Skilled Worker Visa UK

What is the UK Skilled Worker Visa?

The UK Skilled Worker Visa is a work visa that enables international workers with the required skills to work for licensed UK employers. This visa replaced the Tier 2 (General) visa at the end of 2020 and is now available to individuals with skills at RQF Level 3 (equivalent to A-level in the UK) or higher in an eligible occupation.

The Skilled Worker Visa is a long-term work visa, initially granted for up to five years, depending on the duration specified in your Certificate of Sponsorship. It is important to note that your visa remains valid as long as you stay in the same role with your sponsoring employer. If you wish to change your job role or employer, you will need to apply for a new Skilled Worker Visa.

Under the Skilled Worker route, you can extend your visa before it expires. After residing in the UK for five years under this visa, you may become eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), and after an additional year, you can apply for British citizenship.

If you are considering applying for a UK Skilled Worker Visa, securing a job offer and ensuring that you meet the eligibility criteria is essential. The eligibility criteria and requirements are outlined below.

If the Skilled Worker Visa is not suitable for your situation, alternative work routes may be available. Visit our UK Work Visas page for more information.

How to apply for a UK work visa

The Skilled Worker visa allows individuals to enter the UK on a long term basis to fill a skilled job vacancy; such as in IT, accountancy, teaching, or healthcare. The occupation needs to be on the occupation list or Shortage Occupation List. Before they apply, visa applicants must have a job offer and a Certificate of Sponsorship from a UK employer with a valid sponsorship licence.​

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Skilled worker visas are designed for workers who have a skilled job offer and a certificate of sponsorship from a UK employer with a valid sponsorship licence. 

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The Points-Based Immigration System evaluates applicants based on a set of attributes, awarding points for various factors such as qualifications, job offers, and English language proficiency. To qualify for a Skilled Worker Visa, applicants must score a minimum number of points.

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Job Offer from a Licensed Sponsor

Applicants must have a confirmed job offer from a UK employer that holds a valid sponsor license. The job offer must be at the required skill level (RQF 3 or above) and meet minimum salary thresholds.

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Skill Level and English Language Proficiency

Applicants need to demonstrate their skills match the job offer's skill level and meet the English language proficiency requirement. Proof of English language ability is usually provided through recognized language tests like IELTS.

 

Minimum Salary Requirement

The offered salary must meet the minimum salary threshold for the specific job. The threshold varies based on the occupation and whether the applicant is a "new entrant" or experienced worker.

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Applicants can earn additional points for meeting certain criteria such as having a job offer in a shortage occupation or possessing a PhD relevant to the job.

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Application Process for a Skilled Worker Visa

1. Job Offer and Certificate of Sponsorship: Secure a job offer from a licensed sponsor and obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from them.

2. Prepare Supporting Documents: Gather documents to prove your identity, qualifications, English language proficiency, and maintenance funds.

3. Submit Online Application: Complete the online application form on the official UK government website. Pay the application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge.

4. Biometric Appointment: If required, schedule a biometric appointment to provide fingerprints and photograph.

5. Decision and Travel to the UK: The processing time varies, but you'll receive a decision on your application. If approved, you can travel to the UK before your visa's start date.​

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UK Skilled Worker Visa required documents

Applicants must provide several documents with their application, these include:​

• Valid Passport or Travel Document

• Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a licensed UK employer

• Proof of English Language Proficiency (approved test, degree, etc.)

• Proof of Funds (bank statement showing £1,270 or employer confirmation)

• Job Offer and Occupation Code (job must meet RQF level 3 and be on the eligible occupation list)

• Tuberculosis (TB) Test Results (if applicable, depending on your country of residence)

• Previous Immigration Documents (if applicable, such as prior UK visas)

• Criminal Record Certificate (if applicable, for jobs involving vulnerable people)

• Health and Care Workers (if applicable) (additional professional qualification documents)

• Additional Documents (if applying under the shortage occupation list or bringing dependents)​

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Changing Employers on a Skilled Worker Visa

If you are on a Skilled Worker Visa and want to change employers, you must follow a specific process to ensure that your visa remains valid. When changing employers, the new employer must be a licensed sponsor, and you must receive a new Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from them. You will need to apply for a new Skilled Worker Visa to reflect the change in employer.

It’s important to note that you cannot start working for the new employer until your application for the visa has been approved. Additionally, your new job must meet the necessary skill and salary requirements, and you must submit the required documentation as part of your application.

Key Points:

• New employer must be a licensed sponsor.

• You must apply for a new Skilled Worker Visa with a new Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).

• Ensure that the new job meets the skill and salary requirements.

• Wait for approval before starting work with the new employer.

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Skilled Worker Visa Extension

If you are in the UK on a Skilled Worker Visa and wish to continue working beyond the validity of your current visa, you will need to apply for an extension before your visa expires. To qualify for an extension, your employer must continue to sponsor you, and your job must still meet the necessary skill and salary requirements. The extension application process is similar to the initial application, and you will need to provide updated documents such as a new Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) and proof of your continued employment.

It’s essential to apply for your extension before your current visa expires to avoid any issues with your immigration status.

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• Apply for extension before your visa expires.

• Job and employer must continue to meet the skill and salary criteria.

• Submit a new Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) and other required documents.

• Apply as early as possible to avoid any gaps in your visa status.

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Skilled Worker Visa to ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain)

After holding a Skilled Worker Visa for a certain period, you may become eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which allows you to live and work in the UK without any time restrictions. Typically, you must have held your Skilled Worker Visa for at least 5 years to be eligible for ILR.

In addition to the time requirement, you must meet certain criteria, such as:

• Having a valid job with a licensed sponsor.

• Meeting the salary threshold for ILR (typically £25,600 or more).

• Demonstrating your knowledge of the English language and life in the UK through approved tests.

• Ensuring there are no serious immigration violations in your history.

Once approved, you will be granted ILR status, allowing you to remain in the UK indefinitely and access the benefits of permanent residency.

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How MSD Solicitors Can Help:

At MSD Solicitors, we guide both businesses and individuals through the entire application process, ensuring compliance with the UK’s immigration rules. Our experts can assist in assessing eligibility, preparing the necessary documentation, and ensuring your application is completed successfully.

If you are considering applying for the Skilled Worker Visa or need assistance with sponsorship, contact our team today for expert advice and support.