UK work visa from Kenya: requirements, cost and how to apply

Do you need a TB test?

Yes, in most cases. Kenya is on the GOV.UK list of countries where you need a tuberculosis (TB) test. You need one if all of these are true:

• you’re coming to the UK for 6 months or more
• you’ve lived in Kenya (or another listed country) for 6 months or more
• you were living there within the last 6 months

The test is a chest x-ray at a clinic approved by the Home Office. If you don’t have TB you get a certificate. It’s valid for 6 months from the date of your x-ray, so time it before you apply.

Find an approved TB clinic in Kenya on GOV.UK.

Do you need to prove your English?

Yes. You need English at level B2 (upper intermediate). Kenya is not on the list of countries whose citizens are exempt. You can usually prove it with:

• an approved English test (a Secure English Language Test, or SELT)
• a degree taught in English (if it’s not from a UK institution, Ecctis must confirm it)
• a UK school qualification, such as a GCSE or A level, that you started before you turned 18

All the ways to prove your English.

Do you need a police certificate?

Only for some jobs. You need a criminal record certificate if you’re applying from outside the UK for one of 69 jobs in health, education or social care. You need one from each country where you’ve lived for 12 months or more in the last 10 years, since you turned 18.

In Kenya it’s called a Certificate of Police Clearance. What GOV.UK says about getting one in Kenya:

• You need rolled fingerprints and palm prints taken by a local police official with an official stamp, or before an Attorney and certified. No photocopies or old prints.
• Everyone also needs a letter to the CID, a certified copy of the passport information page, and a prepaid A4 self-addressed registered or express post envelope.
• Non-Kenyan citizens also need an aliens certificate (both sides) or papers from a school or employer showing they stayed in Kenya. Applicants under 18 need a certified birth certificate.
• Kenyan citizens over 18 also need a certified photocopy of the Kenyan 2nd generation Identity Card.
• Attach a £10.00 postal order payable to the Kenya High Commission. If you apply at the Mission, you can pay by debit card. Processing takes about eight weeks.

GOV.UK last updated its information for Kenya on 14 March 2017. Check the details with the issuing office before you apply. Read the full GOV.UK section.

Where do you prove your identity?

After you apply online, you prove your identity. Depending on your passport, you either scan it with the UK Immigration: ID Check app or give your fingerprints and photo at a visa application centre. Kenya has UK visa application centres. Book or find a centre in Kenya.

Health and care jobs: the amber list

Kenya is on the amber list in the code of practice for recruiting health and social care staff in England. Employers can only recruit health and care staff from Kenya through the government-to-government agreement.

This does not stop you applying. The code says people from red and amber countries can apply directly to UK employers on their own. Read the code of practice.

How much does it cost?

The fees are the same wherever you apply from, and they are set in pounds.

For example, a 3-year visa costs £819 plus £3,105 for the healthcare surcharge: £3,924. Your partner and children pay too if they come with you. The fee is lower (£628) if your job is on the Immigration Salary List. All the fees.

How long does it take?

You’ll usually get a decision within 3 weeks after you’ve applied online and proved your identity. Your visa can last up to 5 years, and you can extend it.

How to apply from Kenya

1. Find a job with a UK employer on the licensed sponsor list. Check the job’s SOC code is eligible.
2. Get your certificate of sponsorship reference number from your employer.
3. Get your TB test certificate at an approved clinic in Kenya.
4. Prove your English at level B2.
5. If your job needs one, get a police certificate from each country you’ve lived in.
6. Apply online on GOV.UK: apply from outside the UK. Pay the fee and the healthcare surcharge.
7. Prove your identity with the ID Check app or at a visa application centre in Kenya.

Not sure the Skilled Worker visa is right for you? Compare all UK work visas.