UK Skilled Worker Visa – Apply Now with an Easy Guide

UK skilled worker visa is available to anyone above 18-years and has the necessary skills to work in the UK for licensed UK employers. This scheme was introduced at the end of 2020 to replace the Tier 2 visa which was issued until then.

The new scheme is very open to those with skills at RQF level 3 (this is equivalent to A-level in the UK) or above in an eligible occupation.

The UK Skilled Worker Visa is a long-term employment visa that is initially issued for up to five years, depending on the length of your Certificate of Sponsorship. It’s crucial to understand that the visa remains valid only as long as you continue in the same position with your sponsoring employer. Should you decide to switch roles or employers, you will be required to apply for a new Skilled Worker Visa.

But note that under the Skilled Worker route, you can extend your visa before it expires and, after a qualifying period of five years, apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). Additionally, you may be eligible to apply for British citizenship one year after obtaining ILR. If you are thinking about applying for a UK Skilled Worker Visa, you must first obtain a job offer and meet the specific eligibility requirements, which are detailed below.

If the Skilled Worker Visa does not fit your needs, there are other work visa options available. For more details, please visit our UK Work Visas page.

Also, at the end of this post you will find resources to help you apply directly through the UK Government immigration portal.

Difference between Skilled Worker Visa and Tier-2 work Visa

Key Benefits and Differences of the New Skilled Worker Visa Compared to the Pre-2021 Tier 2 (General) Work Visa

The new UK Skilled Worker visa route offers several significant advantages and distinctions from the previous Tier 2 (General) work visa, including:

• Lower Skill Level Requirement: The minimum skill level has been reduced from RQF Level 6 to RQF Level 3, broadening the range of eligible occupations under the Skilled Worker route.
• Access for New Market Entrants: The Skilled Worker visa now welcomes new entrants to the job market, such as recent graduates.
• Unlimited Visa Availability: There is no cap on the number of Skilled Worker visas issued, unlike the previous Tier 2 (General) system.
• No Resident Labour Market Test: The new route eliminates the Resident Labour Market Test (RLMT), streamlining the process for recruiting skilled workers from overseas.
• No Cooling-Off Period: The previous requirement for international workers to wait a year before applying for a new work visa after leaving the UK has been abolished.

Eligibility Criteria for UK Skilled Worker Visa:

To qualify for Work Visa in the UK, you must meet the following requirements:

• Secure a Job Offer from a UK Employer: You need to have a confirmed job offer from an employer in the UK.
• Employer Must Be a Licensed Sponsor: Your employer must be listed as a licensed sponsor by the Home Office.
• Obtain a Valid Certificate of Sponsorship: Your employer must provide you with a valid Certificate of Sponsorship.
• Job Must Be on the Eligible Occupations List: The position offered must be listed as one of the eligible occupations.
• Meet Skill Level Requirements: The job must meet a minimum skill level of RQF Level 3 or equivalent.
• Fulfill Salary Requirements: You must earn at least £38,700 per year or meet the specific going rate for the job, whichever amount is higher.
• Demonstrate English Language Proficiency: You must meet the required English language proficiency standards.
• Show Proof of Financial Means: You must have at least £1,270 in your bank account to prove that you can support yourself financially in the UK.

For more detailed information on each of these criteria, please refer to the sections below.

Secure a Job Offer from a UK Employer:

To apply for a UK Skilled Worker visa successfully, you must secure a valid job offer from an A-rated UK employer who appears on the list of licensed sponsors. The role must be listed as an eligible occupation and meet the minimum salary requirements. You also need to have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship from the UK employer.

Employer Must Be a Licensed Sponsor:

Your job offer must come from a business listed on the Home Office’s register of licensed sponsors. Ensure that your employer is authorized to hire international workers under the Skilled Worker Route and holds an A-rating, as B-rated employers cannot issue new Certificates of Sponsorship until they meet the Home Office’s compliance standards and are upgraded to an A-rating. It is important to verify this status before applying to prevent potential delays or refusals.

Obtain a Valid Certificate of Sponsorship:

As previously mentioned, a key requirement for applying for a UK Skilled Worker visa is having a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your UK employer.

A Certificate of Sponsorship is a digital document that details important information about your job role. This includes your job title, the type of role, start and end dates of employment, gross salary, your sponsor’s licence number, and the CoS’s expiration date.

Job Must Be on the Eligible Occupations List:

To obtain a Skilled Worker visa, UK Visas and Immigration will only approve applications for roles that appear on the list of eligible occupations. You must also have the requisite skills and experience for the job. To verify if your occupation is eligible, you may need to request the Standard Occupation Code (SOC) from your employer.

Meet Skill Level Requirements:

Applicants for a Skilled Worker visa must have skills that are at least at RQF Level 3, which is the same as an A-level qualification in the UK. You do not need to have a specific qualification but must demonstrate that your skills are equivalent to RQF Level 3 or higher.

Skilled Worker visa minimum salary requirement 2024

The standard minimum salary for UK Skilled Worker Visa is set at £38,700 per year. Your job must meet this salary threshold or align with the “going rate” for your specific occupation, whichever amount is higher. For instance, if you are offered a salary of £39,000 but the “going rate” for your job is £40,000, you would not meet the visa’s salary requirement. Each occupation code has a specified annual “going rate,” which you can check on the Home Office website’s going rates table.

However, you may still qualify for the Skilled Worker Visa with a salary below £38,700 if:

• Your job is listed on the immigration salary list, or
• You are considered a “new entrant” (e.g., under 26, a recent graduate, or in professional training), or
• You have a relevant STEM PhD qualification, or
• You hold a postdoctoral position in science or higher education, or
• You work in a specific healthcare or education role that has different salary rules.

Demonstrate English Language Proficiency:

To obtain for a Skilled Worker visa, you must prove your English language proficiency through one of the following methods:

• English Language Test: Pass a CEFR B1 level English language test from an approved provider. This test must assess your abilities in reading, understanding, speaking, and writing.
• Academic Qualifications: You can meet the English language requirements if you hold a degree or another qualification that was delivered in English.
• Country Exemptions: If you are from one of the exempt countries, such as Canada, Australia, or the USA, you do not need to provide proof of English language skills.
• Professional Body Assessment: If you have passed an English language assessment recognized by the relevant regulated professional body for your occupation, you meet the English language requirement.

Show Proof of Financial Means:

As part of your UK Skilled Worker visa application, you need to show that you have a minimum of £1,270 in your bank account for your initial month in the UK. If this is difficult, you can request a letter from your employer affirming that they will take care of this financial requirement on your behalf.

Required Documents and Information for Your UK Skilled Worker Visa Application

To successfully apply for a Skilled Worker visa, you will need to gather and provide several key documents and pieces of information. These include:

• Passport: A valid passport with at least one blank page for your visa vignette and Biometric Residence Permit (BRP).
• Certificate of Sponsorship: The reference number from your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) issued by your UK employer, which confirms that you have a valid job offer.
• Job Details: Your job title and annual salary, as listed on your CoS, to prove that you meet the salary requirements for the visa.
• Occupation Code: The occupation code for your job, which can be found on your CoS, used to verify that your role falls within the eligible occupation list.
• Employer Information: The name of your employer and their sponsor license number, as shown on your CoS, to confirm that they are an approved sponsor.
• Proof of Personal Savings: Documentation showing that you have at least £1,270 in your bank account to support yourself during your first month in the UK, unless your employer will cover this requirement.
• Family Documents: Proof of your relationship to your spouse/partner and children, such as marriage certificates and birth certificates, if you are bringing family members with you.
• Criminal Record Certificate: A criminal record certificate may be required for certain roles, especially those involving vulnerable individuals, such as in healthcare or education settings.
• English Language Proficiency: Evidence that you meet the English language requirements, which can include a valid English language test result, an academic qualification taught in English, or an exemption if you are from an English-speaking country.
• TB Test Results: Tuberculosis (TB) test results if you are applying from a country where TB testing is a requirement.
• UK PhD Certificate or Ecctis Reference: If you hold a PhD qualification from outside the UK, you will need to provide your UK PhD certificate or an Ecctis reference number for your non-UK PhD.

Proving Your Identity and Supplying Biometrics

To complete your visa application, you will need to prove your identity and provide biometric information (fingerprints and photo). You can do this through the following methods:

Visa Application Centre: Visit a visa application centre in your home country or current residence to have your fingerprints and photo taken for your BRP.

UK Immigration: ID Check App: Use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app available on mobile devices. This app allows you to scan your identity documents and upload them directly to the Home Office for processing.

Additional Tips on UK VISA Application Requirements

• Ensure All Documents Are Current: Check that all documents are up-to-date and valid for the duration of your application.
• Prepare for Your Biometric Appointment: If visiting a visa application centre, schedule your appointment as soon as possible to avoid delays.
• Follow Up: After submitting your application, keep track of any additional requests for information or documentation from the Home Office.

By preparing these documents and following these steps, you will be well-equipped for a successful Skilled Worker visa application.

How to apply for a UK Skilled Worker visa

The Skilled Worker visa application process for those outside the UK is done entirely online via the Home Office website. Ensure you have your job offer, Certificate of Sponsorship, and all the necessary documents ready before beginning the application. You have the option to save your application and resume it at a later time if necessary.

Changing Employers or Job Roles on UK Skilled Worker Visa

If you hold a UK Skilled Worker visa and wish to change your employer, job role, or occupation, you will need to apply for a new visa. Here’s a detailed guide on what you need to do:

You must apply for a new Skilled Worker visa in the following situations:

Changing Employers: If you decide to switch to a different employer.
Changing Occupations: If you want to move to a new role that is different from your current occupation.
Changing Occupation Codes: If you are moving to a new job that falls under a different occupation code.
Moving Off the Shortage Occupation List: If you change from a role that is on the shortage occupation list to one that is not.

Additionally, if you plan to take up a second role with a new employer in a different occupation, you must also apply for a new visa.

How to Apply for a New Visa

• Ensure Your Current Visa Is Valid
• You can apply for a new visa while your current Skilled Worker visa is still valid.
• Apply from Within the UK
• You must submit your application for a new visa from within the UK.
• Submit Your Application Up to 3 Months in Advance

You can apply for your new visa up to 3 months before the start date of your new job role.

Tip: It is recommended to apply as early as possible, as the processing time can be up to 8 weeks.

SEE ALSO: UK Immigration Visa for Unmarried Partners – Complete Guide

N/B: Do Not Start Your New Job Until Approved

You should wait to start working for your new employer until you have received a positive decision on your visa application.

Important Considerations

1. Application Processing Time: Be aware that processing times can be up to 8 weeks, so plan your application well in advance of your intended job start date.
2. Starting the New Job: You must wait for a positive decision on your application before beginning work with your new employer.

Alternatively, you can take this option to transcend to a new role with the same employer.

Changing to a New Role with the Same Employer

If you are changing roles within the same company but the role is different from your current one, you will still need to apply for a new visa.

Adding a Second Job

If you are adding a second job that is in a different occupation, you will need to apply for a new visa for the additional role.

UK Skilled Worker Visa extension

When extending your Skilled Worker visa, you must remain in the same job with your current employer and occupation. Any changes in job or employer require a new visa application. Extensions can be made as many times as necessary. Apply for an extension up to 3 months before your current visa expires, and await the decision before starting a new job role.

By following these guidelines, you can effectively manage your Skilled Worker visa extension and ensure compliance with UK immigration regulations.

Check here to see the requirements and how to apply for skilled worker visa extension>>>

Switching UK Skilled Worker visa to ILR

One of the significant advantages of the Skilled Worker Visa is that it offers a pathway to permanent residency in the UK. If you plan to make the UK your long-term home, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after five years. Here’s a detailed overview of how you can achieve ILR and the steps required to transition to UK citizenship.

Continuous Residence Requirement

Stay in the UK: You must have resided in the UK for a full five years on a valid visa. During this period, you must not have spent more than 180 days outside the UK in any given 12-month period.

Benefits of ILR

• No More Visa Applications: Once you obtain ILR, you will not need to make further visa applications.
• No Immigration Healthcare Surcharge: You will no longer be required to pay the immigration healthcare surcharge.
• Path to UK Citizenship: After holding ILR for 12 months, you can apply for British citizenship.

Visa Types That Count Towards ILR

Your five years of residency for ILR can include time spent on various visas, not just the Skilled Worker Visa. Acceptable visas include:

• Representative of an Overseas Business Visa
• Innovator Visa
• Global Talent Visa
• Tier 2 Visa (Minister of Religion or Sportsperson)
• Tier 1 Visa

However, time spent on the Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Visa does not count towards the five-year requirement for ILR.

Requirements for ILR Application

To be eligible for ILR, you must meet the following conditions:

• Pass the Life in the UK Test: You must pass the Life in the UK test, which is a requirement for all applicants aged between 18 and 65.
• Continuous Employment: You must still be employed by the same sponsor license holder who issued your Certificate of Sponsorship.
• Meet Minimum Salary Requirements: You need to continue meeting the minimum salary requirements specified for your role.
• Demonstrate English Language Proficiency: You must prove you have sufficient English language skills as per the visa requirements.

Steps to Apply for ILR

• Verify Eligibility
• Confirm that you meet the continuous residence requirement and all other ILR criteria.
• Prepare Documentation
• Gather the necessary documents, including proof of employment, evidence of English language skills, and results from the Life in the UK test.
• Submit Your ILR Application

Apply for ILR through the Home Office’s official application portal.

Biometric Appointment

• Book and attend a biometric appointment to provide your fingerprints and photo.
• Await the Decision

ILR applications typically take around 6 months to process.

Applying for British Citizenship

After holding ILR for 12 months, you can apply for UK citizenship.

Key Points for ILR and Citizenship

• Five-Year Period: Ensure you meet the continuous residence requirement of not being outside the UK for more than 180 days in any 12-month period.
• Qualified Visas: Various visa types contribute to the five-year residency requirement, except for the Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Visa.
• ILR Benefits: Once granted ILR, you do not need to reapply for a visa and will not pay the immigration healthcare surcharge. ILR also paves the way for British citizenship.

By fulfilling these requirements and completing the necessary steps, you can successfully transition from a Skilled Worker Visa holder to a permanent resident and eventually a British citizen.

Resources for Applicants:

1. Registry of Licensed sponsors: workers
2. UK skilled worker visa: eligible occupations and codes
3. GOV. UK: Skilled worker visa | going rates for eligible occupation codes
4. GOV.UK: Skilled worker visa | Language eligibility

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