Generally, to apply for a UK work visa, you will need to do the following:
• Fill out an online application form and pay the visa fee and the healthcare surcharge.
• Provide a current passport or other valid travel document, and a recent photograph.
• Provide a certificate of sponsorship from your employer or sponsor, if applicable.
• Provide proof of your finances, such as bank statements, payslips, tax returns, etc.
• Provide proof of your English language ability, such as a test result, a degree, or a letter from your employer or sponsor.
• Provide any other documents that are relevant to your visa type, such as your qualifications, your work experience, your business plan, etc.
• Provide your biometric information, such as your fingerprints and photograph, at a visa application center.
• Attend an interview with a visa officer, if required.
You can apply for a UK work visa up to 3 months before the day you are due to start work in the UK. You will usually get a decision on your visa within 3 weeks if you apply from outside the UK, or within 8 weeks if you apply from inside the UK.
You can check the status of your application online or by contacting the visa application center.
UK student visa vs UK work visa
A UK student visa and a UK work visa are different types of visas that allow you to come to the UK for different purposes.
Below are some of the main differences between them:
Eligibility:
To apply for a UK student visa, you must be 16 or over and have been offered a place on a course by a licensed student sponsor. You must also have enough money to support yourself and pay for your course, and have a good knowledge of English.
