Skilled Worker Initial CoS Application Form

Please instead consider a Global Talent visa if the applicant

• has been awarded or held in the last 5 years an eligible individual fellowship
• has been selected for an academic or research appointment which involves taking a leading role in research
• is taking up a research or specialist technical role funded by one of these organisations AND
  • the grant award is at least 2 years in duration
  • the employment contract is for at least 1 year
  • they will spend at least 50% of their time contributing to the grant
  • they have a PhD (for a research role) OR a UK Bachelors degree or equivalent overseas research degree AND research experience (for a specialist technical role)

The applicant may instead want to consider a Graduate visa if

• they do not hold a Tier 4 Doctorate Extension Scheme visa
• they have completed their course and have been, or will be, awarded the qualification
• their university has reported the successful completion of their course to the Home Office

The UK Council for Internal Student Affairs (UKCISA) provide useful guidance on this visa route

or the HPI (High Potential Individual) Route

A route for recent graduates of top global universities outside the UK (similar to the Graduate student route in the UK). The route is for those who want to work, or look for work in the UK, following the successful completion of an eligible course of study equivalent to UK bachelor’s degree level or above. The study must have been with an institution listed on the Global Universities List

This visa gives the applicant permission to stay in the UK for 2 years if they have been awarded an undergraduate or Master’s degree, or 3 years if they have a PhD. To apply, the applicant must have been awarded a qualification by an eligible university in the last 5 years.

Further details can be found on the UKVI website