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Visa Application (Skilled Worker / Student / Family)
United Kingdom
Last verified: 2026-02-20
Fees, fines, and deadlines are approximate. Always verify with official sources.
Key Registrations & Procedures
Visa Application (Skilled Worker / Student / Family)
Deadline: Apply before travelling to the UK. Most visa categories require approval before entry. EU/EEA citizens no longer have automatic right to live and work in the UK post-Brexit. ⚠️ From 25 February 2026 (in 5 days), all non-visa nationals (including EU/EEA citizens) MUST have an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA, £16) to board transport to the UK. Full no-permission-no-travel enforcement is now strictly enforced — no discretion. Apply via the UK ETA app or gov.uk.
Processing Time: Standard processing: 3–8 weeks depending on visa type. Priority service available for some categories (5–10 working days). Super priority: next working day (where available).
Fees: Skilled Worker visa: £769–£1,519 (outside UK) / £885–£1,751 (inside UK) depending on duration (updated April 2025, skills charge December 2025). Student visa: £524. Family visa: £1,938. Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £1,035/year (£776 for students). Immigration Skills Charge (employer-paid): £1,320/year for large sponsors, £480/year for small sponsors (increased December 2025). General salary threshold: £41,700.
Appointment: Online application via gov.uk. Biometrics appointment required at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) or UKVCAS service point. Book via the gov.uk portal after submitting the online form.
Required Documents:
- Valid passport (with at least 6 months remaining validity)
- Certificate of Sponsorship (COS) reference number from employer (Skilled Worker) or Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from university (Student)
- Proof of English language ability (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent — minimum B2 for Skilled Worker/Scale-up visas since January 2026; B1 for family visas)
- Proof of sufficient funds (maintenance requirement: £1,270 held for 28 consecutive days)
- Tuberculosis (TB) test certificate (if from a listed country)
- Criminal record certificate (for some visa types)
- Passport-sized biometric photo
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) payment confirmation
Where to Do It:
Apply online at gov.uk. Biometrics collected at UKVCAS centres (in the UK) or Visa Application Centres (outside the UK). In London: multiple UKVCAS locations. VACs operate in most countries worldwide.
If You Don't Do It:
Working or residing in the UK without a valid visa is a criminal offence. Penalties include fines, detention, deportation, and entry bans of up to 10 years. Employers face fines of up to £60,000 per illegal worker.
Regional Variations: Same immigration system applies across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Scotland has additional pathways under consideration. Northern Ireland has some special provisions under the Windsor Framework for EU goods.
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