The UK is renowned around the world for its robust economy, vibrant job market and diverse industries. In 2022, the UK had the fifth-largest global economy, behind the United States, China, Japan, and Germany. The Skilled Worker visa is the main immigration route for overseas workers who want to access this robust job market. It is designed for professionals who want to work in the UK, ultimately providing a route to permanent residence. In this article, we set out the latest guidance on the Skilled Worker visa, who this visa is intended for, who is eligible, and how to apply.
Who is the Skilled Worker Visa for?
The Skilled Worker visa replaced the older Tier 2 (General) visa and is designed to attract professionals from around the world, ensuring that the UK remains a hub for talent across various industries. This visa route is suitable for overseas professionals such as engineers, IT professionals, healthcare workers, or any other skilled individual with a job on the list of eligible occupations (see below for more details).
Employers in the UK, including small, medium, and large businesses and corporations, are always searching for for skilled workers from outside the UK who can contribute to their growth and success. The Skilled Worker visa is specifically for skilled individuals from outside who have an offer of an eligible job offer from an approved employer. As such, the Skilled Worker visa provides an excellent route for skilled professionals with ambitions to advance their careers on an international stage.
Skilled Worker visas are granted for up to five years. After five years in the UK on a Skilled Worker visa, it is possible to apply for permanent residence (indefinite leave to remain).
Am I Eligible for a Skilled Worker Visa?
Before you submit an application for a Skilled Worker visa, it is important to check whether you meet all of the eligibility criteria, as follows:
- You must have a job offer from a UK employer with a sponsor licence
- You must have been offered a role in an eligible occupation
- Your salary must meet or exceed the minimum salary requirements – you will meet this requirement if you have been offered a salary of £26,200 per year, £10.75 per hour, or the ‘going rate’ for the type of work you will be doing. You may qualify with a lower salary if you have a job on the shortage occupation list, you are under 26, studying or a recent graduate, or in professional training, or if you have a PhD.
- You must meet the English language requirements – this can be met in a number of ways, including having a degree taught in English or passing an English language test proving that you can read, write, speak and understand English to at least level B1 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) scale.
If you are unsure if you meet all of the eligibility requirements for a Skilled Worker visa, please speak to an immigration Solicitor who will check this for you. If you do not meet all of the requirements, they can advise on how best to proceed and any other visas which may be suitable for your needs.
How Do I Apply for a Skilled Worker Visa?
Applying for a Skilled Worker visa involves several steps, as follows:
1. Secure a job offer from and a Certificate of Sponsorship from an approved employer with a sponsor licence.
2. Complete the online application form for a Skilled Workef visa.
3. Pay the application fee (ranges from £719 to £1,500) and healthcare surcharge (currently £624 per person per year, but this is expected to increase in 2024)
4. Book an appointment with your nearest visa application centre (VAC) to provide your biometric information (i.e. your photo and fingerprints) – this is needed for your biometric residence permit. Alternatively, you may be able to use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ mobile phone app.
5. Provide any documents required to support your application, including your passport, Certificate of Sponsorship, proof of English language proficiency, and evidence that you meet the salary requirements.
Once you have submitted your application and provided your biometrics, your application will be processed. You can expect your application to take around 3 weeks if submitted from outside the UK. If your application is approved, you will be able to collect your visa (or have this delivered to your home address) and then make the necessary travel arrangements to travel to the UK.
Summing up
The UK’s Skilled Worker visa offers a gateway to a world of professional opportunities in a country known for its rich cultural heritage and dynamic job market. By understanding the application process and meeting the eligibility criteria, you can embark on a journey that not only enhances your career but also broadens your horizons in one of the world’s leading economies.
To discuss any aspect of your application for a UK Skilled Worker Visa, please call us at +44 161 224 4066.
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