If you are in the United States and have received a job offer in the UK, congratulations! The next step is to apply for a UK Skilled Worker Visa. This guide will walk you through the steps of applying for a UK work visa from the USA, including the process of submitting your application and scheduling biometric appointments.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for a UK Work Visa from the USA
1. Complete Your Online Application
The first step is to complete your visa application online through the GOV.UK website. You’ll need to provide personal details and information about your job offer in the UK.
2. Gather Your Supporting Documents
Before you submit your application, make sure you have all the necessary documents. These may include:
- Your passport
- Proof of your job offer (Certificate of Sponsorship)
- Evidence of your salary
- English language proficiency (if required)
3. Submit Your Application
Once your application is complete and your documents are ready, submit your online form through the GOV.UK website.
4. Book a Biometric Appointment
After submitting your online application, the next step is to schedule an appointment to provide your biometrics (fingerprints and a photo). VFS Global is the official partner that handles visa applications in the USA.
5. Appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC)
You can choose between two types of Visa Application Centres (VACs) to attend your biometric appointment:
- Application Support Centres (ASC)
- Premium Application Centres (PAC)
Both options offer different levels of service, so choose the one that suits your needs.
Visa Application Centres (VACs) in the USA
There are multiple VAC locations across the United States. The two main types are:
Application Support Centres (ASC):
- These are the standard VACs. You will need to upload your supporting documents before the appointment, or you can pay an extra fee for document scanning assistance.
- Available across the USA, but appointments can sometimes be hard to secure.
Premium Application Centres (PAC):
- These centers offer premium services, including document checking, faster processing, and courier service to return your passport.
- PAC locations include:
- Atlanta
- Boston
- Chicago
- Houston
- Los Angeles
- Miami
- New York
- San Francisco
- Seattle
- Washington DC
Choosing Your Service Level
When booking your biometric appointment, you can choose from different service options:
- Standard Service at ASC: Regular processing at the ASC, with no extra charges.
- Priority Service at ASC: Faster processing at the ASC for an additional fee.
- Priority Service at PAC: Faster processing at a Premium Centre (PAC) for an additional fee. You can choose from three packages:
- Bronze: Includes document checking, courier service, and SMS updates.
- Silver: Same as Bronze, but with priority processing (usually within 5 days).
- Gold: Same as Silver, but with super-fast service (24-hour processing) and extra support.
The Appointment Process
At an ASC Appointment:
- Upload your documents online before the appointment (or use the Document Scanning Assistance service for an extra $100).
- Attend your biometric appointment at the ASC.
- After the appointment, you must send your passport to the US processing hub for your visa sticker.
At a PAC Appointment:
- Choose a PAC package (Bronze, Silver, or Gold).
- Attend your appointment to have your biometric data taken.
- You’ll receive extra services like document checking, a courier service, and updates via SMS.
Priority Services
If you want your application processed faster, you can opt for Priority Service. This ensures your application is fast-tracked. The cost is $298 in addition to the regular visa fee.
However, as of March 2022, Priority and Super Priority services have been temporarily suspended due to the Ukraine Family Scheme.
Example Case: Mr. X’s Journey
Let’s look at an example: Mr. X, a UX Designer, has received a job offer from a UK company. The company has a UK sponsor license and has issued a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) for Mr. X.
- Points: Mr. X needs 70 points for the visa. He gets:
- 20 points for sponsorship
- 20 points for the job’s skill level
- 20 points for a high salary (over £90,000)
- 10 points for being from a majority English-speaking country (USA)
The sponsor pays for the visa application fees. Mr. X chooses the Bronze PAC package and schedules his biometric appointment at the New York PAC.
After attending the appointment, Mr. X received his passport with the UK visa sticker within a week and can now travel to the UK to start his new job.
When applying for a UK work visa from the USA, you’ll need to decide whether to use an Application Support Centre (ASC) or a Premium Application Centre (PAC). Each option has its benefits, but PACs offer faster processing and extra support at a cost.
Before paying for your visa application, be sure to choose the correct appointment type as you won’t be able to change your mind later.
If you need assistance with your UK work visa application, Law and Visas can guide you through the entire process. Our experienced team will ensure your application is completed smoothly and help you secure your visa with ease.
