The Ultimate Guide to the UK Work Visa Process: A Step-by-Step Walkthrough

January 21, 2026 Uk Living Guide

Moving to the UK for work is a massive life decision. It’s not just about a new job; it’s about navigating a points-based system that can feel like a maze if you don’t have a map. As of 2026, the rules have tightened, and the costs have shifted, but the core goal remains the same: the UK wants skilled talent, provided you can prove you’re the right fit.

In this guide, I’m going to break down the UK work visa process—specifically the Skilled Worker Visa, which is the primary route for most professionals—into plain English. No legalese, just a step-by-step walkthrough of what you actually need to do to get that vignette in your passport.

1. The Foundation: The Points-Based System

The UK uses a points-based system. To qualify for a Skilled Worker visa, you generally need 70 points. Think of these as checkboxes. Some are “non-negotiable” (mandatory), and some are “tradable” (flexible based on your salary or qualifications).

The Mandatory 50 Points:

Job Offer from a Licensed Sponsor (20 points): You cannot just move to the UK and “look for work.” You must have a job offer first from a company that holds a valid UK Home Office sponsor license.
Job at the Right Skill Level (20 points): The role must be at least RQF Level 3 (roughly equivalent to A-levels/high school graduate level) or higher.
English Language Proficiency (10 points): You must prove you can speak, read, write, and understand English.

The Remaining 20 Points:

These usually come from your salary. As of 2026, the general salary threshold is £41,700, or the “going rate” for your specific job code, whichever is higher. If you earn less but have a PhD or your job is on the “Immigration Salary List,” you might still get these points through “trading.”

2. Step One: Secure the Job and the “CoS”

Your journey doesn’t start at the embassy; it starts on a job board. Once a UK employer decides to hire you, they won’t just give you a contract; they must assign you a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).

The CoS isn’t a paper certificate. It’s a digital reference number. This number is the “golden ticket” for your visa application. It contains details about your role, your salary, and your start date.

Pro Tip: Check the Register of Licensed Sponsors on the GOV.UK website before you even apply for a job. If a company isn’t on that list, they can’t sponsor your visa, no matter how much they like your CV.

3. Step Two: Prove Your English (The 2026 Update)

The UK government recently raised the bar for English proficiency. For most new applications in 2026, you need to demonstrate a B2 level on the CEFR scale (upper-intermediate).

You can prove this by:

Passing a Secure English Language Test (SELT) from an approved provider (like IELTS SELT Consortium or Pearson).
Having a degree that was taught in English (you’ll need an Ecctis certificate to prove it’s equivalent to a UK degree).
Being a national of a majority English-speaking country (like the USA, Canada, or Australia).

4. Step Three: The Financial Reality Check

Applying for a UK visa is expensive. You need to be prepared for the upfront costs. Here is a breakdown of what you’ll likely pay in 2026:

Application Fees

If you’re applying from outside the UK:

Up to 3 years: Approximately £769.
More than 3 years: Approximately £1,519.

Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)

This is the one that catches people off guard. To use the National Health Service (NHS), you must pay a surcharge for every year of your visa. In 2026, this is £1,035 per year. If you’re coming for five years, that’s £5,175 due at the time of application.

Maintenance Funds

You must show you have at least £1,270 in your bank account for 28 consecutive days to prove you can support yourself when you arrive. However, many employers will “certify maintenance” on your CoS, meaning they promise to cover your costs for the first month. If they do this, you don’t need to show personal bank statements for this requirement.

5. Step Four: The Online Application

Once you have your CoS number and your English test results, you head to the official GOV.UK website to start your application.

You’ll be asked for:

Your CoS reference number.
A valid passport.
Your job title and annual salary.
Your job’s Occupation Code (ask your employer for this).
A TB test result (if you’re from a country where this is required).
A criminal record certificate (only required for certain roles, like healthcare or education).

6. Step Five: Proving Your Identity (Biometrics)

After paying your fees, you need to verify who you are. Depending on your nationality and the type of passport you have, you’ll do this in one of two ways:

The App: You may be able to use the “UK Immigration: ID Check” app to scan your passport and take a selfie. This is common for EU citizens and some non-EU citizens with biometric passports.
The Visa Centre: You’ll book an appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) to have your fingerprints and photo taken.

7. Step Six: The Wait

Standard processing for a visa applied for outside the UK is usually 3 weeks. If you’re in a rush, you can pay for:

Priority Service (£500): Decision within 5 working days.
Super Priority Service (£1,000): Decision by the end of the next working day.

In early 2026, the UK completed its transition to eVisas. This means you likely won’t get a physical “BRP” card anymore. Instead, your status will be linked digitally to your passport, and you’ll use a “Share Code” to prove your right to work to your employer.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Wrong Occupation Code: If your employer picks a code that doesn’t match your actual daily duties, the Home Office can reject the application. Ensure the job description on the CoS aligns with the SOC 2020 codes.
Falling Below the “Going Rate”: Even if you earn £42,000, if the “going rate” for your specific job is £45,000, you will be rejected unless you meet specific “new entrant” criteria.
The 28-Day Rule: For financial evidence, if your bank balance dips even £1 below the required amount for just one day during that 28-day window, your application will fail.

Summary Table: Quick Look at 2026 Requirements

Requirement	Detail
Sponsor	Must be a Home Office approved licensed employer
Document	Valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
English	B2 Level (Common European Framework)
Salary	Minimum £41,700 (or going rate)
IHS Fee	£1,035 per year
Decision Time	~3 weeks (Standard)

Final Thoughts

The UK work visa process is rigorous, but it is predictable. If you meet the salary threshold, have a legitimate sponsor, and can prove your English skills, your chances of success are very high. The most important thing is to be meticulous with your paperwork—one small typo on a CoS or a missing bank statement can lead to an expensive delay.