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A skilled worker visa allows overseas people to work and stay in the UK with a valid job offer, eligible sponsor and required salary threshold.
In this blog, we discuss skilled worker visas in 2024-25 for those looking to get a visa or hire a skilled worker in their UK business. This guide on skilled worker visas covers details you need to know about skilled worker visas with the newest updates from UK Visas and Immigration.
Let’s read!
What is the UK Skilled Worker Visa?
A skilled worker visa is one of the main work visas in the UK that enables UK employers to hire overseas skilled workers for their specific skills.
Replacing the Tier 2 (General) work visa, the skilled work visa permits a foreign national to work in the UK for up to five years by being sponsored from an approved UK employer and having 70 points in various eligibility requirements of skills, salary, English proficiency, etc.
A skilled worker visa also allows you to come with your family as dependants and clears the way for British citizenship by providing the option of Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
Requirements of Skilled Worker Visa
1. Salary
According to the Home Office guidelines in Appendix Skilled Worker, the Skilled Worker Visa requires a minimum salary threshold of £38,700 per year, or 100% of the going rate for the occupation, whichever is higher, based on guaranteed basic gross pay.
This is referred to as Option A, with no salary discount available. The first threshold applies to new applicants, while the second applies to existing visa holders applying for extensions or changing employers. There are 20 points of salary requirement completion in determining your visa decision by UK Visas and Immigration.
Here are the salary requirements for different situations:
- Option A - Salary at or above £38,700 per year or 100% of the going rate for the occupation, whichever is higher (No Discounts)
- Option B - Salary at or above £34,830 per year with a relevant PhD (10% discount)
- Option C - Salary at or above £30,960 per year with a relevant STEM PhD (20% discount)
- Option D - Salary at or above £30,960 per year for a job on the Immigration Salary List (20% discount on the general salary threshold)
- Option E - Salary at or above £30,960 per year as a new entrant (20% discount on the general salary threshold and 30% discount on the going rate)
- Option F - Salary at or above £29,000 per year for specified Health and Care professions
- Option G - Salary at or above £26,100 per year with a relevant PhD for specified Health and Care occupations (10% discount)
- Option H - Salary at or above £23,200 per year with a relevant STEM PhD for specified Health and Care occupations (20% discount)
Here are the salary requirements as per the worker type:
- New Skilled Worker Visa Applicants
On and after 4 April 2024, new applicants must meet the salary threshold of £38,700, up from £26,200. However, the roles on the Immigration Salary List or new labour market entrants have a discounted threshold of £30,960. New applicants having PhD must have £34,830 salary and STEM PhD have £30,960. - Existing Skilled Worker Visa Applicants
Existing Skilled Worker visa applicants re-applying from April 4, 2024, must have a salary of £29,000. - Health and Care Workers
Health and Care Worker visa holders must have a minimum salary threshold of £23,200 or the national pay scale, whichever is higher. The people with roles not on the national pay scale need to earn £29,000 annually.
2. Job Role
The job role verification from the Home Office has 20 points that check the employment sponsorship, UK employer’s sponsor licence with the A rating and payment of the Immigration Skills Charge (ISC), after that the valid job role of the skilled worker that is needed in the UK organisation by the employer.
The Home Office also verifies the job vacancy's genuineness and validity of the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) of the worker for their role.
3. Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
Before you apply for the UK Skilled Worker Visa, your UK employer must issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to confirm your eligibility. The CoS is a reference number needed for the visa application, and only licenced sponsors can issue it.
There are mainly two kinds of CoS that are defined and undefined. Defined CoS are for overseas applicants and Undefined CoS are for workers switching to a Skilled Worker Visa or other UK immigration route while in the UK or outside the UK.
UKVI issues undefined CoS annually to the sponsors based on their business size and nature of business, without carrying forward the previous year’s unused CoS. however, you can apply for extra CoS in the UKVI during the year.
4. Skill
A skilled worker must have a Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) level 3 or above, like a UK A-level eligibility for the work to do. Any worker with a lower than this level will be disqualified for the Skilled Worker Visa.
As a UK employer, you must match the job description and job role with Standard Occupation Codes (SOC) determined by The Home Office to consider the job eligibility. If you exaggerate requirements or use incorrect codes, it can lead to visa refusal. You can ask the skilled worker for extra evidence of skills and experience to match the SOC code.
However, you can correct the genuine errors. Visa refusal mostly occurs if the job role or applicant's skills do not align with the SOC code. That’s why you must follow the appropriate SOC code guidelines to ensure eligibility for a Skilled Worker visa.
5. English Proficiency
Skilled Worker Visa Applicants must have a minimum B1 level of English proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, and understanding, as described on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL) scale.
You can prove your English proficiency through academic qualifications, such as a GCSE or degree taught in English, or by passing a Secure English Language Test (SELT) approved by the Home Office.
If you fail to meet the English language proficiency requirement, it may result in a visa application refusal. There are also nations that are exempted from the English proficiency like USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand etc.
6. Financial Stability
The applicant must prove financial stability with £1,270 in their bank account for 28 days before applying for a visa. If the sponsor agrees, they can cover the costs.
However, if you are planning to come to the UK with your family including your spouse and child as your dependants, then you will need additional funds such as £285 for a partner, £315 for the first child, and £200 for any other child.
A Skilled Worker visa with a spouse and three children requires at least £2,270 in monetary support. Your sponsor also must confirm financial support on the Certificate of Sponsorship.
You will not be able to access public funds, so you must confirm that you can support yourself and your dependants support themselves unless they have been already in the UK for 12 months.
7. Background Check
Some job might need a criminal records certificate from the applicants if their job requires it.
How to apply for a Skilled Worker Visa?
You can apply for a skilled worker visa by submitting the online application with the required documents, and the correct fee. You can apply up to three months before the intended start date of your work in the UK, as stated in the Certificate of Sponsorship.
Once you get your Certificate of Sponsorship, you have three months to fill out the online application using the unique reference number linked to your CoS.
Let’s understand the complete application process for a skilled worker visa:
Step-by-Step Application Process of a Skilled Worker Visa
- Get Job Offer
Get a job offer from a UK employer who has a valid sponsorship licence. - Get CoS
Receive CoS from your UK employer. - Prepare Documents
Assemble all necessary documents for the Skilled Worker visa application. - Submit Application Online
Complete the online visa application and submit the payment. - Biometric Appointment
Attend a biometric appointment to give your fingerprints and take a photo. - Receive Visa Decision
Let the Home Office review the application and wait for the Visa decision. If it gets approved, you will receive the visa and can start getting ready to move to the UK.
Skilled Worker Visa Documents
- Certificate of Sponsorship
You must have CoS that confirms your job offer and employment details generated by your UK employer with a unique reference amount of CoS. - English Proficiency Certificate
You need to provide English language proficiency with the test result of B1 level or higher, or a degree taught in English, if applicable. - Valid Passport
Your passports must be valid for the duration of your stay in the UK. You must also provide your previous passports covering your stay in the UK, if applicable. - Job Details
You need to provide the details of your job position, the confirmed job title with the employment contract, annual salary confirmation that meets visa requirements and the job offer annual salary.
You need to provide your job occupation code mentioned in the job offer and the details of the terms of employment mentioned in the employment contract. - Residence Info
You must confirm the place of your residence in the UK with accommodation details including a rental agreement or the letter from the sponsor verifying your residence in the UK. - Bank Statement
Your bank statement shows your financial ability with required funds for at least 28 days after the application. - Criminal Record Certificate
If you’re looking to work in the education, health, or social care sectors, you will get a background check for criminal records and its certificate from the appropriate authorities from your native country or any country you have lived for more than 12 months in the last 10 years. - Other Documents
There are several other documents you may asked to submit if applicable to you such as TB Test Results, Proof of Relationship for dependants, Valid ATAS Certificate, UK PhD Certificate or Ecctis Reference Number.
Skilled Worker Visa Costs
1. Application Fee
- When you’re applying from outside the UK
If you are filing for a UK Skilled worker visa from outside the UK, the standard fee depends on how long you will stay in the UK. if you are coming to the UK for up to 3 years, the fee is £719 for each person. If you will be in the UK for more than 3 years, the fee will be £1,420 for each person. - When you’re applying while being in the UK to extend, switch or update your visa
If you are applying from inside the UK to extend, switch or update your visa, the standard fee depends on how long you stay in the UK. For instance, living up to 3 years in the UK will charge an application fee of £827 for each person. If it is more than 3 years, you will be charged an application fee of £1,636 for each person. - When your job is on the immigration salary list inside the UK or the outside
You and your family will be allowed to pay a little lower application when you have the immigration salary listed job. The per-person fee will be £551 if you’re staying for up to 3 years and £1,084 for more than 3 years to stay in the UK.
2. Healthcare Surcharge
You also need to pay the healthcare surcharge for every year of your stay in the UK which is normally £1,035 per year.
3. Amount to Support Yourself
You must have a minimum of £1,270 in your bank account to prove you can support yourself in the UK. You must have had the amount available for at least 28 consecutively within 31 days of applying for the visa.
You need to show proof of this amount when you apply when you have been in the UK for at least 12 months. Your employer also can cover your costs during your first month in the UK for up to £1,270. Your partner and children will also be required to prove they can support themselves while they are in the UK.
Skilled Worker Visa Processing Time
You have 3 months before the due date of starting your work in the UK. The due date will be written on your certificate of sponsorship. While applying, you will need to prove your identity and verify your documents. You may also get the extra time to apply if required.
Once you have applied online with valid identity and documents, you will mostly get the visa decision from the UKVI within 3 weeks if you’re outside the UK, 8 weeks if you’re inside the UK You may also ask for a faster decision by paying extra.
Skilled Worker Visa Duration
The skilled worker visa is granted for up to 5 years to stay in the UK to work and study. If you are currently in the UK, then you can extend the duration as there are no limits to how many times you can extend it if you’re continuously meeting the visa requirements.
After completing the 5 years, you may become eligible to apply for UK Indefinite Leave to remain after that you can get British citizenship.
Skilled Worker Visa Conditions
1. Changing Job or Employer
If a skilled worker visa holder switches sponsor/employer or jobs, then he must apply for a new skilled worker visa with a new certificate of sponsorship for a new limit of staying and working in the UK.
2. Taking Additional Work
As a skilled worker visa holder, you can take on additional work when you are still employed with your original sponsor and compliant with certain conditions. For instance, GP trainees can commit to additional work up to 4 months after their CoS end date and even after having no sponsor.
While other workers need to stay with their sponsor to be eligible for work in the UK. however, they can do extra jobs up to 20 hours a week in authorised work outside the working hours mentioned in the CoS.
If you meet these conditions, you do not need to inform the Home Office. If not, you need to update your visa with sponsorship for both jobs by getting a CoS and a letter from the second employer as well.
3. Losing Sponsored Job
If you lose your sponsored job, you will lose your skilled worker visa. You will only have 60 days to find the new sponsored employment or must switch to another type of visa. Getting a new employer means you need to go through the whole Skilled Worker Visa application process again.
If you are struggling to get a sponsored job, you can consider switching to a family visa that allows you to stay with your family member for more than 6 months in the UK. follow the visa rules or consider leaving the UK to avoid illegal overstaying.
4. Switching to the Skilled Worker Visa
Many times, people in the UK switch to the Skilled Worker Visa route as per their current visa and if they meet with conditions like student visa holders must complete their studies before switching to the Skilled Worker visa.
However, if the job timings are outside the study horse, or they are in a PhD course for 24 months. Still, any person switching to the Skilled Worker visa, the one must be eligible for it and there are also some visa types from which he cannot switch like a visit visa or a seasonal worker visa.
Skilled Worker Visa Dependants
With your Skilled Worker Visa, you can enter the UK with your family members like your spouse and children as your dependants. There are specific requirements and processes placed to permit dependants to live with you in the UK.
Dependants can be your spouse, civil partner, unmarried partner, or children under age 18. When coming with an unmarried partner, you both must live together for two years. In case of having children over 18, they can benefit as your dependants if they’re already in the UK as dependants and unmarried or living independently with their visa.
Unmarried partners must have lived together for two years.
You can only bring dependants to the UK if you have enough funds for both visa application and support in the UK.
Skilled Worker Visa Refusal
1. Reasons for Skilled Worker Visa Refusal
Skilled Worker Visa applications may be refused for various reasons such as incomplete forms, unpaid fees, incorrect sponsorship references, missing supporting documents, insufficient points, problematic immigration, and criminal history.
Skilled worker visa refusal may also happen if your employer lacks the proper sponsor licence and documentation.
2. What to Do After Skilled Worker Visa Refusal?
If your application for a Skilled Worker Visa is rejected, you can choose to seek an administrative review. This option applies to various situations such as initial applications, switching visas, or visa extensions.
You must comply immediately because you get only 28 days to apply if you’re outside the UK and 14 days if inside the UK. The Home Office will respond within 28 days, and if you are still dissatisfied with the decision, you can follow a pre-action protocol for judicial review. This step can be taken when you disagree with the administrative review outcome.
Skilled Worker Visa Application Tips
1. Verify All Documents
Make sure to collect all necessary documents before you begin your application, including your passport, Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), proof of your English language skills, and financial documents. If you don't have these documents, the process can slow down.
2. Check Sponsor’s Licence
Double-check your employer has a valid sponsorship licence. You can find the official list of licenced sponsors on the official website of the UK government. If the sponsor licence is not valid, your application may be rejected.
3. Ensure Financial Status
Ensure that you have the necessary maintenance funds. You must prove that you have enough money to take care of yourself and any dependants without using public funds.
4. Prepare For the English Language
Get ready for an accepted English language test. Schedule it and attend it on time. The required score of the test plays a vital role in visa approval.
5. Fill out the Application Accurately
Complete the online application correctly. Review all information to avoid mistakes that can cause visa delays or denials. Confirm that you have chosen the right visa category.
6. Pay Required Healthcare Surcharge
You need to calculate and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) when you apply for the Skilled Worker Visa. This fee allows you to use the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) while you are there. The cost varies based on how long your visa lasts.
7. Prepare for a Biometric Appointment
Book your biometric appointment right after you get the confirmation of visa approval. Make sure to go on time and bring all the necessary documents. If you miss this appointment, the application will slow down.
8. Choose the Correct Processing Service
Choose the correct processing service between standard, priority, or super-priority processing based on your schedule and budget. They can be more expensive but will greatly speed up the processing time of your application.
9. Take Copies of All Documents
Keep copies of all documents you send with your application, including your online application form, any supporting documents, and payment receipts. Having these records can help if there are any problems or questions arise later.
10. Track Application
Keep an eye on your application status. If you have chosen priority or super-priority service, you will receive updates on time. Reach out to UKVI if there are any delays you didn't expect.
Skilled Worker Visa Requirements for Employers
UK employers can hire non-UK residents by having a sponsorship licence from the Home Office and with the points-based system. The sponsorship licence permits UK employers to hire overseas skilled workers in valid occupations under the UK Skilled Worker Visa.
However, UK employers don’t need a sponsor licence for recruiting individuals who already have rights to work in the UK like a settled status, indefinite leave to remain, or British citizenship.
The UK organisation must prove its legitimacy of being an entity operating within UK compliance and can sponsor skilled outside workers.
UK Visas and Immigration will verify that the organisation has genuine employment, needs employees with required skills and salary requirements, maintains efficient HR systems, has qualifications to meet sponsorship duties, and hires reliable candidates who are free of immigration violations or criminal convictions. Any past issues with immigration or criminal records of employees can affect the organisation's ability to sponsor overseas workers.
Therefore, the organisation must confirm its credibility, capability, and integrity to secure a Skilled Worker sponsor licence.
Skilled Worker Visa to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
After completing 5 years in the UK on a Skilled Worker Visa, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK. ILR is a major leap on the way to permanent resident status which allows unrestricted living, working, and studying rights.
However, you need to take the 'Life in the UK Test' to certify what you know about British culture, traditions, and history. You also must prove you are financially stable, but this rule is usually not as strict as it was for the first visa application like a Skilled Worker Visa.
Why Choose Westend Consultants for a Skilled Worker Visa?
At Westend Consultants, our team of business immigration lawyers support employers and skilled workers in making easy process for the Skilled Worker Visa application. We help you plan effectively to meet your start date and align your career growth with your immigration objectives in the UK.
Our lawyers assist UK employers in getting Skilled Worker sponsor licences while maintaining their top rating and eligibility for sponsorship responsibilities. Our dedicated team is committed to delivering clear and effective immigration compliance for UK employers as well as skilled workers looking to work in the UK.
We are experienced UK immigration lawyers, helping employers and workers with UK employment sponsorship and Skilled Worker visa applications. Contact us today for our qualified help with any part of the Skilled Worker visa process.
Whether it's sponsoring a skilled worker, applying for a sponsor licence, or submitting a Skilled Worker visa application to the Home Office after getting a qualifying job in the UK, we have covered all our immigration services.
Bottom Line
We have discussed every possible point relating to a Skilled Worker Visa, if you are still facing the questions and confusions, then connect with us.
As a leading immigration lawyer in London, UK, Westend Consultants is here help you with the correct answers and true help to ease your immigration compliance procedure, including personal immigration, business immigration, sponsor licence, etc.
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FAQs
You can switch to the UK Skilled Worker Visa if they meet eligibility criteria.
From confirming visa eligibility, securing a job offer from a licenced employer, obtaining a Certificate of Sponsorship, meeting English proficiency requirements to having funds for support, applying online, attending a biometrics appointment, paying healthcare surcharge.
Final steps will be waiting for a visa decision and collecting Biometric Residence Permit upon approval. These steps ensure a transparent switch to the Skilled Worker Visa for non-UK workers looking to work in the UK.
The Skilled Worker Visa only allows you to work for the employer who sponsored you initially in the same position. If you want to switch employers or change your occupation code, you must update your visa.
The same applies if you switch from a job on the immigration salary list to one not on the list. You do not need to update if your current job is removed from the list.