The UK is calling and you are prepared to take the leap out of the glittering deserts of Dubai to the congested streets of London or the picturesque shores of Scotland. That's a huge move! The process of obtaining a UK Work Visa from Dubai, i.e., the Skilled Worker Visa, is not that of a Sunday walk, yet it is fully feasible provided you have your ducks in a row (i.e. are an extremely well-organised person!).
Do not allow the paper work to make you a nervous wreck. The key to success is you need to take the process as a marathon and not a sprint. We have come to provide you with the lowdown, written by human beings on how to hit the ground running on your application.
Your Foundation: Locking Down the UK Work Visa from Dubai Essentials
There are two non-negotiable boxes that you must tick even before you consider making a flight booking. This is where the majority of people become confused, and this is where you have to be careful!
The Sponsorship Certificate (CoS)
First things first: you must have a confirmed job offer from a UK employer who holds a valid Home Office Sponsor Licence. Without this, your application is a non-starter. Your employer is the one who issues you a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) reference number. Think of this CoS as the key to the entire UK immigration castle you can't unlock the door without it.
Meeting the New Salary Bar
The UK Government is serious about attracting high-skilled talent. As of July 2025, the general minimum salary threshold for new Skilled Worker applicants has seen a significant jump, rising to £41,700 per year (or the 'going rate' for the job, whichever is higher). It is not a figure, but an obligation. You and your sponsor need to make sure that the offer cuts both in terms of minimum threshold and the exact occupation code. Getting this calculation wrong is one of the quickest ways to face a refusal.
The Application Trail: Getting Your Documents in Order
Once the job is secured and the CoS is issued, you need to gather your paperwork. This is where you go the extra mile to ensure everything is perfect.
Proof, Payment, and Patience
You’ll be applying online, but the supporting documents are the real stars of the show. Get these ready early:
- CoS Reference: Supplied by your employer.
- English Language: You have to demonstrate that you can speak, read, write as well as understand English in level B1 or higher, either by passing an exam approved or by having a degree taught in English.
- Maintenance Funds: You must demonstrate that you have sufficient savings to sustain you in the UK (typically about £1,270) during the first month unless your employer confirms that he or she will cover you on the CoS. Have bank statements ready to prove this.
- Criminal Records: You will require a criminal record certificate in case your occupation falls in that of sensitive areas such as healthcare or education.
You must also pay the application fee as well as the important Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
After applying, you will go to Visa Application Centre in Dubai (VFS Global), to give your biometrics, which means giving fingerprints and photograph. A UK Work Visa application from Dubai would normally take about 3 weeks to be processed once your paperwork is submitted and your biometrics are recorded. In case you just cannot afford to wait, you can purchase a Priority Service to hurry things up, although, before doing it, make sure that it is available.
Getting a UK Work Visa is a significant undertaking, but with the right preparation, you'll soon be enjoying the sweet smell of success!
Need assistance to ensure that your Skilled Worker application is impeccable. Click here to speak with a Miller & Carter UK Visa Expert in Dubai today!