Everything You Need to Know About the UK Skilled Worker Visa
The UK Skilled Worker Visa, formerly known as the Tier 2 (General) Visa, is a key immigration route for skilled professionals looking to live and work in the UK. This visa enables individuals to come to or remain in the UK for an eligible job with an approved employer. After five years on this visa, applicants can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), and subsequently, after holding ILR for 12 months, they may apply to become a British citizen.
What Is the Skilled Worker Visa?
The Skilled Worker Visa allows individuals to work in the UK if they have a job offer from a UK employer with a valid “Sponsor Licence.” This visa route is crucial for both employers and job seekers. For employers, it provides the flexibility to recruit talent from both within the UK and internationally, provided they have a Sponsor Licence. This licence authorizes them to hire migrant workers, including those from the EU who wish to move to the UK post-Brexit.
Requirements for a Skilled Worker Visa
To apply for a Skilled Worker Visa, you must meet several key criteria:
1. Job Offer from a Licensed Sponsor
You need a job offer from a UK company with a valid Sponsor Licence. This licence allows UK employers to hire from outside the UK, including EU nationals from January 1, 2021. You’ll also need a Certificate of Sponsorship (COS) from your employer, detailing your role in the UK. You can check which companies hold a Sponsor Licence on the approved list of licensed sponsors.
2. Appropriate Skill Level
The job you are offered must meet the required skill level, which is RQF Level 3 or above (equivalent to A-levels). Ensure your role fits within the eligible occupations for the Skilled Worker Visa.
3. Minimum Salary Requirement
The position must meet one of the following salary thresholds:
- The general salary threshold of £26,200 per year, or
- The “going rate” for the specific job role, as specified for your occupation.
4. English Language Proficiency
You must prove your English language skills. Some nationalities are exempt from this requirement. Options to demonstrate proficiency include:
- Achieving a minimum score of 4 in each section of the UKVI IELTS (General) test.
- Holding a GCSE, A-level, or Advanced Higher in English.
- Having a degree-level qualification taught in English, confirmed by UK NARIC.
- Passing a Secure English Language Test (SELT) from providers like Pearson or Trinity at CEFR B1 level.
This visa is a gateway to significant career opportunities in the UK and offers a structured path to long-term residency. By understanding these requirements and preparing accordingly, you can navigate the visa application process more effectively and set yourself up for a successful career in the UK.