UK Skilled Worker Visa Checklist — Documents to Prepare
A UK Skilled Worker visa is for people coming to do an eligible job with an approved UK employer. The spine of the application is the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your employer. You must do a job on the eligible occupations list and be paid at least the required salary. Verified against GOV.UK, September 2026 — see Skilled Worker visa for the authoritative word.
Stage A — What you must have
- ☐ A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your employer — this carries the information about the job.
- ☐ An employer that is approved by the Home Office to sponsor workers.
- ☐ A job that is on the list of eligible occupations.
- ☐ A salary at or above the minimum required for the job — the figure depends on the occupation and when you got your CoS.
- ☐ Evidence that you can speak, read, write and understand English.
- ☐ Your identity and the documents needed to prove who you are.
Stage B — Timing and length of stay
- ☐ When to apply: the earliest is 3 months before your start date — the date is on your CoS. Do not apply earlier than that.
- ☐ How long you can stay: up to 5 years on one grant, and you can extend as many times as you like.
- ☐ Settling permanently: after 5 years you may be able to apply for indefinite leave to remain (settle permanently).
Stage C — Family
- ☐ A partner and children may be able to apply to join or stay with you as dependants.
Not verified on this page
The exact application fee, the healthcare surcharge (IHS) amount and the salary table (which depends on the date on your CoS) are not stated here. Check the official Skilled Worker pages for the current figures — do not rely on an out-of-date number.
Get it right the first time
- No CoS, no application — it comes from your employer and names the job.
- Check the occupation is on the eligible list before you build the rest of the application around it.
- Do not apply too early — the 3-month window runs from the start date on the CoS.
- Add your dependants in the same process if they are coming with you.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main document for a UK Skilled Worker visa?
A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your employer, who must be an approved Home Office sponsor. The job must be on the eligible occupations list and meet the salary requirement.
When can I apply for a Skilled Worker visa?
The earliest you can apply is 3 months before your start date, which is the date shown on your CoS.
How long can I stay on a Skilled Worker visa?
Up to 5 years at a time, and you can extend as many times as you like. After 5 years you may be able to settle permanently.
Can my family come with me?
A partner and children may be able to apply as your dependants.
Do I need an English test?
You must show you can speak, read, write and understand English. Check the official page for the ways this can be evidenced.
How much does it cost?
The exact fee and the healthcare surcharge are not stated on this checklist. Check the official Skilled Worker pages for the current amounts.
Related: the visitor route is a different set of papers — see the UK visitor visa checklist; studying instead of working is the UK student visa checklist. For the photo, use the passport photo checker.