UK Skilled Worker Visa

UK Skilled Worker Visa: Navigate to Working in the UK

The UK Skilled Worker Visa is a primary route for non-British and Irish nationals aiming to work in the United Kingdom. The Skilled Worker visa enables individuals to live and work in the UK, provided they have a job offer from a Home Office-approved employer for a role that meets specific skill and salary criteria. The following guide outlines the key aspects of the Skilled Worker Visa, including eligibility requirements, application process, associated costs, and additional considerations.

Eligibility Requirements of the UK Skilled Worker Visa

To qualify for the Skilled Worker Visa, applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. Job Offer from an Approved Employer

You must have a confirmed job offer from a UK employer licensed by the Home Office as a sponsor.
Your employer will provide a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) that includes details of your job, salary, and sponsorship.

2. Eligible Occupation

Your job must be listed as an eligible occupation in Appendix Skilled Occupations of the Immigration Rules.
From 4 April 2024, the Immigration Salary List replaced the previous Shortage Occupation List, outlining specific roles that qualify for reduced salary thresholds under certain conditions.

3. Salary Requirements

Salary thresholds depend on when your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) was issued:

For First CoS Issued Before 4 April 2024:

Base Salary Threshold: £26,200 per year or £10.75 per hour.
‘Going Rate’ Requirement: Your salary must meet the going rate for your job as outlined in Appendix Skilled Occupations.
Lower Salary Thresholds: Depending on circumstances (e.g., young applicants, Immigration List roles, or new entrants), salaries as low as £20,960 per year or £10.10 per hour may be acceptable.

For First CoS Issued On or After 4 April 2024:

Base Salary Threshold: £38,700 per year or £11.55 per hour.
‘Going Rate’ Requirement: Your salary must meet the going rate for your job as defined in the updated Appendix Skilled Occupations.
Lower Salary Thresholds: Lower salaries (e.g., £24,960 per year or £10.92 per hour) may apply under specific circumstances, such as:
- Working in roles listed on the Immigration List.
- New entrants to the job market.
- Holding relevant PhD qualifications.

Key Notes on Salary and ‘Going Rate’

The ‘going rate’ is a predefined salary level for each occupation and SOC code in Appendix Skilled Occupations.
You must meet both the minimum salary threshold and the going rate for your job unless a reduced threshold applies to your circumstances.
Lower Salary Thresholds: The salary requirement may be reduced depending on the job, SOC code, or your individual circumstances (e.g., shortage occupations, new entrants, or relevant qualifications).

4. English Language Proficiency

You must prove you can speak, read, write, and understand English by:

Passing an approved English language test at CEFR Level B1 or higher.
Having a degree taught in English.
Holding a GCSE, A-level, or equivalent qualification in English obtained in the UK.

5. Financial Requirements

Show you have £1,270 in personal savings to support yourself, held for at least 28 consecutive days.
This requirement is waived if your sponsor certifies maintenance on your Certificate of Sponsorship.

6. Additional Requirements

Provide a valid passport or travel document.
Submit a tuberculosis test result if required by your country of residence.
Provide a criminal record certificate for specific jobs (e.g., healthcare and education).

Application Process for UK Skilled Worker Visa

1. Obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

Your UK employer will issue you a CoS containing essential information about your role and salary.

2. Prepare Supporting Documents

You’ll need:

CoS reference number.
Proof of English language proficiency.
Evidence of personal savings or maintenance certification.
Valid passport or travel document.
Tuberculosis test results (if applicable).
Criminal record certificate (for certain roles).

3. Submit Your Application

Apply online through the official UK government website.
You must apply within 3 months of receiving your CoS.

4. Attend a Biometric Appointment

Provide your fingerprints and photograph at a visa application centre or use the UK Immigration: ID Check app - if eligible.

5. Pay Fees

Visa Fee (submitted outside the UK:
- Up to 3 years: Outside the UK - £719 \ Inside the UK - £827
- More than 3 years: Outside the UK - £1,420 \ Inside the UK - £1,636
- Lower fees for Immigration List roles:
  - Up to 3 years: £551.
  - More than 3 years: £1,084.
Healthcare Surcharge: £1,035 per year.

6. Await a Decision

Applications submitted outside the UK are usually processed within 3 weeks.
Applications submitted inside the UK (e.g., extensions) are processed within 8 weeks.
Options to expedite the processing of your application are usually available for additional fees.

Rights and Restrictions

What You Can Do:

Work for your sponsoring employer in the job specified in your CoS.
Undertake supplementary work (up to 20 hours per week) in certain conditions.
Study in the UK.
Apply for settlement after 5 years of continuous residence.
Bring eligible dependants.

What You Cannot Do:

Access public funds (e.g., benefits).
Work as a professional sportsperson.

Dependants

You can bring your partner and children under 18 to the UK as dependants. Each dependant must submit a separate visa application.

Financial Requirements for Dependants:

Partner: £285.
First Child: £315.
Each Additional Child: £200.

The Immigration Salary List

From 4 April 2024, the Immigration Salary List replaces the Shortage Occupation List. This list defines roles eligible for reduced salary thresholds. To see if your job qualifies, consult the updated list here.

How Immtell Can Help

Immtell provides expert support for your Skilled Worker Visa application. Here’s how we help:

Eligibility Assessment: Confirming you meet all requirements, including salary and job criteria.
Document Preparation: Assistance with preparing and reviewing your documents for accuracy.
Application Submission: Step-by-step guidance to ensure a smooth and compliant application.
Dependants Support: Help with applications for your family members.
Post-Visa Assistance: Guidance on visa extensions, switching roles, and applying for settlement.