Skilled Worker Visa: Tier 2 General Work Visa for UK

• Best possible way to migrate to the UK and start working

• Get your visa application approved faster

• Stay & work in the UK for 5 years

• Earn as much as £37,430 annually

• Mandatory employee benefits like social security, sick pay & health insurance

The Tier 2 General Work Visa and the Skilled Worker Visa are essentially the same in purpose but with some differences. The Skilled Worker Visa replaced the Tier 2 General Work Visa in December 2020 as part of the UK’s new points-based immigration system.

While both visas allow skilled professionals to work in the UK, the Skilled Worker Visa has more flexible eligibility criteria, a lower salary threshold and includes a wider range of occupations. If you are applying now, you should refer to the updated Skilled Worker Visa guidelines.

The Skilled Worker Visa lets foreign professionals work in the UK with an approved employer. It replaced the Tier 2 (General) Work Visa in order to make the process simpler and more flexible for skilled workers.

This visa is designed for jobs that cannot be filled by UK residents. To qualify, applicants must meet 70 points based on job eligibility, salary, and English language skills.

The Skilled Worker Visa also allows dependents to join the main applicant in the UK, including spouses and children. It is valid for up to five years, after which visa holders can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).

Also, it is important to note that the changes from Tier 2 to the Skilled Worker Visa were made to attract global talent and also support UK employers in hiring skilled professionals. This particular visa also permits work in UK waters, expanding job opportunities.

To apply for a Skilled Worker Visa, you must meet the following requirements:

• Your job must be eligible for this visa.

• You must have a job offer from a UK employer approved by the Home Office.

• Your salary must meet the minimum requirement, which is the highest of £38,700 per year or the ‘going rate’ for your specific job.

[Note: Your employer must also ensure your job complies with UK wage and working hour regulations. If these conditions are not met, your application may be rejected.]

Also, if your salary is £39,000 per year, but the going rate for your job is £45,000, you do not meet the salary requirements for this visa. Make sure your salary and job role align with UK visa rules before applying.

How to Check Your Job Eligibility?

• Every eligible job has a 4-digit occupation code. Ask your employer about the code if you already have a job offer. If not, use the CASCOT occupation coding tool to find your job title.

• Once you have your occupation code, check the list of eligible jobs to confirm if your role qualifies.

[Note: Not all job titles are included, so you need to search for similar roles. Make sure the job description matches your actual work. A few roles may seem similar but have different eligibility criteria. For example, chefs qualify for this visa, but cooks do not.]

• In 2024, 210,000 work visas were granted, 37% lower than in 2023 but 53% higher than in 2019.

• 27,000 Health and Care Worker visas were issued, an 81% drop from the peak in 2023.

• Skilled Worker and other ‘Worker’ visas fell by 11% compared to 2023.

• 78,000 Temporary Worker visas were granted, 91% more than in 2019, mainly due to the rise in Seasonal Worker visas.

• 417,000 work visa extensions were granted, 7 times more than in 2019, mostly due to Graduate, Health and Care Worker and Skilled Worker visas.

The UK Skilled Worker Visa is a great opportunity for professionals looking to work in the UK. Here are some key benefits:

Path to Permanent Residency: With a Skilled Worker Visa, you can easily apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after living in the UK for five years. This means you can fulfil your dream to stay in the UK permanently. However, you will have to meet the eligibility criteria, such as continuing your job and passing the Life in the UK test.

Bring Your Family: Another amazing benefit is that you can bring your spouse and children (under 18) with you while working in the UK with this visa. Their visas will be linked to yours, and they can also apply for ILR after meeting the necessary eligibility requirements.

Study While You Work: If you wish to continue your studies while working in the UK, you are allowed to do so. Alongside your job, you will be able to pursue a degree of your choice with no restrictions on study hours. However, for certain subjects, you may need additional approval from the Home Office.

No Limit on Extensions: While the initial visa is granted for up to five years, you can extend it as many times as needed if you do not qualify for ILR immediately.

Step 1 - Get a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

Before you apply for the visa, you must have a Skilled Worker Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your UK employer. This certificate is valid for three months, and your visa application must be submitted before it expires.

Step 2 - Check When to Apply

You cannot apply more than three months before your job's start date. If you are bringing dependents, they must apply at the same time or after you. They cannot apply before the main applicant.

Step 3 - Submit the Online Application

You must complete the visa application form on the UK Home Office website. Double-check all details before submitting, as changes cannot be made later. You must also pay the visa fee and, if applicable, the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).

Step 4 - Book a Biometric Appointment

After submitting your application, you must book a biometric appointment at a Visa Application Centre to provide fingerprints and photographs. Some European nationals may use the UK Immigration: ID Check app instead.

Step 5 - Submit Supporting Documents

You must provide the required documents as per the Home Office guidelines. Ensure all documents are correct to avoid delays in your visa processing.

When applying for a Skilled Worker visa, you must provide the following:

• Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) reference number that has been given to you by your employer.

• Proof of English proficiency, such as a test certificate or academic qualification.

• Valid passport or identity document to confirm your nationality.

• Job details, including your job title, occupation code and annual salary.

• Employer information about their name and sponsor licence number (this can be found on your CoS).

[Note: For the entire list of documents, click here.]

When applying for a Skilled Worker visa, you need enough money to cover the following expenses:

Application fee – Between £719 and £1,639, based on your situation.

Healthcare surcharge – Usually £1,035 per year.

Living expenses – At least £1,270 unless you are exempt from paying it yourself.

If your job is on the immigration salary list, you will pay a lower application fee. The exact amount will be shown during your application.

Yes, you can apply for an extension of your Skilled Worker visa if you meet the following criteria:

• You still have the same job as when you first got your visa.

• Your job has the same occupation code as before.

• You are still working for the same employer who sponsored you.

Once you apply, you should stay in the UK (or in Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man) until you get a decision from the authorities. If you leave during this time, your application will be cancelled automatically.

Yes, there are a few instances when you must apply to update your Skilled Worker work visa in the UK. Here are the reasons for the same:

• If you are changing jobs and your new employer is different from your current one.

• If your job role changes to a different occupation code, unless you are in a graduate training program.

• If you are moving from a job that is on the immigration salary list to one that is not.

However, you do not need to update your visa:

• If you continue in the same job, even if that job is later removed from the immigration salary list.

• If you are staying with the same employer but taking on a new role, you only need to update your visa if the occupation code changes.

After you apply online, verify your identity, and submit your documents, you will usually get a decision within the following time span:

• 3 weeks in case you are applying from outside the UK.

• 8 weeks in case you are applying from inside the UK.

In some cases, you may have the option to pay for a faster decision. If this applies to you, you will be informed during the application process.

Now, if you intend to visit the UK for work with a dependent, or if you intend to be in the UK with someone having a Skilled Worker Visa, you must be aware of the Skilled Worker Dependent Visa as well.

This visa is for the family members of someone who holds or has applied for a Skilled Worker visa. Here is a list of who is eligible:

Spouse– A husband or wife of the Skilled Worker visa holder.

Unmarried or same-sex partner– The relationship must be real, and both partners must plan to live together in the UK.

Children under 18– This includes biological, adopted or stepchildren.

Children over 18– Can apply only if they are financially dependent on the Skilled Worker visa holder.

However, there are a few things that need to be kept in mind while applying for a Skilled Worker Dependent Visa:

• Firstly, dependent visa applicants must prove they have enough money to support themselves in the UK. They cannot rely on government benefits. Each applicant must have enough money to cover their living expenses and £630 extra per dependant if they are joining the main applicant.

• Secondly, the main applicant and their dependents must be at least 18 years old when they arrive in the UK or when the visa is issued.

• Thirdly, one cannot apply if they previously held a student visa (or certain other short-term visas) after April 2015.

• Fourthly, they must have a clean immigration history with no overstaying or visa violations.

• Finally, when the Skilled Workers visa expires, dependents must leave the UK unless they apply for a new visa.

Skilled Worker Dependent Visa - Application

• Family members can apply for a Skilled Worker Dependant Visa either at the same time as the main applicant or later.

• No matter when they apply, their visa will be linked to the Skilled Worker visa holder. This means their stay in the UK will end at the same time as the main applicant’s visa.

• The processing time may vary depending on where the application is made.

[Note: One must apply separately to update their visas. They can do this at the same time as the main applicant who has a Skilled Worker Visa or anytime before their current visa expires.]

What You Can and Cannot Do on a Skilled Worker Dependent Visa

• If you have a Skilled Worker Dependent Visa, here is what you can do:

• Stay in the UK for as long as the main Skilled Worker visa holder. Your visa will be valid for the same duration as theirs.

• Work in most jobs, except for a few restricted professions. You are free to take up employment or start your own business.

• Study or enrol in a postgraduate course, but some courses may have specific conditions.

• Extend your visa as long as the main visa holder is still in the UK and meets all the eligibility criteria. If they renew their visa, you can apply for an extension, too.

However, there are also restrictions:

• You cannot access public funds, meaning you are not eligible for government benefits or financial assistance.

• You cannot work as a doctor in training, a dentist or a professional sports instructor. These jobs require separate permissions.

• You cannot extend your visa if the main Skilled Worker visa holder has left the UK. If they leave, your visa will no longer be valid.

Now that you have every single piece of information related to the Skilled Worker Visa, you might get a little overwhelmed with how to proceed. To make things simple, here is a timeline breakdown that will help you to plan your **Steps better:

Step 1: Job Offer and Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

Timeframe: A few weeks to a couple of months

Before you apply, you must secure a job offer from a UK employer with a valid sponsorship licence. Once hired, your employer will provide you with a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) - a unique reference number needed for your visa application.

Step 2: Preparing Your Documents

Timeframe: 1-2 weeks

Gather all necessary documents according to the checklist. Having everything ready in advance will make the application process smoother.

Step 3: Online Visa Application

Timeframe: A few hours

Fill out the Skilled Worker Visa application form online, pay the visa application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) and book a biometric appointment.

Step 4: Biometric Appointment

Timeframe: Typically, within 1-2 weeks

Visit a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVACS) centre to provide your fingerprints and photograph. Bring all the necessary documents for verification.

Step 5: Visa Processing and Decision

Timeframe:

Standard Processing:** Up to 8 weeks

Priority Processing:** 5 working days

Super Priority Processing:** Next working day

The processing time begins once your biometric information is submitted. You will receive an email or letter with the decision. If approved, your passport will be stamped with a vignette, which allows you to enter the UK.

Step 6: Travelling to the UK

Timeframe: Within 30 days of receiving your vignette

Once your visa is approved, you must enter the UK within 30 days, as specified on your visa vignette. After arrival, collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) from the designated post office within 10 days.

Step 7: Settling in the UK

Timeframe: Ongoing

Start your new job with the sponsoring employer and adhere to all visa conditions. Ensure you comply with UK immigration rules to maintain your legal status.

A well-prepared application can increase your chances of securing a Skilled Worker Visa without unnecessary delays. Here are some key tips to help you through the process:

Gather Documents Carefully in Advance

Before you apply for the visa, ensure that you have all the necessary documents ready. Missing documents can delay or even lead to the rejection of your application.

Verify Your Employer’s Sponsorship Licence

Ensure your employer in the UK has a valid sponsorship licence before applying. This is extremely important as if your employer’s licence is invalid, your application may be rejected.

Prepare for the English Language Test

If required, book and prepare for an approved English language test well in advance. A good score in this regard is crucial for visa approval.

Accurately Fill Out the Application

Mistakes in your online application can cause delays or rejections. Double-check all details, including your visa category, personal information and work details, before submission.

Monitor Your Application Status

Keep a track of your visa application’s progress online. If you applied for priority processing, expect updates within the specified timeframe. You can also contact UKVI if there are any unexpected delays related to your application.

Who does not wish to have a fulfilling life in the UK with a promising career? Given a chance, almost every single person who is looking to settle down in the United Kingdom is probably trying to find out ways of how to be a part of the country while making money. In this regard, the Skilled Worker Visa comes as a respite.

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