What is the UK Skilled Worker Visa?

A UK Skilled Worker Visa allows you to come to or stay in the UK to do an eligible job with an approved employer. The Skilled Worker Visa permits skilled workers to reside in the UK temporarily or permanently to fill a skilled job vacancy that cannot easily be filled by the local workforce. Eligible skilled jobs include accountancy, teaching, IT, engineering, and medical care. This visa has replaced the Tier 2 (General) work visa.

Who can apply for the UK Skilled Worker Visa?

Those who possess certain skills in their respective fields and wish to live and work in the UK based on their skills are eligible to take the UK skilled immigration route. You need a visa to work in the UK. However, if you or your family members are from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein and started living in the UK before January 1, 2021, you may be able to apply to the free EU Settlement Scheme.

What are the eligibility criteria?

To qualify for a Skilled Worker Visa, you must fulfil the following criteria:

• Approved Employer: You must work for a UK employer that has been approved by the Home Office.
• Confirmed Job Offer: You must have a confirmed job offer before you apply for your visa.
• Certificate of Sponsorship: You must have a ‘certificate of sponsorship’ from your employer, which includes information about the role you have been offered in the UK.
• Eligible Occupation: Your job must be listed on the list of eligible occupations.
• English Language Proficiency: You must be able to speak, read, write, and understand English. You will usually need to prove your knowledge of English when you apply.
• Specific Eligibility Requirements: There may be additional specific eligibility requirements depending on your job.

What is the stay duration permitted on a skilled worker visa?

Your Skilled Worker Visa can last for up to 5 years before you need to extend it. You will need to apply to extend or update your visa when it expires or if you change jobs or employers. If you want to stay longer in the UK, you can apply to extend your visa as many times as you like as long as you still meet the eligibility requirements.

What are the benefits of a skilled worker visa?

There are several privileges that you may receive on the Skilled Worker Visa, including:

• Study and Work: You can study in the UK and work in an eligible job related to your skill for further enhancement.
• Bring Dependents: You may bring your partner and children with you as your ‘dependants’ if they are eligible.
• Additional Work: You can engage in additional work in certain circumstances.
• Voluntary Work: You are allowed to do voluntary work.
• Travel: You can travel abroad and return to the UK without general restrictions.
• Permanent Settlement: You can apply to settle permanently in the UK (also known as ‘indefinite leave to remain’) if you have lived in the UK for 5 years and meet the other eligibility requirements.