Work / Immigration visa · Malawi to United Kingdom

Skilled Worker Visa

Embassy required

Processing time
3 weeks from outside UK
Fee
£769 to £1,519
Validity
Depends on Certificate of Sponsorship duration
Entry
Multiple entry

Replaced Tier 2 General visa. Requires Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from licensed UK employer. Minimum salary £25,000 or occupation-specific rate. English language requirement raised to B2 CEFR from January 8, 2026. Can lead to settlement after 5 years.

Eligibility

  • Employment

    Must have job offer from UK employer with valid sponsor license. Job must be on eligible occupation list.

    Required status: Job offer from licensed sponsor

  • Financial

    Minimum salary £25,000 or occupation-specific rate (whichever higher). Some occupations have lower thresholds.

    Minimum funds: £25,000 annual salary (general minimum)

  • Purpose of visit

    Skilled employment in eligible occupation

    Includes
    • Skilled work in SOC occupation

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 0

  • Photo

    Count: 1; Specifications: Digital photo for online application

  • Proof of funds

    Accepted forms: Bank statements showing funds for 28 consecutive days; Minimum amount: £1,270

  • Application form

    Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

    Form name: Skilled Worker Visa Application; Form url: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa

  • Biometrics appointment

    Booking url: https://www.gov.uk/ukvcas; Location: Visa Application Centre or UKVCAS

  • Language proficiency

    Accepted tests: IELTS for UKVI, PTE Academic UKVI, LanguageCert SELT, Trinity College SELT; Minimum score: B2 CEFR (from January 8, 2026)

  • Sponsorship certificate

    Certificate name: Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS); Sponsor type: UK employer with valid sponsor license

  • Tuberculosis test

    Test type: TB test from approved clinic if from listed country; Validity months: 6

  • Health surcharge

    Amount: £1,035 per year; Applicant category: Main applicant and dependants

  • Criminal record certificate

    Provide a police or criminal record certificate from the country or countries requested by the destination authority.

    Issuing authority: Issuing authority; Validity months: 12

How to apply

  1. Online application

    Apply online with Certificate of Sponsorship reference number

  2. Document gathering

    Gather CoS details, passport, English language certificate (B2 level), TB certificate if required, bank statements

  3. Fee payment

    Pay visa fee (£769-£1,519 depending on duration) plus Immigration Health Surcharge £1,035/year

  4. Biometrics

    Provide fingerprints and photograph at VAC or use ID Check app

  5. Processing wait

    Wait for decision (priority service £500, super-priority £1,000 available)

  6. Visa collection

    Receive eVisa or collect passport with entry clearance

Sign in to apply
This information is general guidance only and can change frequently. Always verify with the official embassy or consulate before making travel plans. Contact [email protected] for help.

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