Before you start

A job offer from a Home-Office-licensed sponsor, who assigns you a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
The role at the required skill level (RQF 6 / degree-level since 22 July 2025) and at or above the salary floor (general threshold £41,700/yr or the going rate for the job, whichever is higher)
A passport valid for travel, and funds/English-language evidence as specified on your CoS

Step-by-step

1
Employer assigns your Certificate of Sponsorship
Your sponsor issues a CoS (a digital reference number, not a paper certificate) via the Sponsor Management System. You must apply for the visa within 3 months of it being assigned, and the salary/job title must match your contract exactly.
Via employerWho: Your employer/sponsorBefore you applySponsor pays the CoS/skills-charge fees
2
Apply for the Skilled Worker visa online
Apply on GOV.UK, pay the visa fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), and verify your identity — usually via the 'UK Immigration: ID Check' app or at a visa centre. Pay close attention to the IHS, which is charged up front for the whole visa length.
OnlineWho: YouDecision often ~3 weeks from abroadVisa fee + IHS (typically £1,035/yr) — verify current amounts
3
Create your UKVI account and access your eVisa
Once granted, create or sign in to a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account on GOV.UK to view your eVisa. There is no physical card — BRPs were phased out at the end of 2024 and status is now digital. Keep the email and phone number on the account current.
OnlineWho: YouSame day once you have the detailsFree
4
Generate a share code to prove your status
From your UKVI account, generate a share code (a nine-character code valid for 90 days) for the specific purpose — right to work, right to rent, or other. Give the code plus your date of birth to the employer or landlord; they verify it online.
OnlineWho: YouMinutesFree
5
Apply for a National Insurance (NI) number
Apply for an NI number on GOV.UK once you can prove your right to work; you confirm your identity and immigration status online. It can take up to 4 weeks. You can start working before it arrives — the NI number is for tax and contributions, not proof of the right to work.
OnlineWho: YouUp to ~4 weeksFree

Documents you’ll need

Passport
Certificate of Sponsorship reference number (from your employer)
UKVI account login (email + phone for 2-step verification)
Evidence as required on your CoS (English language, maintenance funds, etc.)

Things most newcomers don’t know

The share code is the thing landlords and employers actually ask for.

There is no ID card to hand over. To pass a right-to-work or right-to-rent check you generate a fresh 90-day share code from your UKVI account and give it with your date of birth — have your account set up before you flat-hunt or onboard.

Source: GOV.UK eVisa guidance

BRPs are gone — status is digital now.

Biometric residence permits were phased out at the end of 2024. If older guides or a landlord ask to 'see your BRP', the modern equivalent is your eVisa via a share code. Don't expect (or wait for) a plastic card.

Source: Home Office / GOV.UK

Your NI number is not proof of the right to work.

Newcomers often think the NI number is the golden ticket. Employers must check your status (the share code), not your NI number — and you can legally start work before the NI number arrives.

Source: GOV.UK — apply for a National Insurance number / prove right to work

Apply within 3 months of your CoS, and check the salary in every pay period.

The CoS expires for application purposes after 3 months, and from 2026 sponsors must meet the salary threshold in each pay period — not just on an annual average — so bonus-heavy pay can trip a check. Confirm details with your sponsor's HR.

Source: GOV.UK Skilled Worker guidance

Common mistakes to avoid

Waiting for a physical card — there isn't one; set up the UKVI account and use share codes
Letting a share code lapse (90 days) and scrambling at a right-to-rent or right-to-work check
Assuming the NI number proves your right to work — it does not
Missing the 3-month window to apply after the CoS is assigned