The UK Skilled Worker visa is designed for individuals from outside the UK who have been offered a skilled job by a UK employer. This visa allows you to live and work in the UK for up to 5 years before it needs to be extended.

To qualify for this visa, you must have a job offer from a UK employer who is a licensed sponsor, and the job must be at a certain skill level – RQF level 3 or above (equivalent to A level). The job offer must also meet the minimum salary requirement, which is generally £25,600 per year or the ‘going rate’ for your job, whichever is higher.

The UK Skilled Worker visa replaced the Tier 2 (General) work visa in December 2020 as part of the UK’s new points-based immigration system. It is a route that can lead to settlement in the UK, also known as ‘indefinite leave to remain’.

Please note that the specific requirements for the UK Skilled Worker visa can vary and are subject to change. It’s always a good idea to get professional advice before starting your application.

The Home Office has stringent requirements for applicants seeking to gain a Skilled Worker visa. While each applicant’s situation may differ slightly, the requirements can be summarised as follows:

• You meet the suitability requirements – good immigration history and an acceptable criminal record.
• You must hold a valid Certificate of Sponsorship for your future job, issued by a Home Office-approved sponsor.
• You are applying no more than 3 months before the start date of your job.
• Your job is within an eligible skilled occupation.
• Your job meets the minimum salary requirements, which vary according to occupation and your qualifications.
• You have English language skills to a minimum of level B1.
• You have at least £1270 to cover your first month’s expenses in the UK.

At a minimum you will need to provide the following evidence as part of your application. Your lawyer will advise of any further documents you need to supply to enhance the quality of your application.

• Your passport
• Your Certificate of Sponsorship reference number – your employer will give you this
• Bank statements
• English language test certificate
• A valid TB certificate, if required
• Proof of your relationship with your partner or children, if they are applying as dependents
• Criminal record certificate, for certain occupations

Yes, your family members (‘dependants’) might be able to apply to join or remain with you in the UK. Your dependants can include your partner and children under 18. Each dependant must apply separately and they must meet certain eligibility requirements. We can add dependents to your application for a fee of £250 per person.

The application fee for a UK Skilled Worker visa depends on your situation, where you are and how you apply. As of now, it ranges from £610 to £1,408. Additionally, you may need to pay the immigration healthcare surcharge of £624 per year as part of your application. Your lawyer will advise you of the total Home Office fees at the outset of our work with you, so you can ensure you have the funds available at the point of submitting your application. 

The processing time for a UK Skilled Worker visa can vary. However, it typically takes around 3 weeks (15 working days) from the date you submit your application if you are outside the UK, or 8 weeks from within the UK. Please note that processing times can be longer during peak periods or if additional documentation is required.

We offer a comprehensive range of services to assist with your UK Skilled Worker visa application. This includes a free initial consultation, detailed advice for your personal immigration lawyer, evidence checklist and document collection, application preparation and submission, handling interactions with immigration authorities, and guidance on visa decision and next steps. We aim to make the visa application process as smooth and stress-free as possible for you.

If your UK Skilled Worker visa application is refused, it could be due to various reasons, such as errors in the application form, misunderstanding Home Office guidelines, incomplete details on the Certificate of Sponsorship, not meeting financial requirements, or applying at the wrong time.

If your application is refused, review the Refusal Notice from the Home Office which describes the reasons your application has been denied. Most importantly, seek professional advice from an immigration lawyer to understand your options and increase your chances of success.