Skilled Worker Visa

The Skilled Worker Visa, which has replaced the Tier 2 (General) Visa, is the primary route for non-UK resident workers seeking employment in the UK. This visa allows eligible individuals to work for an approved sponsor in roles that meet specific skill and salary requirements.

Becoming a Skilled Worker in the UK

To qualify as a skilled worker, you must:

Have a Job Offer: The role must meet the required skill level and be listed among the Home Office’s eligible occupations. It must also be offered by an employer with a Sponsor Licence.
Prove English Proficiency: Demonstrate knowledge of English at B1 Level.
Obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): Secured from your UK employer.
Meet Salary Thresholds: Your salary must meet the minimum requirement for your job type, which is the highest of the following:
- £38,700 per year.
- The “going rate” for your specific job.

Flexibility of Work

You can take on additional work for up to 20 hours a week in another job or for your own business. For work exceeding 20 hours, you must:

Apply for a visa update.
Secure a new CoS from the second employer.

Pathway to Settlement

The Skilled Worker Visa counts towards Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). After living in the UK with sponsored status for five years, you may apply for ILR, provided you meet the continuous residence requirement. Skilled Worker Visas are issued for up to five years, after which you can extend your visa or apply for ILR.

Time Spent Outside the UK

While the Skilled Worker rules do not limit time spent outside the UK, applicants must meet the absence limit when applying for ILR. This limit restricts absences to 180 days in any 12-month period during the five-year qualifying period.

Changing Jobs

You can change your sponsored job by applying for a visa update if:

You wish to change your employer.
You’re moving from a role on the Shortage Occupation List to one that is not.
Your job changes to a different SOC occupation code.

Applications can be submitted up to three months before your new job’s start date. You can continue working in your current role while waiting for a decision.

Bringing Family Members

Skilled Worker Visa holders can bring their close family members, including:

Spouse, civil partner, or unmarried/same-sex partner.
Children under 18.
Children over 18 if they are already in the UK as dependants.

Costs and Fees

The Skilled Worker Visa fee ranges from £719 to £1,420 for applications made outside the UK and from £827 to £1,636 for those made within the UK. Additionally, applicants must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (£1035 per year of stay).

How We Can Assist?

We offer tailored support for Skilled Worker Visa applications, ensuring a smooth and successful process. Our services include:

Eligibility Assessment: Ensuring your job offer and qualifications meet all visa requirements.
Sponsorship Assistance: Guiding employers through obtaining a Sponsor Licence and assigning Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS).
Application Support: Assisting with the preparation and submission of your visa application, ensuring compliance with all requirements.
Document Preparation: Helping gather essential supporting documents to avoid delays or refusals.
Extension and Settlement Advice: Providing expert guidance on extending your visa or applying for ILR when eligible.

We specialise in assisting both individuals and employers with complex visa applications, presenting your case effectively to the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) for approval.

Our Services

Skilled Worker Visa