Skilled Worker Visa UK (replaced Tier 2 General work visa) is introduced specially for talented and skilled persons from all over the world to work and live in the United Kingdom. With Skilled Worker Visa, eligible applicants can find their dream job opportunities in UK. The Skilled Worker Visa is designed to make easier immigration processes and attract foreign workers to add their expertise to the developing UK economy. Whether you are a healthcare expert, IT professional, and engineer, this visa offers chance to work with renowned companies and gain valuable work experience. There are many types of UK work visa, but in this article we will look at the eligibility, application process, and other requirements for Skilled Worker Visa of United Kingdom.
Skilled Worker Visa UK Benefits
Employment Opportunities: You can work for a UK employer in a skilled job through this visa
Ability to Bring Dependents: The possibility to bring your spouse and children to United Kingdom as your dependents is a big benefit of the skilled worker visa
Pathway to Settlement: You can stay in United Kingdom up-to five years and this time is extendable (if needed). Moreover, after 5 years are eligible to apply for settlement (ILR)
Access to Public Services: The visa holders will have access to public services such as healthcare, social benefits, and educational benefits
Skilled Worker Visa UK Requirements
- Relevant job offer from UK based employer
- Employer approved by the Home Office of United Kingdom
- A valid Certificate of Sponsorship by employer
- Job is listed on eligible occupations
- Candidates meeting the skills level requirements equivalent to RQF level3
- You must meet the salary requirements (£23,200/year)
- Fulfill English language requirements
- Minimum £1,270 of bank balance to show you can support yourself in the United Kingdom
Required Documents
- Passport with empty page
- Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) reference number
- Job position and annual salary
- Occupation code of job vacancy
- Employer’s name and their license number (Mentioned on CoS)
- Proof of financial support that you have enough money to support yourself
- Birth/marriage certificate that shows your relationship with your spouse
- Criminal record certificate
- English language proficiency certificate
- TB test results (if any)
- PHD certificate from UK
- If PHD is not from UK candidates must need reference
Skilled Worker Visa UK Application Process
Candidates from outside the UK can submit their online applications on the official Home Office website of United Kingdom. If you have job offer, CoS, and other relevant documents as mentioned above you can easily submit your online application.
To complete application process successfully please follow following steps:
Secure job offer from licensed sponsor:
Securing a job offer from a UK employer who is a recognized sponsor is the first and most important step towards obtaining a skilled worker visa. It means that the UK government has given the employer permission to sponsor workers from other countries.
Check Job’s Eligibility:
After getting a job offer, make sure that the role meets the eligibility criteria for Skilled Worker Visa. The position must be at the required skill level, and business must show they are unable to find a qualified applicant from the local labor market in the UK.
Obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS):
If your UK company supports your application, they will give you a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). You will require reference number found on the CoS when applying for a visa.
Prepare Supporting Documents:
Assemble all the required documents to support your visa application such as Passport, Proof of employment, English language proficiency, Maintenance funds and all other relevant documents as mentioned above.
Submit Online application:
Complete your online visa application by fulfilling the application form (available on the official website of UK Government Home Office). Submit each and every information correctly.
Pay Visa Fee:
Submit the necessary visa application fee in accordance to the duration of your stay in the United Kingdom. It’s important to review the most recent fee schedule because the fee may change
Biometric Appointment:
Make a biometric appointment at a location for visa applications in your home country. Your fingerprints and picture will be captured during the appointment.
Visa Processing:
The visa application will be reviewed after your submit your biometric appointment. According to circumstances and your country of birth, the processing time may change.
Decision:
You should receive your visa application decision within three weeks
Extension of Skilled Worker Visa
Government issued Skilled Worker Visa of UK for the period of 5 years which is extendable. Candidates who wants to keep working in the United Kingdom after their visa expires can apply for extension of their visa.
Switching Jobs on the Skilled Worker Visa
Individuals who want to switch their job can easily switch their job within the UK by showing that their new employer is a licensed sponsor
FAQs
How long does the Skilled Worker Visa Last?
This depends on the job offer from your UK employer. It typically allows to live 5 years and 14 days.
Can i bring family to the United Kingdom on this visa?
Yes, you are able to bring your family to the UK with Skilled Worker Visa.
Is this visa pathway to permanent residency in the United Kingdom?
Yes, Skilled Worker Visa provide a route to permanent residence in the UK.
