Documents you’ll need to apply

When you apply you’ll need to provide:

Ask your employer for a copy of your certificate of sponsorship if you do not have one. If you’re the authorising officer for your organisation, your certificate will be in the sponsor management system.

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 employer 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 have your fingerprints and photo (biometric information) taken 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 employer for 12 months.

You will not have to show this if you meet any of the following criteria:

  • you’re earning over £73,900
  • you’re a Japanese national doing work for a Japanese company that is expanding to the UK
  • you’re a national or permanent resident of Australia doing work for an Australian company that is expanding to the UK

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