The Skilled Worker route allows skilled workers of all nationalities to work in the UK for up to five years, with the possibility of extension. This visa is granted to individuals who have received a job offer from an eligible UK company that is registered as a sponsor. Dependents, including partners and children, can also join the applicant.
The Skilled Worker route is changing. Stay ahead of updates to the UK’s immigration rules.
The Skilled Worker visa is designed for individuals who have been offered a job in the UK by a licenced sponsor. This visa is points-based, and applicants must score a minimum number of points to qualify.
Points are awarded based on the job offer, the applicant’s English language skills and their salary.
One of the benefits of this visa is that it can lead to settlement in the UK, and after working for five years on the Skilled Worker visa, individuals may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain.
However, it’s important to note that the requirements for this visa are complex, and seeking advice from an immigration specialist is highly recommended before applying.
Some of the eligibility requirements for the UK Skilled Worker visa (previously known as Tier 2 General visa) include the following:
You must have a valid job offer from an approved UK employer with a valid Sponsor Licence.
The employer must provide you with a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) containing information about the job and your personal details.
You must score enough points on the UK Points-Based System, which considers factors such as job offer, skill level, English language proficiency and salary.
The job you are offered must be at or above Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) level 3, which corresponds to A-level qualifications.
You must prove your knowledge of English by passing a Secure English Language Test (SELT) at level B1 or higher, or by having an eligible qualification taught in English.
You must have enough money to support yourself without needing public funds (unless your employer is A-rated and can provide a guarantee). As of September 2021, you typically need to show you have at least £1,270 available.
For certain jobs, such as those involving work with vulnerable people, you may need to provide a criminal record certificate from any country you have lived in for 12 months or more in the last 10 years.
It’s important to note that the exact requirements you need to satisfy will depend on your specific situation. Therefore, it’s a good idea to speak with an immigration specialist to receive expert advice on your Skilled Worker visa application.
The Skilled Worker category is a broad classification for individuals applying for a visa to work in the UK, while the New Entrant is a subcategory within the Skilled Worker visa scheme. The New Entrant subcategory targets younger or less experienced individuals, such as recent graduates or those switching from a student visa to a work visa.
The main difference between the Skilled Worker and New Entrant categories lies in the salary threshold:
This lower salary threshold for New Entrants helps younger and less experienced individuals enter the UK labour market. However, both Skilled Worker and New Entrant applicants must meet other requirements, such as having a valid Certificate of Sponsorship, scoring enough points on the UK Points-Based System, proving English language proficiency and having enough money to support themselves without needing public funds.
A New Entrant is defined as:
Our team can provide tailored advice to individuals seeking to explore a Skilled Worker visa.
We can ensure you meet all necessary immigration rules and that the conditions of your employment are suitable.
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