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Study Visa

You can apply for a Skilled Worker visa to work in the UK in an eligible job with an employer licenced as a sponsor by the UK government.

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Can I apply for the UK Skilled Worker visa?

We can help you. It’s what we do.

Overview

You can apply for a Skilled Worker visa to work in the UK in an eligible job with an employer licenced as a sponsor by the UK government. This UK work visa has replaced the Tier 2 (General) work visa. This category is for all foreign nationals who have been offered a skilled job to fill a gap in the workforce which cannot be filled by an already settled worker in the UK. There are a number of complex scenarios which should be discussed and explored in detail before you can apply.

You can apply for a Skilled Worker visa to work in the UK in an eligible job with an employer licenced as a sponsor by the UK government. This UK work visa has replaced the Tier 2 (General) work visa. This category is for all foreign nationals who have been offered a skilled job to fill a gap in the workforce which cannot be filled by an already settled worker in the UK. There are a number of complex scenarios which should be discussed and explored in detail before you can apply.

International Sportspersons visa

This category is for highly skilled sportspersons who must be recognised by a governing body as an elite sports person or a sports coach. The applicant must demonstrate that their employment in the UK will encourage the sport to become more elite and prominent in the UK.

To apply for ILR you must have spent continuous period of 5 years in the UK and must have spent no more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12 months. You must also meet the English language requirement, pass the Life in the UK test and meet the salary threshold requirement of at least £35,800.

Indefinite leave to remain

The skilled worker visa lasts for up to five years. If you want to stay longer, you can apply to extend your, as long as you still meet the eligibility requirements. After five years, you may also be entitled to apply for indefinite leave to remain, which gives you the right to live, work and study in the UK for as long as you like. You must apply to extend or update your skilled work visa UK if you change jobs or employer.

To apply for ILR you must have spent continuous period of five years in the UK and must have spent no more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12 months. You must also meet the English language requirement, pass the Life in the UK test and meet the salary threshold requirement of at least £25,600 per year.

What is the Study Visit Visa?

The Study Visit Visa is applicable for individuals who wish to come to the UK for a specific time of study, at an eligible course of study abroad or for a period of research that will last up to 6 months. Please note, that this route does not lead to settlement in the UK and all visitors are required to make a separate application, even when travelling as part of a group.  

Who can apply for a Study Visit Visa?

Under this route, like the other sub-categories under the UK Visa route, you will be required to set out the main purpose of your trip to the Home Office – in this case, you will need to outline your intentions to study on a short-term basis in the UK. Please see below for further details regarding the kind of requirements to expect on this route. 

It is crucial that you meet these requirements, and you are genuinely seeking entry into the UK for the purpose of undertaking the following activities: 

  • Attending a course of study lasting longer than 6 months provided by an Accredited Institution that is not a State funded school or academy. 
  • Undertake electives relevant to a course of study abroad for up to 6 months. 
  • Undertake research or be taught about research at a UK Higher Education provider or UK research institute for up to six months.  

Please note that it is not permitted to switch to another immigration category if you are granted a Study Visit Visa, and likewise it is not possible to switch into this category if you are in the UK on another visa. You may be able to return to your country of residence and apply for the Student Visa if you wish to continue studying in the UK.  

What are the requirements?

Under this route, there are several requirements that the applicant must meet to be accepted onto a course of study that is to be provided by an Accredited Institution that is not a state funded school or academy. To successfully qualify for this visa, the applicant must satisfy UK Visas & Immigration that: 

  • To provide evidence that you are a visa national. 
  • You are genuinely seeking entry to the UK for the permitted activities under this route. 
  • You do not plan to undertake any prohibited activities. 
  • You have sufficient funds to cover all reasonable costs in relation to your visit (this may include accommodation, maintenance, and travel costs) without relying on public funds.  
  • You do not plan to leave the UK at the end of your visit. 
  • You will not live in the UK for extended periods through frequent or successive visits or plan to make the UK your main residence. 
  • Your application does not fall for refusal under the general grounds for refusal. 
  • You have obtained an Electronic Travel Authorisation, if required.  

What is the Study Visit Visa processing time?

For this route, the processing time is approximately 3 weeks until the applicant will receive a decision.  

How long does a Study Visit Visa last?

A Study Visit Visa may be valid for 6 months, 2 years, 5 years of 10 years. This will vary depending on your circumstance and whether you choose to extend your visa route. However, each visit to the UK must not exceed the temporary period of up to 6 months.  

How much does it cost to get a Study Visit Visa?

Under this route, the application fee for a short stay of up to 6 months is currently £100, However, if you wish to apply for a Study Visit Visa that is valid for either 2 years, 5 years, or 10 years then the Home Office application fee will be £376, £670 or £837 respectively.  

Can my dependents be included as part of my Study Visit Visa?

As part of the Study Visit Visa, unfortunately the applicant will be unable to bring dependents with them on this visa route.  

How can I apply for a Study Visit Visa?

To successfully apply for a Student Visit Visa, you must be able to provide evidence of receiving an offer to study an eligible course in the UK. Once you have this offer for definite, you may then complete the online application form via the Government website. This will involve you paying the relevant fees for your application and providing the supporting documents which we have detailed above under requirements.  

Once this has been completed, you will be required to provide your biometric information (E.G., your fingerprints and photograph), before then submitting your application.  

How can Bridge Partners Immigration help?

Our immigration legal experts can assist applicants from across the globe to secure visas, so that they can undertake their studies here in the UK. If you are seeking advice on applying for a Study Visit visa, or need assistance with preparing an application our knowledgeable team can assist.  

We pride ourselves on providing a proactive yet friendly approach to meeting our client’s needs, to ensure that we can confidently meet your expectations. Please do not hesitate to contact us today for further information. 

Frequently Asked Skilled Worker visa​ Application Questions

Someone can be eligible for a Skilled Worker visa if they have a job offer from a sponsoring company in the UK for a job that is on the list of skilled worker occupations. In addition, the skilled worker must have the required skills and experience to undergo the role in the company and have the required level of English language ability.   

The minimum salary for the Skilled Worker visa is either £25,600 per year, £10.10 per hour or the “going rate” for the particular occupation code, whichever is highest. For each job on the Home Office occupation list, there is a “going rate” which details the recommended annual and hourly salary that an individual must earn for the role. The rates are based on a 39-hour week of work. Those applying for the Skilled Worker visa need 50 points to do so. These are gained from sponsorship, skill level and English language requirements. However, 20 further tradable points can be given to those that meet the minimum salary requirement. 

You cannot move to the UK without a job offer from a company that has a UK sponsor licence, unless you apply for the Global Talent visa where this is not a requirement. When you are applying for a Skilled Worker visa you must provide a certificate of sponsorship reference number which proves that you have a job offer and therefore permission to work in the UK with a registered sponsor.  

The general Skilled Worker visa requirements are that you must have a job offer from a company that is a UK-registered sponsor and have a certificate of sponsorship that confirms that you have permission to work in the UK within a specific job role. You must be paid the required minimum salary for the occupation, have the required skill level and English language ability to do the job and have enough funds to support yourself in the UK.   

Once all the correct documentation has been submitted, it takes around 3 weeks for an application for a Skilled Worker visa to be processed by the Home Office when applying outside of the UK. For applications within the UK, the standard processing time is 8 weeks, although this can take around 9 weeks on average.  

For the Skilled Worker visa, you will need to provide a valid passport and proof that you have a job in the UK with details about your job role, salary, and employer information. You will also need the reference number for your certificate of sponsorship which proves that you have an approved job offer with a registered UK sponsor. In addition, you will need to provide bank statements that show you are able to support yourself in the UK and proof of the required qualifications needed for the role such as an English language test and degree certificate.

Yes, you can study whilst on a Skilled Worker visa. There is no restriction on the number of hours you can study as long as it does not interfere with your work. Another requirement is that workers who study must first get an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate for their studies and present it to the education provider.  

Skilled Workers are not allowed to run their own businesses.