Skilled Worker Visa

What is Skilled Worker Visa (UK)

A Skilled Worker visa enables you to move to or remain in the UK to perform a qualifying job for an accredited employer. This visa has replaced the Tier 2 (General) work visa and includes work in UK waters.

Eligibility Criteria

Your Job

To qualify for a Skilled Worker visa, you need to:

• Be employed by a UK employer approved by the Home Office.
• Have a 'certificate of sponsorship' (CoS) from your employer detailing the role you’ve been offered in the UK.
• Have a job that is listed as eligible.
• Earn a minimum salary, which varies based on your job and the date you received your CoS.

Your visa can last up to 5 years. You need to apply for an extension or update your visa if it expires or if you change jobs or employers. You can apply to extend your visa as many times as necessary as long as you meet the eligibility requirements.

After 5 years, you might be eligible to apply for permanent settlement in the UK (indefinite leave to remain), allowing you to live, work, and study indefinitely, and apply for benefits if eligible.

Application Process

You can apply for the visa up to 3 months before your start date in the UK as mentioned in your CoS. You must prove your identity and provide necessary documents during your application, which might require an appointment.

Decision Timeline

• 3 weeks if you’re outside the UK.
• 8 weeks if you’re inside the UK.

Faster decision options are available at an additional cost.

Rights and Restrictions

Permitted Activities

• Work in an eligible job.
• Study.
• Bring your partner and children as dependants, if eligible.
• Undertake additional work under certain conditions.
• Do voluntary work.
• Travel abroad and return to the UK.
• Apply for permanent settlement in the UK after 5 years if other eligibility requirements are met.

Restricted Activities

• Access most benefits or the State Pension.
• Change jobs or employers without updating your visa.

Job Requirements

Your job must be eligible for the visa and you must work for a Home Office-approved employer. You must be paid at least the minimum 'standard' salary rate for your job or the minimum 'lower' salary rate if your CoS was issued before 4 April 2024. The higher of £38,700 per year or the 'going rate' for your job type applies.

Checking Job Eligibility

Know your job’s 4-digit occupation code, which can be obtained from your employer or found using the CASCOT occupation coding tool.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Your employer will provide a certificate of sponsorship if you meet eligibility requirements. This electronic record contains a reference number required for your visa application. Apply for your visa within 3 months of receiving your CoS.

English Proficiency

You must prove proficiency in English (reading, writing, speaking, and understanding) at least at level B1 on the CEFR scale by:

• Passing a Secure English Language Test (SELT) from an approved provider.
• Having certain UK school qualifications.
• Having a degree-level qualification taught in English, with Ecctis confirmation if obtained abroad.

Nationals of specific countries (including Canada) do not need to prove their English proficiency.

Costs

To apply for a Skilled Worker visa, you need enough money to cover:

• Application fee: £719 to £1,639 depending on circumstances.
• Healthcare surcharge: usually £1,035 per year.
• Personal savings: usually at least £1,270 unless exempt.

Application fees vary by duration and location of application (inside or outside the UK).

Required Documents

You will need:

• Certificate of sponsorship reference number.
• Proof of English proficiency.
• Valid passport or other identity and nationality documents.
• Job title and annual salary details.
• Job’s occupation code.
• Employer’s name and sponsor licence number.

Additional documents may include proof of personal savings, relationship evidence for dependants, tuberculosis test results, criminal record certificate, valid ATAS certificate, and academic qualifications confirmation.

Criminal Record Certificate

Required if you’re applying from outside the UK and working in specific fields such as education, healthcare, therapy, or social services.

Dependants

Your partner and children can apply to join or stay with you in the UK. Successful applications for dependants will generally match your visa's expiry date. Provide evidence of your relationship to your dependants during application.

A dependant can be:

• Your spouse, civil partner, or unmarried partner.
• Your child under 18, including those born in the UK during your stay.
• Your child over 18 if they are currently in the UK as your dependant.

Contact Visa Nexa for Immigration Assistance

Need Canadian immigration assistance for Family Sponsorship? Visa Nexa Inc. is here to help. We can assess your eligibility and submit your application to the Canadian government. With over 10 years of expertise, Visa Nexa in Mississauga, Ontario has been helping clients achieve their dream of becoming Canadians. Our head offices are in Delhi (VISAWALK) and Chandigarh (The Mentors). Reach out to us today and take the first step toward your new life in Canada!

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