UK Immigration Application Guide
UKVI Guide: How to Apply for a UK Skilled Worker or Student Visa Online
Planning to study or work in the United Kingdom? UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) manages the UK visa application and immigration decision process. Applicants can complete many visa applications online through official GOV.UK services, submit supporting evidence, pay applicable fees and follow instructions for proving their identity.
The correct application route depends on whether you want to study at an eligible institution or take an eligible job with a licensed sponsoring employer. A Student visa and a Skilled Worker visa have different eligibility requirements, documents, fees and immigration conditions.
Official website: GOV.UK – Official UK Government Services
What Are UKVI and GOV.UK?
UK Visas and Immigration is part of the UK Home Office and is responsible for deciding many visa and immigration applications. GOV.UK is the official UK government website where applicants can find visa rules, eligibility checks, application forms, fees and instructions.
The application process usually involves selecting the correct visa, checking eligibility, preparing documents, completing the online form, paying the required fees and proving your identity. Depending on your circumstances, you may need to attend a visa application centre for biometrics or use the UK Immigration: ID Check app.
- Student visa: For eligible students aged 16 or over who intend to study an eligible course in the UK.
- Skilled Worker visa: For eligible workers with a qualifying job offer from an approved UK sponsor.
- Online application: Applications are submitted through the official route specified for the visa category.
- Identity verification: May involve an app-based identity check or an in-person biometric appointment.
- Digital immigration status: Successful applicants may receive an eVisa and need a UKVI account to access their status.
Student Visa vs Skilled Worker Visa
| Feature | Student Visa | Skilled Worker Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Main purpose | Study an eligible course | Work in an eligible sponsored job |
| Key requirement | Offer from a licensed student sponsor and a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) | Eligible job offer and Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from an approved sponsor |
| Financial evidence | Course fees and living-cost evidence where required | Maintenance funds unless an exemption or sponsor certification applies |
| English language | Requirements depend on the course and applicable rules | Must meet the route-specific English requirement or applicable exemption |
| Application route | Student visa online application | Skilled Worker visa application |
Choose the route that matches your actual purpose. A university admission offer alone does not provide a Student visa, and a job offer alone does not guarantee a Skilled Worker visa.
How to Apply for a UK Student Visa Online
Students normally need an unconditional offer for an eligible course from a licensed student sponsor and a valid Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) before applying.
- Choose an eligible course: Research UK universities or education providers and confirm that the institution can sponsor students for the relevant course.
- Receive your offer: Complete the university admission process and satisfy any academic or language conditions.
- Obtain your CAS: The institution issues a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies when you meet its requirements for sponsorship.
- Check the visa requirements: Review the official Student visa guidance for age, course, financial evidence, English language and any additional requirements.
- Prepare your documents: Collect your passport, CAS details, financial evidence and any additional documents required for your circumstances.
- Complete the online form: Use the official GOV.UK Student visa application page and provide accurate information.
- Pay the application fee and IHS: Pay the applicable visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge if required.
- Prove your identity: Follow the instructions to use the UK Immigration: ID Check app or attend a biometric appointment.
- Submit supporting evidence: Upload documents or provide them through the method specified in your application instructions.
- Wait for the decision: Monitor your email and application account for the decision or requests for further evidence.
Apply through the official website: Apply for a UK Student Visa Online
UK Student Visa Eligibility and Documents
Eligibility depends on your age, course, sponsor and personal circumstances. Applicants usually need to demonstrate that they meet the relevant Student visa requirements.
- A valid passport or other accepted travel document.
- A valid Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).
- Evidence of funds for course fees and living costs, where required.
- Proof of English language ability, where required.
- A tuberculosis (TB) test certificate if the rules require one for your application.
- An Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate if your course and circumstances require it.
- Parental consent and financial evidence for eligible applicants under 18, where required.
- Certified translations for documents that are not in English or Welsh.
The exact checklist depends on the applicant and course. Check the official requirements before paying or submitting your application.
Official guidance: Student Visa – Eligibility and Requirements
How to Apply for a UK Skilled Worker Visa Online
The Skilled Worker visa is intended for eligible applicants who have a qualifying job offer from an employer approved to sponsor workers under the relevant route.
- Find an eligible job: Identify a role that meets the current occupation, skill and salary requirements.
- Check the employer: Confirm that the employer is authorised to sponsor workers for the relevant route.
- Receive your Certificate of Sponsorship: Your employer assigns the required electronic CoS with details of the job and sponsorship.
- Review eligibility: Check the occupation code, salary threshold, English language requirement and any route-specific conditions.
- Prepare supporting documents: Gather passport details, CoS reference, evidence of English proficiency and any additional documents required for your circumstances.
- Complete the online application: Use the official Skilled Worker visa application service and enter your information accurately.
- Pay the visa fee: The fee depends on the length of permission, where you apply and whether a reduced-fee category applies.
- Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge: Pay it if required. Some immigration routes, including the eligible Health and Care Worker route, have different rules.
- Prove your identity: Use the app if eligible or follow the instructions for biometric enrolment.
- Submit your documents and wait: Provide all required evidence and check your application account and email for updates.
Apply through the official website: Apply for a Skilled Worker Visa from Outside the UK
Skilled Worker Visa Eligibility and Documents
The Skilled Worker route has specific requirements. Meeting one requirement does not automatically mean you qualify for the visa.
- A valid job offer from an approved sponsor.
- A valid Certificate of Sponsorship reference.
- A job that meets the applicable occupation and skill requirements.
- Salary that meets the relevant threshold and occupation-specific going rate, subject to applicable exceptions.
- Evidence of English language ability or an applicable exemption.
- Maintenance funds, unless an exemption or sponsor certification applies.
- A valid passport or accepted travel document.
- A criminal record certificate for certain jobs, where required.
- An ATAS certificate if the role and research circumstances require one.
- Certified translations for documents not in English or Welsh.
Salary thresholds and eligible occupations can change. Confirm the latest rules and do not rely on old job listings or outdated immigration advice.
Official document checklist: Documents Required for a Skilled Worker Visa
Check the official occupation and salary rules: Skilled Worker Visa – Full Guidance
UK Visa Application Fees in 2026
The fees below reflect the published UK government fee information available in October 2026. Your exact total depends on the visa route, duration, application location and eligibility for any reduced fee or exemption. Always check the official fee page before paying.
| Fee | Published Amount |
|---|---|
| Student visa application from outside the UK | £558 |
| Student visa Immigration Health Surcharge | Usually £776 per year for eligible student applicants, calculated according to visa length |
| Skilled Worker visa from outside the UK, up to 3 years | Usually £819 per applicant under the standard fee category |
| Skilled Worker visa from outside the UK, more than 3 years | Usually £1,618 per applicant under the standard fee category |
| Skilled Worker Immigration Health Surcharge | Usually £1,035 per year, unless an exemption applies |
Reduced Skilled Worker fees may apply to certain eligible jobs, including jobs on the Immigration Salary List. The Health and Care Worker visa has separate fee and surcharge rules for eligible applicants.
Additional costs may include biometric appointment services, translations, tests, document certification and travel to an application centre. Optional priority services may be available for some applications but do not guarantee approval.
Official fee checker: UK Visa Fees
Official healthcare surcharge information: Immigration Health Surcharge Rates
How to Prove Your Identity and Submit Biometrics
After starting your application, UKVI will tell you how to prove your identity. Depending on your passport and application route, you may be able to use the UK Immigration: ID Check app or need to attend an appointment at a visa application centre.
- Follow the identity verification instructions shown in your official application.
- Keep your passport and required documents available.
- Attend your biometric appointment if instructed to do so.
- Upload documents in the specified format or submit them through the authorised process.
- Keep appointment confirmations and submission receipts.
A biometric appointment or document submission does not mean that your application has been approved. UKVI makes the decision after assessing the application and evidence.
Official identity and biometrics guidance: Pay Fees and Prove Your Identity
UK Visa Processing Times
Published standard processing guidance generally indicates the following timeframes once the application, identity checks and required evidence have been completed. These are estimates, not guaranteed decision dates.
| Application Route | Usual Published Time |
|---|---|
| Student visa from outside the UK | Usually 3 weeks |
| Student visa extension or switch inside the UK | Usually 8 weeks |
| Skilled Worker visa from outside the UK | Usually 3 weeks |
Processing may take longer if UKVI needs to verify documents, request additional evidence, conduct an interview or review individual circumstances. Check the official processing-time service close to the date you apply.
Official guidance: Applying Online and Getting a Decision
UKVI Visa Application Safety Tips
- Start applications through GOV.UK and verify the full web address before entering personal information.
- Never use forged documents, fake job offers or false financial evidence.
- Do not pay anyone who guarantees visa approval or claims to have special influence over UKVI.
- Verify that a Skilled Worker employer is authorised to sponsor workers.
- Confirm that a university or education provider is eligible to sponsor Student visa applicants.
- Keep your passport information, application reference and login credentials secure.
- Review every answer before submission and save a copy of the application.
- Do not book non-refundable travel until you have received the relevant visa decision and checked your permission details.
If you use an immigration adviser, check whether they are appropriately regulated or authorised for the service they provide. An adviser cannot guarantee a positive decision.
What Happens After Your Visa Is Approved?
If your application is successful, follow the instructions in the decision notification. UK immigration status is increasingly managed digitally through an eVisa, and you may need to create or access a UKVI account to view your status and link the correct travel document.
- Read your decision email or letter carefully.
- Set up or access your UKVI account if instructed.
- Check your eVisa details and ensure your passport information is correct.
- Review the conditions attached to your visa, including work or study restrictions.
- Follow the instructions for travel and entry to the UK.
Official eVisa guidance: View and Prove Your UK Immigration Status
Official UKVI Application Links
- Student Visa – GOV.UK — eligibility, documents and conditions.
- Apply for a Student Visa Online — official application process.
- Skilled Worker Visa – GOV.UK — eligibility, salary and sponsorship rules.
- Apply for a Skilled Worker Visa — official online application route for applicants outside the UK.
- UK Visa Fees — check current application costs.
- Immigration Health Surcharge — who pays and how the charge is calculated.
- UK eVisa Information — access your digital immigration status.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I apply for a UK visa online?
Yes. Student and Skilled Worker visa applications are submitted online through the relevant official GOV.UK application service.
2. What is the difference between a Student visa and a Skilled Worker visa?
A Student visa is for eligible study programmes, while a Skilled Worker visa is for eligible employment with an approved sponsoring employer. Their eligibility criteria and conditions differ.
3. How much is the UK Student visa application fee?
The published fee for a Student visa application from outside the UK is £558 as of October 2026. The Immigration Health Surcharge may be payable separately. Check the official fee page before submitting your application.
4. How much does a Skilled Worker visa cost?
The standard application fee from outside the UK is usually £819 for a stay of up to three years or £1,618 for more than three years. Reduced fees may apply in eligible categories, and the healthcare surcharge is generally additional unless exempt.
5. Do I need to visit a visa application centre?
It depends on your passport, location and application. Some applicants can use the UK Immigration: ID Check app, while others must attend an appointment for biometrics and supporting documents.
6. How long does a UK visa decision take?
Student and Skilled Worker applications made outside the UK usually take around three weeks after the required application steps are completed. Complex cases can take longer, so check the official processing-time guidance.
7. Does visa approval automatically give me permanent residence?
No. A Student visa is temporary permission to study. A Skilled Worker visa may provide a route towards settlement if all applicable requirements are met, but settlement is a separate process and is not automatic.
