Skilled Worker Visa Document Checklist & Translation Guide
Last updated: March 2026
The UK Skilled Worker visa requires certified translations of professional qualifications, degree certificates, and identity documents. This checklist covers all documents that may need translation for your application.
What documents do I need for a Skilled Worker visa?
Skilled Worker visa applicants need a valid passport, certificate of sponsorship, proof of English language ability, criminal record certificate, and professional qualifications. Any non-English documents require certified translation.
The Skilled Worker visa (formerly Tier 2) is for workers who have a job offer from a UK employer with a sponsor licence. The documentation requirements depend on your role, salary, and country of origin.
Professional qualifications are often the most critical documents requiring translation, particularly for regulated professions like healthcare, engineering, and law.
- Passport and travel documents
- Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) reference number
- Proof of English language ability
- Criminal record certificate from home country
- Degree certificates and academic transcripts
- Professional qualifications and licences
- TB test results (from certain countries)
- Bank statements (if salary below threshold)
Which Skilled Worker visa documents need translation?
Degree certificates, academic transcripts, professional qualifications, criminal record certificates, and bank statements need certified translation if they are not in English. Your Certificate of Sponsorship is already in English.
The Certificate of Sponsorship is issued by your UK employer and is always in English, so it does not need translation. However, supporting documents from your home country — particularly qualifications and criminal records — often need translation.
For healthcare workers, professional registration documents and medical qualifications almost always require certified translation for GMC, NMC, or GDC registration.
- Degree certificates and diplomas
- Academic transcripts and mark sheets
- Professional registration certificates
- Criminal record certificates
- Bank statements (if required)
- Employment references (if not in English)
How much do Skilled Worker visa translations cost?
A typical Skilled Worker visa translation package costs £40–£100, covering a degree certificate, transcript, and criminal record certificate. Individual documents cost from £12.99 per page.
Skilled Worker visa applications generally require fewer translated documents than spouse visa applications. The most common documents are a degree certificate (1 page), academic transcript (2–4 pages), and criminal record certificate (1 page).
Frequently Asked Questions
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