The UK Skilled Worker visa is the main way for people from outside the UK to come and do skilled jobs here. It replaced the old Tier 2 (General) visa. If you want to apply, you'll need to get 70 points by meeting certain rules.
One of the most important things is having a job offer from a UK employer that is allowed to sponsor workers.
Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
You must have a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). This is like a special reference number that your UK employer will give you. They can only give you this if they have a sponsorship licence from the government. You cannot get a Skilled Worker visa without a CoS.
The CoS shows a few important things about your job offer:
- It proves you have a job offer from a licensed sponsor.
- It confirms that your job has a skill level of at least RQF Level 3 (which is similar to A-levels).
- It states your salary, which must meet certain minimum levels set by the government.
- It includes a job description and a SOC code to make sure the job is eligible for this visa.
A CoS is valid for three months from when it’s issued, so you need to apply for your visa within that time.
There are two types of CoS:
- Defined CoS: This is for people applying for the first time from outside the UK.
- Undefined CoS: This is for people who are already in the UK on another type of visa (like a student visa) and want to switch to the Skilled Worker visa.
English Language Requirement
You also need to prove that you can speak English. This means being able to read, write, speak, and listen at a level called CEFR Level B1.
You can usually do this by passing an approved English language test (SELT). Some examples of these tests are:
- IELTS for UKVI: You need to get at least 4.0 in each part (listening, reading, writing, and speaking).
- IELTS Life Skills: You need to pass at Level B1.
- Trinity College London’s Integrated Skills in English (ISE): You need to pass at ISE II (B1).
However, you might not need to take a test if:
- You are a citizen of a majority English-speaking country like Australia, Canada, or the USA. There is a full list of these countries.
- You have a degree (like a bachelor’s or higher) that was taught or researched in English. If your degree is from outside the UK, you might need a statement from ECCTIS (formerly UK NARIC) to confirm this.
Financial Maintenance Requirement
You need to show that you have enough money to support yourself when you arrive in the UK. Generally, you need to have at least £1,270 in your bank account for 28 days in a row, and this period must end within 31 days before you apply. You'll need to provide bank statements as proof.
You might not need to show this money if:
- You have been legally living in the UK for 12 months or more when you apply.
- Your UK employer (sponsor) confirms in your CoS that they will cover your costs up to £1,270 for your first month in the UK.
Police Clearance Certificate and Tuberculosis (TB) Test
Depending on your job and where you are applying from, you might need to provide a Police Clearance Certificate (which shows you don't have a criminal record). This is often needed for jobs in areas like education, healthcare, and social services if you are applying from outside the UK and have lived in a country for 12 months or more in the last 10 years (after turning 18).
You might also need to take a TB test if you are coming from a country where tuberculosis is common, especially if you plan to stay in the UK for more than six months. You can find a list of these countries and approved testing centres on the UK government's website.
Visa Fees, Processing Time, and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
Applying for the Skilled Worker visa costs money. There is a visa application fee which depends on how long you want to stay and whether you apply from inside or outside the UK:
- From outside the UK: £719 (up to 3 years) or £1,420 (more than 3 years).
- From inside the UK: £827 (up to 3 years) or £1,636 (more than 3 years).
You will also likely need to pay an Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which is currently £1,035 per year. This gives you access to the UK's National Health Service (NHS). However, if you are applying for a Health and Care Worker Visa, you don't have to pay the IHS.
The time it takes to process your visa application is usually up to 3 weeks if you apply from outside the UK and up to 8 weeks if you apply from inside the UK. You might be able to pay extra for a faster decision.
Switching to the Skilled Worker Visa
If you are already in the UK on a different type of visa, you might be able to switch to the Skilled Worker visa without leaving the UK, as long as you meet certain rules. For example, Student visa holders can usually switch after they finish their studies. However, there are some visas that cannot be switched to a Skilled Worker visa from inside the UK, such as:
- Visit visa
- Short-term student visa
- Parent of a Child Student visa
- Seasonal Worker visa
- Domestic Worker in a Private Household visa
- Permission to stay outside the immigration rules
- Immigration bail
If you have one of these visas, you will need to leave the UK and apply for the Skilled Worker visa from abroad.
Continuous Residence and Valid Visa for ILR
If you want to eventually apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) (which allows you to stay in the UK permanently), you usually need to have lived in the UK legally for five continuous years on a Skilled Worker visa. During this time, you should not have spent more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period. You also need to have a valid Skilled Worker visa when you apply for ILR.
The SmartMove2UK is a UK immigration law firm that can help with Skilled Worker visa applications. They have offices in India (Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru) and the UK (London). They can provide legal advice and help with the entire application process, including appeals if your application is refused. You can contact them for a consultation.
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