The Skilled Worker Visa is a key pathway for professionals wanting to live and work in the UK. Designed to address skill shortages, this visa is ideal for those with expertise in fields like healthcare, IT, engineering, education etc.

What is a Skilled Worker Visa?

The Skilled Worker Visa is a UK work visa designed for professionals who have received a job offer from a licensed UK employer. It allows individuals to live and work in the UK for up to five years after which a skilled worker can be eligible for Indefinite leave. 

How to Apply for a Skilled Worker Visa?

To apply, the applicant must complete an online application and submit supporting documents along with the relevant fee. Applications can be submitted up to three months before the intended employment start date in the UK, as indicated on the Certificate of Sponsorship.

The Certificate of Sponsorship must also be applied for through an online process within three months. Each certificate has a unique reference number that is required during the application.

Furthermore, the applicant must attend an appointment at a visa application centre to provide biometric details and submit any additional necessary documents.

Step Description
Step 1: Obtain Job Offer: Secure a job offer from a UK employer who holds a valid sponsorship license.
Step 2: Apply for CoS: Your employer issues a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) for your application.
Step 3: Gather Documents: Collect all the required documents for the visa application.
Step 4: Complete Online Application: Fill out the online visa application form and pay the applicable fees.
Step 5: Biometric Appointment: Attend an appointment to provide your fingerprints and photograph.
Step 6: Wait for the Decision: Wait for the UK Home Office to process your visa application.
Step 7: Receive Visa: If approved, receive your visa and prepare to relocate to the UK.

 

Skilled Worker Visa Eligibility Criteria and Requirements

To qualify for a Skilled Worker Visa in the UK, you must meet the following criteria:

Job Offer Requirements:

  1. Skill Level: Your role must be skilled to at least RQF Level 3, which is equivalent to A-levels.
  1. Salary Threshold: You must earn at least the minimum salary or the “going rate” for your role, whichever is higher. As of April 4, 2024, the minimum salary is £38,700 per year.
  2. Approved Employer: Your employer must be approved by the Home Office and must hold a valid sponsorship licence.
  3. Genuine Vacancy: You must provide evidence that the job is a genuine vacancy. If the Home Office determines that the position was created solely for your visa application or is not legitimate, your application will be rejected.

Additional Eligibility Criteria:

  1. Age Requirement: You must be at least 18 years old.
  2. Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): You need a valid Certificate of Sponsorship from your sponsoring employer.
  3. Immigration Skills Charge: Your sponsor must have paid the required Immigration Skills Charge.
  4. English Proficiency: You must demonstrate your ability to speak, read, write, and understand English at least at CEFR Level B1.
  5. Financial Stability: You must show that you can financially support yourself and your family without relying on public funds.
  6. Criminal Record Certificate: A criminal record certificate may be required for certain job roles.
  7. Tuberculosis (TB) Certificate: If applicable, you must provide a valid TB certificate.
  8. Genuineness Requirement: You must demonstrate that you will work solely in the proposed occupation and will not seek other employment during your stay in the UK.

Meeting these criteria will help ensure a smoother application process and increase your chances of securing a Skilled Worker Visa.

How Long Does a Skilled Worker Visa Application Take?

You can submit your UK Skilled Worker Visa application up to three months before the start date of your employment in the UK. This date will be specified on your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).

The processing time for your application depends on your circumstances. Therefore, it is crucial to prepare all necessary documents and submit your application well before the deadline to avoid delays.

  • If applying from outside the UK: The Home Office typically takes around 3 weeks to process your application.
  • If applying from within the UK: The processing time may extend up to 8 weeks.

It is advisable to plan and account for any potential delays to ensure a smooth visa application process.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What Can I Do with a Skilled Worker Visa?

As a successful Skilled Worker Visa holder, you can:

  • Work and study in the UK
  • Bring your eligible family members (partner and children) on a dependent visa
  • Do voluntary work or take on additional work in certain circumstances
  • Apply for settlement in the UK after 5 years of lawful residence

What You Cannot Do:

  • Change employers or jobs unless you apply for a new visa
  • Claim public funds, benefits, or the State Pension

2. Can I Change Jobs on a Skilled Worker Visa?

The Skilled Worker Visa allows you to work only for the employer that sponsored your application and in the role you were sponsored for.

If you want to switch employers or take on a job that falls under a different occupation code, you will need to update your Skilled Worker Visa. Similarly, if you move from a job that is on the immigration salary list to one that is not, you must apply for an update.

However, if you stay in the same job but the role is removed from the immigration salary list, you do not need to update your visa.

3. Can You Take on Any Other Work with a Skilled Worker Visa?

Yes, you can take on additional or secondary employment while holding a Skilled Worker Visa. However, there are certain conditions:

  • The secondary job must be taken while you are still working in your primary role.
  • You cannot work more than 20 hours per week in the secondary job.
  • The secondary job must be in the same occupation code or at the same skill level as your primary job, or it must be on the immigration salary list.

If you take on supplementary employment, you are required to inform your main employer about it. You must also notify the Home Office if your additional job does not meet the working hours or occupation code requirements. In such cases, you may need to update your visa to include both roles and their sponsorship.

4. How Long Are Skilled Worker Visas Valid For?

Skilled Worker visas are initially valid for 5 years.

As you approach the end of these 5 years, you can apply to extend your visa, provided you still meet the requirements. Alternatively, you can apply for permanent settlement through indefinite leave to remain.

You can extend your Skilled Worker visa as many times as needed, as long as you continue to meet the eligibility criteria.