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Skilled Worker Visa

The UK Skilled Worker Visa allows international workers with required skills to be employed in the UK by approved employers. This visa, which took over from the Tier 2 visa at the close of 2020, caters to individuals with qualifications at or above RQF Level 3 (A-level equivalent) within eligible occupations.

The Skilled Worker Visa is intended for long-term employment and is initially issued for up to five years, depending on the Certificate of Sponsorship’s validity. It’s essential to maintain employment with the sponsoring employer for the visa to remain valid. Any job or employer changes necessitate a new Skilled Worker visa application.

This route permits visa extensions prior to expiration and offers a path to indefinite leave to remain (ILR) after five years, followed by the possibility of British citizenship a year later. Prospective applicants must secure a job offer and fulfill all eligibility requirements.

For those whom the Skilled Worker Visa may not be suitable, alternative work visa options are available. Further details can be found on the UK Work Visas page.

Comparing the Skilled Worker Visa with the Tier 2 Visa

The Skilled Worker Visa comes with several advantages and key changes compared to the previous Tier 2 (General) work visa:

  • The required skill level has been reduced from RQF Level 6 to RQF Level 3, broadening the range of occupations that qualify.
  • The visa is accessible to individuals new to the job market, such as recent graduates.
  • There is no annual limit on the number of Skilled Worker visas granted.
  • The Skilled Worker Visa process has been streamlined as there is no longer a need for the Resident Labour Market Test (RLMT), simplifying the hiring of skilled workers from abroad.
  • The cooling-off period, which previously required international workers to wait for a year before reapplying for a new work visa, has been eliminated.

UK Skilled Worker Visa: Eligibility Criteria and Requirements

Breakdown of Skilled Worker Visa Requirements

  1. Valid Job Offer from a Licensed UK Employer Applicants need a job offer from an A-rated licensed sponsor for a role listed in the eligible occupations.

  2. Licensed Sponsor Approved by the Home Office The employer offering the job must be an A-rated business on the Home Office’s licensed sponsors list and authorized to employ international workers under the Skilled Worker Route.

  3. Issued a Valid Certificate of Sponsorship The Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is a digital document with role details, including title, dates, salary, sponsor license number, and expiry date.

  4. Job Listed in Eligible Occupations The role must be among those recognized as eligible by UK Visas and Immigration, requiring the necessary skills and experience. The standard occupation code (SOC) can be verified with the employer.

  5. Skill Level Requirement Skills must be equivalent to at least RQF level 3, signifying proficiency equal to an A-level qualification in the UK.

  6. Salary Requirement for 2024 The minimum salary for the Skilled Worker Visa stands at £38,700 per year or the role’s standard rate, whichever is higher.

Exceptions to Salary Requirements:

  • If the occupation is on the immigration salary list or the applicant is a ‘new entrant’ (e.g., under 26, student, recent graduate, or in professional training).
  • If the applicant possesses a relevant STEM PhD qualification or is in a postdoctoral role in science or higher education.
  • If the applicant is employed in certain healthcare or education roles with different salary rules.

  1. Financial Self-Support Evidence Proof of at least £1,270 in savings for the first month in the UK is needed, though employers can commit to supporting this requirement.

  2. English Language Proficiency To demonstrate English proficiency, applicants can pass a CEFR test at level B1, hold an academic qualification taught in English, or pass an English assessment approved by a relevant professional body.

Exemptions from English Requirements:

  • Nationals from certain English-speaking countries are exempt from the language requirements.

Required Documentation for the UK Skilled Worker Visa Application

When applying for a UK Skilled Worker Visa, you will need to furnish a variety of information and documents, including:

  • A valid passport with at least one blank page
  • The reference number from your Certificate of Sponsorship
  • Details of your job title and annual salary
  • The occupation code associated with your job
  • The name of your employer and their sponsor licence number as indicated on your Certificate of Sponsorship
  • Proof of enough personal savings for self-support
  • Documentation of your relationship with your spouse, partner, and children, such as marriage and birth certificates
  • A criminal record certificate, if applicable to your job sector (typically for roles involving vulnerable populations in healthcare or education)
  • Evidence of English language skills
  • Tuberculosis (TB) test results, if required by your home country
  • A UK PhD certificate or an Ecctis reference number for a non-UK PhD

Additionally, you will receive guidance on how to confirm your identity and provide your biometrics for your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP). This can be completed at a visa application centre by having your fingerprints and photograph taken or through the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ mobile app, which allows you to scan and upload your identity documents to the Home Office.

Switching Employers While on a UK Skilled Worker Visa

As a Skilled Worker Visa holder, if you’re considering changing employers, it’s essential to apply for a new visa under the following circumstances:

  • Switching employers
  • Changing your job role
  • Modifying your job’s occupation code
  • Moving from a role on the shortage occupation list to one that isn’t

While your current visa remains active, you can apply from within the UK and continue to reside and work until the Home Office decides on your new application.

Should you accept a secondary position with another employer in a different occupation, a new visa application is also necessary.

You may initiate the application process up to three months before your new job begins. It’s advisable to apply early, as decisions can take up to eight weeks. Wait for approval before commencing work with the new employer.

Extending Your Skilled Worker Visa

Your visa can be extended before its expiration if you remain with the same sponsor in the same job, which must align with the occupation code on your current visa. If you’re changing jobs or employers, you will need to pursue a new visa instead of an extension. There’s no limit to the number of times you can extend your visa.

Transitioning from a Skilled Worker Visa to ILR

A significant advantage of the Skilled Worker Visa is the pathway it offers to permanent residency via indefinite leave to remain (ILR) after five years. To qualify for ILR, you must adhere to the continuous residence requirement, which dictates no more than 180 days spent outside the UK in any of the five years. With ILR, you are free from further visa applications and the immigration healthcare surcharge, and citizenship becomes an option after another year.

The five-year period for ILR eligibility can consist of time on various visas, such as the Representative of an Overseas Business, Innovator, Global Talent, Tier 2 (Minister of Religion or Sportsperson), or Tier 1 visas, excluding time on the Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur scheme.

To obtain ILR, you’ll need to demonstrate:

  • Successful completion of the Life in the UK test (for applicants aged 18-65)
  • Continued employment with the same sponsor licence holder
  • Compliance with the minimum salary threshold
  • Proficiency in the English language

Source: Skilled Worker Visa