If you have decided to relocate from your home country to the United Kingdom for greater working opportunities then you may very well hold the key to the UK. The key is described as the ‘UK Skilled Work Visa’. Formerly known as the Tier 2 Visa, this current visa brings eligible applicants to the UK willingly to work for their approved employers, making it an opportunity to contribute your talents to one of the world’s premiere economies under the UK government.
Being whether it is to create a new life from another country to the United Kingdom, a desired promotion, or a completely new job, this guide reveals everything you should know about this skilled worker visa application to the United Kingdom, that you can apply for.
Program Introduction: UK Skilled Worker Visa Explained
The previous option was known as the Tier 2 visa, the skilled worker visa replaced it at the end of December 2020. The new visa’s purpose and route is for the applicants who have a duly authorised sponsor from the United Kingdom that has offered them a job along with having the necessary skills and salary demands. This one is more liberal than the previous version as well as expansiveness in terms of the spheres of the activity.
Primarily, the skilled worker is allowed here for 5 years, this is the validity of the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) awarded to the employer. Besides that, this visa is bound to your job description and the employer of your company, so if you ever switch from your current employer, company or change your job description then you will need to apply for a new one.
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UK Skilled Worker Visa Benefits Why Work in the UK?
Currently, various job offers in the United Kingdom are open to all individuals interested in working in this country. The country has been described as being one of the largest megacities for multinational corporations, including start-up businesses and innovative industries.
Healthcare is top-notch and so are the laws. The work environment is quite favourable and offers an excellent work-life balance too.
In addition, the UK Skilled Worker Visa also has a progressive route that would allow the visa holder to gain permanent residence and citizenship in the country. After five years of residence, holders of the visa may be permitted
to stay indefinitely and after one year, the candidate can be naturalized as a British citizen. To the holders of the skilled worker visa, the UK becomes the right place to make the future.
Other Benefits Include:
Long-term residency: This can be achieved eventually from the skilled worker visa application. You can apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) after five years of residence and a year’s further residence to apply for British citizenship.
Family members: Close members of your family can join you in the UK such as your spouse and children as long as you can cater to them, on the new skilled worker visa.
No cooling-off period: It is also important to note that there is no provision for the Tier 2 system to be applied to the applicants and used as it was the old system. There isn’t a waiting period when applying for the visa.
Traveling and voluntary work: The applicants classed as skilled workers are free to take up voluntary work, work in another job as well under certain conditions, and also travel beyond the mentioned countries’ borders on a valid visa.
Healthcare: The same situation still occurs with the National Health Service (NHS) for healthcare. Beforehand skilled worker visa applicants will have to pay a healthcare surcharge as part of the payment, to be able to receive access.
Last Updated: October, 2024UK Skilled Worker Program Requirements Who Qualifies as a Skilled Worker?
To be accepted for the Skilled Worker Visa, UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) have particular specifications that are needed. Here’s what is required:
- A genuine job letter from a recognized UK employer with a valid sponsorship license.
- Your employer’s valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
- Employment in an appropriate job, with the skills classification that is at least RQF level 3.
- Documentation that you are paid a minimum wage which is £38,700 or the rate for the job in question.
- A certain level of educational attainment especially in the English language.
- A BRP, is a legal document that permits an individual to live in the United Kingdom.
- Money for your subsistence once you get there, except where your employer is willing to bear this cost.
Description of Key Requirements
Job offer and valid certificate of sponsorship (CoS): The employer, being the Skilled Worker Visa sponsor should be licensed by the Home Office. A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) will be received documenting all specific details of the position you are being employed for, such as your job title, job description, pay, as well as the date you will be joining.
Minimum salary: The minimum pay required for the Skilled Worker Visa UK is usually £38,700 per annum or the current rate for employees across the world for your profession.
English language proficiency: EU and non-EU applicants need to provide evidence of their English language proficiency in an approved test, or they must have obtained their degree taught in English. This regulation does not apply to nationals of English-speaking countries.
Last Updated: October, 2024
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Other Eligibility Criteria for the Skilled Worker Visa Route
Applicants must meet the particular eligibility criteria to be entitled to the Skilled Worker Visa:
- Justifiable job offer: A veritable offer of a job in eligible occupations, from an approved UK employer within a permitted occupation is mandatory.
- Level of skill: The job must be at the very least RQF level 3 (equivalent to A-Levels in the UK).
- Minimum salary: The minimum salary requirement must be met, typically £38,700. However, some roles in healthcare, education, or for younger workers may allow lower salaries.
- English language: As stated above TOEFL scores and English language proficiency in general are required.
- Financial stability: It’s required, to prove that you have at least £1,270 for personal living expenses. A £500 can be waived if your employer or company can cover these costs.
- Criminal record check: Some working professions, including the health sector, require a criminal record certificate.
Exemptions to Salary and Skill Level Requirements For Skilled Worker Visas
Certain exceptions exist where applicants may still qualify for a UK skilled worker visa despite not meeting the minimum salary threshold or even the skill requirements. These include:
- The STEM PhD holders within the areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics;
- Health and care workers;
- Applicants under 26 or recent graduates (new entrants).
How To Get Your Skilled Worker Visa Application Process
Below we will outline the Visa process in detail. Those interested in applying for the program can reach out our team for a complimentary consultation via the button below.
Book A ConsultationStep 1: Initial consultation with Lincoln Global Partners
During our consultation we will discuss your specific case to understand your needs, present to you how the UK Skilled Worker Visa works, elaborating on the process and the required routes to achieve your Residency goals.Step 2:ob offer and certificate of sponsorship (CoS)
An eligible job offer needs to be received from a credible sponsor to a skilled worker visa applicant, as well as a valid sponsorship licence from them.Step 3:Submitting online application form
The skilled worker visa application needs to be completed online. Disclosure of details will be requested for example, your COS, job title, and salary that you are paid annually are extremely important for the UK visa.Step 4: Documentation, Fees & Biometrics
Uploaded versions of your passport, bank statements and English language proficiency test results will be requested. The criminal record certificate could possibly be needed.According to the duration of your stay, the skilled worker visa fee ranges between £610 and £1,408 in cost. You will also be required to pay the immigration healthcare surcharge being £624 per year.
Following the application submittal it's required that you visit a visa application centre in order to have your photograph taken as well as being fingerprinted.
Step 5: Await for Approval
For all applications outside of the United Kingdom, decisions are usually assembled within three weeks. Afterwards, you will hopefully be granted a residence permit.
Pathwys To British Citizenship
Of the potential benefits, it is necessary to note that the given route to apply for a Skilled Worker visa has the advantage of permanent residence through a visa extension and therefore British nationality.
Here’s how the pathway works for the skilled worker route to permanent settlement:
Indefinite leave to remain (ILR): As for the key guidelines there are several provisions concerning persons with a visa planning to work and permanently reside in Great Britain. One of these includes the ability to apply for leave, after five years of living in the country. To successfully achieve acceptance for this service, demonstration that you haven’t physically left the United Kingdom for any reason such as business trips, vacations or any other particular reason for over 180 days at any time during the 12 month period in each of these 5 years.
British Citizenship: Thus if you have had ILR for Tax, for at least one year, then certain foreign nationals may be eligible to apply for British citizenship.
Alternatives compared to the UK Skilled Worker Visa How to Acquire British Residency
If the UK Skilled Worker Visa isn’t suitable for your needs, the following alternative visa options described are available:
Global Talent Visa: Suited to extraordinary people who are encouraging in a particular profession or occupation.
Innovator Visa: Specifically, for aspiring businessmen and women who already have a vision of a modern innovative business in the UK.
Health and Care Worker Visa: Suited to these medical practitioners who want to follow the skilled worker route.
Apply for the UK Skilled Worker Visa with Lincoln Global Partners
Lincoln Global Partners, an international investment migration firm is ready to assist you every step of the way with your Skilled Worker Visa application in the UK.
UK Skilled Worker Visa : Frequently asked Questions
Checkout our FAQ's or reach out to us directly via the contact form at the bottom of the page with further questions.How much is the Skilled Worker Visa?The skilled worker visa cost is dependent on the length of time for which you want the visa. Prices will vary between £610 and £1,408. For individuals of age 16 and over, an additional charge is requested for a healthcare surcharge, which is £624 per year.
What's a certificate of sponsorship?A CoS is an electronic document passed to you by either your sponsor, employer or basically any authorised person as your sponsor. It has all the information needed to progress your visa application detailing your position and pay.
Can I switch employers on a Skilled Worker Visa?You can change employers however, one is required to create a new visa application if they change employers, job title, or do not have the same occupation code anymore.
For a Skilled Worker Visa what is the minimum salary?Generally, the minimum annual salary is £38,700 or either the “going rate” for eligible occupations, whichever is larger.
