COMPLIANCE DEVELOPMENT
Skilled Worker Visa
The skilled worker visa allows foreign workers with the necessary skills to come to the UK to work for licensed UK employers. It can be granted for up to 5 years, depending on the duration of the Certificate of Sponsorship. The visa is valid as long as you remain in the employment role with your sponsoring employer. If you want to change roles or employers you will have to reapply.
It is possible to extend the skilled worker visa. You can apply for ILR after the qualifying period of 5 years and eventually for British Citizenship if you wish.
ELIGIBILITY
Skilled worker visa eligibility requirements are:
- Have a job offer from a UK employer
- Your employer must be on the list of licenced sponsors approved by the Home Office
- Your employer must have issued you with a valid “Certificate of Sponsorship”
- The job for which you are being employed must be on the list of eligible occupations2
- You must meet the skill level requirement: at least equivalent to RQF level 3
- You must meet the minimum salary requirements: £26,200 per year
- You must meet the English language requirements
- You must have £1,270 in your bank account to show you can support yourself in the UK
You need to be employed by a licensed sponsor to apply to live in the UK. Your sponsor checks that you can do the job they’re hiring you for and if it qualifies you for a visa. If so, they will assign you a certificate of sponsorship to prove this. They must also give you other information you need when you apply, for example how much you’ll be paid.
Our specialist team can help you through the restrictions and requirements and offer expert advice on every possibility for a successful application.