The UK Skilled Worker Visa is intended for skilled professionals from across the globe who wish to work in the UK. It enables applicants to take up eligible roles with approved UK employers and has replaced the Tier 2 (General Work Visa).
This visa permits foreign skilled workers to live and work in the UK for up to 5 years. After this period, they may qualify to apply for a UK PR Visa, allowing them to settle in the UK permanently.
Employer Requirements: You must work for a Home Office-approved UK employer with a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) detailing your offered role.
Eligible Occupation: Your job must be on the UK’s eligible occupations list.
Salary Criteria: You need a confirmed job offer with a minimum salary, typically £38,700 or the job’s ‘going rate,’ whichever is higher.
Occupation Code: Use the CASCOT tool to find your job's 4-digit code if unsure. Ensure the job description matches your role.
You must prove English proficiency at CEFR Level B1 by:
Additional Documents (if applicable)
To apply for the UK Skilled Worker Visa, you must submit your application online. The application process varies depending on your current location:
|
|
|
If you wish to change your job or employer, you will need to update your visa accordingly.
Note: The application process can be intricate, especially for first-time applicants. If you encounter any difficulties, consider seeking expert guidance from the top UK Immigration Consultants in India at Nationwide Visas.
Application Fees
|
If you are applying from outside the UK, the standard fee for the UK Skilled Worker Visa depends on your intended stay: |
|---|
|
Up to 3 years: £719 per person |
|
More than 3 years: £1,420 per person |
|
|---|
|
Up to 3 years: £827 per person |
|
More than 3 years: £1,636 per person |
Financial Requirements
You must have at least £1,270 in your bank account to prove you can support yourself in the UK. This amount must be available for at least 28 consecutive days, and the 28th day must be within 31 days of your visa application.
Your partner and children must also show they can support themselves while in the UK. The required funds are:
|
£285 for your partner |
|
£315 for one child |
|
£200 for each additional child |
Healthcare Surcharge
You will also need to pay the healthcare surcharge for each year of your stay, which is typically £1,035 per year.
The processing time for the UK Skilled Worker Visa is 3 weeks for applications made outside the UK and 8 weeks for those made within the UK. You can opt for a paid super-priority service for faster processing.
You can apply for this visa up to 3 months before your intended start date in the UK, as stated on your Certificate of Sponsorship.
UK Skilled Worker Visa Validity
The UK Skilled Worker Visa is valid for up to 5 years, after which you must apply for an extension. You’ll also need to extend or update your visa if it expires or if you change your job or employer.
After completing 5 years on this visa, you may become eligible to apply for permanent residency in the UK. Known as the UK PR Visa or "indefinite leave to remain (ILR)," this status allows you to live, work, and study in the UK indefinitely.
Extending the UK Skilled Worker Visa
You can apply to extend your UK Skilled Worker Visa if you meet the following criteria:
While waiting for a decision on your extension, you must remain in the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands, or the Isle of Man. Leaving these areas will result in the withdrawal of your application. If you change employers or take a job with a different occupation code, you must apply to update your visa.
Map out your career goals and aspirations with the help of a CareerBricks expert. This first step makes the process highly student-centric fitting to your needs and requirements.
