How To Get A Skilled Worker Visa For The UK

Are you a skilled worker looking for opportunities to stay in the UK and do jobs that are approved by your employer? 

You don’t need to panic much because you are on the right page! In this guide, I will walk you through the process on how to apply for a skilled worker visa UK. Also, I will be covering the requirement for the skilled worker visa UK. So without further ado, let’s dive in!

READ MORE: List of UK Companies Willing to Sponsor Tier 2 Visa.

What Is Skilled Worker Visa UK? 

You may be wondering what a skilled worker visa is. In simple words, a Skilled Worker visa allows you to come to and stay in the UK to do an eligible job with an approved employer in the UK.

The skilled worker visa was replaced by the Tier 2 (General) visa in 2020. This scheme is open to those with skills at RQF level 3 (equivalent to the A-level in the UK) or people qualified for other occupations.  

The UK skilled worker visa is a long-term work visa and will be granted within the space of five years (depending on the duration of your certificate of sponsorship). 

Also, you need to know that your visa is valid as you remain in the same role with your sponsoring employer.  When you want to change your roles, you will have to apply for a new skilled worker visa. 

During the skilled worker route, then you can extend your visa before the expiry date and after a qualifying period of five years, apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) and British citizenship one year later.  

If you are thinking of applying for a UK skilled worker visa, you will need to secure a job offer and ensure that you meet the criteria for the job. 

The Requirement To Be Eligible For a Skilled Worker Visa UK

Thankfully, you know what a Skilled worker visa is. Let’s explore the eligibility criteria for obtaining it. For you to have your skilled worker visa, you have to meet the following criteria: 

• Have a job offer from a UK employer.

• Your employer must be part of the list of licensed sponsors that is been approved by the home office. 

• Your employer must issue you with a valid “certificate of sponsorship” 

• The role you are employed for must be in the list of eligible occupations. 

• Meet the skill level criteria, at least it must be equivalent to RQF level 3. 

• Meet the least salary requirements: £25,600 per year or £10.10 per hour. 

• Proficient in English Language. 

• Have £1,270 in your account to show you are self-independent in the UK. 

Now, I’ll explain each of these criteria that have been mentioned above in detail: 

1. Have An Offer Of A Job From a UK employer 

For you to have a successful application for your visa, you must make sure you have a valid job offer that is licensed by a UK employer before you apply. 

The offer must be from an A-rated business that has been listed on licensed sponsors for a role in the list of qualified occupations and meets the least salary requirements. 

A valid certificate of sponsorship from your UK employer is also required during the application. 

2. Your Employee Must Be Included In The Licensed Sponsors That Is Approved By The Home Office

The job offer you got must be listed in the Home office’s list of licensed sponsors. That is why you need to verify if your employer is licensed to hire international workers who ks under the skilled worker route. 

The licenses are been issued according to the kind of visa that is required, which is A-rated. 

While B-rated employers are unable to issue new certificates for sponsorship till when they meet the Home Office compliance requirements in other to be upgraded to an A-rating.  

It is necessary to check well before applying in other to avoid delay or rejection concerning your visa. 

3. Your Employer Must Issue You A Valid “Certificate Of Sponsorship” 

As mentioned earlier you need a valid certificate of sponsorship to help you apply for a skilled worker visa. 

The Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is a digital document that has information about the role that you will be sponsored. 

It will include the job title and type, your salary, work start and end dates, your sponsor license number, and the date it will expire. 

4. Your Job Must Be Included In The List Of Eligible Occupation 

UK immigration will only grant a visa for the roles that have been included in the eligible occupation. 

You must have the basic skills or experience to fulfil your duty in the role that you are being hired for in UK. 

You can ask for the standard occupation code (SOC) from your employer to confirm if your occupation is eligible. 

5. You Must Meet The Skill Level Requirement 

Those applying must have skills that are equivalent to RQF level 3 which is the same thing as an A-level qualification in the UK. 

6. Meet The Least Salary Requirements For Skilled Worker Visa 

The lowest salary is £25,600 per year or £10.10 per hour which is higher. However, depending on your occupation, you can earn more.

Also, the Home Office publishes a list of going rates for some occupations. The going rates are set by the government and will reflect the average amount paid for a certain occupation. 

7. Must Have £1,270 In Your Bank Account To Sustain Yourself 

You will show your bank statement form for evidence that you have at least £1,270 in the first month when working in the UK. 

Sometimes you can ask your employer to give you a letter of confirmation that will cover all the requirements for you. 

8. Must Be Proficient In English Language

As an applicant for a skilled worker visa, you need to show that you are proficient in English language. 

READ MORE: Jobs abroad with SPONSORSHIP VISA

Steps For Applying For a UK Skilled Worker Visa 

For the process of applying for a skilled worker visa, those outside the UK can complete the registration online from the  Home Office website. 

You must complete and submit your application once you have gotten the job offer. If you don’t have all your documents ready, I recommend that you begin the application and when you can complete the process later. 

Here’s how to complete the application 

1. Check the eligibility of your visa.

2. Get a job offer from a licensed sponsor in the UK. 

3. Have a certificate of sponsorship from a UK employer. 

4. Ensure your documents are ready to prove your eligibility for the visa you are applying for. 

5. Go online to complete the form.

6. Pay your application fee, biometric fee, and healthcare surcharge.

7. Upload the necessary documents that are required. 

8. Arrange a biometric appointment to have your fingerprints and photo taken.  

You are expected to receive a decision within 3 weeks from your application date. If they need more information to support your application, you will be contacted by UKVI. 

How Long Does This Visa Last? 

According to UKVI, the skilled worker visa for the UK Is granted for just 5 years. During this time the visa holder would need to apply to extend the visa or either come to a residency requirement for 5 years.

You may have the grace to apply for indefinite leave in the UK. Moreover, there is no limit on the number of times that you can extend your visa, as far as you keep on meeting the requirements for the UK visa. 

When the visa holder changes sponsor or jobs you will need to apply for a new period of leave. 

READ MORE: JOBS IN THE UK WITH VISA SPONSORSHIP

Conclusion 

You now have the necessary knowledge required to get a skilled worker visa for the UK. Don’t procrastinate! Start applying by following the requirements that have been explained in the article above. You can also drop your comment using the comment box or Join Us on Twitter.