A skilled worker visa in the UK is crucial for professionals seeking a job. While the sponsorship license application can be daunting, the Home Office is strict on granting licenses and visas. If you make one wrong move, your visa can be turned down.
Designed to attract talent from across the world, skilled worker visas come with specific requirements and benefits. This blog will help you to navigate the requirements and benefits of a UK skilled worker visa.
What is a Skilled Worker Visa in the UK?
At the end of 2020, skilled worker visas replaced the Tier 2 (General) work visa as the UK’s post-Brexit immigration. This visa allows international professionals to work in the country for licensed employers. Initially granted for up to five years, a skilled worker visa UK is a long-term work visa.
This visa is given as long as you work for the same role with the same sponsoring employer. You must apply for a new skilled worker visa if you wish to change your employer. Under the route for skilled worker visas, you can extend your visa before expiration. After completing the qualifying period of five years, you can also apply for ILR and citizenship one year later.
Eligibility and Requirements for UK Skilled Worker Visa
To make a successful application, the applicant must meet the following eligibility grounds and requirements:
- Applicant must have a job offer from a UK employer
- Applicant’s employer must be a sponsor approved by the Home Office
- Employer must also have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship
- The job offered must meet the skill requirement of at least RQF level 3
- Necessary to meet the minimum salary threshold of £38,700 per year or ‘going rate’, whichever is higher
- To prove that they can support themselves in the country, the applicant must have a minimum balance of £1,270 in their bank account.
- The applicant must meet the English language requirement.
Documents Required for Skilled Worker Visa in the UK
While you apply for a skilled worker visa or Immigration Solicitors London , it is necessary to provide the following documents:
- Passport (with a blank page)
- Documents regarding job title, annual salary, and occupation code
- Name of the employer and their sponsor license number
- Employer’s certificate of sponsorship and reference number
- Evidence for maintenance funds to support yourself
- Proof of relationship with partner and children (in case of private and family life visa application)
- Some occupation involves vulnerable individuals who are required to provide a criminal record certificate
- Proof of English language proficiency
The above list is not exhaustive as, during your Biometric Residence Permit, your identity, and biometrics (photograph and fingerprints) are necessary. This can be done by visiting the visa application centre or using the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app.
Application Process: Step-by-Step
Applying for a skilled worker visa sounds difficult but very easy. You can apply for the visa on the Home Office website. The application steps include the following:
- Check the eligibility for the visa
- Receive a job offer from a licensed sponsor
- Acquire a Certificate of Sponsorship from your licenced employer
- Prepare the documents listed above to prove your eligibility
- Visit the website and complete the online application form, which depends on whether you are outside of the UK or changing your job within the UK.
- Pay the fees for the application, biometric and healthcare surcharge
- Upload all the documents supporting your application
- Get a biometric appointment with your nearest visa centre or upload fingerprints and photographs on the app.
Once you have completed your application, the Home Office will decide within three weeks.
Conclusion
The skilled worker visa in the UK can offer a viable path for talented and smart professionals. Once you have met the requirements and completed the application, professionals can take full advantage of living in the UK. So, if you want a skilled worker visa and find applications daunting, getting legal help from solicitors like London Solicitors and others can be helpful. Simply put, a skilled worker visa is the next step towards achieving your career goals in the UK.
