Team of Boldvoices | 15 November 2026
People applying for a UK Skilled Worker visa for the first time now generally need English at B2 level. The higher standard took effect on 8 January 2026. For applicants in India, the first question is whether an existing qualification meets the Home Office’s evidence rules before booking an English test.
Choose the English evidence that fits your history
Applicants relying on an overseas English-taught degree should check the Ecctis service specified by the Home Office. Have the award certificate and transcript ready and find out whether the university needs to confirm the language of instruction. If you choose a test, book the approved Secure English Language Test for the UK visa route and choose the correct test centre. An English test taken for a university’s own admission process may be a different product.
Check the offer against the occupation code
Ask the employer for the four-digit occupation code, salary, weekly hours and sponsor licence details. For many standard applications, the pay has to reach the higher of £41,700 or the occupation’s going rate. Different provisions apply in some cases, and some roles use separate rates. For example, £42,000 can still fall short if the job’s applicable going rate is £45,000. Confirm the calculation with the sponsor before paying.
Build a budget from separate charges
The standard application fee currently ranges from £819 to £1,865 depending on circumstances, and the healthcare surcharge is usually £1,035 per year. For a two-year application at the £819 fee and standard surcharge, those two charges total £2,889. The usual £1,270 maintenance requirement is a separate amount to show unless an exemption applies. Add your English evidence, any TB test, and charges for family members where relevant.
Prepare the application documents in the right order
Get the certificate of sponsorship reference and confirm the occupation, salary and employer details match the offer. Gather your passport, proof of English, and any maintenance evidence. Check whether your circumstances require a TB certificate or a criminal record certificate. Include any required translations. If family members plan to travel, verify dependant eligibility for the specific occupation and collect relationship evidence early.
If you already have a Skilled Worker visa
Check what the Home Office says about existing holders proving English when extending or updating their status. Compare your original grant date and the route on which you previously demonstrated English with the current transitional rules. If you are changing employers, ask when the new sponsor expects to issue its certificate and check the rules on starting the new job while the update is pending.
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