Introduction To UK Skilled Worker Visa

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for a UK Skilled Worker Visa, you need to understand UK work permit visa requirements:

Job Eligibility

• Approved Employer: You must have a job offer from a UK employer who the Home Office approves.
• Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): Your employer must provide a certificate of sponsorship detailing the role you have been offered.
• Eligible Occupations: The job must be on the list of eligible occupations.
• Salary Requirements: You will receive a minimum salary that depends on the type of work you do and the date you get your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).

Knowledge of English

• You must prove your proficiency in English by taking an approved language test or having an academic qualification taught in English.

Application Process

Applying for a UK Skilled Worker Visa involves several steps, depending on whether you are applying from inside or outside the UK.

Application Categories

1. Outside the UK: For those applying to come to the UK.
2. Inside the UK: For those extending their current visa or switching from a different visa.

• If you’re outside the UK and coming to the UK
• If you’re inside the UK and extending your current visa
• If you’re inside the UK and switching from a different visa
• If you want to change your job or employer, you need to apply for an updated visa.

If they meet the eligibility requirements, your partner and children can apply to join you or stay in the UK as your ‘dependants.’

Required Documents

When applying for a Skilled Worker Visa in UK, you will need to provide several key documents:

• Certificate of Sponsorship Reference Number
• Proof of English Language Proficiency
• Valid Passport or Identity Document
• Job Title, Annual Salary, and Occupation Code
• Employer Details, Including Sponsor License Number
• Financial Evidence (if required)
• Tuberculosis Test Results (if applicable)
• Criminal Record Certificate (for certain jobs)

Benefits of the UK Skilled Worker Visa

The UK Skilled Worker Visa offers numerous benefits to applicants:

• Work Flexibility: You can work in an eligible job with an approved employer.
• Duration: The visa can last up to 5 years, with the option to extend.
• Permanent Residency: After 5 years, you may apply for indefinite leave to remain (permanent residency).
• Family Inclusion: Your partner and children can join you as dependents.
• Study Opportunities: You can study while holding this visa.
• Additional Work: You can take on additional work in certain circumstances and do voluntary work.
• Travel: You can travel abroad and return to the UK.

Processing Time

The processing time for a UK Skilled Worker Visa application varies:

• Outside the UK: Typically, it takes around 3 weeks to decide.
• Inside the UK: It usually takes about 8 weeks to decide.

Expedited processing options are available for those who need a faster decision.

Cost

Acquiring a UK Skilled Worker Visa involves specific costs, which vary depending on the duration of your stay and whether your job is on the shortage occupation list.

Application Fees

• Outside the UK: Standard fees range from £719 to £1,500.
• Inside the UK: Fees range from £827 to £1,500.

Healthcare Surcharge

• Annual Fee: £1,035 per year of stay.
• Reduced Fees: Apply for jobs on the shortage occupation list.

Financial Support

• Personal Savings: You must have at least £1,270 in your bank account to support yourself.