1. What is a Skilled Worker Visa?
A Skilled Worker Visa is a type of visa granted by the UK government to individuals who have been offered a skilled job from a UK employer. This visa falls under the points-based system and replaces the previous Tier 2 (General) Work Visa. It allows foreign workers to come and work in the UK if they meet certain criteria such as having a job offer from an approved employer, meeting the required skill level, and being able to speak English at an acceptable level. This visa also allows holders to bring their dependents with them to the UK.
2. How do I qualify for a Skilled Worker Visa in the UK?
To qualify for a Skilled Worker Visa in the UK, you must meet the following requirements:
1. Have a job offer from an approved employer: You must have a job offer from a UK employer who is recognized by the Home Office as a licensed sponsor.
2. Job offer at an appropriate skill level: The offered job must be at a required skill level of at least RQF 3 (equivalent to A level).
3. Meet English language requirements: You must be able to speak, read, write and understand English at an appropriate level.
4. Satisfy financial requirements: You must demonstrate that you can support yourself financially upon arrival in the UK without relying on public funds.
5. Meet the salary threshold: Your job offer must meet the minimum salary requirement for skilled workers which is currently set at £25,600 per year or the ‘going rate’ for your occupation, whichever is higher.
6. Obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): Your employer must provide you with a valid CoS that confirms they are sponsoring you for your visa application.
7. Have enough savings to cover application fees: You will need to have enough funds to pay for your visa application and healthcare surcharge if applicable.
8. Pass the ‘genuine vacancy’ test: You will need to prove that there is a genuine vacancy for the job you are applying for and that your employer has attempted to recruit in the UK before offering you the job.
9. Meet specific eligibility criteria depending on your occupation: Some occupations may have additional eligibility criteria such as professional licenses or registrations that may be required.
You can check your eligibility for a Skilled Worker Visa using the Points-Based System (PBS) Calculator on the UK government website.
3. What documents do I need to apply for a UK Skilled Worker Visa?
To apply for a UK Skilled Worker Visa, you will need:
1. A valid passport or travel document
2. A certificate of sponsorship from a UK employer
3. Evidence of your knowledge of the English language
4. Proof of financial means to support yourself in the UK
5. Biometric information (fingerprints and photograph)
6. Academic qualifications and/or professional certifications relevant to your job offer in the UK
7. Previous work experience references or employment contracts
8. Criminal record certificate from any country you have lived in for 12 months or more in the past 10 years
9. TB test results (if applicable).
4. Is there an age requirement for the Skilled Worker Visa?
Yes, applicants for a Skilled Worker Visa must be at least 18 years old. There is no upper age limit for this visa, but applicants may need to provide additional evidence of their ability to adapt to life in the UK if they are over 35 years old.
5. Do I need a job offer to apply for a UK Skilled Worker Visa?
Yes, applicants for a UK Skilled Worker Visa are required to have a valid job offer from a licensed sponsor in the UK before they can apply for the visa. The job offer must also meet certain requirements, such as being at the appropriate skill level and salary threshold.
6. What is the validity period of a Skilled Worker Visa?
The validity period of a Skilled Worker Visa depends on the job offer and the employer’s sponsorship. It can vary from a few months to up to five years. However, applicants can apply for an extension if they meet certain requirements.
7. Can I extend my stay on a Skilled Worker Visa in the UK?
Yes, you can extend your stay on a Skilled Worker Visa in the UK. To do so, you must meet the eligibility requirements and apply before your current visa expires. You will need to provide evidence that you have been working for your sponsor as specified in your original visa, and that you still meet the other requirements such as salary threshold and English language proficiency.
8. Is there a limit on how many hours I can work on a Skilled Worker Visa?
Yes, the limit for working hours on a Skilled Worker Visa is 40 hours per week. However, there are certain exceptions to this rule, such as for healthcare professionals and students pursuing a degree in UK universities. Additionally, you can work more than 40 hours in some circumstances, such as during school holidays or if you have multiple employers. It is important to check with your employer and the UKVI to ensure you are following the proper guidelines and not violating your visa conditions.
9. Can my family members accompany me on a Skilled Worker Visa in the UK?
Yes, your immediate family members (spouse, civil partner, and children under 18) can accompany you on a Skilled Worker Visa in the UK. However, they will need to apply for their own visas and meet the relevant requirements. Your employer may also need to provide additional evidence of their relationship with you and their ability to support them financially during their stay in the UK.
10. Is it possible to switch from a Tier 2 General Visa to a Skilled Worker Visa in the UK.
Yes, it is possible to switch from a Tier 2 General Visa to a Skilled Worker Visa in the UK. As both visas fall under the same category of working visas, you may be eligible to switch without having to leave the country. However, you will need to meet all the eligibility requirements for the Skilled Worker Visa and complete the necessary paperwork and application process. It is advised to check with an immigration lawyer or seek guidance from the UK government’s official website for more information on switching visas.
11. How long does it take to process a Skilled Worker Visa application in the UK?
The processing time for a Skilled Worker Visa application in the UK depends on various factors, including the country where the application is being made, the complexity of the case, and whether any additional documents or information are required. However, on average, it can take anywhere from 2-4 weeks for a decision to be made on a Skilled Worker Visa application. Some applications may be processed faster while others may take longer, so it is important to apply with enough time ahead of your intended travel date.
12. What is the Immigration Health Surcharge and do I need to pay it for my Skilled Worker Visa application?
The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is a fee that all immigrants must pay in order to access healthcare services from the UK’s National Health Service (NHS). It was introduced in 2015 and is paid upfront as part of the visa application process.Yes, if you are applying for a Skilled Worker Visa, you will need to pay the IHS unless you are exempt. This includes nationals of countries with reciprocal healthcare agreements with the UK, such as Australia and New Zealand, as well as those applying for a health or social care position. You can check here to see if you are exempt from paying the IHS.
The cost of the IHS is currently £624 per year for most visa applications, or £470 per year for students and youth mobility workers. This fee is subject to change and may increase annually.
If you are granted a Skilled Worker Visa, you will be entitled to access NHS services during your stay in the UK without having to pay any additional fees.
13. Are there any English language requirements for a Skilled Worker Visa application?
Yes, applicants for a Skilled Worker Visa must demonstrate their English language proficiency at a level of B1 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). This can be proven by passing an approved English language test or having an academic qualification that was taught in English. There are also some exceptions to this requirement, such as for citizens of majority-English speaking countries or those with a confirmed job offer in a specific occupation.
14. Which jobs are eligible for sponsorship under the UK points-based system for skilled workers?
Under the UK points-based system for skilled workers, jobs in the following categories may be eligible for sponsorship:
1. Skilled Jobs:
– Job requiring a specific skill set and qualifications, as classified under the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) codes.
2. Shortage occupations:
– Jobs that are facing a shortage of skilled professionals in the UK labor market, as mentioned in the Shortage Occupation List.
3. Health and Care Professions:
– Certain healthcare roles such as nurses, doctors, and certain allied health professions are eligible for sponsorship under this category.
4. Creative Workers:
– Professionals working in creative fields such as fashion designers, actors, artists, musicians may be eligible for sponsorship if they have exceptional talent or promise.
5. Sportspersons:
– Athletes or coaches who have reached a certain level of excellence or recognition in their sport can be sponsored under this category.
6. Minister of Religion:
– Religious leaders serving in an official role within a recognized religious organization can be sponsored under this category.
7. Intra-company transfers:
– Employees of a multinational company can be transferred to its UK branch or subsidiary on a temporary basis through this category.
8. Graduate trainees:
– Recent graduates employed by a company outside the UK can be transferred to its UK branch or subsidiary on a temporary basis to gain work experience and skills through this category.
Note: The eligibility criteria and requirements may vary depending on the type of job and specific visa route chosen under the points-based system. It is important to check the most updated guidelines from the UK government before applying for sponsorship.
15. Will Brexit affect the rules and regulations for obtaining a UK Skilled Worker visa?
Brexit, the UK’s decision to leave the European Union (EU), will not directly impact the rules and regulations for obtaining a UK Skilled Worker visa. This is because the Skilled Worker visa is open to non-EU citizens as well. However, there could be some indirect impacts of Brexit on the visa application process and requirements.
One potential impact could be on the list of occupations that are eligible for a Skilled Worker visa. With Brexit, there may be changes to the UK’s immigration policies and priorities, which could lead to updates in the list of shortage occupations or skills needed in certain industries. This could affect individuals looking to apply for a Skilled Worker visa in those specific occupations.
Additionally, after Brexit, EU citizens will no longer have automatic rights to live and work in the UK. They will have to apply for a Skilled Worker visa like any other non-EU citizen, subject to meeting all eligibility criteria and requirements.
Brexit may also result in changes to processing times, fees, and required documentation for visa applications. Therefore, it is important for individuals seeking a Skilled Worker visa after Brexit to stay updated on any changes or updates made by the UK government.
Overall, while Brexit may indirectly impact the rules and regulations for obtaining a UK Skilled Worker visa, it is unlikely that there will be significant changes. The best way to ensure accuracy is by regularly checking official government websites for updates and seeking advice from qualified immigration professionals.
16. Can I apply for permanent residence or citizenship after living and working in the UK on a skilled worker visa?
Yes, it is possible to apply for permanent residence and citizenship after living and working in the UK on a skilled worker visa. However, there are certain requirements that must be met before applying for either of these statuses.
To apply for permanent residence under the skilled worker category, you must have been living and working in the UK on a skilled worker visa (formerly Tier 2 General) for at least 5 consecutive years. In addition, you must also meet the following requirements:
1. You must have not spent more than 180 days outside the UK in any rolling 12-month period during the 5-year period.
2. You should not have any serious criminal convictions or breaches of UK immigration laws.
3. Your employer must be willing to continue sponsoring your visa until you receive permanent residence.
4. You must pass the Life in the UK Test and meet English language requirements.
If you meet all of these criteria, you can apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR), which is also known as permanent residence.
After holding ILR for at least one year, you may then be eligible to apply for British citizenship. This process involves further checks and assessments from the Home Office. To qualify for citizenship, you will need to demonstrate good character, knowledge of life in the UK, and meet specific residency requirements.
Overall, obtaining permanent residence or citizenship after living and working in the UK on a skilled worker visa requires careful planning and adherence to immigration rules. It is recommended that you seek advice from an immigration lawyer or advisor to ensure your eligibility and proper submission of application documents.
17.What happens if my job position or employer changes while on a skilled worker visa?
If you are on a skilled worker visa and your job position or employer changes, you must notify the relevant immigration authorities. You may need to apply for a new visa if your job position or employer no longer falls under the same skill category or if the terms and conditions of employment have changed significantly. Additionally, your new employer may need to sponsor you for a new visa or extend your current one. It is important to consult with an immigration lawyer or the relevant immigration authority before making any changes to ensure that you remain in compliance with all regulations.
18. Are there any specific salary requirements for the skilled worker visa?
No, there are no specific salary requirements for the skilled worker visa. However, the applicant must meet the minimum salary threshold for their occupation in order to qualify for the visa. This threshold is set by the UK government and is subject to change depending on the demand for certain occupations. It is recommended to check the current minimum salary threshold before applying for the skilled worker visa.
19.What are the additional requirements if I am applying through an employer who holds an A-rated sponsor license?
If you are applying for a visa through an employer who holds an A-rated sponsor license, there are some additional requirements that you need to meet:
1. Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): Your employer must assign a CoS to you and provide you with the unique reference number.
2. Valid job offer: You must have a valid job offer from your sponsor that meets the requirements of the Tier 2 or Tier 5 category.
3. English language requirement: You may need to demonstrate your knowledge of English by taking an approved English language test or showing evidence of being a citizen of a majority English-speaking country.
4. Maintenance funds: You may need to provide evidence that you have enough money to support yourself during your stay in the UK. This can be in the form of personal savings or any other income source such as your salary.
5. Genuine vacancy: Your employer must prove that they have a genuine vacancy for the job and that they could not find any UK citizens or settled workers to fill it.
6. Immigration skills charge: Your employer may be required to pay an immigration skills charge when assigning you a CoS, unless they are exempt.
7. Advertising requirement: Your employer may be required to advertise the job to UK citizens and settled workers before offering it to you, unless it is on the Shortage Occupation List.
8. Annual salary: Your annual salary must meet minimum requirements based on your occupation and job location within the UK.
9.Criminal record certificate: Some occupations require you to obtain a criminal record certificate from your country of residence before applying for a visa.
It is important to check with your sponsor and the UK government’s immigration website for any specific requirements for your particular situation.
20.How soon can I apply to enter/return to the UK after obtaining my skilled worker visa?
You can apply to enter or return to the UK as soon as your skilled worker visa is valid. This means that you can only enter the UK when your visa becomes effective, and not before. If your visa is for a multiple-entry, you can leave and re-enter the UK while the visa is still valid. However, if your visa expires while you are outside the UK, you will need to apply for a new one before returning to the UK. It’s always best to check the start date of your visa before making any travel plans to ensure that you are eligible to enter or return to the UK.