Highly skilled workers
Supporting evidence
This section explains the documents you should send to support your application to the highly skilled worker category (Tier 1 General) under the points-based system to work in the United Kingdom.
On this page
Sending original documents
You must send the original document, not a copy.
What documents you must send
If you do not send us all the documents we need when you make your application, your application may be refused on the grounds that you have sent insufficient evidence, and your fee will not be refunded.
You must send two recent passport photographs and your passport, along with proof of the following:
- qualifications;
- maternity or adoption-related absence (if relevant);
- previous earnings;
- United Kingdom experience;
- English language;
- maintenance (funds); and
- HSMP transitional arrangements (if relevant).
Other documentation
In certain circumstances you may be unable to supply the combination of documents above, for example, if you are still on maternity leave and no birth certificate has been issued. In this case, you should read the policy guidance for details of other evidence that we may accept.
How we return your documents
If you are in the United Kingdom, your documents will be returned to you by post to the address you provide on your application. If a representative makes an application on your behalf your documents will be returned to him/her. Your documents will be returned using recorded delivery. If you want your documents to be returned by special delivery, you should provide a prepaid special delivery envelope. You can also arrange for your documents to be collected by courier at your own cost. If you would like to arrange a courier, put a courier request in writing by fax to 0114 207 5862.
If you are outside the United Kingdom, your documents will be returned in the same way you sent them to us. For example, if you took them to a visa application centre, the visa application centre will return them to you.