The UK Visa for the Recognition of Professional Qualifications enables foreign professionals to enter and stay in the United Kingdom to complete courses or internships required to validate their professional qualifications.
This visa is designed for individuals aiming to work in regulated professions in the UK, such as healthcare, engineering, or education, and who need to have their qualifications recognized before pursuing employment in these fields.
Overview
| Purpose | To undertake courses and programs aimed at the recognition of foreign academic and professional qualifications. |
| Type | Long-stay, national visa. |
| Validity | 12 to 24 months (with the possibility of extension). |
| Entries | Multiple entries allowed. |
| Cost | £95 |
Eligibility Criteria for the UK Qualification Recognition Visa
To be eligible for this visa, you must meet the following criteria:
- Partial Recognition: You must have partial recognition of your foreign qualifications from a relevant UK authority.
- Financial Proof: You need to demonstrate you have a minimum of £1,334 per month (2025) to cover living expenses during your stay in the UK. This can be shown through a blocked account or a formal sponsorship declaration.
- English Language Proficiency: Proof of proficiency in English, at least at level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
- Proof of Program Registration: You must provide evidence of your registration in a qualification program, such as an internship, training, or educational course.
Do I Need a Visa for the Recognition of Professional Qualifications?
You need this visa if your professional qualifications are not fully recognized in the UK and you are from a country that does not have a visa waiver agreement with the UK.
If you come from a country with a visa waiver agreement, and your program is 90 days or less, you do not need a visa. However, for longer stays, you must apply for this visa.
How Do I Apply for the Visa?
The application process for a UK visa for the recognition of professional qualifications is as follows:
- Complete the Application Form: Fill out the online application form, print it, and submit it to the UK embassy or consulate in your country.
- Prepare the Required Documents: Gather the necessary documents for your application, ensuring you include the printed form.
- Schedule an Appointment: Book an appointment with the UK embassy/consulate or visa application center to submit your application.
- Submit the Application: Attend your appointment and submit your application along with all required documents.
🔗Read more on how to apply for a Uk visa.
Processing Time
The processing time for a UK visa for recognition of professional qualifications can range from 15 days to 6 months, depending on the type of visa and the complexity of the application.
Visa Fee
The fee for applying for a UK visa for the recognition of professional qualifications is £95. Additional service fees may apply.
If the payment is made online during the application process, you will need to print the payment confirmation and submit it along with your application. If online payment is not available in your country, you can pay the fee in person during your visa appointment.
Length of Stay
A visa for the recognition of professional qualifications is typically granted for 12 to 24 months, depending on the duration of your program. If additional time is required to complete the program, you can request an extension of 12 months, allowing you to stay up to 48 months (4 years) in total.
After Obtaining the Visa
Once you have received your visa and entered the UK, you must apply for a residence permit within three months. The national visa allows entry, but not a long-term stay, and you must validate your residence permit at the local UK Home Office.
When you complete your qualification program, you can apply for a work visa, allowing you to start working in your trained profession. If you haven’t secured a job, you can apply for a job-seeker visa instead.
Document Checklist
To apply for this visa, you need the following documents:
- Completed application form.
- A valid passport.
- A copy of the passport’s biographic page.
- Three passport-sized photographs.
- Detailed travel itinerary.
- Travel insurance for the duration of your stay.
- Proof of your qualifications, including vocational training or a university degree.
- English language proficiency certificate (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL, or Cambridge).
- Evidence of financial support (£1,334 per month) through a blocked account, work contract, or sponsorship letter.
- Proof of previous work experience.
- Pre-approval from the UK’s Home Office (if applicable).
Additional Documents: Depending on the qualification recognition process, you may also need:
- Proof of formal recognition or partial recognition of your qualifications.
- Evidence of enrollment in any required courses or training programs.
- If necessary, a declaration of employment or signed contract for training.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Work on a Visa for the Recognition of Professional Qualifications?
Yes, you are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week while completing your qualification program in the UK.
Do I Always Need to Apply for This Visa to Recognize My Qualifications in the UK?
No, this visa is only necessary in cases where your foreign qualifications are partially recognized, and you need to complete further training or courses in the UK to gain full recognition. Most professionals will have their qualifications evaluated before applying for a work visa.
What Happens If I Don’t Complete the Recognition Program?
Failure to complete the qualification recognition program means you will not be able to work in your chosen profession in the UK, and you may not be eligible for a work visa.