Cheapest Ways to Get a UK Visa Without Paying an Agent

Are you visiting the United Kingdom to further your education or to discover the country’s rich culture and attractions? You don’t always need the help of a travel agent to obtain a visa.

The United Kingdom is a nation you don’t need an agent to relocate, but this may seem difficult. However, use this step-by-step guide to help you with your UK visa application.

How to apply for a visa without an agent

Step 1: Apply on GOV.UK

Complete your online application form at https://visas-immigration.service.gov.uk/apply-uk-visa. Note that you should apply for your visa long before your travel dates.

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Step 2: Sign up with VFS Global to schedule an appointment and choose services.

After completing the online form and paying the visa fee, you will be sent to the VFS Global website where you can upload documents online and/or choose from a selection of practical and optional visa services. If you do not want to self-upload your documents, you can pay for expert assistance at the Visa Application Center with our Document Scanning Assistance service. Schedule a visit to the VFS Global Visa Application Center.

Step 3: Review and Pay.

After scheduling your session, you will be required to review, confirm, and pay for any additional services you have requested.

Step 4: Submit your biometrics at the VFS Global Visa Application Center.

You should come 15 minutes before your booked appointment at the visa application center. Do not forget to bring your

  • Confirmation of the appointment letter
  • Checklist of documents
  • If not previously placed online, travel and supporting documents

When to Apply for a UK Visa.

The earliest you can often apply is:

  • 3 months before the day you plan to depart for your visit.
  • The majority of work visas require you to apply three months before the start of your job.
  • 6 months before the start of your course for student and kid visas.

Before you move to the UK, your settlement application must be approved, which might take up to 6 months. If you are granted permission to settle in the UK, you must leave as soon as your visa expires.

How Long Does It Take To Make A Decision?

The length of time it takes to process your visa application depends on the type of visa you apply for. Depending on the following conditions, you may be eligible to pay for a faster decision on your visa application.

  • What type of visa you apply for
  • How to apply.
  • Where are you applying from?

How Much is the UK Visa?

Each visa imposes its price. The fee depends on the type of visa you apply for.

It is vital to know that any family members who wish to accompany you to the UK must pay the same fees.

Pay For Medical Insurance

If you are applying for a visa to join your family, seek a job, or study, requesting a stay of more than six months, or not settling permanently in the UK, you must pay the healthcare premium.

What if you’d like to work for someone else?

You may apply for another person’s visa. If your child is unable to apply independently, you can help a distant cousin who does not have access to a computer.

As a result, you must get the applicant’s consent, or the written consent of the applicant’s parent or legal guardian if the applicant is under the age of 18.

Please bear in mind that you must fill out the form using the applicant’s information, not your own.

 

How to get sponsorship in the UK

The UK has several visa types for different purposes, each requiring sponsorship from a qualifying employer. This includes:

  • Tier 2 (General) Visa
  • Tier 4 (Student) Visa
  • Tier 5 (Temporary Worker) Visa
  • Skilled Worker Visa
  • Intra-Company Transfer Visa

Eligibility Criteria for Visa Sponsorship

To be eligible for visa sponsorship in the UK, you must normally meet certain requirements. This may include receiving a work offer from a certified sponsor, meeting English language competence standards, and having enough money to support oneself.

The Sponsorship Process

  • Licensed Sponsor: Secure a job offer from a UK firm who is a licensed sponsor.
  • Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): Your employer will provide you with a CoS that includes information about the position and the company.
  • Visa Application: Apply for the right visa using the information from your CoS.
  • Biometric Appointment: Schedule a biometric appointment to deliver your fingerprints and a photograph.
  • Decision: Wait for a decision on your visa application.

Skilled Worker Visa vs Tier 2 work visa

There are several major benefits and contrasts between the modern Skilled Worker visa path and the pre-2021 Tier 2 (General) work visa, including:

  • The skill level requirement has been reduced from RQF level 6 to RQF level 3, considerably increasing the number of eligible occupations under this route.
  • The new Skilled Worker path is offered to fresh market entrants (such as recent graduates).
  • There is no limit to the number of Skilled Worker visas available in the UK.
  • The skilled worker visa does not require a Resident Labour Market Test (RLMT), making it easier and faster to attract competent international workers.

The cooling-off period, which required international workers leaving the UK to wait a year before applying for a new work visa, now no longer applies.

UK Skilled Worker Visa Eligibility and Requirements

The eligibility requirements for skilled worker visas are as follows:

  • Received a job offer from a UK employer.
  • Your employer should be on the list of licensed sponsors. The Home Office has approved 1
  • Your company must have provided you with a valid “Certificate of Sponsorship”
  • The job for which you are hired must be on the list of eligible occupations.2
  • You must meet the following skill level requirements: at least equivalent to RQF level three.
  • You must meet the following minimum wage requirements: £38,700 annually or your job’s going rate, whichever is higher.
  • You must fulfill the English language requirements.
  • You must have £1,270 in your bank account to demonstrate that you can support yourself in the UK.

Further information on each of these eligibility criteria is provided below.

1. Have a job offer from a UK employer

To apply successfully for a Skilled Worker visa, you must first receive a legitimate work offer from a licensed UK firm. This offer must come from an A-rated business on the list of licensed sponsors for a position on the list of qualified occupations, and it must meet the minimum pay standards. You must also present a valid Certificate of Sponsorship from your UK employer.

2. Your employer must be on the Home Office’s approved list of licensed sponsors.

Your work offer must come from a company listed on the Home Office’s list of licensed sponsors. It is also critical to ensure that your employer is licensed to hire international workers through the Skilled Worker Route (licenses are provided based on the type of visa requested) and that they are A-rated. B-rated companies are unable to issue fresh Certificates of Sponsorship unless they complete the Home Office’s compliance standards and receive an A rating. To avoid the possibility of a delay or refusal, it is recommended that you confirm this before applying.

3. Your employer must have provided you with a valid “Certificate of Sponsorship”

To apply for a Skilled Worker visa, you must have a valid CoS from your UK employer. A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is a digital document that includes information about the function for which you are sponsored, such as your role title and type, start and finish dates, total compensation, sponsor license number, and expiration date.

4. The work for which you are hired must be on the list of eligible jobs.

UK Visas and Immigration will only provide a Skilled Worker visa for roles that are listed as qualifying vocations.2. You must also have the necessary skills and/or experience to perform the job for which you are being hired in the UK. To confirm whether your occupation is acceptable, you may need to request the standard occupation code (SOC) from your company.

5. Meet the skill level requirement

Applicants seeking a Skilled Worker position and visa must have skills at least comparable to RQF level 3 (the same as an A-level qualification in the UK). This does not need you to have a certain level of qualification, but rather that your skills are equivalent to RQF level 3 or higher.

6. Skilled Worker Visa Minimum Salary Requirement 2024

The normal minimum wage for a Skilled Worker Visa is £38,700. This means that your employer must pay you at least £38,700, or the “going rate” for your position, whichever is higher. For example, if your employer offers you a salary of £39,000 per year but the annual going rate for your position on the list of qualified occupations is £40,000, you will not fulfill the Skilled Worker Visa salary criterion. Each occupation code has an annual going rate; please check the going rate for your work on the Home Office online going rates table.

If your employment is on the immigration salary list or you are a “new entrant” (under 26, studying, or in professional training), you may still meet the Skilled Worker visa salary requirements with a salary of less than £38,700.

If you have a STEM PhD relevant to your job, a postdoctoral position in science or higher education, or work in healthcare or education, your salary may vary.

7. Have £1,270 in your bank account to prove that you can support yourself in the UK.

You will need to give proof in the form of a bank statement demonstrating that you have at least £1,270 for your first month in the UK. In some situations, you may be able to ask your employer to produce a letter indicating that they will meet this obligation for you.

8. English language proficiency

As a Skilled Worker visa applicant, you must demonstrate that you have a sufficient understanding of the English language. This can be done in four ways:

8. Passing the English language test

If you pass an English exam from an approved testing center under the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), you will meet the English language requirements. This requires at least B1 proficiency in reading, comprehension, speaking, and writing.

9. Academic qualifications.

You will also meet the English language requirements if you hold a degree or equivalent academic certificate taught in English.

UK Skilled Worker Visa Required Documents

To support your Skilled Worker visa application, you may be required to provide the following information and documents:

  • Your passport (with a blank page)
  • Your Certificate of Sponsorship reference number
  • Your job title and annual salary
  • Your job’s occupation code
  • The name of your employer and their sponsor license number (seen on your Certificate of Sponsorship)
  • Evidence of enough personal savings to support oneself.
  • Proof of your relationship with your spouse/partner and children (such as marriage and birth certificates)
  • A criminal record certificate (this is only required for certain occupations involving vulnerable populations, such as healthcare and education)
  • Proof of your English language proficiency.
  • TB test results (if you come from a country where this is required).
  • If your PhD is not from the UK, provide an Ecctis reference or a UK PhD certificate.

You will also be advised on how to establish your identification and provide your biometrics (fingerprints and photo) for your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP). This can be accomplished by having your fingerprints and photo taken at a visa application center in the nation where you are, or by using the Home Office’s mobile phone ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app. The software allows you to scan and upload your identification documents to the Home Office.

How to apply for a UK Skilled Worker visa

Applying for a Skilled Worker visa from outside of the UK is done online through the Home Office website. You will be able to complete and submit your application once you have received your employment offer, Certificate of Sponsorship, and the supporting documents listed above. If necessary, you can finish a portion of the application and store your work, allowing you to continue at a later period.

The application process is as follows:

  • Check your eligibility for the Skilled Worker Visa.
  • Get a job offer from a licensed sponsor in the UK.
  • Get your Certificate of Sponsorship from your UK employer.
  • Prepare the documentation required to verify your eligibility for a skilled worker visa.
  • Complete the online application form – The form you’ll need to fill out depends on whether you’re applying from outside the UK or switching from another visa within the UK.
  • Pay the application fee, biometric fee, and healthcare surcharge.
  • Please provide any papers required to support your application.
  • Schedule a biometric appointment to have your fingerprints and photograph taken.

Companies Offering Sponsorship Visa in the United Kingdom

A list of companies that can sponsor a visa in the UK

Barclays

Barclays is a British bank with headquarters in London and other subsidiaries or offices throughout the country. The company provides financial products to both individual and commercial customers, including retail and business banking solutions.

Barclays visa sponsorship allows you to pursue jobs in software development, business research, wealth management, and card product management. As with any agency that provides sponsorship visas, it is usually easier to obtain sponsorship approval if you apply for occupations that need greater skill.

GSK

GSK (previously GlaxoSmithKline) is a British pharmaceutical and biotechnology company. Its primary goal is to bring together technology, science, and global talent to innovate and improve the way the biopharma sector runs. The organization focuses on three product areas: immunizations, specialty medication, and general medication that healthcare practitioners prescribe.

People with a science background can find work in fields such as microbiology, change management, medical sales, lab automation, and medical robots. GSK also oversees the Future Leaders Graduate Programme, which is open to international candidates who need visa sponsorship.

HSBC

HSBC is a banking company that provides financial products, including current accounts, loans, mortgages, and credit cards. The organization has multiple facilities across the country and other sections in other countries, such as Poland and India. If you want to work with HSBC, you can look into positions in finance as well as operations, customer success, or business development.

McKinsey and Company

McKinsey & Company is a worldwide management consulting firm with headquarters in New York City and a division in London. The organization caters to private, public, and social organizations. McKinsey & Company’s core mission is to help customers achieve sustainable and inclusive growth. The organization offers a variety of mid- to senior-level positions that may qualify you for visa sponsorship. You could explore working as a business analyst, engagement manager, digital technology consultant, or knowledge analyst.

Conclusion

You can apply for a UK visa without the help of an agent. There are processes to it that have been highlighted in this post. Remember to always check this blog for more UK visa applications whether you are a student or an immigrant.

 

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