Skilled Worker Visa UK: Step into Global Opportunities
The Skilled Worker Visa UK route is reserved for highly skilled international workers with a job offer from a UK company that holds a valid work Sponsorship Visa UK licence. The UK work visa is currently used for non-EU immigration to the UK only.
From 1 January 2021, the Skilled Worker Visa UK scheme will also apply to EU immigration. Skilled workers from EU member states will require a UK Work Visa under the post-Brexit immigration bill that ends EU-UK freedom of movement rights.
The UK has a multi-diverse workforce, represented by hundreds of nationalities from around the world, and welcomes people with high-level professional skills.
How Our London-based Skilled Worker Visa Solicitor Can Help You?
With some of the best Skilled Worker Visa Solicitor professionals in the UK, we will assess your eligibility to apply for the Skilled Worker Visa UK and help you with your immigration application. The UK work visa scheme has several different categories under which you can apply. We will ensure that you apply for the right visa for you.
You will be assigned a dedicated Skilled Worker Visa Solicitor to support you with your application every step of the way. We will work with you to ensure that it’s complete and accurate, and gather the necessary documentation to support your application.
In most cases, we can file your UK Work Visa application on the same day!
UK Skilled Worker Visa
The UK Skilled Worker Visa Process operates under the UK immigration points-based system. To qualify for the Skilled Worker Visa UK Requirements, you must score at least 70 points, awarded as follows:
- 50 points for having an employer with a valid Work Sponsorship Visa UK licence and a Certificate of Sponsorship.
- 10 points for English language skills (excluding intra-company transfer visas).
- 10 points for maintenance, which means the funds you have available to support yourself.
While you need a minimum of 70 points to be eligible for a Skilled Worker Visa work permit, it’s not a guarantee that you will be approved. Your application will be considered by the Home Office against their General Grounds for Refusal criteria.
Additional eligibility requirements include:
- Having a job offer from a UK-based company.
- A valid Certificate of Sponsorship from an employer authorised for Sponsoring Skilled Workers UK.
- Earning a salary that meets the minimum threshold.
- Meeting specific English language requirements.
- Being 16 years or older at the time of applying.
- Passing the ‘genuine vacancy test’, which means that your skills must fit the job you will be doing in the UK.
- Providing proof of available funds to support yourself without relying on UK public funds.
Types of Skilled Worker Visa UK Work Permits
There are four types of permits under the Skilled Worker Visa Work Permits:
1 – Skilled Worker Visa (General)
This is the most common type of skilled worker visa issued for non-EEA immigration to the UK. It applies to workers filling roles on the UK Shortage Occupation List or other skilled positions.
2 – Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) Visa
This visa enables non-EEA migrants to transfer from an overseas office to a UK branch of the company they work for on a temporary basis. This work permit is split into two sub-categories:
- Long term staff – reserved for those who have worked for their company for a minimum of 12 months prior to a UK transfer. This option allows for a stay in the UK of up to 5 years.
- Graduate trainee – available to recent graduate recruits transferring to a UK branch of the company they work for to train. This option allows a maximum stay in the UK of 12 months.
3 – Minister of Religion Visa
Issued to religious officials coming to the UK for the purposes of preaching or pastoral work. Missionaries and members of religious orders can also qualify for UK entry under this visa.
4 – Sportsperson Visa
Granted to sporting professionals or coaches whose work will make a significant contribution to the development of their sport in the UK.
Benefits of a Skilled Worker Visa UK
The Skilled Worker visa is one of the UK’s most popular work visa routes. On a Skilled Worker visa you will be able to work for your sponsored employer in a specified role, however, you will need to ensure that your role meets the skill and salary level thresholds in order to apply.
Settlement
Unlike some work visa routes, the Skilled Worker visa does lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK (ILR). Once you have lived in the UK continuously for 5 years, subject to meeting eligibility criteria, you can apply for ILR.
There are a number of requirements you will need to meet when applying for ILR, which include confirmation from your employer that you are still required for your role, passing the Life in the UK test, and meeting the absence requirements.
Family
On the Skilled Worker route, your children (under 18) and/or a partner (subject to eligibility criteria) can also join you in the UK as your dependents. Their visas will be granted in line with yours, and they will also be eligible to apply for ILR, provided the relevant requirements are met.
Study
On a Skilled Worker visa you are also permitted to study in the UK. There is no limit on the number of hours you study, provided it does not interfere with the job you have been sponsored to do. It is important to note that you may need additional approval from the Home Office in the form of an ATAS certificate, depending on the topic you are studying.
Unlimited
Although the maximum period that you will be granted on your Skilled Worker visa will be 5 years, as the Immigration Rules currently stand, you can continue extending your Skilled Worker visas indefinitely. Therefore, if you find that you cannot meet the requirements for ILR, you can continue extending your Skilled Worker visa until you are able to submit a successful ILR application.
As above, there are a number of benefits of the Skilled Worker visa, however, there may be other visa options available to you if you are looking to work in the UK. The best option for you will depend on your circumstances and your future plans in the UK.
Apply for Skilled Worker Visa UK
If you’re a non-UK skilled worker with a job offer in Britain, speak to our specialist skilled worker visa lawyers in London for help to secure your work visa.
If you’re in the UK under a different category (such as a student or entrepreneur visa) and want to switch, contact our team to explore options under the UK Skilled Worker Visa Process.
For professional support with your UK Visa Application for Skilled Workers, call Ash Norton Solicitors at +44 (0)207 629 3633 or click here to get in touch.
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