The UK Skilled Worker Visa welcomes global talents, barring British and Irish nationals, who secure a job offer for a skilled role in the UK from an authorised sponsor. With potential paths to permanent residence, it also enables dependents, partners, and children to accompany the visa holder.
If you’re contemplating setting up or owning a business in the UK, the possibility of self-sponsorship through your UK enterprise for a Skilled Worker visa is available. Highwood Solicitors has a dedicated section on this self-sponsored visa route.
Notably, the Skilled Worker Visa scheme isn’t capped, meaning unlimited talents can benefit from it.
Skilled Worker Visa Requirements
To be eligible for the Skilled Worker Visa, UK Visas and Immigration mandates that you:
- Are at least 18 years old.
- Possess a valid job offer with a Certificate of Sponsorship.
- Ensure the job offer is genuine.
- Match the skill level requirement.
- Secure a salary that meets or surpasses the standard threshold.
- Confirm that your sponsor has covered the necessary Immigration Skills Charge.
- Showcase English proficiency at CEFR Level B1 or above.
- Prove financial stability without dependence on public assistance.
- Provide relevant criminal record and TB certificates, when necessary.
For a comprehensive understanding tailored to your individual circumstances, we suggest consulting with an immigration solicitor.
To confer about your Skilled Worker Visa application or any related concerns, reach out to Highwood Solicitors on +44 (0) 1206523714 or drop us an enquiry.
Key Aspects of Skilled Worker Visa
Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): To pursue a Skilled Worker Visa, a valid CoS from a Home Office-authorized employer is quintessential. Your sponsor should hold an ‘A-rated’ status and the CoS shouldn’t be older than 3 months from your application date.
Genuine Vacancy Clause: It’s vital that the job role is legitimate and fits your capabilities. Applications risk denial if the role is perceived as a facade or primarily created for visa attainment.
Skills Charge: Sponsors must clear the stipulated Immigration Skills Charge for every foreign recruit.
Skill Level: The designated role should meet a baseline skill level, approximately parallel to A-level qualifications. This does not mandate formal educational qualifications, as the job’s inherent skill level is the primary focus.
English Proficiency: Adequate English language skills encompassing reading, writing, speaking, and listening at CEFR Level B1 or equivalent are essential.
Salary Requirements: The pay scale must meet specific criteria. Generally, salaries should be at least £26,200 annually, though there are provisions for tradable points affecting this amount based on factors like PhD qualifications and job scarcity.
Financial Stability: Applicants should demonstrate financial resilience, typically with at least £1,270 in cash held for a continuous 28-day period.
Criminal Records: Specific sectors, mainly health and care, may require a criminal record certificate for any country you’ve resided in for a cumulative 12 months during the past decade.
Market Test & Switching: Unlike before, the Resident Labour Market Test isn’t mandatory. Moreover, switching from certain categories to the Skilled Worker route is permitted without the ‘cooling-off period.
Duration of the UK Skilled Worker Visa
Once your Skilled Worker Visa application is approved, you’ll receive entry clearance or a permission to stay for a time span ending 14 days post the expiry date of your Certificate of Sponsorship. This duration could be up to a maximum of 5 years from the initiation date of your Certificate of Sponsorship.
Duration Limits on the Skilled Worker Pathway
Previously, under the Tier 2 (General) pathway, applicants had to adhere to a maximum stay of six years. However, with the Skilled Worker pathway, this six-year cap has been eliminated, offering unrestricted stay duration.
Terms of Residency as a Skilled Worker in the UK
Holders of the Skilled Worker Visa are authorised to work in the job they’ve secured sponsorship for. They can also partake in additional employment, given they continue their sponsored job role. Academic pursuits are allowed, but an ATAS Certificate might be needed. Please note, access to public benefits is prohibited.
Settling in the UK as a Skilled Worker
For securing a settlement as a Skilled Worker in the UK, you must meet the criteria laid out by UK Visas and Immigration:
- A continuous 5-year stay in the UK.
- This 5-year period should include time under various routes including Skilled Worker, Global Talent, Innovator, and others listed.
- Travel outside the UK should not exceed 180 days per year in this 5-year span.
- Successful completion of the Life in the UK test (except for individuals 65 or older).
- Continuous sponsorship from a Home Office recognised sponsor.
- Assured employment and payment meeting the stipulated salary threshold or the prevailing occupation rate.
ILR Salary Threshold
Most applicants should have a salary of at least £26,200 annually or the prevailing occupation rate. Some exceptions apply, especially for those in shortage occupations or specific job codes.
Family Members of Skilled Workers
Skilled Workers can be accompanied by their dependent partner (18 years or older) and/or dependent children (below 18 years).
How Highwood Solicitors Can Assist You
At Highwood Solicitors, our seasoned team of immigration solicitors have rich expertise in aiding employers and skilled professionals from diverse sectors. We offer guidance on meeting your job commencement dates and aligning your career trajectory with immigration aspirations. Moreover, we support UK companies in securing Skilled Worker sponsor licenses and ensuring complete adherence to sponsorship obligations.
We’re renowned for our client-centric approach and commitment. Our mission is to offer transparent, accurate, and tailored immigration counsel to skilled professionals, all while delivering a top-tier, amicable service. For inquiries, contact us at +44 (0) 1206523714.