Why Apply for a UK Skilled Worker Visa?

• Legally work in the UK.
• Valid for 5 years
• Earn an average annual salary of £36,712
• Apply for UK permanent residency,
• Sponsor eligible dependants to come to the UK

Overview of the UK Skilled Worker Visa

The UK Skilled Worker Visa facilitates foreign nationals to reside and work in the UK with a designated employer. To be eligible for the Skilled Worker Visa of the UK, your job must be considered skilled work and meet the annual income and language requirements.

The UK Skilled Worker visa is essential for skilled professionals as it authorizes them to work in the UK. It also offers a pathway for UK Indefinite Leave to Remain for permanent residency in the country. The visa streamlines the immigration process to the UK for highly skilled professionals. 

The candidates contribute to the British economy with their expertise in the field and address the workforce shortage in the UK.

Key Benefits of the Skilled Worker Visa

The benefits of the UK Skilled Worker Visa are given below.

• Work in the UK for 5 years and renew it as required.
• Pathway for permanent residency after five years through UK ILR
• Sponsor eligible dependents
• Avail of National Insurance number and register with the GP

Eligibility Criteria for Skilled Worker Visa

You must fulfill the criteria below to be eligible for the UK Skilled Worker Visa.

Skilled Worker Visa General Requirements

For the UK Skilled Worker Visa, you must:

• Work for a UK employer
• Have a ‘certificate of sponsorship’ (CoS) from a designated employer in the UK specifying your job role.
• Employed in a job listed in the eligible occupations
• Earn the threshold salary or more in the UK of £38,700 per year
• Fulfill the English language proficiency requirements

Skilled Worker Visa Application Process

The step-by-step procedure for applying for the UK Skilled Worker Visa is below.

Step 1: Check if you meet the eligibility requirements for the Skilled Worker Visa

Step 2: Ensure you have all the documents in the checklist for visa application

Step 3: Duly fill out the Skilled Worker visa application and submit

Step 4: Wait for the decision on your Skilled Worker Visa application’

Step 5: Fly to the UK

Required Documents for Skilled Worker Visa

To apply for the Skilled Worker Visa, you must have:

• Certificate of sponsorship reference number
• Proof of having required proficiency in the English language
• Document specifying your job title, job code, and annual income
• Proof of sufficient funds to sponsor yourself in the UK
• Proof of relationship with your spouse or children if they are applying with you
• Negative tuberculosis test results
• No criminal records

Cost of the Skilled Worker Visa

Detailed information about the Skilled Worker Visa is given in the table below.

Factors	Fee
Application Fee	£719 (for 3 years)
	£1,420 (for more than 3 years)
Healthcare Surcharge	£1,035
Funds	£1,270

Duration and Conditions of the Visa

The UK Skilled Worker visa is a long-term work visa generally valid for a maximum of 5 years. You can apply for an extension of your visa multiple times. After residing in the UK for 5 years, you can apply for permanent residency in the country. 

The validity of your UK Skilled Worker Visa depends on the duration specified in your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

The conditions of a Skilled Worker visa are given below. You must:

• Fulfill the requirements of income, English language proficiency, and occupation
• Work in an eligible occupation with a job code of RQF level 3 or higher
• Have a valid SOC 2020 occupation code
• Have the required qualifications, skills, and experience for the job
• Be still employed in the job role with your employer

Skilled worker Visa for Family Members and Dependents

The dependents of the Skilled Worker Visa are eligible to be included in the application

Eligibility for dependents (spouse and children under 18)

The eligibility criteria for the UK Skilled Worker Visa dependents are given below. You must:

• Have a genuine relationship with a Skilled Worker Visa holder
• Children must be below 18 years old.
• Proof of adequate funds to support themselves in the UK

Required Documentation for Dependents

The documents required for the dependent to be included in the UK Skilled Worker Visa are below. You must have:

• A valid passport
• Negative Tuberculosis test results
• No criminal records
• Certificate of Marriage or Civil Partnership
• Proof of the relationship to the primary candidate 
• Birth Certificate for minor children
• Proof of children above the age of 16 not living an independent life

Costs Associated with Adding Dependents to the Visa

The table below provides detailed information about the cost of adding dependents to the Skilled Worker Visa.

Type	Apply outside the UK	Apply in the UK
Cost of joining your partner, parent, or child	£1,846	£1,258
Cost for each dependant added to your application	£1,846 for each person	£1,258 for each person

Pathway to Settlement

To gain settled status in the UK, or as it is popularly known as the "Indefinite Leave to Remain" (ILR), you must reside in the UK for at least five continuous years during the qualifying period. Visas like Skilled Worker visas, Family visas, and the EU Settlement Scheme are some visas you can apply for to fulfill the requirements.

You must also qualify for the Life in the UK test and demonstrate the required proficiency in the English language skills test.

Transitioning from ILR to British Citizenship

The UK ILR paves the way for British Citizenship. People with ILR status for 12 months can apply for citizenship in the UK. Candidates who are married or have a civil partner who is a UK national can be issued citizenship as soon as they use the UK ILR.

Benefits of Working in the UK with a Skilled Worker Visa

The benefits of the UK Skilled Worker visa include:

• Authorized to work in the UK
• Study in any institute in the UK.
• Sponsor dependents
• Apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain after five years
• Apply for British citizenship after having ILR for at least 12 months
• Unrestricted traveling

Common Challenges and Tips for Success

The common challenges and tips for success when applying for the UK Skilled Worker Visa are below.

• Communication with your employer in the matter of sponsorship
• Research thoroughly about the eligibility requirements
• Arrange the required documents:
• Consult with professionals from immigration consultancy :
• Prepare for visa interviews
• Apply well in advance before time.