Skilled Worker Visa

 

SKILLED WORKER VISA

the Skilled Worker visa, which has replaced the Tier 2 (General) visa, can be considered as the main immigration route for non-UK resident workers to come and work in the UK. This visa allows qualifying individuals to come to the UK to work for an approved sponsor in an eligible role.

We will be answering your questions about this visa in this article.

  1. How can I be a skilled worker in the UK?

To be a skilled worker, you must;

  • have a job offer, which meet your skill level and be included in the list of Home Office eligible occupations, from an employer with a Sponsor Licence.
  • prove your knowledge of B1 Level English.
  • obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from the employer.
  • be offered a salary that meets the minimum requirement for your job type. The minimum salary for the type of work you’ll be doing is whichever is the highest out of the following options:
  • £38,700 per year
  • the “going rate” for the type of work you’ll be doing

  1. Can I work in another job?

You can work up to 20 hours a week in another job or for your own business. However, if you intend to work more than 20 hours a week, you’ll need to apply to update your visa by getting a new CoS from your second employer and be sponsored to do both jobs.

  1. Does the Skilled Worker visa count towards ILR?

Yes, you can apply for ILR after you have lived in the UK continuously with sponsored status for 5 years.

Skilled worker visas are granted for a period of up to 5 years. At the end of your granted period, you can either apply to extend your visa or you can make an application for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).

  1. Can I spend time outside the UK with Skilled Worker visa?

 

Yes, you can because there is no limit under the Skilled Worker rules on time spent outside the UK. However, keep in mind that when applying for ILR, you must meet the absence limit, which limits your stay outside the UK in any 12-month period with 180 days throughout the five-year qualifying period.

  1. Can I change my sponsored job?

Yes, you can. You will need to make an application to the Home Office to update your visa, if one of the following options apply:

  • You would like to change your employer
  • You would like to move from a role that was on the Immigration Salary List to a role that is not
  • Your job has changed to a different SOC occupation code

You have up to three months before the start date of your new job to apply for a visa update. You can continue working at your current employment and/or work out your notice period while you wait for your application to be processed.

  1. Can I bring my family members to the UK?

Yes, skilled workers can bring their close family members, which are their spouse, civil partner, unmarried or same-sex partner, any children under the age of 18, and children over 18 if they’re currently in the UK as your dependant.

  1. How much does the Skilled Worker visa cost?


The fee ranges from £719 to £1,420 from outside the UK, and from £827 to £1,636 depending on how long you will stay in the UK. You will also need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge, which is £1035 per year of your stay in the UK.

  1. How can Kaya Legal assist with your Skilled Worker Visa application?

At Kaya Legal, we provide expert immigration advice and assistance for individuals and employers applying for the UK Skilled Worker Visa. Our services include:

  • Eligibility Assessment: Evaluating your qualifications and job offer to ensure it meets the Skilled Worker Visa requirements, including the relevant skill level and minimum salary threshold.

  • Sponsorship Assistance: Guiding employers through the process of obtaining a Sponsorship Licence and assigning Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) to workers.

  • Visa Application Support: Assisting with the preparation and submission of your Skilled Worker Visa application, ensuring you meet the English language, financial, and job offer requirements.

  • Document Preparation: Helping you gather the necessary supporting documents, including your Certificate of Sponsorship, proof of qualifications, and other required evidence to avoid delays or refusals.

  • Application Extensions and ILR: Offering advice and assistance on extending your Skilled Worker Visa or applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) when eligible.

We specialise in assisting individuals and employers with complex visa applications, ensuring that your job offer, and qualifications are presented in the best possible way for UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) approval.