Complete guide to the UK visa process including Skilled Worker, Global Talent, Health & Care Worker, and Graduate visa routes with Workium.
United Kingdom Visa Process
The United Kingdom is one of Workium's most popular destinations, offering multiple visa routes for international professionals. Here is the complete process for each available package.
Available Packages
Skilled Worker Visa: EUR 2,700
Skilled Worker Visa (In-UK Switch): EUR 2,200
Global Talent Visa: EUR 2,300
Health and Care Worker Visa: EUR 2,700
Graduate Visa: EUR 1,000
Skilled Worker Visa Process (Main Route)
This is the most common route. It requires a job offer from a UK employer who holds a sponsor licence.
Requirements:
Job offer from a UK licensed sponsor employer
Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from the employer
Minimum salary of GBP 38,700/year or the occupation going rate (whichever higher)
English language proficiency at B1 level minimum (proven via IELTS, PTE, or equivalent)
Sufficient maintenance funds (GBP 1,270 in your bank account for 28 consecutive days)
Clean criminal record
Step-by-Step Process:
1Pre-Assessment and Discovery Call (Week 1-2): Our team reviews your profile, discusses your career goals, and confirms your eligibility for the Skilled Worker route.
2CV Enhancement (Week 2-4): We rewrite and format your CV to UK employer standards, highlighting relevant experience, skills, and achievements that match UK job market expectations.
3Occupation Selection (Week 3-5): Based on your qualifications and the UK shortage occupation list, we identify the most suitable roles for your application.
4Job Application Support (Month 2-5): Your dedicated caseworker actively searches for and applies to suitable positions with licensed UK sponsors. This includes preparing cover letters, managing applications, and coordinating with recruitment teams.
5Employer Interviews (Ongoing): We prepare you for interviews with UK employers, including video call setup, common interview questions, and UK workplace culture guidance.
6Job Offer and CoS Acquisition (2-4 weeks after offer): Once you receive a job offer, the employer applies for your Certificate of Sponsorship through the UK Home Office.
7Visa Application Submission (1-2 weeks): With the CoS, we guide you through the visa application on the UK Government portal, ensuring all information is accurate.
8Biometric Appointment (1-2 weeks): You attend a biometric appointment at your nearest visa application centre for fingerprints and photo.
9Visa Decision (3-8 weeks): Standard processing takes 3-8 weeks. Priority and super-priority services are available for faster processing (additional government fee).
10Travel and Arrival: Once your visa is approved, we provide pre-departure guidance and arrival checklist.
Total Timeline: 5-7 months from start to visa decision.
Government Fees (Paid Separately by You):
Visa application fee: GBP 719 (up to 3 years) or GBP 1,420 (over 3 years)
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): GBP 1,035 per year
Biometric enrolment: Included in visa fee
Priority processing (optional): GBP 500
Super-priority processing (optional): GBP 1,000
Health and Care Worker Visa
Same process as Skilled Worker but with benefits:
Reduced visa fee (GBP 284 up to 3 years)
Exempt from Immigration Health Surcharge
Must work in an eligible health or care role
Global Talent Visa
For leaders in technology, arts, academia, or research:
Requires endorsement from a recognised UK body
No job offer required (you can be self-employed)
Fast track to settlement (3 years)
Workium supports the endorsement application process
Graduate Visa
For international students who completed a UK degree:
2 years post-study work (3 years for PhD)
No job offer required
No minimum salary
Must have valid student visa at time of application
For the full UK country page, visit https://workium.co.uk/relocate/united-kingdom
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