UK Skilled Worker Visa Guide for Bangladeshi Students

Skilled Worker Visa for Bangladeshi Students: Your Complete Guide to Working & Settling in the UK

The UK Skilled Worker Visa is the best pathway for Bangladeshi students who want to live and work in the UK after graduation. With high demand for skilled professionals, thousands of international students successfully transition from their Student Visa to a Skilled Worker Visa every year.

This guide will cover everything you need to know, including eligibility, application process, fees, and how to get permanent residency (Indefinite Leave to Remain – ILR) in the UK.

Official UK Government Page for Skilled Worker Visa: www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa

1. What is the Skilled Worker Visa?

The Skilled Worker Visa allows Bangladeshi students to work in the UK after completing their degree, provided they secure a job with a licensed UK employer.

Key Benefits of the Skilled Worker Visa

✔ Work full-time in a skilled job with a UK employer
✔ Stay for up to 5 years, with the option to extend
✔ No restrictions on switching employers (if new employer is licensed)
✔ Apply for permanent residency (ILR) after 5 years
✔ Bring your spouse and children as dependents
✔ No need to leave the UK after a Graduate Route (PSW) Visa

Important: The Skilled Worker Visa replaced the Tier 2 (General) Work Visa in December 2020.

List of Licensed UK Employers: www.gov.uk/government/publications/register-of-licensed-sponsors-workers

2. Who Can Apply? (Eligibility for Bangladeshi Students)

To apply for a Skilled Worker Visa, you must meet the following criteria:

A. Have a Job Offer from a UK Employer

✔ Your employer must be a licensed sponsor approved by the UK Home Office
✔ The job must be on the Skilled Occupation List (Check Here)
✔ The job must meet the salary threshold (explained below)

Shortage Occupation List (Lower Salary Requirements): www.gov.uk/government/publications/skilled-worker-visa-shortage-occupations-for-health-and-care-visa-and-eligible-occupation-codes

B. Meet the Salary Requirements

To qualify, your job must pay at least:
£26,200 per year or £10.75 per hour
£20,960 per year for jobs in shortage occupations (e.g., IT, healthcare, engineering)
£20,960 per year for new graduates under the “new entrant” category

C. Hold a Recognized UK Degree

✔ A Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD from a UK university
✔ The degree must be relevant to your job

D. Meet the English Language Requirement

✔ Since you studied in the UK, your degree automatically fulfills this requirement

E. Have a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

✔ Your employer must issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) with a unique reference number

F. Have Enough Money for Maintenance

✔ You need £1,270 in your bank account for at least 28 days before applying

3. How to Apply for a Skilled Worker Visa? (Step-by-Step Process)

Step 1: Secure a Job Offer from a UK Employer

Apply for jobs on:

UK Government Jobs Portal
Indeed UK
LinkedIn Jobs
Glassdoor UK

Pro Tip: Search for jobs marked “Skilled Worker Visa Sponsorship Available”.

Step 2: Get a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

Once you receive a job offer, your employer will provide a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), which is required for your visa application.

Step 3: Gather Required Documents

✔ Valid Passport
✔ Job Offer Letter & CoS Reference Number
✔ UK Degree Certificate
✔ Proof of Financial Stability (£1,270 in savings)
✔ TB Test Certificate (if required for Bangladeshi applicants)

TB Test Requirement for Bangladesh: www.gov.uk/tb-test-visa

Step 4: Apply for the Visa Online

Submit your application via the UK Government website: www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa/apply-from-outside-the-uk

Step 5: Pay the Visa Fees & Healthcare Surcharge (IHS)

Visa Fee:

£610 (for jobs up to 3 years)
£1,220 (for jobs over 3 years)
£479 (for shortage occupation roles up to 3 years)
£943 (for shortage occupation roles over 3 years)

Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS):

£624 per year

Example: If applying for a 3-year Skilled Worker Visa for a non-shortage job:

Visa Fee: £610
IHS Fee: £1,872 (£624 × 3)
Total: £2,482

Step 6: Attend a Biometric Appointment

Visit a UK Visa Application Center in Dhaka or Sylhet to provide fingerprints & photographs

Step 7: Wait for Your Visa Decision

Processing Time: 3–8 weeks

Priority Service: Pay £500 extra for a 5-day decision

4. How to Get Permanent Residency (Indefinite Leave to Remain – ILR)?

After 5 years on a Skilled Worker Visa, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which allows you to stay permanently in the UK.

Requirements for ILR:

✔ Worked legally in the UK for 5 years
✔ Earn at least £26,200 per year
✔ Pass the Life in the UK Test
✔ Meet the English language requirement

Life in the UK Test Details: www.gov.uk/life-in-the-uk-test

Once you get ILR, you can apply for British Citizenship after 1 more year!

Final Thoughts

For Bangladeshi students, the Skilled Worker Visa is the best way to secure a high-paying job and eventually settle permanently in the UK. With thousands of jobs available, now is the perfect time to apply!

Start your UK career today!

Apply Now: www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa