The UK Skilled Worker Visa, officially recognized as the Tier 2 General Work Visa, stands out as a premier option for individuals from diverse countries seeking employment and residence in the UK. Over the past year, there has been a significant 59% increase in the issuance of skilled worker visas, reaching approximately 69,423 grants. This visa empowers individuals to work for an approved employer, who can sponsor foreign workers under this category.
There were approximately 63,400 organizations and institutions registered as licensed sponsors for work and study, demonstrating the widespread availability of opportunities for skilled workers. The Skilled Worker Visa offers a 5-year stay in the UK, with the possibility of applying for permanent settlement after this period. Notably, the UK government has implemented some recent changes in the visa requirements to streamline the application process.
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Skilled worker visa UK eligibility
1. Job Offer from a UK Employer:
- A verified employment offer from a UK company with a Home Office license is required.
- A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) outlining the duties and obligations of the position must be issued by the employer.
2. Eligible Job:
- Your offered position needs to be listed as one of the skilled worker route’s approved occupations.
- Certain positions may be eligible for slightly lower income thresholds because they are listed on the Shortage Occupation List.
3. Salary Requirement:
- Generally speaking, the position must pay at least £26,200 per year, or £10.75 per hour, depending on the occupation and employment category.
- New hires and positions on the Shortage Occupation List are exempt.
4. English Language Requirement:
- English proficiency (at least B1 level on the CEFR scale) must be proven by an authorized English test, a valid credential, or by being a citizen of an English-speaking nation.
5. 70 Points Requirement:
In order to be eligible, you must accrue 70 points overall, which are divided into:
| Requirement | Points |
|---|---|
| Job offer from an approved sponsor | 20 |
| Job at an appropriate skill level | 20 |
| English language proficiency | 10 |
| Salary threshold met | 20 |
| Total Required | 70 |
UK skilled worker visa documents:
The following necessary paperwork must be ready and submitted with your application for a UK skilled worker visa:
1. Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) Reference Number:
- a special reference number that your UK employer (sponsor) has given you.
- Verifies the information regarding your sponsorship and job offer.
2. Proof of English Language Proficiency:
- You must demonstrate that your English is at least at a B1 level.
- Evidence that is acceptable consists of:
- an authorized English language exam, such as the SELT or IELTS.
- an English-taught degree from the UK or its equivalent.
- If you’re from an English-speaking nation, you’re exempt.
3. Valid Passport or Travel Document:
- Your passport or another official identity document that is currently valid can serve as proof of your nationality and identity.
Job Details:
- Job Title
- Annual Salary
- Occupation Code
Employer Information:
- Employer’s Name
- Sponsor Licence Number
Having these documents in order will streamline your UK Skilled Worker visa application process. Make sure to organize and present them effectively for a smoother experience.
Skilled worker visa UK:
If you’re a skilled professional from a non-EU country seeking to live and work in the UK, the UK Skilled Worker Visa is the ideal solution, replacing the former Tier 2 (General) Work Visa.:
It’s crucial to highlight that EU nationals with relatives already residing in the UK, can take advantage of the free EU Settlement Scheme to secure their status.
For seamless immigration and employment opportunities in the UK, consider the benefits of the UK Skilled Worker Visa, designed to cater to the needs of non-EU skilled professionals.
UK skilled worker visa processing time:
“Upon completing your online application and biometrics, the processing time varies:
- If you’re outside the UK, it typically takes 3 weeks.
- If you’re in the UK, the processing time extends to 8 weeks.
Uk tier 2 visa requirements:
Job Offer from a UK Employer:
- A verified job offer from a UK-based company with a Home Office-licensed employer is required in order to sponsor employees.
Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS):
- A Certificate of Sponsorship, a special reference number with job specifics, must be provided by your company.
Eligible Occupation:
- Your position needs to be listed as one of the qualified worker occupations in the UK.
Salary Threshold:
- The minimum wage for the majority of jobs is £26,200 per year, or £10.75 per hour.
- For new hires or occupations with shortages, lower criteria can be applicable.
English Language Proficiency:
- You must demonstrate your proficiency in English (at least a B1 CEFR level), typically by:
- An approved test like IELTS for UKVI
- A degree taught in English
- nationality of an English-speaking nation that is exempt
Proof of Maintenance Funds:
- You must demonstrate that you have held onto £1,270 in savings for 28 days in a row, unless your sponsor certifies support.
Benefits:
Legal Right to Work and Live in the UK
- For the term of your job contract, the visa gives you the legal right to reside and work in the UK.
Pathway to Permanent Residency
- You can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which can result in British citizenship, after five years of being on a skilled worker visa.
Family Inclusion
- You are permitted to bring your partner or spouse and kids, who are also permitted to work or study in the UK.
Access to Public Services
- The National Health Service (NHS) and other public services in the UK are available to you.
Work in Your Skilled Profession
- With the visa, you can work in a position that fits your qualifications and skill set, frequently paying competitively.
Visa Duration and Flexibility
- As long as you fulfill the qualifying requirements, the visa is renewable and can be obtained for a maximum of five years.
Opportunities for Career Growth
- Develop a professional network, enhance your career opportunities, and obtain worthwhile foreign job experience.
Rights and Protections
- Under UK law, you have rights as an employee, including safeguards at work, if you have a skilled worker visa.
Education Opportunities
- Your family members have access to the UK’s educational system and are able to study there.
Freedom to Travel
- As long as your visa is valid, you are free to enter and exit the UK.
Skilled worker visa cost:
When applying for the UK Skilled Worker Visa from outside the UK, you’ll encounter the following standard application fees:
- Duration up to 3 years: £719 per person
- Duration more than 3 years: £1,423 per person
However, if your occupation is on the shortage occupation list, indicating a high demand for your profession, you can benefit from reduced application fees:
- Staying up to 3 years: £479
- Staying more than 3 years: £943
How to Apply for UK Skilled Worker Visa Process:
- Check if You’re Eligible: Before you apply, make sure you meet the requirements. This generally means having a job offer from a company in the UK with a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (COS), being able to speak and write English well, and making enough money to meet the requirements.
- Obtain a Job Offer: Get an offer of employment from a licensed UK company. They will give you a Certificate of Sponsorship (COS), which has a reference number that you will need for your application.
- Prepare supporting documents: Get the papers you need, which usually include your passport, COS, proof that you can speak and write English well, and proof that you make enough money to meet the salary requirement. The full list can be found in the official guidelines.
- Complete the Online application: On the website of the UK government, fill out the online visa application form. You will need to create an account and provide the correct details.
- Pay the Fees: You must pay both the application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). The IHS covers your medical costs while you are in the UK. The amount is based on how long your visa is good for.
- Biometric Appointment: Make an appointment for biometrics and show your picture and fingerprints. You might have to go to a visa application place to do this.
- Submit Documents: Send your supporting papers with your application. Depending on the application method, you can either do this online or by mailing them to the address given.
- Attend an Interview: You might have to go to an interview sometimes. Get ready to be asked about your job, your skills, and why you want to move to the UK.
- Decision and Passport Return: A decision will be made on your visa application, and you will then be able to return your passport. Your passport with the visa will be sent back to you once it has been accepted.
Conclusion:
Find out how to apply for a UK Skilled Worker Visa with this complete guide. Find out what you need to do to apply, how long it will take, how much it will cost, and what papers you need to send. Keep up with the latest changes and make the most of the chances the Tier 2 General work visa gives you. Make sure the process of asking for the UK Skilled Worker Visa goes smoothly and quickly, whether you’re in or out of the UK.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the processing time for the UK Skilled Worker Visa?
The time it takes to process a UK Skilled Worker Visa varies. If you apply from outside the UK, it usually takes three weeks. If you apply from inside the UK, it could take up to eight weeks.
What are the eligibility criteria for the UK Skilled Worker Visa?
For the UK Skilled Worker Visa, you need a job offer from an employer approved by the Home Office, a certificate of sponsorship, a minimum salary, and permission to work for a company approved by the Home Office in the UK.
