A Tier 2 general work visa is the full name of the UK Skilled Worker Visa. People from other countries can come to the UK to work and stay with this visa, which is the most common type. In the past year, the number of major applicants who were granted a skilled worker visa has gone up by 59%, to about 69,423. With this visa, you can work for a company that has been accepted. A foreign worker can get a skilled worker visa with the help of an approved company.
As of the end of March 2023, about 63,400 businesses and organizations had signed up to be approved sponsors for work and study. You can stay in the UK for 5 years with this visa. If you stay in the UK for 5 years, you might be able to apply to call it home. The UK government has changed the rules about getting a visa. In this post, we’ll talk about everything important.
Details of UK Skilled Worker Visa
- Country: UK
- Visa Type: Skilled Work Visa
- Stay Duration: 5 Years, renewable
Understanding the UK Points-based System
To apply for a skilled worker visa, you need 70 points, which are based on your job offer, your qualifications, your English language skills, and your pay.
- Job offer from approved employer: 20 Points
- Job at appropriate skill level: 20 Points
- Speaks English at the required level: 10 Points
- Salary of £20,480 to £23,039: 0 Points
- Salary of £23,040 to £25,599: 10 Points
- Salary of £25,600 or above: 20 Points
- Job in a shortage occupation: 20 Points
- Education: 10 points for a PhD in an area related to the job.
- Education: 20 points for a PhD in a STEM topic that is related to the job.
Skilled Worker Visa Cost
If you are filing for the UK Skilled Worker Visa from outside of the UK, the full fee is:
- up to 3 years: £719 per person
- more than 3 years: £1,423 per person
Shortage of Occupation
You will pay less to apply if your job is on the shortage employment list. This list shows jobs that people want.
- £479 if you’re staying for up to 3 years
- £943 if you’re staying for more than 3 years.
Eligible Occupations
The following is a list of eligible jobs, each with its four-digit code. The person who offered you the job in the UK will give you an offer letter with a four-digit code on it. https://www.gov.uk.
- If you already have a job offer, ask the company what your work code is.
- This tool from ONS can help you find your job if you don’t know your code.
Approved UK Employers (Licensed Sponsors List)
People who are approved to hire you are also called sponsors because they pay for your trip to or stay in the UK.
Take a look at the list of approved UK companies. More businesses have been added to the list since it was last updated.
How you can Maximize Your Chances?
Here are some things you should look into to improve your chances of getting a job from a UK-approved company:
- First, look at the list of jobs that are in short supply (given above).
- You should choose a job that fits your field.
- Then look at the list of jobs that are qualified for the UK Skilled Worker Visa to see if that job is on it.
- Now that you have those two things, look for an Approved Employer or company that has jobs in that area.
- A list of the companies that have been accepted can be found above.
Eligibility
- You need to have a job offer from an approved employer in the UK.
- possess a “certificate of sponsorship” from your boss that details the job offer you’ve been given in the UK. If you want to do a job on the list of qualified occupations, only licensed sponsors can give you a CoS.
- to get paid at least some money.
- You must work for a company in the UK that the Home Office has cleared.
- To get in, you need to get 70 points.
Read Also: British Work VISA Application Process 2024 – Visit Here
Benefits of UK Skilled Worker Visa:
- Opportunity to Work in the UK: The Skilled Worker Visa enables persons to work legally in the UK for an approved employer in a skilled employment function that meets the eligibility requirements.
- Flexibility in Employment: Holders of the Skilled Worker Visa are free to work for any employer who is a licensed sponsor in the UK, as long as the job offer fulfills the specified skill level and minimum income threshold.
- Access to a Wide Range of Job Opportunities: Skilled Worker Visa holders can apply for jobs in a variety of industries and sectors in the UK, improving their chances of finding work that fits their talents and qualifications.
- Pathway to Settlement: The Skilled Worker Visa provides a path to residence in the United Kingdom. Individuals who have lived and worked in the UK for a continuous period of five years under this visa category (except for specific vocations) may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), generally known as permanent residency.
- Dependent Family Members: Skilled Worker Visa holders can bring their spouse, civil partner, unmarried partner, and dependent children under the age of 18 with them to the UK. Dependent family members may be eligible to work or study in the UK under specific conditions.
- Access to Public Services: Skilled Worker Visa holders and their families have access to the UK’s public services, including healthcare through the National Health Service (NHS), education, and social welfare payments, provided they meet the qualifying criteria.
- Travel Opportunities: Holders of the Skilled Worker Visa are free to travel in and out of the UK during the visa’s validity period, allowing them to visit their home country or go to other countries for leisure or business.
- Opportunity for Career Development: Working in the UK under the Skilled Worker Visa scheme allows individuals to advance their careers, grow professionally, and gain exposure to a variety of work environments, all of which can help them improve their skills and qualifications.
- Contributing to the UK Economy: Skilled Worker Visa holders contribute to the UK economy by filling critical skill gaps, generating innovation, and promoting economic growth and productivity across a variety of industries and sectors.
How long you can Stay in the UK on a Skilled Work Visa?
From the time you get it, your visa can last up to 5 years.
How to Apply for the UK Skilled Work Visa?
You have to use this link to apply online. This process takes three weeks if you are not in the UK.
Processing Time
This is what you need to do after applying online and getting your fingerprints taken:
- 3 weeks, if you’re outside the UK
- 8 weeks, if you’re inside the UK
Conclusion:
Foreign workers who want to use their skills and build a job in the UK can do so with the UK Skilled Worker Visa. With a points-based system, more visas being given out, and other perks, this visa can help you start a successful career. Check out this guide’s qualifying requirements, application process, and tips to improve your chances of getting a job offer and getting the Skilled Worker Visa.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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What is the cost of the Skilled Worker Visa?
Up to 3 years: £719 per person
More than 3 years: £1,423 per person
Reduced fees apply for shortage occupations. -
What is the UK Skilled Worker Visa?
People from other countries can come to the UK to work and stay with the UK Skilled Worker Visa, which used to be called the Tier 2 General Work Visa. The visa is good for 5 years and can be renewed.
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Is a UK Skilled Worker visa easy?
The Skilled Worker Visa is points-based, thus applicants must obtain at least 70 points to be assessed. Points are awarded based on: Whether you have a certificate of sponsorship from your employer. Whether you get an adequate wage.
