🇬🇧 United Kingdom — UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)

UK Skilled Worker Visa — Korean Documents Required

The UK Skilled Worker visa replaced the old Tier 2 (General) visa in December 2020. Korean nationals need a job offer from a UK-licensed sponsor before applying. Korean document requirements for the Skilled Worker visa are lighter than for permanent residence applications, but some professional licensing bodies (NMC, GMC, GPhC) require apostilled Korean credentials as part of their registration process.

Required Korean Documents

May Also Be Required

University Diploma

학위증명서

Apostilled 학위증명서 with certified English translation. Required for professional licensing (NMC, GMC, HCPC, GPhC) for regulated occupations. Not always required by UKVI directly for the visa, but required by the professional regulator.

Academic Transcript

성적증명서

Apostilled transcript with certified translation. Required by NARIC/Ecctis credential evaluation for Korean degrees and by professional licensing bodies.

Basic Certificate (Birth Certificate)

기본증명서

Apostilled 기본증명서 with certified English translation. Required for civil registration, DBS check, and some employer background check processes.

Step-by-Step Process

1
Secure a job offer from a UK employer with a valid Sponsor Licence for the Skilled Worker route
2
Receive your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your employer
3
Apply for the Skilled Worker visa online at gov.uk — most document requirements are uploaded digitally
4
For regulated professions, obtain professional registration with the relevant UK body (NMC, GMC, GPhC, etc.) — this may require apostilled Korean credentials
5
Biometric enrolment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Korea
6
After visa approval, enter the UK and register with your GP (National Health Service) within the first weeks

Tips & Common Mistakes

UKVI itself does not typically require apostilled Korean documents for the Skilled Worker visa application — most requirements are met with digital uploads
However, UK professional licensing bodies (NMC for nurses, GMC for doctors, GPhC for pharmacists, HCPC for allied health) require apostilled Korean credentials for professional registration
NARIC/UK ENIC credential recognition may be required by your employer — this requires apostilled Korean transcripts and diploma
Korean nurses applying for NMC registration should budget 6–12 months for the full process including CBT exam, OSCE, and document verification

Frequently Asked Questions

Does UKVI require apostilled Korean documents for the Skilled Worker visa?

UKVI's online application primarily requires uploads of your passport, Certificate of Sponsorship reference, and financial documents. Apostilled Korean credentials are not typically required for the visa itself — but may be required by your UK professional licensing body before you can work in your regulated profession.

I am a Korean nurse applying to work in the UK (NHS). What documents do I need apostilled?

NMC (Nursing and Midwifery Council) registration for Korean-trained nurses requires your Korean nursing diploma and transcripts, apostilled and with certified English translations. NMC also requires a 'Certificate of Current Professional Status' from the Korean Nurses Association. The document process typically takes 6–12 months alongside the CBT and OSCE assessments.