What is the UK Skilled Worker Visa?

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

This visa is a long-term work permit, typically granted for up to five years, depending on the duration of your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). It is valid only while you remain in the same role with the sponsoring employer. If you wish to switch jobs or employers, you must apply for a new Skilled Worker Visa.

The Skilled Worker Visa can be extended before expiration, and after five years of residence, applicants may apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). One year after obtaining ILR, they can apply for British citizenship. If this visa is not suitable for you, alternative work visas are available through Visa Solutions UK.

Skilled Worker Visa vs. Tier 2 Work Visa

The Skilled Worker Visa offers several improvements over the previous Tier 2 (General) Work Visa, including:

• Lower Skill Level Requirement: Reduced from RQF Level 6 to RQF Level 3, increasing the number of eligible occupations.
• No Cap on Visas: There is no limit on the number of Skilled Worker Visas issued.
• No Resident Labour Market Test (RLMT): Employers are no longer required to prove they could not find a UK worker before hiring an overseas applicant.
• No Cooling-Off Period: Workers no longer need to wait a year before applying for a new UK work visa after leaving the country.

UK Skilled Worker Visa Eligibility Requirements

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

1. Job Offer from a UK Employer: The employer must be on the list of licensed sponsors approved by the Home Office.
2. Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): The employer must provide a valid CoS confirming details of the job.
3. Eligible Occupation: The job must be on the list of eligible occupations.
4. Skill Level: The job must require skills at RQF Level 3 or higher.
5. Salary Requirement: The role must pay at least £38,700 per year or meet the going rate for the specific occupation.
6. English Language Proficiency: Applicants must demonstrate sufficient English skills.
7. Financial Requirement: Applicants must have at least £1,270 in savings to support themselves upon arrival.

Each of these requirements is explained in more detail below.

1. Job Offer from a UK Employer

Applicants must secure a valid job offer from a UK-licensed employer before applying. The employer must hold an A-rated sponsorship license, ensuring they meet Home Office compliance standards.

2. Employer on the Home Office Licensed Sponsors List

Your employer must be listed as a licensed sponsor. Employers with a B-rating cannot issue new Certificates of Sponsorship until they are upgraded to an A-rating.

3. Valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is a digital record issued by your employer. It contains key details about the role, including:

• Job title and occupation code
• Start and end dates
• Salary details
• Sponsor license number
• Expiry date

4. Eligible Occupation Requirement

Your job must be listed on the Skilled Worker eligible occupations list. To confirm eligibility, request your occupation code from your employer.

5. Skill Level Requirement

Applicants must have skills equivalent to RQF Level 3 (UK A-level standard). A formal qualification is not necessary if you can demonstrate equivalent skills.

6. Salary Requirement (£38,700 in 2024)

The standard minimum salary for a Skilled Worker Visa is £38,700 per year, or the “going rate” for your occupation, whichever is higher.

Applicants may still qualify with a lower salary if they meet one of the following criteria:

• The job is on the Immigration Salary List
• They are a new entrant (e.g., under 26, a recent graduate, or in training)
• They have a STEM PhD qualification relevant to the job
• They hold a postdoctoral position in science or higher education
• They work in healthcare or education (salary thresholds differ)

7. Financial Requirement (£1,270 Savings)

Applicants must provide a bank statement showing at least £1,270 in personal savings. Some employers may cover this cost and confirm this in writing.

8. English Language Proficiency

Applicants must prove their English proficiency through:

• Passing a Home Office-approved English test (B1 level or higher)
• Holding a degree taught in English
• Being a national of an exempt country (e.g., USA, Canada, Australia)
• Passing an English assessment for a regulated professional body

Documents Required for a Skilled Worker Visa

Applicants must provide:

• Valid passport (with a blank page)
• Certificate of Sponsorship reference number
• Job title, salary, and occupation code
• Employer’s name and sponsor license number
• Evidence of financial savings
• Proof of relationship to dependents (if applicable)
• Criminal record certificate (for certain occupations)
• English language test results
• TB test results (if applicable)
• UK PhD certificate or Ecctis reference (if applicable)

How to Apply for a UK Skilled Worker Visa

Application Process

1. Check eligibility criteria.
2. Secure a job offer from a licensed UK employer.
3. Obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
4. Gather the necessary documents.
5. Complete the online visa application.
6. Pay the visa fee, biometric fee, and healthcare surcharge.
7. Upload supporting documents.
8. Attend a biometric appointment.

Decisions are typically made within three weeks.

Changing Employers on a Skilled Worker Visa

A new visa application is required if you:

• Change employer
• Change occupation or occupation code
• Move from a shortage occupation to a non-shortage occupation

You must not start working for your new employer until the visa is approved.

Skilled Worker Visa Extension

You can extend your visa if you:

• Remain with the same employer
• Stay in the same occupation
• Apply before your current visa expires

For assistance, contact Visa Solutions UK at info@visasolutions.uk.

Skilled Worker Visa to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)

After five years, Skilled Worker visa holders can apply for ILR, provided they:

• Meet the continuous residence requirement
• Pass the Life in the UK test
• Continue working for a licensed sponsor
• Meet the salary threshold
• Demonstrate English proficiency

After 12 months on ILR, applicants can apply for British citizenship.

For more details, contact Visa Solutions UK at info@visasolutions.uk.