Documents you'll need to apply

When you apply you’ll need to provide:

  • your certificate of sponsorship reference number - your UK sponsor will give you this
  • a valid passport or other document that shows your identity and nationality
  • your job title and your job’s occupation code
  • the name of your sponsor and their sponsor licence number - this will be on your certificate of sponsorship
  • evidence that you have enough personal savings to support yourself in the UK, for example bank statements (unless your certificate of sponsorship shows your sponsor can support you)
  • proof of your relationship with your partner or children if they’re applying with you
  • your tuberculosis test results if you’re from a listed country

Ask your UK sponsor for a copy of your certificate of sponsorship if you do not have one.

Other documents you might need

Depending on your circumstances, you might be asked to provide:

  • evidence you’ve worked for your employer outside the UK
  • a valid ATAS certificate if your sponsor tells you that you need one because your job involves researching a sensitive subject at PhD level or higher

You’ll need a blank page in your passport for your visa if you need to give your biometric information (fingerprints and a photograph) at a visa application centre. You’ll be told if you need to do this when you apply.

If your documents are not in English or Welsh you’ll also need to provide a certified translation.

Evidence you’ve worked for your employer outside the UK

After you apply you might be asked to show you’ve worked for your overseas employer outside the UK for 12 months.

If you’re asked, you’ll need to show you’ve been paid by your employer over this time period. You can provide:

  • printed payslips
  • online payslips supported by a letter from your sponsor signed by a senior staff member
  • bank or building society statements
  • a building society pass book