Skilled Worker Visa UK (Application Guidance)

0 Shares

Table of Contents

Are you a skilled worker wanting to work in the UK? Do you know that there is a separate kind of visa that you need to apply for if you wish to work as a skilled person in the UK?

If you are looking for answers to all these questions, you have come to the right place.

The skilled worker visa is one of the most favourable visas for Indian citizens, as recent reports indicate an acceptance rate of 98.45%.

Therefore, the blog addresses the essentials required for the application process, requirements, minimum salary, and other important details. So, without any more delays, let’s dive right in!

What is a Skilled Worker Visa UK?

Employers may sponsor non-UK citizens to fill qualified, skilled positions in the country through the Skilled Worker Visa UK. The visa is available to those who receive 70 points by fulfilling particular eligibility conditions, such as skill and wage level, English proficiency, and possessing a legitimate sponsorship license and qualified work offer from a UK business.

Spouses, “durable” partners, and dependent children may seek to join with the primary visa applicant in the UK as Skilled Worker dependants under the terms of the Skilled Worker visa. The skilled worker visa UK lasts up to five years, after which the employee may apply for UK indefinite leave to remain.

Have difficulties in applying for a skilled worker visa UK? Connect with the MOEC Application Team to successfully submit your form.

Talk to our Counsellors

Skilled Worker Visa UK Requirements

The basic requirement for the skilled worker visa UK is that the applicant gets a total of 70 points accumulated by applicants in order to be eligible for a skilled worker visa UK.

The 70 points required for a skilled worker visa UK are composed of 20 points for “tradeable” criteria and 50 points for mandatory or “non-tradeable” requirements (such as the employment offer, English proficiency, and required skill level for the offered position).

Skilled Worker Visa Requirements for Sponsorship

20 points are required to be sponsored for work. Both the employee and their employer (i.e., the sponsor) have obligations.

The sponsor must have an A-rated, current sponsorship license and have paid the Immigration Skills Charge.

The Home Office will also try to ascertain whether the job and the vacancy are real, meaning that the sponsoring company actually needs the position.

The employer must have given the employee a current Certificate of Sponsorship for the position for which they are being hired.

Skilled Worker Visa Requirements of Certificate of Sponsorship

The worker’s UK sponsor must first provide them with an authentic Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to verify that they and their position fulfil the standards for sponsorship eligibility before they can submit their visa application.

The applicant for a skilled worker visa UK must submit their Home Office application together with the CoS, which is a reference number. A CoS can only be accommodated by an authorised sponsor. There is a defined Certificate of Sponsorship as well as the undefined Certificate of Sponsorship, which are the two varieties of certificates that are now available. The previous limited and unrestricted CoS, which were in effect before December 1, 2020, has been replaced by these:

Undefined CoS are for-

workers with valid leave currently residing in the UK who are applying to change from one immigration route to the skilled worker category or

individuals applying from inside the UK or abroad under one of the other visa channels.

Defined CoS are for the people who are out of the country skilled worker visa UK applications.

To obtain a specified CoS, sponsors must apply. Details on the exact work and income must be included because this is a special application to the Home Office.

Every year sponsors undefined CoS. Numerous variables, like the amount of the sponsor’s personnel and the type of business, will affect the number of CoS. After every twelve months, any CoS that is not utilised will be deleted from the SMS. Throughout the year, more undefined CoS may be requested by application.

Skilled Worker Visa Requirements for Skills

Holders of skilled worker visa UK are limited to employment in specified occupations. To qualify, the position must be judged to be at RQF level 3 or higher, which is comparable to an A-level in the UK. The requirements for the skilled worker visa UK will not apply to any occupations deemed to be less important than this.

The Home Office uses “Standard Occupation Codes” (SOC) to evaluate UK job eligibility for skilled worker visas.

The sponsor must identify the applicable SOC code for the position to ascertain whether it qualifies for the Skilled Worker route. The ONS occupation coding tool may be used for this. The post being filled should correspond with the job description on the list.

After the code is located, it must be compared to the list of occupations that qualify to confirm that it falls within the Skilled Worker route and is included.

Employers are prohibited from using inappropriate job codes or inflating a role’s qualifications to fit inside a SOC code to appear more highly competent and, therefore, qualified for the position.

In order to resolve any concerns that an inaccurate SOC code has been applied, the Home Office may ask for further details regarding the job. This would include proving that the candidate possesses the knowledge and expertise needed for a position in the relevant SOC code.

If an honest mistake is made in selecting the code, it can be corrected, provided that the Home Office considers it.

The Home Office has the authority to deny a Skilled Worker Visa UK application if the caseworker is convinced that the person applying for the designation is not skilled or experienced enough as per the relevant SOC code and skill level requirement.

Need expert guidance with a clear understanding of the visa requirements for the UK? Get free counseling from MOEC experts.

Talk to our Counsellors

Skilled Worker Visa Requirements for the English Language

For reading, writing, speaking, and comprehending English, the candidate should at least be at a level of B1 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages mandatorily.

Unless they have already shown their proficiency in the language as part of their previous UK immigration application or if the applicants are citizens of one of several exempt nations, the majority of applicants for skilled worker visa UK will need to demonstrate that they fulfil the English language scale.

Language proficiency should be demonstrated, unless exempt, by passing an authorised Secure English Language Test (SELT), earning a degree-level academic qualification that was taught in English, or obtaining a GCSE, A level, Scottish National Qualification level 4 or 5, Scottish Higher, or Advanced Higher in English.

Below is a list of places that are exempted from the English Language requirements; they are:

Skilled Worker Visa Requirements for Financial Maintenance

Since the applicant will not have access to public resources like benefits, they have to show that they satisfy the financial requirements and have enough money to maintain themselves.

According to the criteria, candidates must have at least £1,270 in their bank account at the time of application. The funds had to be accessible for at least 28 days in a row, with the 28th day occurring within the first 31 days of submitting the visa application. Unless they have been in the country for a full year with legal status or if their sponsor is willing to cover their expenses up to £1,270 for the first month of their stay, the applicant must provide proof of their funds.

Under the “sponsor certifies maintenance” portion of your certificate, the sponsor should attest to their capacity to meet the financial demand. This falls inside “Additional data.”

If dependents are applying, more money will be required. The primary applicant’s spouse must provide evidence of money totalling £285, and the first dependent child applicant must provide evidence of funds totalling £315. The financial criteria for each extra kid must be satisfied by demonstrating finances of £200 per child. For instance, a skilled worker visa UK holder who also has a spouse and three children must demonstrate that they have at least £2,270 in maintenance funds (£1,270 + £285 + £315 + £200 + £200).

Skilled Worker Visa Requirements for Background Check

Some applicants might also have to show their criminal records certificate, provided that their occupation requires it and they ask for it.

Read More: UK Work Permit Visa

Fulfil your study abroad dreams with Meridean Overseas

Embark and excel in your study abroad journey with our expert team!

How to Apply for the Skilled Worker Visa UK?

This section addresses how an individual can apply for a skilled worker visa UK:

For being considered for a skilled worker visa UK, the candidate must complete an online application, submit it with the necessary supporting documents, and pay the application fee.

As specified on the Certificate of Sponsorship, applications possibly be submitted up to three months before the worker’s anticipated start date of employment in the UK.

After obtaining their Certificate of Sponsorship, the individual applying has three months to submit an online application. They must apply for the specific reference number associated with each certificate.

Additionally, they will need to make an appointment with the visa application centre to enrol their biometric data and provide various supporting documents.

Processing Time for UK Skilled Worker Visa

Applications for skilled worker visa UK can often take up to 8 weeks to process if submitted from within the UK or up to 3 weeks if submitted from outside.

Depending on where the application is being processed, expedited processing could be paid for.

How Long Does the Skilled Worker Visa Last?

Typically, the skilled worker visa UK is issued for a maximum of five years. The visa holder would then have to seek to renew the visa or, after meeting the five-year residency requirement, they could apply for indefinite permission to remain in the UK.

There is no restriction on how many times the skilled worker visa UK may be renewed as long as the worker continues to fulfil the conditions of the visa.

Supporting Documents for the Skilled Worker Visa UK

In addition to the application form, the candidate is required to gather and submit supporting documentation to prove their eligibility and identity.

Depending on whether the application is being submitted domestically or abroad, the applicant must either submit the ID document using the UK Government’s “UK Immigration: ID Check” app or provide biometric data (fingerprints and a photo) at a UKVCAS centre.

Furthermore, the candidate must submit the following supporting documentation:

Their Certificate of Sponsorship reference number, as assigned by their sponsor

The sponsor’s name and sponsorship licence number

Confirmation of job title

Confirmation of annual salary for the job

Job occupation code

A current passport or other travel document to prove they can travel

Expired passports or travel documents to show their travel history.

Moreover, based on your particular situation, it can also be required that you provide other documentation, like:

Proof of personal savings, where applicable

Proof of knowledge of English, where applicable

Tuberculosis test results if from a listed country

Evidence of relationship to any dependants also applying

Valid ATAS certificate, where applicable

UK PhD certificate or Ecctis reference number, where applicable

Criminal record certificate from any country they have lived in for 12 months or more in the last 10 years, where they will be working in either the education, health or social care sector in the UK.

Candidates not from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein, as well as those from these nation but do not have a biometric passport with a chip, must additionally have a blank page in their passport.

Based on the points they have accrued under the points-based system, the Home Office will evaluate their application.

It is crucial to remember that a legitimate job offer accompanied by a current sponsorship certificate does not ensure that a skilled worker visa will be granted. The potential employee still has to fulfil all other pertinent requirements. The Home Office will also consider any general reasons for denial, such as any relevant criminal background or prior immigration offences.

Skilled Worker Visa Cost

The applicant will bear the cost of the visa application and will vary based on a number of variables, including the job’s listing in the Immigration Salary List.

Any dependents applying along with the primary visa applicant must pay the same fees.

Application Type

Application Fee per Application

Applying from outside the UK

up to 3 years – £719

more than 3 years – £1,420

Applying from inside the UK (switching, extending or updating)

up to 3 years – £827

more than 3 years – £1,636

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 UK Minimum Salary

The majority of applicants’ minimum yearly wage criteria for a skilled worker visa in the UK is £38,700 for applications submitted after April 4, 2024; salary discounts are not offered. As stated in the Home Office advice, this is known as Option A. The worker’s remuneration must not only reach or exceed the applicable annual salary level but also the applicable hourly rate, which in Option A is £15.88, and the full going rate for the occupation.

The minimal requirements are outlined in Appendix Skilled Worker by the Home Office. The first criterion is for new skilled worker applicants seeking a skilled worker visa UK for the first time, while the second is for current holders of skilled worker visas submitting new applications, such as for renewals or job changes.

Option

Description

Salary Requirements

Points

Only Salary (no discounts)

The applicant’s pay either matches or surpasses both:

£38,700 (the usual threshold) annually

The entire going rate of £15.88 per hour for the profession code is listed in Table 1 of Appendix Skilled Occupations.

Relevant Doctorate

(10% off the going rate and general threshold)

The candidate holds a PhD in a field related to the position, and their pay ranges from the following to above:

£34,830 (the usual threshold) annually

90% of the going rate shown in Table 1 of Appendix Skilled Occupations for the occupation code

£15.88 an hour.

Relevant PhD in a

STEM topic (20% off the going rate and general threshold)

The candidate earns a PhD in a STEM field relevant to the position, and their pay ranges from the following to the following:

The annual general barrier is £30,960.

Eighty per cent of the market wage for the code of profession as indicated in Appendix Skilled Occupations Table 1

£15.88 an hour.

Employment in the Immigration Salary Appendix (20% off the general threshold alone)

The candidate is receiving sponsorship for a position on the Immigration Salary List, and their pay meets or surpasses each of the following criteria:

The annual general barrier is £30,960.

The current hourly pay for the occupation code is £15.88, as indicated in Table 1 of Appendix Skilled Occupations.

10% off the general threshold and 30% off the going rate for newcomers

The candidate is a recent hire just beginning their career, and their pay meets or surpasses each of the following:

The annual general barrier is £30,960.

70% of the going rate as indicated in Table 1 of Appendix Skilled Occupations for the occupation code

£15.88 an hour.

Salary alone; no deductions