UK Skilled Worker Visa: Requirements and Application Guide

The UK Skilled Worker Visa allows eligible foreign nationals to work in a skilled role for an approved UK employer.

This visa category replaces the Tier 2 (General) work visa and is designed for individuals who have a confirmed job offer in the UK that meets specific salary and skill-level requirements.

Below, we provide a detailed guide on eligibility requirements, the application process, and everything you need to know about obtaining the Skilled Worker Visa in 2024.

1. Overview of the Skilled Worker Visa

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The Skilled Worker Visa is a route for those who meet the necessary skill level and salary threshold and have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a licensed UK employer. This visa provides an opportunity to work, settle, and even bring family members to the UK, with the possibility of applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after five years.

Key benefits of the Skilled Worker Visa:

Work in a specific role with a UK employer
Option to bring family members to the UK
Eligibility to apply for settlement after five years
Flexibility to change employers under specific conditions, provided you continue to meet the visa criteria

2. Eligibility Requirements for the Skilled Worker Visa

To qualify for a Skilled Worker Visa, applicants must meet the following criteria:

The applicant must have a confirmed job offer from a UK employer approved by the Home Office. The employer must issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), detailing the role, location, and salary.

B. Skill Level Requirement

The role must meet at least the RQF Level 3 (A-level equivalent) or higher. While you do not need specific academic qualifications, the job itself must be recognized as meeting this skill threshold.

C. Salary Requirement

The role must meet the minimum salary threshold, which is either:
- £26,200 per year, or
- £10.75 per hour, or
- The “going rate” for the specific occupation, if higher than the above thresholds.
Some roles, such as shortage occupation roles, offer salary exemptions or reduced requirements.

D. English Language Proficiency

Applicants must prove a minimum English language ability at the CEFR level B1 in speaking, reading, writing, and listening. This can be evidenced by:
- Passing an approved English language test.
- Holding an academic qualification taught in English, equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree.
- Being a national of a majority English-speaking country (e.g., USA, Canada, Australia).

E. Maintenance Funds Requirement

Applicants must show they have sufficient funds to support themselves upon arrival in the UK. This is typically £1,270 in savings, maintained for at least 28 consecutive days. However, if the employer certifies maintenance, this requirement may be waived.

3. Step-by-Step Application Process for the Skilled Worker Visa

The application process for the Skilled Worker Visa involves several steps:

Step 1: Check Job and Sponsorship Eligibility

Confirm that the role is eligible under the Skilled Worker Visa scheme by consulting the UK government’s list of eligible occupations and the appropriate salary thresholds.

Step 2: Obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

The UK employer must issue a valid CoS. This document will contain essential information about the role, job title, salary, and the employer’s sponsorship license number.

Step 3: Complete the Visa Application Form

Access and complete the Skilled Worker Visa application form online through the official UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) website.
You will need the CoS number, personal details, employment details, and payment information for visa fees.

Step 4: Pay the Visa Fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)

The visa fee depends on the length of stay and whether the occupation is on the shortage occupation list:
- For up to three years, the standard fee is £625 (or £479 if on the shortage occupation list).
- For more than three years, the fee is £1,235 (or £943 for shortage occupations).
Additionally, pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) for each year of stay. This fee is generally £624 per year.

Step 5: Submit Supporting Documents

Prepare and upload the required documents to support your application:
- Passport or travel document: Must be valid and not expiring soon.
- Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from the UK employer.
- Proof of English language ability: Test certificate or proof of academic qualifications.
- Evidence of maintenance funds, unless exempt.
- Tuberculosis test certificate: Required if applying from a country where TB testing is mandatory.
Additional documents may be required depending on your circumstances, such as proof of qualifications for regulated professions.

Step 6: Attend a Biometric Appointment

Schedule an appointment at a visa application center to submit your fingerprints and a photograph for biometric verification.
Alternatively, you may submit biometrics through the UKVCAS system if applying from within the UK.

Step 7: Wait for a Decision

Processing times typically range from three weeks for applications outside the UK to eight weeks for those within the UK. Priority and super-priority services may be available at an additional cost.

4. Conditions and Privileges of the Skilled Worker Visa

The Skilled Worker Visa offers several benefits and certain conditions:

Permitted Activities: You are allowed to work in the job specified in your CoS and, in some cases, take on a second job under certain restrictions. Volunteering and studying are also permitted.
Changing Employers: If you wish to change employers or roles, you must obtain a new CoS and submit a new visa application. You cannot start the new role until the application is approved.
Family Members: Skilled Worker Visa holders may bring family members to the UK, including spouses/partners and children under 18. Each family member will need to apply and meet the financial maintenance requirements.

5. Required Documents Checklist for the Skilled Worker Visa

To ensure your application is complete, be prepared with the following documents:

Valid Passport or Travel Document: Must have at least one blank page.
Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): Issued by your employer.
Evidence of English Language Proficiency: Language test results or proof of a degree taught in English.
Financial Proof (if needed): Bank statements showing £1,270 maintained over 28 days.
TB Test Certificate (if applicable): For applicants from designated countries.
Police Clearance Certificate (if required): May be necessary for specific roles in health, education, and other sensitive areas.

6. Pathway to Settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain)

After holding a Skilled Worker Visa for five continuous years, you may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK. To qualify, you must:

Meet the continuous residence requirement (no more than 180 days outside the UK per year).
Pass the Life in the UK Test.
Demonstrate English language proficiency (if not already demonstrated at the required level).
Continue employment in an eligible role with a licensed sponsor at the time of your ILR application.

Achieving ILR grants you the right to live in the UK permanently, free from immigration control, with eligibility to apply for British citizenship after a further year (subject to meeting all requirements).

7. Additional Considerations and Tips for a Successful Application

Review Sponsorship and Role Requirements: Ensure that both your role and employer meet all sponsorship and salary requirements.
Prepare Documentation Carefully: Each document must be accurate, up-to-date, and meet UKVI standards to avoid processing delays.
Plan for Dependants: If you plan to bring family members, ensure they meet all application and maintenance requirements.
Stay Informed of Changes: Keep up-to-date with UK immigration rules, as policies and requirements for the Skilled Worker Visa may be periodically updated.

Conclusion

The Skilled Worker Visa is an ideal route for individuals with a confirmed job offer in the UK, providing a clear pathway to working, living, and settling in the UK. Following the steps above will help ensure a smooth application process and improve your chances of securing this visa.

If you require further assistance, please reach out to the UK Visa and Immigration helpline, or consider consulting a certified immigration advisor. This visa opens a pathway to long-term residency, providing valuable opportunities for professional growth and integration into the UK workforce.

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