United KingdomSkilled Worker Visa Program
- Eligible job required
- Residency in the UK
- Family Inclusion
- Fast processing time
- Path to Permanent Residency & Citizenship
Overview
Among the latest British initiatives that are gaining popularity across the globe is Skilled Worker Visa Program, which allows foreigners to enter or remain in the UK for the purpose of performing a qualifying job under an authorized employer. These visas have replaced Tier 2 (General) work visas.
Eligibility
To qualify for Skilled Worker visas, it’s necessary to work for a UK employer approved by the Home Office, possess a ‘certificate of sponsorship’ from their employer containing information about the role offered in the UK, perform a job from the approved list of eligible occupations, and receive a minimum salary, the specific amount of which depends on the type of work. The UK authorities are updating the list of eligible occupations1 regularly.
Applicants need to be paid at least annual GPB 26,200 or hourly GPB 10.75 salary, whichever is higher. If the ‘going rate’2 for the job is higher than both of these, applicants will usually need to be paid at least the ‘going rate’, which are also subject to updates.
Applicants should also be at least 18 years old, with clean criminal record, and know English language at Level B1 (IELTS 4.0).
Skilled Worker Visas can last for up to 5 years before the extension is required. Upon expiry or job change, it necessary to extend or update the visa. If the eligibility criteria are met, extension of the visa can be done indefinite times.
After 5 years, Skilled Visa holders can apply to settle permanently in the UK and obtain ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain).
Applicants’ partners and children can also apply. However, they need to fill up separate applications. Submissions of applications are performed online and as part of it, applicants will need to prove their identity and provide documentation. They can apply for a visa up to 3 months before the day they are due to start work in the UK. This date should be listed on the certificate of sponsorship.
Benefits
Residency in the UK
Health & Education
Family Inclusion
Business Opportunities
Permanent Residency
Pathway to UK Citizenship
Costs for the Skilled Worker Visas
| Application Fee | £625 to £1,423 |
| Annual healthcare surcharge | £624 |
| Accessible funds | At least £ 1,270, plus £285 for the spouse, £315 for one child, and £200 for each additional child |
Application Fees
| Apply (outside the UK) | Extend or Switch (in the UK | Job is on the Shortage Occupation List | |
| Up to three (3) years | £625 per person | £719 per person | £479 |
| More than three (3) years | £1,235 per person | £1,423 per person | £943 |
Application Process
Bayat Legal Services’ compliance team will conduct an internal due diligence check, which entails a background security screening of the applicant, Preparation of KYC (Know Your Client) and a qualification assessment.
Applicants for Skilled Worker Visas should be working for the authorized UK employer and have an eligible job. After successful qualification assessment, Bayat Group will sign a retainer agreement with the client and its experts will curate the process of getting ‘certificate of sponsorship’ from the UK employer.
Applications for Skilled Worker Visas, with all supporting documentations, can be submitted online. However, applicants need to prove their identities by providing biometrics in a Visa Application Center.
Processing time for the Skilled Worker Visa application can last up to 8 weeks from the submission. The employer should apply for a ‘certificate of sponsorship, which will be the ground for a residence permit issuance.
Skilled Worker visas can have a validity period of up to five (5) years. They can be extended if all requirements are met. Skilled Worker Visas holders can apply for a permanent residence status or ILR after five (5) years residency, subject to fulfilling physical residency criteria.