Skilled Worker Visa

The Skilled Worker Visa is a visa category for people who have received a job offer in an eligible occupation from a UK Home Office-licensed employer. It was made more flexible when it replaced the Tier 2 visa in 2020. Its primary goal is to attract a qualified workforce in fields where the UK needs them.

• Right to Work and Live: Visa holders can legally work for their sponsoring employer and live in the UK.
• Family Reunification: Spouses, partners, and children under 18 can be included in the application.
• Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR): After 5 years, those who meet specific conditions can obtain permanent residency (ILR).
• Career and Education: Visa holders can gain experience in a global business environment and also pursue education.
• Additional Work Opportunities: Visa holders have the right to do an additional job for up to 20 hours a week or volunteer.

A total of at least 70 points is required. These points are earned from mandatory and tradeable criteria.

Mandatory Criterias (50 Points)

• Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): Must be obtained from a licensed employer (20 points).
• Eligible Occupation: The job must be on the official list of occupations (20 points).
• English Language Proficiency: A minimum English level of CEFR B1 is required (10 points).

Tradeable Criterias (20+ Points)

• Salary: An annual salary of at least £41,700 or a salary that meets the market rate for the job (20 points).
• Shortage Occupation: If you work in an occupation with a skills shortage, you can earn points with a lower salary.
• PhD / STEM PhD: A doctorate degree in a job-related field provides extra points.

Additional Requirements

• Financial Viability: Savings of at least £1,270 (which can be covered by the sponsor in some cases).
• Criminal Record and TB Test: May be required for some applications.

1. Receive a Job Offer and Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): The first and most critical step is to get an eligible job offer from a licensed UK employer and have the employer create a CoS on your behalf.
2. Complete the Online Application Form: The online application form on GOV.UK (the official UK government website) must be filled out completely.
3. Prepare the Necessary Documents: Prepare documents such as your passport, CoS reference number, English language proficiency certificate, financial evidence, TB test results, and other supporting documents.
4. Pay the Fees: The application fee and the mandatory Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which provides access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS), are paid online.
5. Submit Biometric Data: The applicant books an appointment at a Visa Application Centre (TLScontact) to provide biometric data like fingerprints and a photograph, and to scan their documents.
6. Evaluation and Decision: The application is evaluated by the Home Office. This process usually takes about 3 weeks, but can be extended in cases requiring further review or during busy periods.
7. Receiving the Visa: If the application is approved, a visa vignette is affixed to the passport. This vignette grants 90 days to enter the UK.