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

Do you need a TB test?

Yes, in most cases. Malaysia 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 Malaysia (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 Malaysia on GOV.UK.

Do you need to prove your English?

Yes. You need English at level B2 (upper intermediate). Malaysia 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 Malaysia it’s called a Certificate of Good Conduct. What GOV.UK says about getting one in Malaysia:

• Citizens and residents (12 months residency minimum) can apply. Only applicants can apply, not employers or third party representatives.
• Local applicants apply through the Consular Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Malaysia. Overseas applicants apply through the Malaysian High Commission in London.
• You supply 3 copies of the form, two photos, passport copies, a statement of no criminal information, and (foreigners only) an employer introduction letter.
• The fee is 20 MYR (approx. £4.15), in cash or by postal order to Akauntan Negara, plus a £4 commission fee. Turnaround is given on application.
• The certificate is issued straight away when the statutory letter is received. It is not checked against the criminal record database for up to 30 days.

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. Malaysia has UK visa application centres. Book or find a centre in Malaysia.

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 Malaysia

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 Malaysia.
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 Malaysia.

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