Your Guide to the UK Skilled Worker Visa: Simplified and Clear
The Skilled Worker Visa is your gateway to starting a new career and life in the United Kingdom. Whether you’re an individual with a job offer or a business seeking international talent, this visa provides an efficient and flexible pathway. Let’s explore everything you need to know about the Skilled Worker Visa, including eligibility, application process, and long-term benefits.
Key Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must accumulate 70 points to qualify. Points are earned based on mandatory and flexible criteria, which ensure that only skilled professionals fill UK jobs.
The Mandatory Points Breakdown:
- Job Offer from a Licensed Sponsor: 20 points
- Job at Required Skill Level: 20 points (the job must meet the RQF 3 level or above)
- English Language Proficiency: 10 points (minimum B1 level in speaking, reading, writing, and listening)
Salary Requirements: Preparing for 2024 Changes
From April 4th, 2024, the minimum salary requirement for a Skilled Worker Visa will rise to £38,700. This substantial increase reflects the UK’s growing demand for highly skilled workers, but certain exceptions will still apply. For example, those in shortage occupations, PhD holders, or new entrants to the labor market can qualify with a lower salary.
Employers and applicants should be mindful of these changes to ensure compliance and secure their visas in time.
Duration of the Visa and Extensions
You can apply for a Skilled Worker visa for up to 5 years. The visa’s duration depends on the details provided by your employer in the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), which indicates the length of your employment contract.
Whether you’re on a 1-year or 5-year contract, your visa will match the employment period, and you can extend your stay as long as you meet the requirements.
After spending 5 continuous years in the UK on this visa, you may apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), allowing you to settle permanently and eventually apply for British citizenship.
Employers and applicants should be mindful of these changes to ensure compliance and secure their visas in time.
Whether you’re on a 1-year or 5-year contract, your visa will match the employment period, and you can extend your stay as long as you meet the requirements.
After spending 5 continuous years in the UK on this visa, you may apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), allowing you to settle permanently and eventually apply for British citizenship.
Employers and applicants should be mindful of these changes to ensure compliance and secure their visas in time.
Bringing Family to the UK
One of the standout benefits of the Skilled Worker Visa is that it enables you to bring your immediate family with you to the UK. Your spouse or partner and children under 18 can join you as your dependents. Each dependent must meet specific criteria, such as the financial maintenance requirement.
This benefit provides not only a chance to work in the UK but also to establish a family life there.
This benefit provides not only a chance to work in the UK but also to establish a family life there.
Steps to Apply for the Skilled Worker Visa
Applying for the Skilled Worker Visa involves several key steps, and it’s crucial to ensure all your documentation is accurate to avoid delays or refusals.
- Job Offer and Sponsorship: Secure a job offer from a UK-based employer that holds a valid sponsor license. They will issue you a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
- Prepare Documentation: Gather all required documents, including your valid passport, CoS, proof of meeting the English language requirement, and financial maintenance evidence.
- Submit Online Application: Complete the online application form via the gov.uk website and pay the necessary fees.
- Biometric Appointment: Depending on your location, you may need to book a biometric appointment to submit your fingerprints and photo. In some cases, you can use a mobile app to complete this step.
- Visa Processing: The visa processing time varies, but it generally takes around 3 weeks if applying from outside the UK and 8 weeks if applying from within the UK.
Priority services are available for faster processing, such as the 5-day priority service or the 24-hour super priority service, for an additional fee.
Why Choose the Skilled Worker Visa?
The Skilled Worker Visa offers multiple benefits for both professionals and businesses. It enables employers to hire global talent and provides skilled workers the opportunity to settle, grow, and build a life in the UK. With no cap on the number of visas issued, this route provides a streamlined path to long-term residency and career growth.
