How to apply for a Skilled Worker visa from outside the UK

You must apply online for a Skilled Worker visa, prove your identity and give your documents (GOV.UK). After you have done all three, you will usually get a decision within 3 weeks if you are outside the UK. Some applications take longer. For example, your documents may need to be checked, or you may need an interview.

How do I apply from outside the UK?

You must apply online. If you are outside the UK, you use the form called “Skilled Worker visa” on the GOV.UK website (SW 1.1). You can save your form and finish it later.

You must get entry clearance as a Skilled Worker before you arrive in the UK (SW 3.1). Entry clearance is permission to enter the UK.

Before you start, look at the list of documents you need. See Skilled Worker visa documents.

How soon can I apply?

You can apply up to 3 months before the day you are due to start work in the UK. This date is on your certificate of sponsorship (a reference number from your employer with details of your job). You must also apply within 3 months of getting your certificate of sponsorship (GOV.UK).

The rules add two limits:

• Your certificate of sponsorship must have been issued no more than 3 months before you apply (SW 1.2(d)). In one case it is 90 days. This is when the certificate is linked to a Sponsorship Reference Number. Days when the sponsor’s requested edit is being reviewed do not count.
• The start date your sponsor gives must be no more than 3 months after you apply (SW 5.1(c)).

How do I prove my identity?

How you prove your identity depends on where you are from and what type of passport you have. You will do one of these:

• Use the “UK Immigration: ID Check” app to scan your identity document. You also create or sign in to your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account.
• Give your fingerprints and photo (biometric information) at a visa application centre.

You are told what to do when you apply.

If you need an appointment:

• Take your passport with you to the visa application centre. You can collect it on the day.
• You may have to travel to your nearest centre. It could be in another country.

The rules say you must give biometrics when asked. You must also give a passport or other travel document that shows who you are and your nationality (SW 1.2(b) and SW 1.2(c)).

How long does it take?

Where you apply from	Usual time to a decision (GOV.UK)
Outside the UK	3 weeks
Inside the UK	8 weeks

The time starts when you have applied online, proved your identity and given your documents. You may need to allow extra time if you need an appointment to prove your identity. You find out if you need one when you start your application.

GOV.UK will contact you if your application will take longer. Some reasons are:

• your documents need to be checked
• you need to go to an interview
• your personal circumstances, for example if you have a criminal conviction

You may be able to pay for a faster decision. You are told if you can when you apply.

What happens after I apply?

You get an email with the decision on your application. It explains what you need to do next. If your application is successful, the email tells you what you will get to prove your immigration status.

You can ask to cancel your application. You only get your fee back if UKVI has not started processing your application. See Skilled Worker visa fees for what you pay when you apply.

What other rules apply to applying from outside the UK?

• You must be 18 or over on the day you apply (SW 1.3).
• If Appendix Tuberculosis applies to you, you must give a valid medical certificate. It must show you have been screened for active pulmonary tuberculosis and that it is not present (SW 3.2).
• You must not be applying for entry clearance as a national or citizen of Afghanistan (SW 3.3).
• You must have at least £1,270 in funds. The other way to meet this rule is for your A-rated sponsor to certify that it will maintain and accommodate you up to the end of your first month of employment, to an amount of at least £1,270 (SW 15.2).

See the English language requirement for the English evidence. See the Skilled Worker visa overview for all the requirements.