Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for UK Work Opportunities

Considering the career shift in the UK? You are not all alone. UK is also a major attraction site to the professionals with fresh opportunities and culture. However, the burden of UK work visa and employment can be burdensome.

This step-by-step manual is a complete guide that is meant to slice through the confusion. We are going to take you through it, starting with the knowledge of visa sponsorship up to the preparation of your paperwork so that you are properly prepared to apply successfully to the UK work opportunities.

Understand the UK’s Points-Based Immigration System

The foundation of the UK’s work visa system is its points-based system. This framework assesses applicants based on a set of criteria, and you must score a minimum number of points to be eligible. The key requirements usually include having a job offer from a licensed employer, meeting a specific skill level, and proving your English language proficiency.

Find a Job with a Licensed Sponsorship

This is the most crucial step. The majority of the international workers will require obtaining an employment offer by a UK employer on a valid Sponsor Licence. This is not just any job advert, but a word of honor to the employer that he will sponsor your visa.

• Job Portals: Use such sites as LinkedIn, Indeed and Reed, and filter them based on the search term visa sponsorship. This assists you to filter out those companies that are not legally entitled to employ workers of international nature.
• Company Websites: Individual companies and government bodies such as the NHS have their own careers page where they include a specific section of international applicants.

Secure Your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

A licensed UK employer will then issue you with a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) once he has given you a formal job offer. This is not a piece of paper certificate, it is a special electronic reference number necessary in your visa application. It is full of the essential information regarding your job and includes:

• Occupation code and job title.
• The amount of money you will earn every year, and this should be at least the minimum amount you are to earn as per the minimum salary requirement in your job description.
• The date when you started working.
• You cannot continue with your visa application without a valid CoS.

Prepare Your Application Documents

The collection of the appropriate documents is the step towards the perfect course. One misplaced or wrongly filled paper may cause some delays or even rejection. The following is a list of a checklist of the documents you are likely to need:

• Passport: An original working passport containing at least 1 blank page.
• Certificate of Sponsorship: The certificate of Sponsorship is the unique number given by your employer.
• English Language Proficiency: Evidence of that you satisfy the B1 level of English. This may be either a Secure English Language Test (SELT) or a degree certificate of a university taught in English.
• Proof of Funds: You may be required to demonstrate that you hold sufficient personal savings to maintain yourself in the UK, unless your employer confirms that he or she will maintain you.
• Tuberculosis (TB) Test: When a country that you are applying to requires a TB test, you will be expected to have a valid certificate.
• Criminal Record Certificate: This is a document necessary to occupy some sensitive positions, particularly within the medical and educational fields.

Complete the Online Visa Application

With your CoS and documents ready, you’ll complete the official online application form on the GOV.UK website. Be meticulously accurate when filling out the form, as the information must match your CoS and supporting documents exactly. During this step, you will also pay the visa fees and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), a mandatory annual fee that gives you access to the National Health Service (NHS).

Book and Attend Your Biometrics Appointment

After submitting your online application, you’ll be directed to book a biometrics appointment. At this appointment, you’ll provide your fingerprints and a digital photograph. This information is used for your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), which serves as your physical proof of your right to live and work in the UK.

Plan for Your Move and Career Development

The journey does not end at the time that you get your visa and land in the UK.

• Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR): A significant amount of workers under a Skilled Worker Visa may apply to Indefinite Leave to Remain after 5 years and permanently resides in the UK with the right to work and live there.
• Networking: Participate in professional groups and associations so as to create a network and get new opportunities.
• CV/Resume: Customize your CV/Resume to the UK version.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

It might be true that the journey of being employed in UK is difficult, but through proper planning and knowledge on how the application process works, then it can be done. With the concentration in getting a job with a licensed sponsor and careful preparation of your documents, you will be on your way to a successful career in the UK.