At the start of the year the Government launched the new points-based immigration system and with it came the new UK Skilled Worker visa.
The Skilled Worker visa allows a worker with valuable skills in their field of expertise to move to or stay in the UK by taking up an eligible job with an approved employer.
It has replaced the existing Tier 2 [General] work visa and means that anyone employed from outside the UK except for Ireland will be required to apply.
Under the visa, your partner and dependants will be able to come with you to the UK, but they need to prove that they can support themselves whilst here by meeting the maintenance requirement which means you must have at least £1,270 in your bank account.
The visa is valid for a period of up to five years. However, applicants can extend or update their visas without restriction if they meet the eligibility requirements.
After five years on this immigration route, an applicant should be able to qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain.
How to qualify for the Skilled Worker visa?
To qualify for the Skilled Worker visa the applicant needs to have a certificate of sponsorship from an approved UK employer.
The employer is required to hold a Tier 2 Sponsorship Licence and the job on offer must be on the list of eligible occupations.
Whilst the employee also must be paid a minimum salary which will depend on the type of work they do.
Salary requirements
The salary requirement will be whichever is highest out of the three options, which are £25,600 per year, £10.10 per hour, or the “going rate” for the type of work that the individual will be doing.
However, those working in certain healthcare or education jobs will have different salary thresholds applicable and there are certain circumstances where having a job in a shortage occupation that pays under the requirement could be allowed.
Knowledge of English requirements
Any applicants need to fulfil the English language requirement. This can be done in one of the following ways:
- Be a national of a majority English speaking country
- Have a GCSE, A-Level, Scottish National Qualification, Scottish or Advance Higher in English
- Have a degree-level academic qualification that was taught/researched in English.
- Pass a Secure English Language Test (SELT) from an approved provider.
Applicants who are sponsored to work as doctors, dentists, nurses or midwives, and have already passed an English Language assessment by the relevant regulated professional body, will not have to prove their knowledge of English.
If you already have a job offer from an approved employer
Your employer will check that meet the eligibility requirements and provide you with a ‘Certificate of Sponsorship’ to prove this. It will have a reference number, which you’ll need for your visa application which needs to be made within three months of receiving the certificate.
Contact Us
Here at Knightsbridge Solicitors, we are passionate about giving you and your family the best possible opportunities in the UK.
For tailored advice and support from our specialists contact our experienced immigration team today on 0115 824 1700.