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The Skilled Worker visa is designed for individuals who have been offered a skilled job in the UK and have a sponsor licensed by the UK Home Office. It's aimed at workers from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland who meet the job, salary, and language requirements. The main purpose of this visa route is to fill gaps in the UK's workforce with skilled workers from abroad, contributing to the economy and specific sectors' needs. Applicants must have a confirmed job offer and a Certificate of Sponsorship from an approved employer to apply.
Skilled Worker
The Skilled Worker visa is designed for individuals who have been offered a skilled job in the UK and have a sponsor licensed by the UK Home Office. It's aimed at workers from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland who meet the job, salary, and language requirements. The main purpose of this visa route is to fill gaps in the UK's workforce with skilled workers from abroad, contributing to the economy and specific sectors' needs. Applicants must have a confirmed job offer and a Certificate of Sponsorship from an approved employer to apply.
Applicants must have a confirmed job offer from a UK employer who holds a valid Sponsor Licence. The employer must be listed on the Home Office's register of licensed sponsors. This ensures that the employer is authorized to hire foreign workers and has met specific compliance standards. The job offer must be genuine and align with the job description provided in the Certificate of Sponsorship.
The job offered must be at or above the minimum skill level of RQF3, equivalent to A-levels. This ensures that the role is sufficiently skilled to justify hiring from abroad. The job must also be listed under eligible occupations as per the Home Office guidelines.
Applicants must be offered a salary of at least £25,600 per year or the 'going rate' for the job, whichever is higher. This ensures that foreign workers are paid fairly and helps protect the UK labor market. Exceptions may apply for certain roles or applicants, such as those in shortage occupations.
A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is a unique reference number that holds information about the job and your personal details. It is provided by your employer and is required to apply for the Skilled Worker visa. The CoS must be issued no more than three months before your visa application.
Applicants must provide valid proof of identity, typically a passport or national identity card. This document must be current and have at least one blank page for the visa. It is used to verify the applicant's identity and nationality.
Applicants may need to provide evidence of their qualifications, especially if the job requires specific skills or certifications. This could include degree certificates, professional qualifications, or evidence of relevant work experience.
Applicants must provide documents that confirm their employment status with the sponsoring employer. This includes a job offer letter, employment contract, and any correspondence that outlines the terms of employment.
Applicants must demonstrate they have sufficient funds to support themselves upon arrival in the UK. This typically means having at least £1,270 available in your bank account for 28 consecutive days, ending no more than 31 days before your application.
Applicants must pay the application fee, which starts from £610. The exact fee depends on the length of stay and whether the job is on the shortage occupation list. Payment must be made online during the application process.
Applicants must prove their knowledge of English at B1 level or higher on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. This can be demonstrated through an approved English language test or by having a degree taught in English.
Applicants from certain countries must provide a certificate confirming they do not have tuberculosis. The test must be conducted at a clinic approved by the Home Office and is required if you are coming to the UK for more than six months.
Applicants may need to provide a criminal record certificate from any country where they have lived for 12 months or more in the last 10 years. This is to ensure that applicants do not pose a security risk to the UK.
Applicants must provide biometric information, including fingerprints and a photograph, as part of the application process. This is typically done at a visa application center or through the UK Immigration: ID Check app.
Applicants must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as part of their application. This allows access to the UK's National Health Service (NHS) during their stay. The surcharge is £624 per year of the visa duration.
Disclaimer: We are not immigration advisors. For professional immigration advice, consult a qualified immigration lawyer or OISC-registered advisor.
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