A UK Skilled Worker visa allows you to enter or remain in the UK to work in an eligible job for an approved employer.
This visa has taken the place of the Tier 2 (General) work visa.
Applying For a Work Visa
To apply for a work visa in the UK you will need to apply under the PBS (points based system). There are different tiers and you will need to consult with a legal professional to ensure you are applying under the correct tier.
Typically, when you are applying to work in the UK you will be applying under tier 2. Tier 2 then has sub-categories, one is applicable to those who are transferring from a multi-national company that also trades in the UK this is referred to as intra company transfer and another is applicable to skilled workers who are from outside the EEA and Switzerland.
Who Should Apply?
You would apply for this type of visa to work in the UK if you are from outside of the EU and Switzerland and have been offered full time employment within the UK from a business that has a sponsor licence.
There are other circumstances that you may be considered for a visa under the Tier 2 General visa. For example, if you are classed as a migrant worker but possess a specific skill that is classed in short supply within the UK recruitment pool then you may well be granted a visa. Also, eligible to apply under this visa are those who are ministers of religion or sportsperson.
Unless revoked by the Home office this type of visa is valid for up to 5 years, after this you may be eligible to apply for settlement in the UK however you can choose to renew your working visa instead.
As with all visa applications, you should proceed with the application process under guidance from a legal professional.
Eligibility For UK Skilled Worker Visa
You must meet the following requirements to be to apply for a Skilled Worker visa:
work for a Home Office-approved UK employer
have an employer's' certificate of sponsorship' stating the position you have been offered in the UK
engage in an activity on the list of eligible occupations
be paid a minimum wage, the amount of which varies according to the type of work you perform
You must have a job offer before applying for a visa
English Proficiency
You must be able to read, write, and comprehend the English Language. You will usually be required to demonstrate your command of the English language when applying.
How long do you intend to stay?
Your visa may be valid for up to 5 years before being extended. You must apply to extend or update your visa before it expires or if you change jobs or employers.
If your intention is to stay in the United Kingdom for an extended period of time.
As long as you meet the eligibility requirements, you are permitted to extend your visa as many times as you want.
You could be eligible to apply for permanent residence in the UK after five years. This allows you to stay in the country and live, work, and study for as long as you want and apply for benefits if you qualify.
How to Apply
Fill out our inquiry form.
The following factors influence how you apply:
- Are from outside the United Kingdom and are visiting the country
- Staying in the United Kingdom and extending your current visa
- Changing visas within the United Kingdom
You must apply to have your visa updated if you want to change jobs or employers.
You are permitted to include your partner and children in your application.
Obtaining a decision
After you’ve applied and verified your identity and submitted your documents, you should hear about your visa decision within the following timeframes:
- Three weeks if you are not in the United Kingdom
- Eight weeks if you live in the United Kingdom
You can pay to have the decision made faster. This varies depending on whether you are outside or inside the United Kingdom.
Other UK Visa Types
A Visa is required for any foreign national wishing to enter the United Kingdom. You can choose from the following:
| UK Family Visa | UK Refugee Visa | UK Transit Visa |
| UK Standard Visitor Visa | UK Study Visa | UK Business Visa |
| UK Work Permits | UK Spousal Visa | UK Settlement Visa |
| UK Parent Visa | UK Child Visa |
You must also apply for the Standard Visitor Visa if you plan to study in the United Kingdom for a brief amount of time or if you need to transit through the nation.
What you are and aren’t allowed to do
With a Skilled Worker visa, you can do the following:
- work in a qualifying job
- study
- bring your partner and children as ‘dependents’ if eligible
- accept extra work under certain conditions;
- volunteer;
- travel abroad and return to the United Kingdom
- If you’ve lived in the UK for five years and meet the other criteria, you are permitted to apply to settle permanently in the UK.
You are not allowed to:
- make an application for most government benefits or the State Pension
- change jobs or employers unless you apply for a visa extension.
If your application is accepted, you will be given a detailed list of what you are and are not allowed to do with a Skilled Worker visa.
People Also Asked...
You should apply for a visa three months before your departure date.
As part of your application, you must prove your identity and provide documentary evidence supporting your application. We will provide guidance on this.