How to Avoid UK Skilled Worker Visa Rejection

1. Review Eligibility Criteria

Read all the eligibility criteria before applying for a skilled worker visa. Your new job must be eligible, and you will work for a UK employer approved by the Home Office. This company must have a sponsor licence to hire you. 

You should be paid a minimum salary of £38,700 per year or the ‘going rate’ for the specific role. If unsure, confirm with your prospective employer if your offer meets or exceeds this threshold. Once accepted, your employer will also give you a certificate of sponsorship (CoS) to prove your eligibility. Salary rules vary if you apply for a health and care worker visa. 

You must also be able to speak, read, write and understand English. You must prepare for an IELTS exam that will score you on your proficiency. A minimum of 4.0 is needed to qualify for a skilled worker visa.  

2. Check You are a Suitable Candidate

Even if you are eligible for the visa and have all the required documentation, the Home Office can still reject your application. This may happen if you do not meet the suitability requirements outlined in Immigration Rules part 9.

The usual grounds for refusal include:

• You were previously banned or deported from the UK.
• Your presence in the UK is not considered beneficial due to your behaviour, character, associations or other reasons.
• You have been sentenced to prison for 12 months or more, have repeatedly committed crimes, or committed an offence that caused serious harm.
• You have been excluded from asylum or humanitarian grounds. 
• You have previously breached immigration laws.

If you believe you are considered unsuitable, speak to an immigration consultant. They will check before you apply; if the situation is complicated, your consultant will advise on the best next steps.  

3. Submit Valid Documentation 

Incomplete or inaccurate documentation is the most common reason a skilled worker visa is declined. You must double-check you have all the necessary documents listed below:

• Certificate of sponsorship (CoS), job title & salary – Your CoS must include your job title and description, as well as your final salary. It should also note your employer’s name and sponsor licence number. CoS expires after three months, so do not delay your application any later than this. 

 

• Job’s occupation code – You must know your job’s occupation code. If it does not match your CoS, your application will be delayed even more. Refer to UKVI’s complete list if you are unsure. 

 

• Proof of English language proficiency – You must prove your knowledge of English by passing a Secure English Language Test (SELT) or have a degree-level academic qualification taught in English. GCSE, A level or equivalent, also applies if gained from a UK school. 

 

• Valid passport or other relevant documentation – Many applicants go as far as applying for a skilled worker visa without realising their passport is outdated. Confirm your passport has at least one year remaining before expiry. 

• Proof of personal funds – If your employer cannot cover these costs, you must have at least £1,270 in your bank account to support yourself in the UK. Use your most recent bank statement to evidence this so your application isn’t refused. 

 

Other documentation may be required, so carefully review what is needed and ensure every document is translated into English and is in the correct format. 

4. Contact a Visa Specialist 

Moving to the UK for a new job requires a lot of investment. Not only do you need to secure a sponsor, but you must also meet all of UKVI’s visa requirements. By working with an immigration consultant, you will have peace of mind knowing your application is in good hands. 

At Holmes & Partners, we understand what it takes to successfully prepare and submit your application. Our immigration consultants provide comprehensive support every step of the way so you have more time to plan for your new future.