Congratulations on reaching this pivotal stage in your journey towards working in the UK! With a job offer in hand, you're now just one step away from realizing your dreams on British soil. The only thing standing between you and your new adventure is your entry ticket - your UK visa. I recently received my skilled worker visa and thought I will write about it while it's fresh. Hope it helps!
Unlike the extensive document requirements for your previous PLAB visitor visa, the Skilled Worker Visa application process is streamlined. Here's a rundown of the key documents you'll need to ensure a smooth visa application:
Passport: Your trusted travel companion remains a vital component. Ensure it's up-to-date and ready for your UK endeavor.
GMC Registration: Your General Medical Council (GMC) registration is essential, affirming your eligibility to practice in the UK's medical field.
Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): This document, provided by your sponsoring employer, holds paramount importance. It contains intricate details about your visa, including the Certificate number, reference code, salary specifics, etc. You'll need to meticulously fill these details into your visa application.
Police Clearance Certificate: A certificate from your local police authority certifying your clean record is necessary. For those in Mumbai, the application process is facilitated through the Passport Seva Kendra portal How to Apply for Passport | Steps for applying Passport Application (passportindia.gov.in). After filling an online application form and scheduling an appointment, you'll visit the nearest passport center for biometrics and document verification. Subsequently, the certificate will be directed to the local police station for verification and sent via post to your address after a satisfactory check. Given that this process can take roughly 3-4 weeks, proactive application and planning are prudent.
Tuberculosis (TB) Test: Ensuring public health, a TB test is mandatory from India (Check if your country is listed). Information about testing centers in your city can be found on the official gov.uk website. Following an appointment, the testing process is swift, with reports typically delivered within an hour.
Additional Document Requirements: Should your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) explicitly state 'provide maintenance for the applicant,' you're exempt from this requirement. However, if it isn't indicated, demonstrating funds in your bank account for over 28 days becomes necessary.
With these essentials covered, let's navigate the comprehensive skilled worker visa application process:
Signing Up and Account Creation: Initiating your application entails signing in and creating an account on the official Skilled Worker visa portal provided by the UK government Skilled Worker visa: Overview - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). Familiarize yourself with the instructions and information meticulously detailed on the platform. The comprehensive guidance addresses almost every query you might encounter.
Personal Information:The first segment centers on your personal details, and it's a straightforward procedure. Provide your name, address, date of birth, contact information, and national ID particulars.
Intended date of travel: Your CoS outlines the job's commencement date as per the sponsoring employer's indication. However, it's not uncommon for it to slightly differ in reality. However, ensure that the entry date you provide on your application corresponds as closely as possible to your intended travel date because this date will be mentioned on your visa.
Parent Details:Supplying information about your parents is also straightforward and follows the same pattern.
Previous UK Employment:Indicate if you've had any prior employment in the UK. Be sure to answer truthfully.
Immediate Family in the UK:Inform the authorities if you have immediate family members already residing in the UK.
Accommodation Details:Even if you haven't yet secured accommodation, you can describe your intentions in the corresponding box. Mention the vicinity you plan to reside in, whether it's an Airbnb, privately rented house, or another option.
Travel History to the UK:Detail your previous visits to the UK, including your PLAB 2 visit. Specify the duration, reason, and dates of your stay.
Travel History:For the past decade, outline every country you've visited (might become a tad tedious if your travels have been extensive)
Other History and Convictions:Answer questions regarding any history, convictions, or penalties as required.
Sponsor Details:This is a critical section where your CoS comes into play. Your CoS will include essential details such as eligibility for healthcare and the worker visa, license number, certificate reference number, job title, and salary.
Language Requirement:Given that you've already provided language proof for your GMC registration, simply tick 'yes' when asked if you've passed an English Language assessment accepted by the relevant regulated professional body as a requirement for registration.
Document Submission:You'll be presented with a list of mandatory documents to submit. (Passport, Police clearance certificate).
Payment:Provide your nearest BRP (Biometric Residence Permit) collection location and proceed with the payment. It costs around 27k INR (approx. 260 pounds) for the standard visa (less than 3 years) service.
Consent and Declaration:Complete the application process by consenting and declaring the provided information's accurate.
That’s it, you've successfully completed your visa application!
Let's delve into the remaining process and options available to you.
Proceeding to VFS Global Website:You will now be redirected to the VFS Global website. Here, you'll have the opportunity to book your appointment date and time slot, tailoring the process to your preferences.
Considering Premium Services:VFS Global offers premium services, including the option for a Priority Visa. My personal choice was the Standard Visa, which provided me with my visa in a mere 10 working days. For added convenience and peace of mind, you can opt for services such as SMS tracking, document scanning, courier service, etc. Personally, I chose all three to eliminate any concerns and ensure a smooth and stress-free visa process.
Document Scanning and Upload (if applicable):If you haven't opted for the document scanning service, you'll need to upload your documents through the VFS Global portal. This step ensures all your necessary documents are digitally available for the processing team.
Payment and Confirmation:Finalize your chosen premium services by making the required payments.
Visit the Visa Centre:The penultimate step entails visiting the designated visa center for your biometrics and document verification.
With the biometrics and verification completed, the hard part is behind you. Now, you can sit back, relax, and await the arrival of your visa. The likelihood of encountering any hiccups at this stage is minimal, and the rejection of your visa is highly unlikely.
All the best and I'm confident that your upcoming experiences in the UK will be nothing short of remarkable!!
I invite you to share your insights and experiences in the comments below. If you have any tips, observations, or personal anecdotes related to the visa process, your input could prove invaluable to fellow applicants.
Thank you for such detailed and insightful article. Very helpful!