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

Do you need a TB test?

Yes, in most cases. Sri Lanka 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 Sri Lanka (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 Sri Lanka on GOV.UK.

Do you need to prove your English?

Yes. You need English at level B2 (upper intermediate). Sri Lanka 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 Sri Lanka it’s called a Police Clearance Certificate. What GOV.UK says about getting one in Sri Lanka:

• Sri Lankans (resident or not), foreign citizens and non-citizens can apply. So can third party representatives and prospective UK employers. State the purpose; written consent is not required.
• In Sri Lanka, apply in person to the Criminal Records Division in Colombo or your local police station. Overseas, you are advised to apply to the High Commission.
• You need the application form, National Identity Card number, passport number, communication address, preferred way to collect (post or in person) and the purpose of the request.
• Local applicants pay Rs.500 (approx. £3.00) in person. The turnaround is up to 4 weeks.
• Overseas applicants pay Rs.1000 (approx. £6.00) by bank draft or cheque. The turnaround is up to 4 weeks.

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

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 Sri Lanka

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 Sri Lanka.
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 Sri Lanka.

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