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Student and Child Student 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 a Child Student Visa?

The Child Student Visa is designed for applicants aged between 4 and 17 years old, who are seeking education in the UK by an independent school – which is a Home Office approved student sponsor. This visa route is suited for children who are nationals of a country other than the UK or Ireland. 

Who can apply for a Child Student Visa?

To apply for this visa route, the child must be aged between 4 and 17 years old. There are also strict eligibility requirements involved in this category so that entry clearance can be obtained. You will need to prove your eligibility for this route, by demonstrating that you are: 

  • You are aged between 4 and 17. 
  • You have been offered an unconditional place at an independent school that holds a valid student sponsor licence, for an approved course of study. 
  • You are self-sufficient with your finances so that you will not depend on public funding. 
  • There are arrangements in place for your care within the UK. 
  • You can provide the consent of your parent(s) or legal guardian.  

What are the requirements?

For this route, there are several requirements that will need to be established to ensure a smooth and successful application process. This includes: 

  • Providing an unconditional offer on a course from an eligible UK Independent school. 
  • To demonstrate that you will be able to meet your living costs in the UK. 
  • Be able to have sufficient funds to pay any outstanding course fees for one academic year. 
  • To be able to have reliable accommodation in the UK for the duration of your studies.  
  • You can provide the consent of your parent(s) or legal guardian. 

What is the Child Student Visa processing time?

According to the Home Office guidelines, the processing time for this visa route can take roughly 3 weeks, until you receive a decision – this is if you decide to apply for the Child Student Visa from outside the UK. On the other hand, you should receive a decision on your application within 8 weeks if you apply for this visa from within the UK.  

How to apply for a Child Student Visa?

To successfully apply for the Child Student Visa, you will be required to complete an online application form via the Home Office website. It is recommended that if you are applying from outside the UK, that you should submit your application no later than 6 months before your course commences, to avoid any disappointment.  

On the contrary, if you are applying from inside the UK then the earliest you can apply for a Child Student Visa is 3 months before your course commences. It is essential that your course must be scheduled to begin no more than 28 days after the expiry date of your previous leave. 

How long does a Child Student Visa last?

In terms of this visa route, the Child Student Visa lasts different times depending on your circumstances. If you are under 16 years of age, your Child Student Visa will enable you to remain in the UK for either the duration of the course of study or 6 years, whichever is shortest. 

However, if you are aged 16 or 17 years old, your Child Student Visa will only allow you to remain in the UK for either the duration of your course of study or 3 years, whichever is shortest.  

How much does it cost to get a Child Student Visa?

The Child Student Visa fees may vary depending on your circumstances. However, to apply for this visa from outside the UK it will cost £490 and likewise, to extend or switch to this visa route from inside the UK, it will be the same fee.  

Additionally, you will be expected to pay the healthcare surcharge as part of your application.  

How can Bridge Partners Immigration help?

Our team of advisors regularly assist child students and their family members to move to, or extend their stay in, the UK to help them pursue their education. With our breadth of legal expertise and professionalism, we can provide you with reliable immigration advice to child students as part of our service. Contact us today to get started on your Child Student Visa application, and we can help you through the complexities of the Home Office rules and policies.  

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.