What is a Skilled Worker Visa?
A Skilled Worker visa allows you to come to or stay in the UK to do an eligible job with an approved employer.
This visa has replaced the Tier 2 (General) work visa.
It also allows you to work in UK waters.
The UK Skilled Worker visa was introduced to bring in highly skilled overseas workers into the UK labor market and subsequently take up permanent residence in the UK.
With this visa, skilled workers from other countries can be selected based on the shortage occupation list and they will be eligible to get an offer letter without the labor market test and stay in the UK for up to 5 years.
How to Apply for a Skilled Worker Visa:
To apply for a Skilled Worker visa, the applicant will need to submit an online application, together with their supporting documentation, and pay the relevant fee. Applications can be made up to 3 months before the day the worker’s intended employment start date in the UK, as stated on the Certificate of Sponsorship.
The applicant will need to submit an online application within three months of being assigned their Certificate of Sponsorship. Each certificate has a unique reference number that they will need to apply.
They will also be required to attend an appointment at a visa application centre to enrol their biometric information and submit various supporting documents.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Step 1: Obtain Job Offer | Secure a job offer from a UK employer with a sponsorship license. |
| Step 2: Apply for CoS | Employer issues a Certificate of Sponsorship. |
| Step 3: Gather Documents | Collect all required documents for the visa application. |
| Step 4: Complete Online Application | Fill out the online visa application form and pay the fees. |
| Step 5: Biometric Appointment | Attend an appointment to provide fingerprints and photo. |
| Step 6: Wait for Decision | Wait for the Home Office to process the application. |
| Step 7: Receive Visa | If approved, receive the visa and prepare to move to the UK. |
The applicant will have to pay the visa application fee, with the amount payable depending on factors such as whether the job is on the Immigration Salary List.
The same costs apply to any dependants applying with the main visa applicant.
| Application type | Application fee per applicant |
| Applying from outside the UK |
|
| Applying from inside the UK (switching, updating or extending) |
|
| Immigration Salary List roles for applications after 4 April 2024, and Shortage Occupation roles for applications made until 3 July 2024, both in-country and out of country applications |
|
Skilled worker visa applications generally take up to 8 weeks if applying from within the UK or up to 3 weeks if the application is made from outside the UK. It may be possible to pay for fast-tracked processing, depending on where the application is being processed.
To be eligible, you must have a job offer from a UK employer that holds a valid sponsorship license. You must also meet the minimum skill level, salary, and English language requirements.
You can apply online by filling out the application form, providing the required documents, and paying the necessary fees. You will also need to attend a biometric appointment.
A CoS is an electronic document issued by your UK employer that confirms your job offer and is required for your visa application. It includes details about the job and salary.
The visa is typically granted for up to five years. You can apply to extend it or switch to another visa before it expires.
The Skilled Worker visa replaced the Tier 2 (General) visa, which is broadly similar to the old visa, although there are some changes aimed at making the process more straightforward for both sponsors and applicants.
Yes, children of Tier 2 visa holders get access to free education in the UK.
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