Skilled Worker Visa UK
The skilled worker visa UK previously known as Tier 2 (General) visa is a type of visa that allows individuals with certain skills and qualifications to work in the UK. It is part of the UK’s points-based immigration system and is designed to attract skilled workers from outside the UK to fill roles in eligible jobs and shortage occupations.
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- Who is eligible for the skilled worker visa UK?
- What are the requirements of a UK skilled worker visa?
- What are the requirements for Spouse Visa UK?
- What is the English Language requirement for a UK skilled worker visa?
- What are the financial requirements for a Skilled worker visa?
- How to apply for the UK skilled worker visa?
- Can visa holders bring their family to the UK?
- What is the processing time?
- What are the documents required for a UK skilled worker visa?
- How long is the UK skilled worker visa valid for?
- How to apply for UK skilled worker visa extension
- What are the common reasons for refusals?
- How to appeal skilled worker visa refusal?
Who is eligible for the Skilled Worker Visa UK?
A employment offer from a UK business must fulfil the following criteria in order for you to be qualified for a skilled worker visa:
Your role must be skilled to at least RQF level 3 in order for the job to qualify for the visa through the new skilled worker visa route (roughly equivalent to A-levels).
The “going rate” for the kind of job you will be doing, which is the minimum wage, must be paid to you. The annual minimum wage is at least £25,600.
Your employer must have a current Certificate of Sponsorship and have been given Home Office approval.
You must possess a code of occupation. You must ask your employer for your code if you have already accepted a job offer.
Additionally, you must be able to demonstrate that the firm is sponsoring your application to fill a real job opening. Your application will be rejected if the Home Office thinks the job was created solely to allow you to apply for Skilled Worker visa uk or if it is a hoax.
What are the Requirements of a UK Skilled Worker Visa?
You must be sponsored by a UK-based company in order to be eligible for a skilled worker visa. Additionally, you must satisfy the following requirements to qualify:
- You must be at least 18 years old and have a current Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) for the position you will hold.
- Your position is indeed open.
- Your position is appropriate for you.
- You will receive a pay that is on par with or more than the general wage ceiling and the “going rate” for your industry.
- The appropriate Immigration Skills Charge has been paid by your sponsor.
- You can prove that you are fluent in English (at least CEFR Level B1)
- Without relying on government assistance, you can support your family and yourself financially.
- A certificate of your criminal history is acceptable.
- You may present a current TB certificate (if needed)
What is the English Language Requirement?
You must prove your English skills in order to be eligible. This has to be level B1 or higher (intermediate). You have two options to fulfil this condition:
- Be a citizen of a nation where English is the primary language
- have triumphed on a test for secure English language
- have earned an English GCSE, A Level, or Scottish Higher whilst enrolled in school in the UK.
- Have already satisfied this condition as part of any prior entrance clearance application
- Have been granted a degree taught in English
What are the financial requirements for a Skilled worker visa?
The annual salary requirements for those applying for a skilled worker visa is £25,600. This means that whichever is larger, your compensation must be greater than or equal to both this figure and 100% of the industry standard.
The evaluation will be based on the minimum guaranteed gross salary.
Workers that fit into certain categories might receive pay that is less than what is stated above if they receive more “tradable points” for other qualities, like:
- possessing a PhD in a field related to the profession or a relevant STEM field
- taking up a job offer from a position on the shortage professions list
- applicants who have recently entered the workforce
- applications for positions indicated as being in the health or education fields
You will need to fulfil additional financial conditions in addition to attaining the minimum salary criterion.
You must have enough cash on hand to cover your expenses while visiting the UK, which must be at least £1,270. Prior to submitting your application, this money must have been kept in your bank account for at least 28 days straight.
If you have any questions, or if you need help with your application, Nexis Law’s team of legal representatives can provide you with the information and assistance you need.
We at Nexis Law can advise you on the specific requirements and help you to prepare a strong application. By seeking guidance from Nexis Law’s legal representatives, you can increase your chances of a successful outcome for your application.
Can UK Skilled Worker Holders Bring their Family to the UK?
If your partner and kids are qualified, you can apply to have them live with you in the UK as your dependents. The following family members are eligible for inclusion in your application:
- Your spouse, civil partner, or unmarried companion
- Children under the age of 18
If they are still living in the UK as your dependents and are over 18 years old. You must present proof of your relationship along with your application.
Are you looking for help with your Skilled Worker Visa UK Application?
Are you struggling to navigate the complex visa process of Skilled Worker Visa UK? Our team of experienced immigration lawyers is here to provide the assistance you need.
How to apply for the UK skilled worker visa?
A skilled worker visa application must be submitted online.
You must provide identification after submitting your application. You can either scan your identity document using the “UK Immigration: ID Check” app or submit your biometrics (fingerprints and photo) at a visa application centre.
You will also need to provide the required documentation and pay the application fees.
Only those who are not in the UK may follow the aforementioned procedure. If you are already in the UK, you must apply to change from the visa you are presently using to stay there to a skilled worker visa.
Please take note that you cannot switch while holding any of the following visas:
- on a visit visa
- on a seasonal worker visa
- on a short-term student visa
- on a Parent of a Child Student visa
- on immigration bail
- on a domestic worker in a private household visa
- Leave granted outside the Immigration rules
If you are in possession of one of the aforementioned visas, you must depart the UK and submit your application from abroad.
What is the processing time?
Up to three months before the day you are scheduled to begin employment in the UK, you may submit your visa application. Your sponsorship certificate will list this date.
The Home Office may require additional time to check your documents and verify your identity depending on your specific situation. You should always allocate additional time and submit your application on time because of this.
If you are outside of the UK, it typically takes 3 weeks to hear from the Home Office. You might have to wait up to 8 weeks if you already reside in this nation.
How long is the Skilled Worker Visa Valid for?
The UK skilled worker visa is typically valid for the number of years your sponsor has issued the Certificate of sponsorship for which can be renewed. After 5 years, you may be able to apply for indefinite leave to remain in the UK.
Your dependents will also need to renew under dependent visa application to extend their visa. They must also complete 5 years of continuous residence in the UK as dependent of skilled worker to be eligible to apply for ILR.
What are the Documents Required for a UK Skilled Worker Visa?
The documents required will vary depending on the specific country and visa category you are applying for. In general, you may be required to provide the following documents as part of your visa application:
- Passport: You will need to provide a copy of your valid passport, including personal information, photograph, and signature page.
- Application form: You will need to complete a visa application form and provide supporting documentation as required.
- Personal documents: You may be required to provide documents such as your birth certificate, marriage certificate, and/or police clearance certificate.
- Educational documents: You may be required to provide proof of your education and qualifications, such as transcripts, diplomas, and/or certificates.
- Employment documents: You may be required to provide proof of your employment, including a resume or CV, job offer letter, and/or reference letters from your employer.
- Financial documents: You may be required to provide proof of your financial stability, such as bank statements, pay stubs, and/or tax documents.
- Health insurance: You may be required to provide proof of health insurance coverage for the duration of your stay in the country.
- COS: You will be required to submit a certificate of sponsorship issued by your sponsor
- Relationship documents: You may be required to provide Marriage certificate or Birth certificate if you are bringing your dependents.
It is important to note that these requirements can vary widely depending on the specific visa category and country you are applying to. It is recommended that you check with one of our legal advisors for specific requirements.
How to Apply for UK Skilled Worker Visa Extension?
Depending on your situation, your skilled worker visa is scheduled to expire after a specific period of time. If you satisfy the following criteria, you may submit an application to extend your visa:
- You are still employed by the same company that issued you a visa initially.
- The occupation code for your position is the same as when you received permission to enter the UK.
- You continue to work for the same company that provided sponsorship for your current application.
Your family members are welcome to apply for a skilled worker visa extension as skilled worker dependent visa, but they must do so on their own behalf. You also have the option to apply for a skilled worker visa priority service.
If you have any questions about a Skilled worker Visa, or if you need help with your application, Nexis Law’s team of legal representatives can provide you with the information and assistance you need.
We at Nexis Law can advise you on the specific requirements and help you to prepare a strong application. By seeking guidance from Nexis Law’s legal representatives, you can increase your chances of a successful outcome for your application.
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What are the common reasons for refusals for Skilled worker visa?
Your application may be refused for a variety of reasons. The following are some of the most likely causes:
- not completing the application form completely
- not fully covering the application fee or any additional expenses
- omitting a job code or certificate of sponsorship reference number that is precise
- not including the proper, necessary supporting documentation proving your eligibility with your application
- not scoring the necessary 70 points under the points-based system
- not having a clean criminal and immigration record
Alternatively, if your employer lacks the proper sponsor licence and required paperwork, you can get a Skilled Worker refusal.
At Nexis law, we understand the stress and uncertainty that a visa refusal can cause, and we are here to help.
Our team of experienced immigration attorneys have a proven track record of success in overturning visa refusals. We have successfully helped numerous clients achieve their immigration goals, and we are confident in our ability to do the same for you.
Don’t let a visa refusal stand in the way of your dreams. Contact Nexis Law today to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced attorneys and start the process of overturning your visa refusal.
How to appeal skilled worker visa refusal?
Depending on your situation, you may have a number of options if your application is refused. Administrative review is the most typical choice.
Following circumstances may result in applications being refused:
- first-time Skilled Worker Visa application
- using the Skilled Worker Visa instead
- Visa extension or renewal
- You have a limited amount of time to request an administrative review of the decision if you receive a notice of refusal on your application. If you applied outside of the UK, you have 28 days to submit the request; if you applied inside the UK, you have 14 days.
Within 28 days, the Home Office (UKVI) will give you a decision about your request. You might be able to file a pre-action process for judicial review if you’re not happy with how this decision turned out. If you disagree with this judgement, you could be qualified to request a judicial review.
We advise speaking with an experienced immigration lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your options if your application for a skilled worker visa is denied.
We can help you submit the application for administrative review, prepare the case grounds, and represent you throughout the proceedings.
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Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you extend your visa and continue living and working in the UK.
ILR after Skilled worker Visa
If you are seeking Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK on the basis of a skilled worker visa, you may be wondering what steps you need to take to qualify for ILR and how to navigate the application process.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the eligibility criteria for a Skilled worker visa?
Skilled worker visa is a point based route. The candidate must score a minimum of 70 points to be granted a skilled worker visa.
20 Points – certificate of sponsorship from a licenced sponsor in UK
20 Points – job at the valid skill level for sponsorship
10 Points – prove English language competency by an approved provider at B1 (CEFR)
20 Points – These are tradeables (a combination of salary and qualifications or either one of them)
What is the processing time for a skilled worker visa?
Visa decisions normally come within:
- 3 weeks for non-UK applicants.
- 8 weeks if UK-based.
Due to the Ukraine war crisis, skilled worker visa applications from outside the UK take 4 weeks to process.
What is the difference between the Tier-2 visa route and the skilled worker visa route?
The Skilled Worker visa replaced Tier 2. These paths are different but have similar requirements and circumstances. Since the Tier 2 route is closed for entry clearance, leave to remain, and settlement applications, Tier 2 migrants with leave to remain must apply for ILR using the Skilled Worker route.
What should I do if I change my employer while being on a skilled worker visa?
To apply for a “Change of Employment” with another UK sponsor, you require a new Certificate of Sponsorship. Before starting sponsored employment for the new company, you need to apply for a new skilled worker visa.
Is study allowed on a skilled worker visa?
If it doesn’t interfere with their sponsored job, UK Skilled Workers can study without limit.
If the following apply, migrants must get an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) accreditation for their course:
They are not from nations listed in Appendix ATAS 3.1.
And their course is listed in ATAS 4.1 :
- Masters degree
- PhD.
- Obtaining another postgraduate degree
- Is part of an international postgraduate degree.