The UK Skilled Worker Visa offers a pathway for professionals who want to work and build their careers in the United Kingdom. It is designed for individuals with valuable skills who can contribute to the country’s workforce in a wide range of industries.
This visa category has become one of the most popular routes for foreign nationals seeking stable job opportunities and potential long term settlement. Understanding the eligibility rules, application process, and key requirements is essential for anyone planning to apply. A well prepared application can make the process smoother and increase the chances of a successful outcome.
What is the Skilled Work Visa?
The primary visa for foreign people seeking employment is the Skilled Worker visa, which took the place of the Tier 2 (General) visa. It enables companies to sponsor foreign people to work in the UK in qualified, eligible positions.
Those who meet certain eligibility conditions, such as skill and income level, English language proficiency, and a qualified work offer from a UK business with a valid sponsorship license, can obtain 70 points and be eligible for the visa. The Skilled Worker visa allows dependent children, spouses, and “durable” partners to seek to join the primary visa applicant in the UK as dependents of the skilled worker.
Requirements for Skilled Work Visa
Not all occupations will qualify for a skilled worker visa. A role must fulfill a number of conditions in order to be considered suitable:
- Salary requirement: Except in certain situations, the job offer must be in line with the minimum salary criterion. The wage given to the candidate must either reach the specified “going-rate” compensation criterion for the occupation or the general salary level, which is presently £38,700 annually, whichever is higher.
- Genuine job offer: An employer in the UK with a valid Sponsor License must make a genuine job offer. In order to qualify for sponsorship via the Skilled Worker route, the employment offer must be for a legitimate vacancy.
- Skill level: The position requires a competence level of RQF Level 3 or higher. This implies that it should typically call for a degree that is at least as good as an A-level.
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English Language Requirements
You must perform at least at a B1 level on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) scale in writing, speaking, reading, and interpreting English in order to satisfy the English language requirement. Your proficiency in English can be demonstrated in a number of ways:
- Academic qualifications: If you meet certain academic requirements, you might not be required to take an English language test. These qualifications include Scottish National Qualification level 4 or 5, A level, Scottish Higher, GCSE, and Advanced Higher in English. It is crucial, though, that these credentials were earned by attending a UK school before the age of 18.
- Citizen of an English speaking country: If you’re from a country where English is the primary language, you don’t have to demonstrate your English proficiency.
- Secure English Language Test: You can show that you can speak English by taking a SELT from an authorized provider. These tests measure your English skills and are specifically made for immigration needs.
- English-taught degree: If your academic qualification is at degree level and was taught in English, it can be used to satisfy the English language requirement. For qualifications obtained outside the UK, you will need to apply through ECCTIS (previously known as UK NARIC) to verify that your degree is equivalent to a UK Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD qualification.
- Healthcare professionals: English language skills may be required differently for those in certain healthcare professions, such as physicians, nurses, midwives, dentists, and veterinarians. Further proof of your English language proficiency is not required if you work in one of these occupations and have already taken an English language test recognized by the appropriate regulated professional body. It could be necessary to prove that you have completed an English language test administered by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons if you work as a veterinarian.
Certificate of Sponsorship Requirement
The employee must first receive a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from their UK sponsor attesting to the fact that they and their role match the standards for sponsorship before they can submit their visa application. When applying for a skilled worker visa, the applicant must include the CoS, a reference number, with their Home Office application. A CoS may only be issued by licensed sponsors.
A certificate of sponsorship might be either defined or undefined. An Undefined CoS is issued to individuals who are already in the UK with valid immigration status and wish to switch to the Skilled Worker category from a different visa route. It also applies to those applying under other eligible visa categories, whether they are applying from within the UK or from abroad.
A Defined CoS is required for Skilled Worker visa applicants applying from outside the UK. Employers must apply and pay for a Defined CoS through the Home Office, providing detailed information about the role and the proposed salary. The fee for assigning a Certificate of Sponsorship under a Worker sponsor licence is £525.
Financial Maintenance Requirement
The applicant will not be eligible for public subsidies, such as benefits, therefore they must demonstrate that they meet the financial requirements and have enough money to maintain themselves. According to the regulations, candidates must have a minimum of £1,270 in their bank account at the time of application.
This sum must have been accessible for a minimum of 28 days in a row, with day 28 falling within 31 days after submitting the visa application. The applicant is required to show proof of sufficient funds unless they have legally lived and earned income in the UK for 12 continuous months, or their sponsor has agreed to cover expenses of up to £1,270 for their first month in the country.
Visa Document Checklist
- A valid passport
- Proof of English language proficiency
- Certificate of sponsorship reference number
- Job contract
- Proof of sufficient funds
- Criminal record certificate
- Academic certificates
- ATAS certificate
- Proof of relationship (if required)
How to Apply
- Obtain a job offer
- Apply for CoS
- Collect all required documents
- Complete online application
- Attend a biometric appointment
- Wait for a decision
- Receive your visa
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Validity of the Skilled Work Visa
Visas for skilled workers are issued for a maximum of five years, depending on how long the worker has been employed on the CoS. In reality, businesses frequently provide sponsorship for the first three years. The visa holder must submit an application to extend their visa before it expires.
After completing five years of lawful residence, they may qualify to apply for indefinite leave to remain in the UK.
There is no restriction on how many times a Skilled Worker visa can be renewed, as long as the individual continues to satisfy the eligibility criteria for the visa.
Processing Time
Applications for skilled worker visas can often take up to eight weeks if submitted from within the UK, or up to three weeks if submitted from outside the country. Paying for expedited processing might be an option, contingent on the location of the application processing. If there are options for expedited processing, you will be informed when you submit your application.
Skilled Work Visa Fees
The visa application fee must be paid by the applicant; the amount due will vary based on a number of circumstances, including whether the job is listed on the Immigration Salary List. Any dependents applying with the primary visa applicant must pay the same fees.
- Applying from overseas costs £769 for up to three years and £1,519 for more than three years.
- Applying from within the UK costs £885 for up to three years and £1715 for more than three years.
Conclusion
Living and working in the UK comes with many long-term prospects. Understanding the requirements and carefully preparing them gives prospective applicants enough confidence to undergo the process. You must meet the eligibility requirements and have an offer from an approved sponsor employer in the UK. This visa gives you the great opportunity to build your future in the UK and make a significant contribution to the UK economy.