Thinking about working in the UK, the Skilled Worker Visa is your ticket to getting a Job. It lets qualified people work for approved employers in the UK. In this guide, we will explain all you need to know about this visa for a smooth travel
What is the Skilled Worker Visa
It is a work permit for skilled people to work in the UK. You can get it if you have a job offer from an employer in the UK with a valid Certificate of Sponsorship.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for this visa, you must meet specific criteria. Here’s what you need to know:
Age and Certificate of Sponsorship:
You must be at least 18 years old.
You need a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) for the job you’re offered.
The job offer must be genuine.
Your job should match a certain skill level, usually RQF level 3 or higher.
Salary must meet or exceed £25,600 per year or the “going rate” for your occupation, whichever is higher.
Your employer must have paid the required Immigration Skills Charge.
Must prove English proficiency at least at CEFR Level B1.
You should be able to support yourself and your family financially without using public funds.
You need to provide a criminal record certificate.
A valid TB certificate may be required depending on your country.
You must show that you intend to only work in the proposed role and won’t take on any additional employment in the UK.
Job Requirements for the Skilled Worker Visa
You need to meet specific job-related criteria to qualify. Here’s what you should know:
Skill Level and Salary:
Your job must meet the visa’s eligibility criteria, usually requiring a skill level of at least RQF level 3 or equivalent.
Your salary should meet or surpass the minimum requirement, currently £25,600 per year.
Employer Approval and Certificate of Sponsorship:
Your employer must be authorized by the Home Office and possess a valid Certificate of Sponsorship.
Occupation Code:
You’ll need an occupation code for your job, provided by your employer, which helps define the nature of your work.
Genuine Vacancy:
You must demonstrate that your employer is sponsoring you for a genuine job opportunity, not created solely for visa purposes.
Language and Financial Criteria for the Skilled Worker Visa
Meeting the language and financial criteria is vital for securing a Skilled Worker Visa. Here’s what you need to know:
English Language Proficiency:
You can demonstrate English proficiency by being a national of a majority English-speaking country.
Passing a Secure English Language Test is another option.
Holding a GCSE/A Level or Scottish Highers qualification in English from studying in the UK is acceptable.
Having a degree taught in English also fulfills this requirement.
If you’ve met this requirement in a previous entry clearance application, it’s considered valid.
Financial Requirements:
Alongside the minimum salary threshold of £25,600 per year, you must have £1,270 in cash funds to support yourself while in the UK.
Ensure this amount remains in your bank account for at least 28 consecutive days before applying for the visa.
Fees for the Skilled Worker Visa Application
Understanding the fees involved in applying for a Skilled Worker Visa is essential:
Application Fees:
The cost of applying for a Skilled Worker Visa can vary based on your situation.
Application fees typically range from £625 to £1,423.
Additional Expenses:
Apart from application fees, you should also budget for other expenses, such as:
Healthcare surcharge, which amounts to £624 per year.
Proof of financial sustainability, requiring at least £1,270 in available funds.
Bringing Family Members on a Skilled Worker Visa
Eligible Family Members:
Your spouse, civil partner, or unmarried partner.
Children under 18 years of age.
Children over 18 who are already in the UK as your dependents and unmarried.
Application Requirements:
When applying for your family’s visas, you’ll need to provide evidence of your relationship.
Applying for a Skilled Worker Visa
The process of applying involves several steps:
Fill out the online application form accurately, providing details about your job offer, employer, and personal information.
Verify your identity by either providing biometrics at a visa application center or scanning your identity document using the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app.
Pay the required application fees and any additional charges.
Submit necessary documents such as your Certificate of Sponsorship, proof of English language proficiency, and financial records to support your application.
Additionally, if you’re already in the UK on a different visa, you might need to apply to switch to a Skilled Worker Visa based on your current immigration status.
The processing time for a Skilled Worker Visa application varies. It typically takes about 3 weeks for decisions to be made if applying from outside the UK and up to 8 weeks if applying from within the UK.
Extending Your Visa:
To extend your Skilled Worker Visa, ensure you:
Maintain the same job as when you first received your visa.
Continue working in the same occupation code.
Stay employed with the same sponsoring employer.
Special Consideration for Tier 2 Visa Holders
CoS Before 24th November 2016:
If it was issued before 24th November 2016, your minimum salary requirement remains fixed at £20,800 per year.
CoS On or After 24th November 2016:
If you received your certificate of Sponsorship on or after 24th November 2016, you must meet the updated salary requirements, which may include allowances.
Reasons for Skilled Worker Visa Refusal
Your visa application might face refusal due to various reasons. Here are some common causes:
Incomplete application forms.
Not paying the required application fees and associated costs adequately.
Providing incorrect or missing Certificate of Sponsorship reference numbers or job codes.
Failing to submit necessary supporting documents to prove eligibility.
Not reaching the required 70 points under the points-based system.
Having an immigration or criminal history that doesn’t meet the Home Office’s criteria.
Employer-related issues, such as insufficient or incorrect documentation or problems with the sponsor license.
Dealing with Skilled Worker Visa Refusal
If your Skilled Worker Visa application is refused, you have several options available. Here’s what you can do:
Apply for Administrative Review:
If you applied from outside the UK, you have 28 days to request an administrative review. If applied within the UK, the window is 14 days.
The Home Office will provide a decision on your review request within 28 days.
Consider Pre-Action Protocol for Judicial Review:
If you’re still dissatisfied with the outcome, you might be eligible to start a pre-action protocol for judicial review, subject to specific criteria.
In case of visa refusal, seeking advice from an immigration lawyer is recommended. They can assist with the administrative review process, help build a strong case, and represent you until a resolution is reached.
The Skilled Worker Visa is your gateway to a bright career in the UK. It’s a chance for skilled people like you to join the diverse workforce and make your mark. As long as you meet the requirements, follow the application steps, and reach out for help if you need it, you’re on your way to a fulfilling professional adventure in the United Kingdom!