Question 1

Do I need a UK ENIC statement for a Skilled Worker visa in 2026?

Accepted Answer

It is required whenever the role's RQF level cannot be confirmed from the diploma alone — virtually all non-UK qualifications. UK ENIC turnaround is 10 working days standard or 24 hours under the £99 priority service. The Statement of Comparability must explicitly state the RQF level (typically 6 for bachelor, 7 for master) and carry the Visa & Nationality flag for Home Office submission.

Question 2

What is the minimum salary for a UK Skilled Worker visa in 2026?

Accepted Answer

£38,700 general / £30,960 for shortage occupations on the Immigration Salary List (the successor to the Shortage Occupation List from April 2024). The going rate for the specific SOC 2020 code may be higher than the general floor — the visa is refused if either threshold is missed. Apostilled and translated qualifications are required before the CoS is assigned.

Question 3

Does the UK accept apostille documents from any country?

Accepted Answer

Yes — the UK has been a Hague Convention member since 1965. A single apostille from the issuing-country authority replaces consular legalisation for academic, civil and commercial documents. Documents from non-Hague countries (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Pakistan) still need full embassy legalisation through the British embassy in the issuing country.

Question 4

Does the UK Home Office require certified translation of foreign documents?

Accepted Answer

Documents not originally in English or Welsh must carry a certified translation by an ITI (Institute of Translation and Interpreting) or CIOL (Chartered Institute of Linguists) registered translator, with the translator's full contact details, qualifications and a signed declaration that the translation is true and accurate. Translations sworn abroad are accepted only when they are themselves apostilled.

Question 5

How does the 28-day maintenance-funds rule work for UK visas in 2026?

Accepted Answer

Under Appendix Finance the applicant must hold the required funds (£1,270 for Skilled Worker, more for dependants) in a personal account for 28 consecutive days ending no more than 31 days before application. A single dip below the threshold during the 28-day window resets the clock. Sponsor A-rated A1 certification removes this requirement for Skilled Worker.

Question 6

Where do I get a UK apostille and how long does the FCDO take?

Accepted Answer

FCDO Legalisation Office is located in Milton Keynes. Standard postal service is 2 working days plus mailing; the premium drop-off service in Milton Keynes returns the apostille the same business day. The fee is £45 per document (premium £75). Documents must be UK-issued public documents — foreign documents cannot be apostilled in the UK and must go through their issuing country's competent authority.

Apostille UK — FCDO Hague Apostille for UK-Issued Documents