If you want to come to the UK to get an eligible job that requires some necessary skills, you can apply for a UK skilled worker visa. Of course, there are some specific requirements for foreigners to obtain a skilled worker visa. If you don’t know the details, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will show you how to apply for a UK skilled worker visa.
What is the UK skilled worker visa?
According to the UK government, the UK skilled worker visa, a type of long-term work visa, allows foreign skilled workers to come and work in the UK for approved UK employers. And it can be valid for up to five years, which is also based on the length of your same role and sponsoring employer.
Skilled worker visa vs Tier 2 work visa
The skilled worker visa has now replaced the Tier 2 (General) work visa. There are many benefits after comparison.
- The skill level is lowered from RQF level 6 to RQF level 3, which allows more foreigners to have job opportunities.
- The salary requirement is reduced from £30,000 to £25,600 per year. If someone with a PhD certificate can be paid £23,040.
- The criteria for new entrants are broadened, such as student visa holders and recent graduates.
- There is no longer a cap on the number of people who want to obtain a skilled worker visa.
- There is no Resident Labour Market Test (RLMT) for skilled worker visas, which reduces the sponsorship process time.
- There is no “12-month cooling-off period” or “6-year stay,” meaning overseas workers can get your new skilled worker visa as long as you meet the requirements.
Skilled worker visa eligibility
To qualify for a skilled worker visa, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:
Your job
Have an eligible job with a 4-digit occupation code on the list of eligible occupations.
Work for a UK employer who has been approved by the Home Office.
Have a “Sponsorship Certificate” from your employer with the role information.
Get a minimum salary: £26,200 per year/£10.75 per hour/”go rate” for the type of work you will do.
Knowledge of English
Speak, read, write and understand English at least B1 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) scale.
Prove your English proficiency by passing a SELT, GCSE, A level, or degree level academic qualification.
You don’t need to prove your knowledge of English, if you are from these countries or territories, such as Australia, Canada, USA, New Zealand and Malta , etc.
Bank Balance
You need to have £1,270 in your bank account to show you can support yourself for your first month in the UK. Or yo can ask your employer if they can cover this requirement for you.
Skilled worker visa documents
Before applying for a skilled worker visa, you must prepare the necessary documents:
- Certificate of sponsorship reference number, the name of your employer, sponsor licence number-offered by your employer
- Proof of your knowledge of English
- A valid passport or other valid document can show you your identity.
- Job title, occupation code and annual salary
- A criminal record certificate if you apply outside the UK and work in certain jobs, such as education, healthcare, therapy and social services.
- Or you can provide other documents, depending on your circumstances, such as a valid ATAS certificate, UK PhD certificate, or proof of your relationship with your partner or children if they apply with you.
How to apply for a skilled worker visa
Once you have your documents ready, you must apply online.
- Fill in the information and complete your online visa application within 3 months of receiving a sponsorship certificate.
- Pay the application fee, biometric fee, and health care surcharge.
- You must prove your identity and upload any documents required to support your application.
- Have fingerprints and photos taken at a visa application centre, or use the UK Immigration ID Check app to scan your identity document with your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account.
- You will receive a decision on your visa after 3 weeks (outside the UK) or 8 weeks ( inside the UK).
How much is the skilled worker visa?
When applying for a Skilled Worker visa, you must pay the standard application fee from £719 to £1,500 depending on your circumstances, and a health care surcharge – £624 per year. In addition, you must have more than £1,270 to support yourself when you arrive in the UK. (Unless you are exempt.) Of course, you can pay a lower application fee when your job is on the shortage list.
Skilled worker visa process time
Skilled worker visa processing usually takes up to 8 weeks if you apply from within the UK, or 3 weeks if you apply outside the UK. It may take more time if you need an appointment.
Uk Skilled Worker Visa Eligible Occupation and Codes
You must work in an eligible occupation with a qualified code. Here you can see the chart below:
What if I change jobs or employers on a skilled worker visa?
You need to renew your skilled worker visa if you change your job or a new job with a new employer, or your job changes to various occupation codes. During the application process, you must meet the above requirements.
FAQs:
Is the skilled worker visa the same as the health and care visa?
Of course not. Here you can see the main difference between them: the skilled worker visa is for professionals from various professions, including health care and civil service, while the Health and Care Visa is only for professional nurses, doctors, or health professionals.
Can I switch from a student visa to a skilled worker visa?
Yes. You are allowed to switch from student visa to skilled worker. However, you must meet some requirements below:
- The job meets the eligibility requirements
- You can prove your knowledge of English
- You have completed the course you were sponsored to study.
- You start your job after you finish your course.
- You have been studying for a PhD for over 2 years.
Do EU nationals need skilled worker visas?
It depends. All EU citizens need a skilled worker visa to work in the UK after 1 January 2021, with the exception of Irish citizens.
How to extend a skilled worker visa?
If you are still with the same employer or a job with the same occupation code, you can extend your visa. Just apply for a skilled worker visa renewal. Foreign workers must submit an online application form within the UK with supporting documentation.
Conclusion
All in all, if you want to work in the UK with specific skills, you must meet the above requirements. Make sure you provide all supporting documents, otherwise your application will be rejected because of the unapproved certificates.
Erin Lo