Skilled Worker Visa

Overview

The Skilled Worker Visa allows skilled workers from around the world to work in the United Kingdom for an approved employer. The visa forms part of the UK’s points-based immigration system and can provide a pathway to settlement for eligible applicants.

Eligibility Criteria

1. Job Offer: Secure a job offer from a UK employer that holds a valid Home Office sponsor licence and is authorised to sponsor Skilled Workers.
2. Skill Level: The job must normally be at RQF Level 6 or above, equivalent to graduate-level skill. There are some exceptions for eligible occupations covered by the relevant Immigration Salary List or Temporary Shortage List and certain transitional arrangements.
3. Salary Threshold: You must generally be paid at least £41,700 per year or the applicable ‘going rate’ for your occupation, whichever is higher. Different salary requirements may apply in certain circumstances, including for eligible new entrants, jobs on the Immigration Salary List or Temporary Shortage List, and applicants with relevant PhD qualifications.
4. English Proficiency: New applicants must generally demonstrate English-language proficiency at B2 level on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), covering reading, writing, speaking and listening. Different requirements may apply to certain applicants who already hold Skilled Worker permission.
5. Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): Your employer must provide a valid Certificate of Sponsorship, detailing the specific job, salary and employment arrangements.

Application Process

1. Secure a Job Offer: Attain a job offer from an approved UK employer for an eligible Skilled Worker role.
2. Receive Certificate of Sponsorship: Obtain your Certificate of Sponsorship from your employer, which contains information about your role and employment.
3. Prepare Documentation: Gather the required documents, which may include your passport, CoS reference number, evidence of your English-language proficiency and evidence of sufficient funds, where required.
4. Submit Application: Apply online for the Skilled Worker Visa and pay the relevant application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
5. Provide Biometrics: Prove your identity and provide your biometric information, either through the UK Immigration: ID Check app or by attending a visa application centre or UKVCAS service point, depending on your circumstances.
6. Await Decision: Wait for a decision from UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). Standard processing times are generally around 3 weeks for applications made outside the UK and 8 weeks for applications made inside the UK, although processing times can vary.

Key Points

1. Visa Duration: The Skilled Worker Visa can generally be granted for up to 5 years, depending on the period covered by your Certificate of Sponsorship. You may be able to extend your visa if you continue to meet the relevant requirements.
2. Family Inclusion: Eligible Skilled Workers may be able to bring their partner and children to the UK as dependants, subject to the applicable dependant rules. Restrictions apply to workers in certain occupations.
3. Visa Switching: If you are already in the UK on another immigration route, you may be able to switch to the Skilled Worker Visa, provided you meet the eligibility requirements and are not subject to restrictions on switching from your current visa.
4. Pathway to Settlement: After 5 years of qualifying residence, you may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), provided you meet the relevant settlement requirements.

Application Fees

Fee: The standard application fee currently ranges from £819 to £1,865, depending on factors such as where you apply and the length of your stay. A lower fee applies where the job is on the Immigration Salary List.

For applications made outside the UK, the standard fee is currently:

• Up to 3 years: £819 per person
• More than 3 years: £1,618 per person

For applications made inside the UK to extend, switch or update a Skilled Worker Visa:

• Up to 3 years: £943 per person
• More than 3 years: £1,865 per person.

Health Surcharge: The Immigration Health Surcharge is usually £1,035 per year of the visa.

Maintenance Funds: You will usually need to show that you have at least £1,270 available to support yourself in the UK. This money generally must have been held for at least 28 consecutive days, unless you qualify for an exemption or your employer certifies maintenance.

Benefits

1. Employment Opportunities: Work in an eligible skilled occupation for your approved UK sponsor and develop your professional career in the UK.
2. Pathway to Settlement: After 5 years of qualifying residence, you may be able to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), subject to meeting the relevant requirements.
3. Family Reunification: Eligible workers may be able to bring their partner and children as dependants, subject to the applicable immigration rules.

The Skilled Worker Visa provides an opportunity to work and develop your career in the United Kingdom, while potentially providing a pathway to permanent settlement. As UK immigration rules can change, applicants should check the latest Home Office requirements and consider obtaining professional immigration advice before submitting an application.