviews.
• Support with Appeals: If your visa is refused, we assist with appeals or alternative options to maximise your chances of success.
• Keep You Updated: Immigration rules change often, and we ensure your application complies with the latest regulations.

With our dedicated solicitors by your side, you can apply for your Skilled Worker visa with confidence and peace of mind.

Contact UK Skilled Worker Visa Solicitors

If you need help with your Skilled Worker visa application, call Vanguard Solicitors today at 0208 616 5535 or email info@vanguardlaw.co.uk.