Skilled Worker Visa

What is a Skilled Worker Visa?

A UK Skilled Worker visa enables non-British and Irish nationals to work in the UK with an approved employer in an eligible job.

The Skilled Worker visa replaced the Tier 2 (General) work visa.

What Are the Key Eligibility Requirements for a Skilled Worker Visa?

In order to successfully apply for a Skilled Worker visa, applicants must meet the following key requirements:

• Must be at least 18 years of age;
• Must have a job offer and a certificate of sponsorship from a Home Office approved licenced sponsor;
• Must have a role at the required skill level - RQF level 3 or above (A level and equivalent);
• The job offer is for a genuine vacancy;
• Must meet the required level of English language;
• Must meet the minimum salary threshold;
• Must evidence they have sufficient money to support themselves or their sponsor must confirm that they will support the applicant. If, however an applicant has been in the UK with a valid visa for 12 months or more, they will not need to show proof that they have sufficient money to support themselves; and
• May need to provide a tuberculosis (TB) certificate depending on which country the applicant resides in.

How Long is a Skilled Worker Visa Valid for?

A Skilled Worker visa is initially granted for a period up to 5 years. The actual length will depend on the length stated on an applicant’s certificate of sponsorship with an additional 14 days after the end date.

Can a Skilled Worker Visa be Extended?

Before the expiry of a Skilled Worker visa, applicants must apply to the Home Office to extend their stay in the UK. Applicants can extend their visa as many times as they like so long as they still meet the relevant requirements.

Does a Skilled Worker Visa Lead to Settlement?

Once an applicant has held a Skilled Worker visa for 5 years, they will be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain. This gives settled status in the UK, also known as ‘settlement’. It gives the right to live, work and study in the UK for as long as an applicant wishes and apply for benefits if eligible.

Will an Applicant be Eligible for British Citizenship?

Once an applicant has held indefinite leave to remain in the UK for 12 months, an applicant may be eligible to apply for British Citizenship. If however an applicant is married to a British Citizen, an applicant will not need to wait 12 months and may be eligible to apply immediately for British Citizenship by naturalisation after obtaining indefinite leave to remain.

Can Dependants Join or Accompany Skilled Workers?

The partner and children of an applicant can accompany or join them so long as they meet the eligibility criteria. If this is met, they will be issued a visa which will have the same end date as the Skilled Worker visa holder.

How Long Does it Take For a Decision to be Made?

The Home Office will usually process a Skilled Worker visa application submitted outside the UK within 3 weeks. An application made within the UK is usually decided within 8 weeks.

If eligible, applicants will be advised whether they can apply to get a decision faster. The Home Office charge additional fees for these priority services.

How Much Does it Cost?

The Home Office fee for a Skilled Worker visa ranges from £625 to £1,423 depending on an applicants circumstances and whether the job offered is on the shortage occupation list.

Applicants applying to extend their visa will also need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge. This is usually £624 per year.

How We Can Help You

Our highly experienced team will provide expert advice and guidance to you throughout your immigration journey.

If you have any questions, please complete our online enquiry form or email us at [email protected]. Alternatively, you can call us on 01724 701111 and one of our experts will be happy to assist you.