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 (sponsor).

This visa has replaced the Tier 2 (General) work visa.

This is a points-based application. To apply, you need to meet the following requirements:

• You must have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) for the job you are planning to do. The sponsor must be authorised by the Home Office to sponsor the job in question under the Skilled Worker route;
• You must be sponsored for a job in an eligible occupation code listed on the Skilled Occupations list by the Home Office. When deciding whether you meet this criteria, the Home Office may consider whether the sponsor has shown a genuine need for the particular job, and whether you have the appropriate skills, qualifications and experience to perform the particular job;
• Your salary equals or exceeds both £25,600 per year and the ‘going rate’ for the occupation code, unless you meet one of the exceptions. The exceptions include: a job in a shortage occupation, a job in a listed health or education occupation, you are a new entrant to the labour market, you have a PhD in a subject relevant to your job, or you have a PhD in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths) subject relevant to your job. Each of the exceptions has its own minimum salary and ‘going rate’ requirements which must be met;
• Meet the English language requirement where applicable;
• Meet the financial requirement (show that you have enough personal savings to support yourself while in the UK) where applicable;
• Meet the Tuberculosis requirement where applicable;
• A criminal record certificate if you’re working in certain jobs;
• Where applicable, your UK PhD certificate or your unique UK NARIC reference number if your qualification is from outside the UK.

You may need to meet different eligibility requirements if you were initially sponsored for a Tier 2 (General) work visa, and depending on whether you got the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) for your first Tier 2 visa before or after 24 November 2016.

Visa Duration

Your visa can last for up to 5 years before you need to extend it. You need to apply to extend or update your visa when it expires or if you change jobs or employer.

You can apply to extend your visa as many times as you like as long as you meet the eligibility requirements.

After 5 years, you may be able to apply to settle permanently in the UK (Indefinite Leave to Remain).

Our team of immigration lawyers has vast experience in assisting with all types of work visas. For assistance, please contact our experienced immigration lawyers today on 07429429892, 02038563516 or info@dmlawpractice.com

With a Skilled Worker visa you can:

• Work in an eligible job;
• Study;
• Take on additional work in certain circumstances;
• Do voluntary work;
• Bring your partner and children with you if they are eligible;
• Travel abroad and return to the UK;
• Apply to settle permanently in the UK (Indefinite Leave to Remain) if you’ve lived in the UK for 5 years and meet the other eligibility requirements.

With a Skilled Worker visa you cannot:

• Apply for most benefits (public funds) or the State Pension;
• Change jobs or employer unless you apply to update your visa.