So you want to go UK for job? Many people dream about working in United Kingdom because it got many jobs, nice people and a good life. UK is a place where people from many country go to make future. But the visa thing can look very hard and confusing when you see it first time. Dont worry, I will try to explain in super simple words so you can understand even if you never do a visa before.
This big guide will show all the main steps. From knowing what visa you need, to finding a job, to sending the papers. If you read slowly you can follow every thing easy.
1. Know About the UK Points System
UK got a thing called points based system. This mean they give you points for some things and you need enough points to get a work visa.
You can get points if:
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You have a job offer from a company in UK that is allow to sponsor people.
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You have enough salary. There is a min money number you must get from the job.
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You can talk and understand English good.
If your job is on something called shortage list (that mean UK really need workers for that job), you might need a little less salary and still be ok.
Before you start, check if your job is on that list so you don’t get sad later.
2. Find a Job Who Can Give Visa
Next step is to get a job offer. But not every company can bring people from other country. Only companies who got license sponsor from UK Home Office can do it. So you must find jobs with sponsor.
Places to search:
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Job sites like LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor, Reed. Use the filter “visa sponsorship” so you dont waste time.
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Big company websites like NHS (hospital jobs), universities, tech company pages. They often hire people from all over world.
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Recruitment agencys. Some agency for health, IT, hotel, engineering can help you.
Before you send your CV always check if that company name is in the sponsor list from UK government site.
3. Get Your Certificate of Sponsorship
When a company say yes we want to hire you, they give you a thing called Certificate of Sponsorship.
But it is not like a paper you can hold. It is just a number online. This number is very important for visa.
The CoS shows:
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Your job title and a special code
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How much salary you will get
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When your job will start
Without this number you cannot apply for Skilled Worker visa. So tell your boss to give it fast.
4. Prepare All Your Papers
Now you need to collect all important papers. This part can feel boring but it is super important. If you make mistake it can slow or even stop your visa.
Main papers you need:
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Passport that is still good.
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The CoS number.
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Proof that you know English. Like IELTS test or other English test.
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Bank proof you got some money (if your company not giving maintenance).
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TB test paper if your country need it.
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Police paper if you work with kids, hospital or other special job.
Check name, date, numbers are same on all papers. Even small mistake like a letter wrong can make big problem.
5. Apply Online for Visa
When all papers ready you go to GOV.UK website to apply for Skilled Worker visa.
You must:
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Fill the online form. Write careful so you dont make typo.
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Pay the visa fee. Price depend how long you want stay.
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Pay something called Health Surcharge so you can use UK health service (NHS).
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Upload your papers.
Take your time. If you write wrong birthday or spell name wrong you maybe wait long time.
6. Go to Biometrics Appointment
After online form, they will ask you to go to a visa center near you for biometrics.
Dont worry it is easy. They just take:
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Your fingerprints
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Your photo
This info will be used to make your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP). This BRP is like a card that shows you can live and work in UK.
7. Plan Your Move to UK
If visa get approved, hooray! Now get ready to move.
Things to do when you arrive:
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Take your BRP card within 10 days.
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Open a UK bank account so you can get salary.
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Find a room or flat near work or bus/train.
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Register with NHS for doctor and hospital.
Also learn little about UK life. Like tax, travel card, weather (it rain a lot!).
8. Grow Your Career in UK
UK is nice place to build your future. If you stay and work for five years on Skilled Worker visa, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). This mean you can stay forever if you want.
Tips to grow:
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Go to networking events and meet people.
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Make your CV in UK style (short and clear).
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Learn more skills or take small course to show boss you are smart.
FAQs
What is Skilled Worker visa?
It is the main visa that let you work for a UK company who sponsor you.
How much cost?
It can cost lot. For a 5 year visa maybe around 5,000 to 6,000 pounds with health surcharge.
Can I change from student visa to work visa?
Yes. If you have a job offer and meet all points you can switch.
What is BRP?
It is a card you get after coming UK. It shows you can live and work there. Your visa sticker only help you enter UK at airport.
Conclusion
Going to UK for job look scary first time but really it is just many small steps.
First find a sponsor company, then get the CoS number, then collect papers, then fill online form, then biometrics, and finally fly to UK.
If you plan carefully and double check all things, you can start a new life in a big and amazing country.
Remember to be patient because sometimes it take weeks or even months. But many people already done it, and you can too if you keep trying.
