Skilled Worker visa: photo and application guide
Long-stay employment route for workers sponsored by a UK employer holding a valid sponsorship licence. Replaced Tier 2 (General) in December 2020.
Quick answer
45 × 35 mm photo · £719 to £1,500 for the visa itself, plus the Immigration Health Surcharge (£1,035/year) and certified document fees · biometrics at VAC
Photo specification is the shared UK 45 × 35 mm format. Biometric photo is captured at the Visa Application Centre during your appointment. Fee £719 to £1,500 for the visa itself, plus the Immigration Health Surcharge (£1,035/year) and certified document fees. Processing 3 weeks standard outside the UK; 8 weeks for in-country switching applications. Last reviewed .
Application route
| Full name | UK Skilled Worker Visa (Sponsored Employment) |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Long-stay employment route for workers sponsored by a UK employer holding a valid sponsorship licence. Replaced Tier 2 (General) in December 2020. |
| Application route | Online application via GOV.UK after the sponsor issues a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) |
| Fee | £719 to £1,500 for the visa itself, plus the Immigration Health Surcharge (£1,035/year) and certified document fees |
| Processing time | 3 weeks standard outside the UK; 8 weeks for in-country switching applications |
| Biometric appointment | Yes — at a VAC for new applicants; existing UK residents use the UK Immigration: ID Check app |
| Official portal | GOV.UK — Skilled Worker visa ↗ |
Photo specification
The Skilled Worker visa uses the shared UK biometric photo standard. The digital photo uploaded with the online application is checked against this spec; the biometric capture at the VAC takes a fresh photo for the BRP card.
| Size | 45 × 35 mm |
|---|---|
| Head height | 29 to 34 mm chin to crown chin to crown |
| Background | plain light grey or cream, even illumination |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed (no smile) |
| Glasses | Not allowed (banned since 2016) |
| Digital file | JPEG, minimum 600 × 800 pixels, maximum 240 KB |
What to watch out for with the Skilled Worker visa
The Skilled Worker visa creates a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) on approval — the same photo flows to the BRP card. A poor-quality photo at application creates a poor-quality BRP card that the holder carries for 3-5 years.
Frequently asked questions about the Skilled Worker visa
What size photo do I need for a Skilled Worker visa?
45 × 35 mm portrait orientation. The Skilled Worker visa uses the standard UKVI biometric photo: head 29 to 34 mm chin to crown, plain light grey background, neutral expression. The biometric capture itself happens at the VAC appointment.
How much does the Skilled Worker visa cost?
£719 to £1,500 for the visa itself, plus the Immigration Health Surcharge (£1,035/year) and certified document fees. The visa fee is paid online during the application; the VAC service fee and Immigration Health Surcharge are separate charges.
How long does the Skilled Worker visa take to process?
3 weeks standard outside the UK; 8 weeks for in-country switching applications. The clock starts after you attend the biometrics appointment, not when you submit the online application.
Is the biometric appointment mandatory for the Skilled Worker visa?
Yes — at a VAC for new applicants; existing UK residents use the UK Immigration: ID Check app.
Will I receive a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)?
Yes — most Skilled Worker visa holders receive a BRP card on arrival in the UK (or by post for in-country switches). The photo on the BRP is the one captured at your VAC appointment, and the card is valid for the visa duration.
Other UK visa categories
Prepare your Skilled Worker visa photo
Upload a portrait — Anfas.Pro applies the UKVI 45 × 35 mm format and biometric framing automatically.