Finalising the application

This stage is about turning good preparation into a clean submission. The online form collects your personal details, travel history, and sponsorship information; you then pay the fee (and usually IHS), complete identity (biometrics or the ID app), and wait for a decision. Accuracy and consistency are the two biggest success factors here.

What this chapter covers

Before we jump into lists, here’s the plan: you’ll (1) line up facts so every field matches your CoS and documents, (2) complete the form carefully, (3) package uploads so they’re easy to read, (4) complete the identity step, and (5) track your case to a decision.

Before you submit

Do these quick sanity checks to avoid easy-to-miss errors.

• Names & dates: passport name, previous names, date of birth, and passport number match everywhere (CoS, form, test results, ECCTIS).
• CoS alignment: occupation code, salary, hours, locations, and start date on the form match the CoS exactly.
• History ready: address history, travel history, and any previous UK visa numbers to hand.
• Service level: choose Standard, Priority, or Super Priority if offered in your country. Availability varies.

Form walkthrough (what you’ll see and what matters)

Every form evolves, but these sections are typical. Read slowly; copy values from source documents.

Personal and passport details

• Use exact passport details. If you renewed mid-process, use the current passport and keep the old one handy.
• Declare previous names if applicable.

Immigration & travel history

• 10-year travel history questions are common. Keep your tracker open.
• Disclose refusals, overstays, or breaches honestly. Concealment is riskier than a well-explained past issue.

Criminality & security

• Answer factually. If something is borderline, provide a short, clear explanation where a free-text box exists.

Sponsorship (Skilled Worker specifics)

• Paste the CoS number carefully.
• Confirm occupation code, salary, hours, and work locations exactly as per the CoS.
• If your sponsor certifies maintenance, indicate it here (if applicable to your case/CoS).

English language

• Select your route to proof (approved test, ECCTIS degree, or exemption). Ensure the test type is the right one.

Dependants (if any)

• Confirm relationships and supporting documents. Names/dates must match certificates.

Tip: Save a PDF copy of every completed page before you submit. It’s invaluable if you need to cross-check later.

Uploads (make them easy to read)

A reviewer may have minutes to view your file. Clear, lean, and labelled beats “more pages”.

• Quality: straight, legible scans; no shadows or chopped edges. Prefer PDF over photos.
• Combine pages: multi-page documents (e.g., degree + transcript) go into one PDF in logical order.
• File names: passport.pdf, cos-summary.pdf, english-ielts-ukvi.pdf, degree-ecctis.pdf, tb-certificate.pdf.
• Translations: include the original and a certified translation (with translator’s statement, date, and contact).
• Bank statements (if showing funds): consecutive, clearly dated, with account holder name visible. Explain large deposits briefly if asked.
• Keep it relevant: more is not better. Include what the rules ask for plus anything essential to clarify your case.

Payment and receipts

• Pay the application fee and, for many work routes, the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) in the online journey.
• Save receipts and the final application PDF. Keep them in your case folder for employer onboarding and future ILR records.

Identity step: biometrics or ID Check app

Your identity is verified after you submit.

• Biometrics appointment: fingerprints and photo at a centre; bring your passport and booking confirmation. Some centres charge for premium slots or scanning services.
• ID Check app: if eligible, complete liveness checks and document scans on your phone. Keep screenshots of completion.
• Timing: book early in busy seasons. Don’t travel during critical windows unless rules clearly allow it.

After you submit

Know what “normal” looks like so you can spot issues early.

• Processing time: varies. Priority options may be faster if available in your country/route.
• Travel caution (in-country apps): leaving the UK/CTA can be treated as withdrawing the application. Check your route’s rules before travel.
• Contact details: monitor your email (and spam). Respond quickly to any further information requests (FRIs).

Optional: short covering note (when helpful)

Use a brief cover only if it clarifies something (e.g., name variation, salary rounding, or a short explanation of a past refusal). Keep it to one page max.

Subject: Skilled Worker application — covering note (optional)

Applicant: [Full name, DOB, passport number]
CoS number: [123456ABC]
Sponsor: [Company name]

Summary:
• My CoS lists occupation code [XXXX] at salary £[amount] for [hours]/week. The application matches the CoS exactly.
• English language: [IELTS for UKVI reference / ECCTIS degree reference].
• If relevant: brief note explaining [name variance / large bank deposit / previous refusal context] in 2–3 lines.

Thank you for considering my application.

Common pitfalls (and quick fixes)

Checklists (copy/paste)

Submission pack

• [ ] Form answers saved as PDF
• [ ] Fee and IHS receipts saved
• [ ] All uploads in clear, combined PDFs
• [ ] Names/dates match across passport, CoS, English proof, ECCTIS
• [ ] Optional cover note (only if clarifying something)

Identity step

• [ ] Biometrics booked (or ID app completed)
• [ ] Passport + booking confirmation ready
• [ ] Any centre-specific requirements noted

FAQs

Information only — not legal advice. Processes change; always verify current rules on official guidance or speak to an OISC-registered adviser for tailored help.