Skilled Worker visa
The Skilled Worker visa offers a fantastic opportunity for skilled individuals to live and work in the UK, contributing to its diverse and dynamic workforce. If you meet the eligibility criteria and have a job offer from an approved UK employer, you may be able to apply for a Skilled Worker visa.
Whether you want to apply, switch, or extend your Skilled Worker visa, our team of immigration solicitors can guide you step-by-step through the process, ensuring you meet all the necessary eligibility criteria and compile a strong application. Our attention to detail and expert knowledge will give you the best possible chance of success.
If you need help with a UK visa application or any other type of immigration matter, contact our immigration solicitors by calling 0208 616 5535 or filling out our online contact form. We are here to guide you every step of the way.
Table of Contents
- What is a Skilled Worker visa?
- UK Skilled Worker visa requirements
- Certificate of sponsorship requirement
- Salary requirements
- English language requirements
- Documents required for Skilled Worker visa
- How to apply for a Skilled Worker visa?
- UK Skilled Worker visa processing time
- Extend your Skilled Worker visa
- Switch to a Skilled Worker visa
- ILR as a Skilled Worker
- How can immigration solicitors help with UK visa applications?
- Contact UK immigration solicitors today
What is a Skilled Worker visa?
The Skilled Worker visa is designed for individuals from outside the United Kingdom who have a job offer from a UK employer with a valid Sponsorship Licence. This visa allows skilled workers to come to or stay in the UK to do an eligible job with an approved employer.
Your Skilled Worker visa can last for up to 5 years before you need to extend it. You'll need to apply to extend or update your visa when it expires or if you change job or employer.
After living in the UK for five years under the Skilled Worker visa category, you may be eligible to apply for settlement (indefinite leave to remain), granting you permanent residence in the UK.
This visa has replaced the Tier 2 (General) work visa.
UK Skilled Worker visa requirements
To be eligible for a UK Skilled Worker visa, you must meet certain requirements:
- You must have a confirmed job offer before you apply for your visa.
- You must work for a UK employer that's been approved by the Home Office.
- You must have a certificate of sponsorship reference number from your UK sponsor.
- You must be paid a minimum salary - how much depends on the type of work you do.
- You must have enough money to support yourself in the UK.
- You must have suitable accommodation available for you in the UK.
- You may need to prove your proficiency in the English language, depending on your nationality.
Depending on the type of your application and circumstances, you must meet all the other eligibility requirements. Schedule a consultation with our UK immigration solicitor for your eligibility assessments.
Certificate of sponsorship requirement
The Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is a key requirement for the Skilled Worker visa. It is an electronic document that is issued by the employer who has offered the individual a job in the UK.
To obtain a Skilled Worker visa, the individual must have a valid CoS from their sponsoring employer. The CoS serves as evidence that the employer has met the requirements to sponsor an individual under the Skilled Worker visa category and that the individual has a genuine job offer in the UK.
To apply for a Skilled Worker visa, the individual will need to provide their CoS reference number, which will be included in the CoS. The CoS will also include details about the individual's job, including the job title, the job duties, and the salary.
Salary requirements
The minimum salary requirement for the UK Skilled Worker visa generally must meet either the general salary threshold or the "going rate" for the specific job, whichever is higher.
Currently, the minimum salary for most Skilled Worker visa applicants is £38,700 gross per year. However, this is the basic threshold and might be higher depending on the job.
Your employer must make sure your job pays at least the minimum wage and follows the UK rules for how many hours a week you work. If your employer does not do this, your application will be refused.
English language requirements
You must prove you can read, write, speak and understand English to at least level B1 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) scale.
You can meet the requirements by:
- passing an approved test at or above the required CEFR level, with an approved provider as set out on gov.uk at: Approved Secure English Language Tests and Test Centres
- being a national of a majority English-speaking country
- having an academic qualification which is either a Bachelor's or Master's degree or PhD
Documents required for Skilled Worker visa
When you apply for your Skilled Worker visa you will need to provide:
- a current passport or other valid travel document to prove your identity
- your certificate of sponsorship reference number - your employer will give you this
- your job title and annual salary
- your job's occupation code
- the name of your employer and their sponsor licence number - this will be on your certificate of sponsorship
- proof you have enough money to support yourself
- proof of accommodation such as a tenancy agreement
- evidence of English language proficiency
- proof of your relationship with your partner or children if they're applying with you
- tuberculosis test results (if applicable)
The document checklist provided above is not exhaustive, and additional documents may be required depending on the type of your UK visa application and your circumstances. Schedule a consultation with our UK immigration solicitor to get a comprehensive list of required documents and eligibility assessments.
How to apply for a Skilled Worker visa?
Applying for a UK visa involves several steps. Here is a general outline of the visa application process:
- Determine Eligibility: Before applying for a UK visa, ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for the specific visa category you are applying for.
- Gather Required Documents: Prepare the necessary supporting documents to submit along with your visa application.
- Complete the Online Application Form: Visit the UK government's official visa application website and complete the online application form.
- Biometric Appointment: Schedule an appointment at a visa application centre (VAC) to provide your biometric information (fingerprints and photographs). You will need to attend the appointment in person.
- Submit Application and Pay Fees: Once you have compiled all the necessary documents and completed the application form(s), submit your visa application online and pay the applicable visa fees. Fees vary depending on the type of visa and processing times.
- Wait for a Decision: Once you have submitted your application and attended the biometric appointment (if required), you will need to wait for a decision on your visa application. Processing times can vary, so check the UK government website for current processing times.
You must carefully follow the application instructions and provide accurate and complete information and documentation to avoid delays or refusal of your visa application. If you have any questions or concerns about the application process, consider seeking guidance from our expert UK immigration solicitor in London.
UK Skilled Worker visa processing time
Skilled Worker visa applications generally take up to 8 weeks if applying from within the UK, or up to 3 weeks if applying from outside the UK using a standard service. However, you may be able to use "priority service" to get a faster decision.
The processing time for a UK visa or immigration application can vary depending on several factors. All the applicants are advised to check the latest information about application processing time on the official UK government website either applying from inside the UK or outside the UK.
Extend your Skilled Worker visa
If an individual is currently in the UK on a Skilled Worker visa and wants to extend their stay, they may be able to apply for a visa extension or renewal.
Applicants must provide a new certificate of sponsorship from their UK employer and meet the same requirements they met when they applied for their initial visa, including English language proficiency, financial requirements, and skill level.
Switch to a Skilled Worker visa
You can switch to a Skilled Worker visa from certain other visa categories while in the UK, as long as you meet the eligibility requirements. You must have a job offer from a UK employer who is a licensed sponsor.
It's important to note that switching to a Skilled Worker visa from some other visa categories may not be possible. Applicants should always consult an immigration lawyer for the most up-to-date information and specific eligibility requirements for switching to a Skilled Worker visa.
ILR as a Skilled Worker
As a skilled worker, you may be able to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after you have spent 5 continuous years in the UK on a Skilled Worker visa.
Once you are granted ILR as a skilled worker, you can stay in the UK indefinitely and work in any job or industry without the need for a work permit. You may also be eligible to apply for British citizenship after a certain period of time.
How can immigration solicitors help with UK visa applications?
Immigration solicitors play a crucial role in assisting individuals with their UK visa applications by providing expert guidance, legal advice, and representation throughout the application process. Here's how immigration solicitors can help:
- Initial Consultation: Our immigration solicitors offer an initial consultation where we assess the individual's circumstances, immigration goals, and eligibility for the desired visa category. During this consultation, we provide an overview of the visa application process, requirements, and potential challenges.
- Visa Category Selection: Our immigration solicitors help individuals select the most appropriate visa category based on their specific circumstances, such as work, study, family reunion, investment, or settlement. We explain the eligibility criteria and requirements for each visa category and assist in determining the best option for the individual's needs.
- Document Preparation: Our immigration solicitors guide applicants through the preparation of required documents, ensuring they are accurate, complete, and compliant with the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requirements.
- Application Form Completion: Our solicitors will fill in visa application forms accurately and thoroughly to avoid any delays or rejection. We provide guidance on answering questions, providing necessary information, and disclosing any relevant details required by the UKVI.
- Application Submission: We will compile and organise your visa application package and submit your visa application to the UKVI or relevant immigration authorities. We ensure that all required documents are included, application fees are paid, and submission deadlines are met.
- Communication with Authorities: Our immigration solicitors act as intermediaries between the applicant and the UKVI, representing the applicant's interests and communicating with immigration authorities on their behalf. We handle any correspondence, requests for additional information, or enquiries from the UKVI throughout the application process.
- Follow-Up and Monitoring: We monitor the progress of the visa application and provide updates to the applicant as needed. We follow up with immigration authorities to expedite the processing of the application and address any issues or concerns that may arise during the assessment period.
Contact UK immigration solicitors today
If you require expert legal advice or assistance with any type of UK visa or immigration application, don't hesitate to contact us today. Our team of highly experienced UK immigration solicitors is here to guide you every step of the way.
To schedule a consultation with our UK immigration law solicitors in London, please call us on 0208 616 5535 or contact us through our online contact form.
Frequently Asked Questions (Skilled Worker Visa UK)
To be eligible for the Skilled Worker visa, you must have a job offer from a UK employer with a valid Sponsorship License, meet the required skill level for the job (RQF3 or above), meet the English language requirement, and fulfil the salary threshold.
Yes, you can bring your spouse, partner, and children under 18 to the UK as your dependents. They will be granted permission to work and study in the UK.
Yes, you can travel abroad and return to the UK during your stay as long as your visa remains valid. However, prolonged absences from the UK may affect your eligibility for settlement.
To schedule a consultation, you can contact our office by phone (0208 616 5535) or email (info@vanguardlaw.co.uk). Alternatively, you can fill out the online contact form, and a member of our team will reach out to you promptly to arrange a suitable time for a consultation.