Congratulations on securing your FY1 position! This is an exciting milestone in your medical career. As you prepare for this new journey, one of your key tasks will be navigating the Skilled Worker Visa application process (previously known as the Tier 2 General visa). This guide will walk you through the steps to make your application process as smooth as possible.
Contents
1. Obtain a Job Offer from Oriel
The first step is to obtain a job offer via the Oriel system. Review the timelines and specific requirements for your training pathway, as these will guide your CoS application process.
2. Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) Application & Requirements
The Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) confirms your NHS Trust is sponsoring your visa application. After receiving your job offer, the NHS England National Overseas Sponsorship Team will provide you with the login details to complete your application on the Overseas Sponsorship Portal.
Once registered, you will be required to fill in your personal, educational, passport, visa, and program details, and upload copies of the required documents before submitting your application. Confirm the official start and end dates with your trust to complete the portal accurately. After your CoS is certified, you can apply for your Skilled Worker visa with UKVI. CoS is typically issued no more than three months before your start date (e.g. for an August start, requests can begin in May). The initial CoS and Immigration Skills Charge (ISC) are covered by NHS England. If you do not utilise your CoS before its expiration, you will be responsible for paying for a new one.
Tip:
To avoid discrepancies in your details, ensure that you specify the country and address where you intend to apply for your UK visa. This can help prevent delays!
For a detailed step-by-step guide, a Yorkshire and Humber CoS Guide is available: Yorkshire and Humber CoS Guide.
More information can also be found on the HEE website regarding the application process: HEE Website.
3. Visa Application Portal
Begin your visa application by creating an account on the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) Government website. If applying from outside the UK, follow the prompts carefully to ensure accurate information is provided while completing the application form, paying fees, and booking biometric appointments. Ensure all details match the documents you have gathered.
4. Gather the Required Documents for the Visa application
As you navigate the visa application process, the portal will customise the list of required documents based on your circumstances. Typically, you will need:
- Medical qualification certificate
- Valid passport or other document that shows your identity and nationality.
- Recent passport-sized photographs.
- A valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) Reference number.
- Proof of your English language proficiency.
UKVI states that doctors are exempt from proving English proficiency if they have already passed an accepted English language assessment. Otherwise, you can prove your knowledge of English by:
- Passing a Secure English Language Test (SELT) from approved providers such as LanguageCert, Pearson, PSI Services (UK) Ltd – Skills for English (UKVI), or the IELTS SELT Consortium. Ensure this is awarded within two years before your application date.
- Achieving a GCSE, A level, Scottish National Qualification level 4 or 5, Scottish Higher, or Advanced Higher in English, obtained through study at a UK school that commenced when you were under 18.
- Holding a degree-level academic qualification taught in English – You will need to apply through Ecctis for confirmation that your qualification is equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or PhD. For Ecctis, you will need to create a portal on their website and provide:
- Final medical degree certificate
- Official transcripts
- Medium of instruction letter from your institution confirming the language of study
- Original documents in their original language along with certified translations if they were not issued in English, and your passport/photo ID
- Evidence of any name change if the name used during your studies differs from your current legal name
- NB: The processing time for this order is approximately ten working days and costs around £140, depending on your chosen delivery option.
- Medical qualification certificate
You must have at least £1,270 available unless you qualify for specific exemptions. This amount must be maintained for a minimum of 28 consecutive days, with day 28 falling within 31 days of your visa application. You will need to provide evidence of your savings (e.g. bank statements) unless you have resided in the UK for 12 months lawfully, or if your sponsor agrees to cover up to £1,270 in your first month in the UK. If you have dependents, your partner and children will also need to demonstrate their ability to support themselves while in the UK. Refer to the financial evidence guide for more information: Financial Evidence Guide. The cost of the application fee ranges from £719 to £1,639 depending on your specific circumstances.
- Police clearance certificate
If you are appointed to a training program in the UK and require Skilled Worker sponsorship, you must provide a criminal record certificate to UKVI when making your visa application from outside the UK. This includes certificates from any country where you have resided for 12 months or more, consecutively or cumulatively, within the past ten years, if aged 18 or over. Note that this is separate from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks conducted by your employing trust.
Tip:
It can take some time to obtain a criminal record certificate, so it may be helpful for you to begin the process of seeking certificates if required at the earliest opportunity you get!
Helpful links on how to obtain certificates from relevant authorities abroad can be found on the UKVI website: Criminal Records Checks for Overseas Applicants and Foreign Embassies in the UK.
- Tuberculosis test results (if required)
Visit the UKVI website for the latest list of countries where a TB test is required for your UK visa application: TB Test Visa Requirements.
- Proof of your relationship with your partner or children if they’re applying with you
The processing time begins after all biometric information has been submitted. Standard processing can take up to three weeks, with expedited options available for an additional fee.
5. Biometric Appointment
In most cases, you will need to attend a biometric appointment to provide your fingerprints and photograph at a visa application centre. Instructions will be provided during your application process. Be aware that the centre may need to retain your passport and documents while processing your application, and you may need to travel to your nearest visa application centre (which could be located in another country). Ensure you bring the necessary documents with you, including your passport and confirmation of your visa application. Some organisations may allow you to upload documents online. After submitting your application, you’ll need to await a decision. Processing times can vary, so stay vigilant for any communications from the UK Visa and Immigration office.
6. Receiving Visa
Once your application is approved, your passport will be stamped with a vignette, allowing you to enter the UK within the 30 days specified on your visa vignette. You will receive instructions on collecting your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) card from a designated post office, typically within ten days of your arrival.
7. On Arrival in the UK
Collecting your BRP should be one of your priorities, as it is required for official purposes. As of 2024, all new BRPs will expire on December 31, 2024. BRPs are being replaced by eVisas, which act as a digital record of your immigration status. After setting up your eVisa account, you will be able to generate a share code to verify your immigration status online without a BRP, which can be shared with landlords or employers. Remember to update your CoS portal with your eVisa share code.
8. Final Tips
Begin preparing in advance by collecting all necessary documents before starting your application. This includes your passport, Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), proof of English language proficiency, and financial documentation. Failing to provide all required documents can lead to delays.
Accurately complete all sections of the online application form. Review all information to catch any errors that could lead to delays. Ensure you select the correct visa category, and make sure your visa is approved before your official start date to prevent any employment complications.
Stay organised and track all deadlines to avoid delays. While the process may seem overwhelming, remember you’re not alone—reach out to your peers for support, and feel free to join our WhatsApp groups to connect with other IMGs and get more tips and tricks!
Useful Links
Overview of the Skilled Worker Visa: Skilled Worker Visa
Updated as of Nov 2024 based on UKVI guidance.
Written by Dr Adeline Kon FY1
