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Skilled Worker 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 Skilled Worker Visa?

This visa route is designed for skilled overseas nationals – whether you are an employer who is looking to hire skilled migrant workers, or you are an individual who is applying for a sponsored work visa. The Skilled Worker Visa has replaced the Tier 2 (General) visa.  

Essentially, this is an ideal visa route for employers who are looking to sponsor non-UK nationals to work for them in the UK, in skilled yet eligible roles. However, it is important to note that your visa is only valid if you remain in the same role with your sponsoring employer, and of course you will need to meet other relevant requirements to be eligible to apply. Additionally, under the Skilled Worker Visa route, it is possible to extend your visa before it expires, and after a qualifying period of 5 years, apply for the indefinite leave to remain (ILR) and British citizenship one year later.  

Who can apply for a Skilled Worker Visa?

Under this route, applicants who can demonstrate their eligibility to work in the UK but also meet the relevant requirements, will have a higher chance of being successful with their application. Given the complexity of the Skilled Worker Visa documentation requirements, we highly recommend seeking legal advice from a member of our team, before submitting your application. 

What are the requirements?

There are several considerations that must be met to be eligible for the Skilled Worker Visa: 

  • Having a legitimate job offer from a UK employer. 
  • Your employer must be recognised as legitimate licenced sponsor that is approved by the Home Office 
  • Your employer must have issued you with a valid ‘Certificate of Sponsorship’ (CoS) 
  • The job for which you are being employed must be on the list of eligible occupations 
  • You must be able to meet the skill level requirement: at least equivalent to RQF Level 3 
  • You must meet the minimum salary requirement of £26,200 per year 
  • Be able to prove your English language proficiency  
  • You must have £1,270 in your bank account to demonstrate that you can support yourself in the UK 

 

Additionally, you will need to provide some information and documents to help support your Skilled Worker Visa application – this may include: 

  • Your valid passport 
  • Your Certificate of Sponsorship reference number 
  • Your job title and annual salary 
  • A legitimate job occupation code 
  • The name of your employer and their sponsor licence number (as presented on your Certificate of Sponsorship) 
  • Financial requirement – evidence of sufficient personal savings to support yourself in the UK 
  • Proof of your relationship to your spouse/partner and children (e.g. marriage or birth certificates) 
  • If applicable, a criminal record certificate – this is only required if you intend to work with vulnerable individuals such as the healthcare or education sectors 
  • Proof of your English language proficiency 
  • TB test results (if you are from a country for which this is required) 
  • UK PhD certificate if your PhD does not originate from the UK 

What is the Skilled Worker Visa processing time?

Under this route, the processing time generally takes up to 8 weeks if applying from within the UK, or up to 3 weeks if the application is made from outside the UK. Please note, that it may be possible to pay for fast-tracked processing, depending on where the application is being processed.  

How to apply for a Skilled Worker Visa?

To successfully apply for a Skilled Worker visa from outside the UK, you will need to complete an online application on the Home Office website. You will be able to complete and submit your application once you have your job offer, Certificate of Sponsorship, and the supporting information listed above.  

The application stages are as follows: 

  • Check your eligibility for the Skilled Worker visa route – please check the eligibility requirements stated above. 
  • You have secured a job offer from a licensed sponsor in the UK. 
  • Receive your Certificate of Sponsorship from your UK employer. 
  • Prepare the documents you will need to provide to help prove your eligibility 
  • Complete the online application form in detail and as accurate as possible – the form you will need to complete will depend on if you are applying from outside the UK or switching from a different visa within the UK. 
  • Pay the application fee, biometric fee, and healthcare surcharge. 
  • Upload any documents required to support your application. 
  • Book a biometric appointment to attend, to have your fingerprints and photo taken. 

How long does a Skilled Worker Visa last?

An attractive feature about the Skilled Worker Visa, is that it is a long-term visa which can grant applicants a period of 5 years to remain in the UK (this will depend on the duration of your Certificate of Sponsorship). You can then extend your visa as many times as you wish and apply for permanent settlement (ILR) after 5 years. This is an ideal prospect if you plan to reside and work in the UK on a permanent basis, for yourself or for you and your family. 

How much does it cost to get a Skilled Worker Visa?

Under this route, there are various fees to consider when submitting your application. Additionally, this can vary depending on factors like whether the job is on the shortage occupation list, and one must consider the Immigration Health Surcharge. These costs also apply to any dependents applying with the main visa applicant. Not to mention, if you decide to embark on a fast-track option for your application. Please see below for an outline of the kind of costs to expect: 

Applying from outside the UK: 

  • For up to 3 years – £719 per person 
  • More than 3 years – £1,420 per person 

 

Applying from inside the UK: 

  • For up to 3 years – £827 per person 
  • More than 3 years – £1,500 per person 

 

Shortage occupation roles, both in-country and out of country applications: 

  • For up to 3 years – £551 per person 
  • More than 3 years – £1,084 per person 

Can my dependents be included as part of my Skilled Worker Visa?

For the Skilled Worker Visa, your partner and children can also apply to join you or stay in the UK as your dependents, if they are eligible. Please note, they will need to complete separate applications.  

A dependent partner or child is any of the following: 

  • Your husband, wife, civil partner, or unmarried partner. 
  • Your child under 18 – including if they were born in the UK during your stay 
  • Your child over 18 if they’re currently in the UK as your dependent  

 

Please note, that you must provide evidence of your relationship to your dependent when you decide to apply.  

How can I apply to include my dependents as part of my Skilled Worker Visa?

For the Skilled Worker route, dependents can apply by simply completing their own application and pay the relevant visa fee. It is crucial that they apply before they travel to the UK. They’ll also need your application number – this will be given to you when you apply. This is also known as a Global Web Form (GWF) or a Unique Application Number (UAN).  

Additionally, as part of an application, your partner and children will need to prove their identity. They’ll either have their fingerprints and photograph taken at a visa application centre – this is to get a biometric residence permit. Or they will use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to scan their identity document.  

How can Bridge Partners Immigration help?

At Bridge Partners Immigration, we have extensive experience dealing with Skilled Worker Visa applications and providing expert guidance with any aspect of the application process. From how to sponsor a worker and apply for a sponsor licence, to how to apply to the Home Office if you have successfully been offered UK employment. Please do not hesitate to contact us today, and we can best advise you through the complexities of the Home Office guidance regarding the Skilled Worker route. 

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.