Eligibility Requirements
- Job offer from a UK-licensed sponsor employer with a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
- Job must be on the eligible occupation list at RQF Level 3 or above
- Minimum salary of GBP 38,700 per year (2024 threshold) or the going rate for the occupation, whichever is higher
- English language proficiency - at least B1 level (IELTS 4.0 or equivalent)
- At least GBP 1,270 in personal savings maintained for 28 consecutive days (unless employer certifies maintenance)
- Valid passport and no criminal record that would make you inadmissible
- Tuberculosis (TB) test certificate from an approved clinic in Bangladesh
Required Documents
6 mandatory documents Β· 1 supporting documents recommended
Mandatory Documents
Valid Passport
RequiredPassport must be valid for the duration of intended stay. Previous passports also required.
Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) Reference Number
RequiredProvided by your UK employer. Contains details of your job offer, salary, and sponsorship. Enter this number in your online application.
UK Employer Job Offer Letter
RequiredFormal job offer letter from your UK sponsor confirming role, salary, and start date.
English Language Evidence
RequiredIELTS Academic/General score of 4.0 minimum in each component, or a degree taught in English, or nationality from an English-speaking country.
Financial Evidence (Maintenance Funds)
RequiredBank statements showing GBP 1,270 maintained for 28 consecutive days unless your CoS states the employer certifies maintenance.
TB Test Certificate
RequiredTuberculosis test from a UKVI-approved clinic in Bangladesh (e.g., BRAC or approved Dhaka clinics). Valid for 6 months.
Supporting Documents (Recommended)
Academic Qualifications
OptionalDegree certificates and transcripts for qualifications relevant to the job role.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Secure a Job Offer from a Licensed Sponsor
Find a UK employer who holds a valid Skilled Worker sponsor licence. The employer will issue you a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) - a unique reference number tied to your specific job offer. Without a CoS, you cannot apply for this visa.
Get TB Test Done
Book and complete a tuberculosis test at a UKVI-approved clinic in Bangladesh. The test involves a chest X-ray. Results are valid for 6 months. You will receive a certificate to submit with your application.
Complete IELTS or English Proficiency Test
If your qualifications are not from an English-speaking country and are not a UK degree, you must demonstrate English at B1 level. IELTS is the most common option (minimum 4.0 in each component). Book through British Council Bangladesh.
Apply Online at gov.uk
Complete the Skilled Worker visa application at gov.uk. Enter your CoS reference number, personal details, employment information, and upload supporting documents. Pay the visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) online.
Book and Attend VFS Appointment
Book a biometric appointment at VFS Global Dhaka. Attend on your appointment date with your original documents, passport, and application confirmation. VFS submits your biometrics to UKVI.
Await UKVI Decision
UKVI processes your application, typically within 3 weeks for standard processing. Priority (5 working days) and Super Priority (next working day) services are available at additional cost.
Collect BRP and Travel to UK
If approved, you will receive a vignette visa to travel to the UK. On arrival, collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) from a designated Post Office within 10 days.
Fees Breakdown
All fees are approximate. Exchange rates change β confirm current amounts before applying.
| Fee Type | Amount (BDT) |
|---|---|
| Skilled Worker Visa Fee (up to 3 years) | ৳ 83,000 |
| Skilled Worker Visa Fee (more than 3 years) | ৳ 164,000 |
| Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) - per year | ৳ 120,000 |
| TB Test | ৳ 5,800 |
| Priority Service (optional) | ৳ 29,000 |
* Fees subject to change. Always verify on the official visa portal or VFS Global website before applying.
Processing Time
Standard processing for UK Skilled Worker visa applications from Bangladesh is 3 weeks from biometric submission. Priority processing (additional GBP 250) promises a decision within 5 working days. The total process including job offer, TB test, and IELTS typically takes 2-3 months from start to finish.
Where to Apply in Bangladesh
Apply online at gov.uk for the Skilled Worker visa. You must submit biometrics in person at VFS Global UK Visa Application Centre, Dhaka (Gulshan) or Chittagong. The UK Sponsor employer applies for your Certificate of Sponsorship through the UK government sponsor management system before you begin your personal visa application.
Interview Tips
The Skilled Worker visa route typically does not require a personal interview. However, if UKVI has doubts about your qualifications, English proficiency, or the genuineness of your employment, they may request additional documents or a short interview at VFS.
Common Rejection Reasons
Avoid these common mistakes that cause visa refusals:
- Salary below the GBP 38,700 threshold or below the going rate for the occupation
- Employer sponsor licence revoked or expired
- Certificate of Sponsorship details do not match job offer letter
- TB test not completed or certificate expired
- English language evidence insufficient
- Maintenance funds requirement not met (GBP 1,270 for 28 days)
- Previous UK immigration violations or overstays
- Occupation not on the eligible occupation list
Frequently Asked Questions β United Kingdom Work Visa
Q1. What is the minimum salary for a UK Skilled Worker visa in 2025?
The general salary threshold is GBP 38,700 per year (increased in April 2024). For shortage occupations and some healthcare roles, lower thresholds may apply. Some roles like nurses have specific going rates below this threshold. Always check the current UKVI salary guidance for your specific occupation code (SOC code).
Q2. Can my family come with me on a Skilled Worker visa?
Yes. Your spouse/partner and children under 18 can come as dependants on a UK Skilled Worker visa. They can work freely in the UK (no job offer needed). Each dependant requires a separate visa application and pays their own IHS surcharge.
Q3. How long is a Skilled Worker visa valid?
Up to 5 years per application, or the length of your Certificate of Sponsorship plus 1 month, whichever is shorter. You can extend it once you are in the UK. After 5 years continuous residence, you may be eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
Q4. What is the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)?
The IHS is a mandatory fee that gives you access to the UK National Health Service (NHS) during your stay. It is GBP 1,035 per person per year (2024 rate). For a 5-year visa with a family of 3, this could be GBP 15,525 in IHS alone - budget for this carefully.
Related Visa Guides
Other United Kingdom Visas
Work Visa for Other Countries
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