Understanding the Skilled Worker Visa

One of the main immigration routes for non-UK resident workers is the Skilled Worker visa. This allows you to come to or stay in the UK to do an eligible job with an approved employer. In this blog, we will explain the requirements needed to apply, as well as actions permitted under this visa, and the application process.

Requirements:

To qualify for a Skilled Worker visa, there are a multitude of requirements. Some of the basic requirements (but not limited to) are:

• have a confirmed job offer from a UK employer that’s been approved by the Home Office (if your employer is not currently approved, they may apply for a sponsorship licence)

• have a certificate of sponsorship from your employer

• do a job that’s on the list of eligible occupations (you will need to know or look up your job’s occupation code)

• be paid a minimum salary (£25,600 per year, £10.10 per hour or the ‘going rate’ for the type of work you’ll be doing) whichever is the highest (this is a tricky part of the eligibility requirement and must be correctly indicated)

You must also be able to speak, read, write, and understand English. You may need to prove your knowledge of English by passing a Secure English Language Test, having a GCSE, A level, or other equivalent qualification gained through study at a UK school, or having a degree-level qualification that was taught in English.

What you can and cannot do

Like many other visas, there are certain rules regarding what you can and cannot do with a Skilled Worker visa. You are permitted to:

• work in an eligible job

• study

• bring your partner and children with you as dependants, if they’re eligible

• work up to 20 hours per week in another job (this job must be in the same occupation code and at the same level as your main job, or in a shortage occupation)

• do voluntary work

• travel abroad and return to the UK

• apply to settle permanently if you’ve lived in the UK for 5 years and meet other eligibility requirements (if you’d like to learn more about the British citizenship process, head here)

However, you cannot:

• apply for most benefits or the State Pension

• change jobs or employer unless you apply to update your visa

Application process

All applications for the Skilled Worker visa must be made online. During this process, you will need to provide the following basic information (but not limited to):

• your certificate of sponsorship reference number (your employer will give you this)

• proof of your knowledge of English

• a valid passport or other document that shows your identity and nationality

• biometric information including fingerprints and a photo of your face (this can be given at the nearest visa processing centre in the UK or overseas)

• your job title and annual salary

• your job’s occupation code

• the name of your employer and their sponsor licence number - this will be on your certificate of sponsorship

Furthermore, if you are applying from outside the UK and are working in fields such as education, healthcare, or social services, you will need to provide a criminal record certificate.

Once you’ve applied online, proved your identity and provided your documents, you’ll usually get a decision on your visa within:

• 3 weeks, if you’re outside the UK

• 8 weeks, if you’re inside the UK

Extending your visa

You can apply to extend your visa as many times as you like as long as you still meet the eligibility requirements. You can usually apply to extend a Skilled Worker visa if:

• you have the same job as when you were given your previous permission to enter or stay in the UK

• your job is in the same occupation code as when you were given your previous permission to enter or stay in the UK

• you’re still working for the employer who gave you your current certificate of sponsorship

Your partner or children will need to apply separately to extend their visa. They can either apply at the same time as you, or at any time before their current visa expires.

This is just a very brief overview of the Skilled Worker visa which is a difficult immigration application to understand. If you would like to know more about your eligibility or need assistance with an application, please contact us to discuss.

The above information is correct as of September 22nd 2022 and may be subject to change. The above does not constitute legal advice. Legal advice should be sought regarding your individual circumstances.