Work Visa in the UK : A Detailed Guide

The Skilled Worker Visa (formerly the Tier 2 General Visa) allows international individuals to live and work in the United Kingdom in a qualified job for an approved UK employer. This visa is designed to attract skilled professionals who have a job offer from a licensed sponsor in the UK and meet the necessary skill, salary, and language requirements. Below is a detailed guide covering common inquiries about the UK Skilled Worker Visa.

1. Who Can Apply for a Skilled Worker Visa?

To apply for a Skilled Worker Visa, you must meet the following conditions:

• Job Offer: You must have a confirmed job offer from a UK employer that holds a valid sponsorship license.
• Eligible Occupation: The job you are offered must be on the UK government’s list of eligible skilled occupations.
• Sponsorship Certificate: Your employer must provide you with a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), which details the role and confirms that they will sponsor your visa application.

2. How Do I Obtain a Sponsorship Certificate?

To get a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), your prospective employer must:

• Be licensed by the UK Home Office as an approved sponsor.
• Offer a job that meets the skill and salary requirements of the Skilled Worker Visa.
• Assign you a Certificate of Sponsorship, which is a reference number you need to apply for the visa. The certificate includes details of the job and salary.

Employers need to follow the UK visa sponsorship process, including ensuring that the job offer complies with immigration rules and providing supporting documentation to the Home Office. You cannot apply for a Skilled Worker Visa without this certificate.

3. Salary Threshold for a Skilled Worker Visa

The salary requirement is a critical part of the Skilled Worker Visa application. Your offered salary must meet the minimum threshold set by the UK government.

• The general minimum salary and the salary on the Shortage Occupation List varies and it is advisable to check with UK official websites for up-to-date information.
• Certain professions, such as healthcare and education roles, have specific salary thresholds that depend on the particular role and experience level.

The job offer must also meet the going rate for the specific occupation, which can be higher than the general minimum salary requirement.

4. English Language Requirement

You must prove your knowledge of English by:

• Passing an approved English language test at the B1 level or higher of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
• Having an academic qualification that was taught in English and is recognized by UK NARIC as equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree or higher.

5. How Long Can You Stay on a Skilled Worker Visa?

The Skilled Worker Visa is typically granted for up to 5 years, after which you can:

• Apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) (permanent settlement) if you meet the eligibility criteria, including 5 years of continuous lawful residence in the UK.
• Extend your visa or switch to another visa type if you still meet the requirements.

6. Can I Switch Jobs While in the UK?

Yes, you can switch jobs while in the UK under a Skilled Worker Visa, but specific conditions must be met:

• If you wish to switch employers or roles, your new employer must also be a licensed sponsor and issue you a new Certificate of Sponsorship.
• You must apply for a new visa based on the new job offer.
• If your new job is in a different occupation or salary bracket, you must ensure it meets the Skilled Worker Visa requirements.

You must update the Home Office of any changes to your employment status. Continuing to work in the UK without an appropriate visa can lead to penalties and visa refusal.

7. Can My Family Join Me in the UK?

Yes, you can bring your dependents to the UK under the Skilled Worker Visa. Dependents typically include:

• Spouse or partner.
• Children under 18.
• Children over 18 if they are already in the UK as your dependent.

Each family member will need to apply for a visa and meet the maintenance (financial support) requirement. You must show evidence that you can support them, or your employer can confirm that they will cover your family’s maintenance costs.

8. Cost of the Skilled Worker Visa

The visa application fees depend on several factors, including the duration of your stay and whether your job is on the Shortage Occupation List:

• It is advisable to check with UK official websites to get up-to-date information.

Additionally, you will need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which gives you access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS).

9. Processing Time

Once you apply for a Skilled Worker Visa, it typically takes 3 weeks to receive a decision if you are applying from outside the UK. If you apply from within the UK, it usually takes 8 weeks.

You can choose to pay for priority processing to expedite your application, but this incurs additional fees.

10. Visa Conditions

• You cannot access public funds while in the UK on a Skilled Worker Visa.
• You are allowed to take on supplementary employment (up to 20 hours per week) in a job that is either on the shortage occupation list or at the same level as your main job.
• You must remain employed by your sponsoring employer unless you switch jobs as per the visa conditions.

11. Pathway to Settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain)

After living and working in the UK for 5 continuous years under a Skilled Worker Visa, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). To be eligible for ILR, you must:

• Meet the minimum salary requirement at the time of the ILR application.
• Pass the Life in the UK Test.
• Continue to meet the English language requirement.

Once granted ILR, you can live and work in the UK permanently, with no visa restrictions.

Common Inquiries Addressed

• How do I obtain a sponsorship certificate?
  Your UK employer must be a licensed sponsor and issue a Certificate of Sponsorship, which you will use in your visa application.

• What is the salary threshold for a Skilled Worker Visa?
  It varies by job and can be lower for shortage occupations and it is advisable to check with UK official websites to get up-to-date information.

• Can I switch jobs while in the UK?
  Yes, but the new employer must issue a new Certificate of Sponsorship, and the new role must meet the Skilled Worker Visa requirements.
• Can I bring my family?
  Yes, dependents (spouse/partner and children) can join you if they meet the requirements.
• How long can I stay?
  You can stay for up to 5 years, after which you may be eligible for settlement (ILR).

Authentic Sources

• GOV.UK – Skilled Worker Visa
• UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)
• Home Office Immigration Rules

This detailed guide helps individuals and employers understand the key aspects of the UK Skilled Worker Visa and ensures applicants meet the criteria for successful entry and employment in the UK.

The UK immigration rules changes frequently and so for the most up-to-date and accurate information, always refer to the official UK government resources or consult with a qualified immigration advisor.