Software Engineer Visa Route

Eligibility requirements

• 1Job offer from a UK-licensed Skilled Worker sponsor at RQF Level 3 or above
• 2Minimum salary of £38,700 or the published going rate for your SOC code
• 3English language proficiency at B1 CEFR level (IELTS 4.0 per band or equivalent)
• 4Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering or a related field (or demonstrable equivalent experience)
• 5No criminal convictions that would make you inadmissible
• 6TB test certificate if residing in a listed country for the past six months

Document checklist

• Valid passport
• Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) reference number
• Degree certificate or evidence of equivalent experience
• English language test results or qualification exemption evidence
• Tuberculosis test certificate (if applicable)
• Bank statements showing £1,270 maintenance funds (unless sponsor certified)
• Online visa application form and fee payment receipt

Step-by-step process

1. 1

   Receive a job offer from a company holding a valid Skilled Worker sponsor licence

2. 2

   Employer issues a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) with your job details and salary

3. 3

   Check your role's SOC code and confirm the salary meets the going rate

4. 4

   Complete the online Skilled Worker visa application on GOV.UK

5. 5

   Pay the visa application fee (£719–£1,639 depending on duration) and Immigration Health Surcharge

6. 6

   Attend a biometrics appointment at a UKVCAS service point

7. 7

   Receive a decision (usually within 3 weeks from outside the UK)