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Skilled Worker Visas
Skilled Worker Visas
The Skilled Worker Visa is available to individuals of all nationalities who have a job offer in the UK from a Home Office-approved sponsor. This visa can lead to settlement and allows applicants to bring their dependent partners and children.
Securing a Skilled Worker Visa
To obtain a Skilled Worker Visa, you need to be sponsored for a specific job by a licensed employer that meets certain skill and salary requirements. Detailed guidance for UK employers on applying for a Skilled Worker sponsor licence is available.
If you're interested in starting a new business in the UK or own an existing one, you may qualify for a Skilled Worker visa through self-sponsorship by your UK company. More information is provided on the self-sponsored Skilled Worker visa.
There is no cap on the number of people who can enter the UK through the Skilled Worker route.
Requirements for a Skilled Worker Visa
To qualify, you must satisfy UK Visas and Immigration that:
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You are 18 or older.
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You have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship for the job.
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Your job offer is genuine.
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Your job is at an appropriate skill level.
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Your salary meets both the general salary threshold and the 'going rate' for your SOC 2020 occupation code.
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Your sponsor has paid any required Immigration Skills Charge.
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You are competent in English to at least CEFR Level B1 (IELTS 4.0).
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You have sufficient funds to support yourself without public funds.
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You provide a criminal record certificate and a valid TB certificate if required.
Requirements vary based on individual circumstances, and seeking advice from an immigration lawyer is recommended.
Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) Requirement
To obtain the visa, you need a valid Certificate of Sponsorship from an employer authorized by the Home Office. Your CoS must include:
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Your name, job details, and salary.
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A start date within three months of your visa application date.
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Confirmation that the CoS has not been used in a previous application or withdrawn.
Genuine Vacancy Requirement
The Home Office must be satisfied that your job offer is genuine and that you are capable of performing the role. If your job does not exist or is a sham, your application will be refused.
Skill Level Requirement
Your job must be skilled to at least RQF level 3 (A-level equivalent). The skill level of the job, not your qualifications, determines eligibility. Eligible jobs are listed in Appendix Skilled Occupations and Appendix Immigration Salary List.
English Language Requirement
You must demonstrate English proficiency to at least level B1. This can be satisfied by:
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Being a national of a majority English-speaking country.
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Passing a Secure English Language Test.
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Holding a degree taught in English.
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Obtaining GCSE/A Level or Scottish Highers in English in the UK.
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Meeting the requirement in a previous successful visa application.
Minimum Salary Requirement
You must be paid a salary that meets both the general threshold and the 'going rate' for your occupation. The general salary threshold is usually £38,700 per year, with some exceptions allowing lower thresholds if you score 'tradable points'. The 'going rate' is based on a 37.5-hour workweek and must be pro-rated for different working hours.
Tradable Points
You may be eligible for a lower salary threshold if you:
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Have a relevant PhD or a PhD in a STEM subject.
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Have a job offer from the Immigration Salary List.
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Are a new entrant to the labour market.
Financial Requirement
You need at least £1,270 in cash funds, held for 28 days, unless your fully A-rated sponsor can cover your maintenance costs for the first month. This requirement is waived if you've been in the UK for 12 months or more.
Criminal Record Certificate
If you're applying for entry clearance for certain jobs, you must provide a criminal record certificate for countries where you've lived for 12 months or more since age 18.
No Resident Labour Market Test
If you're applying for entry clearance for certain jobs, you must provide a criminal record certificate for countries where you've lived for 12 months or more since age 18.
Switching into the Skilled Worker Route
You can switch to the Skilled Worker route if you have leave to remain in another category, with some exceptions. Specific conditions apply if switching from a Student visa.
No Cooling-off Period
There is no cooling-off period for the Skilled Worker route, allowing immediate reapplications.
Visa Duration and Conditions
The visa is granted for up to 5 years, plus 14 days after your CoS end date. There is no maximum stay limit. You can work in the job you're sponsored for and undertake supplementary employment. Study is allowed with conditions. Public funds access is not permitted.
Settlement
To qualify for settlement, you must:
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Spend 5 continuous years in the UK.
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Pass the Life in the UK test.
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Have a Home Office-approved sponsor requiring your work for the foreseeable future.
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Earn at least the general salary threshold or the going rate for settlement.
Dependants
Dependent partners and children under 18 can join or accompany Skilled Workers.
How Can We Help?
We, at Pinnacle Immigration help employers and skilled workers across various industries. We assist with sponsor licences, maintaining compliance, and providing clear, reliable immigration advice tailored to your needs. Get in touch today with one of the options below!
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