How to apply for a Skilled Worker visa – A skilled worker visa authorises individuals to come to the UK if they have been offered an eligible job with an employer who has been approved by the Home Office and who has the authority to issue a certificate of sponsorship.
Formerly referred to as a Tier 2 (General) work visa, the UK skilled worker visa is the main immigration route for individuals wishing to take up a job in the UK.
You will need to show that you meet the requirements for the visa and provide a range of documents giving evidence of this along with the completed application.
At Halliday Reeves, we are specialist immigration solicitors, dealing with all aspects of UK immigration. We routinely make applications for skilled worker visas for clients coming to the UK to live and work, ensuring that their visa applications have the best possible chance of success.
We know how important it will be to you to secure a UK skilled worker visa allowing you to take up the job you have been offered. We have an exceptional understanding of both immigration law and the process of obtaining a visa and a strong track record of success in dealing with visa applications.
To speak to one of our expert immigration lawyers about obtaining a sponsorship licence, ring us on 0330 133 7777, email us at enquiries@hallidayreeves.com or fill in our Contact Form.
“We would like to thank you for all your hard work and help in obtaining a Tier 2 Visa for myself and my family. Your support is greatly appreciated. The service we received has been excellent and all the team members are very professional”
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Skilled Worker Visa Requirements
To be eligible for a skilled worker visa, you must:
- Have a confirmed job offer from a UK employer who has been approved by the Home Office to employ overseas workers
- The job offer must be on the government’s list of eligible occupations
- Hold a certificate of sponsorship from your employer
- Be paid the minimum salary required by the government, which will vary depending on your job
If you do not meet these criteria, you may be eligible for a different type of visa. If you ring to speak to one of our team, we can advise you of your options.
How To Apply For A Skilled Worker Visa UK
Completing The Skilled Worker Visa Application Form
The skilled worker application process is dealt with online. You can apply from outside of the UK or, if you already hold a valid visa and you are living in the UK, from inside the UK. Your partner and children can be included if they are eligible.
Proving Your Identity
You will need to prove your identity. This can be by attending a visa application centre in your location or for those within the UK by using the UK Immigration: ID Check app or by attending a biometric centre. You will need to supply your identity documents, which will include your passport or other valid photographic travel identity document.
If you go to a visa application centre, your photo and fingerprints will be taken and you can be issued with a biometric residence permit.
Documents To Accompany Skilled Worker Visa Application
Your application will need to include documents proving that you meet all of the criteria. This includes:
- Certificate of sponsorship reference number which is on the certificate of sponsorship issued by your employer
- Evidence that you have a sufficient standard of English, which could be by passing a secure English language test from an approved provider or holding a degree taught in English by an approved provider.
- A valid passport or similar document showing your identity and nationality
- Details of your job title and how much you will be paid
- The occupation code of the job you will be doing
- Your employer’s name and sponsor licence number which is also on the certificate of sponsorship
You may have to provide other documents in support of your application, such as:
- Proof that you meet the minimum income requirement, unless your employer will be supporting you and has confirmed that they will do this on your certificate of sponsorship
- Details of any relevant qualifications you are relying on
- Documentary evidence of your relationship with your partner or children if they are also applying to come to the UK
- Tuberculosis test results if you are from an affected country
You must supply a certified translation of any documents that are not in English or Welsh.
There could be other documentation that will be required, depending on your circumstances. If you are not sure what to send, you are strongly advised to speak to an immigration solicitor as your application is likely to be refused or rejected if you do not include the right paperwork.
If you ask us to represent you, we will be able to put together the right documents in support of your skilled worker visa application, reducing the risk of rejection and ensuring your application is dealt with as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Skilled Worker Visa Fees And Healthcare Charge
When you apply for a skilled worker visa, you will need to include the fee. This is generally £624 if you are applying from outside of the UK and wish to stay for up to three years.
If you want to stay for longer than three years, the fee is £1,235.
If your job is on the shortage occupation list, for example, many healthcare and education roles, the fee is reduced.
Each applicant needs to pay an application fee and is also required to pay a healthcare surcharge, which is usually £624 for each year you will be in the UK.
You must also prove that you have a minimum of £1,270 in your bank account, with additional amounts necessary for your partner and children, if they are also applying.
Contact Our Expert Immigration Solicitors About How To Apply For A Skilled Worker Visa
We deal solely in immigration, meaning we have a comprehensive understanding of this complex area of law. We can apply for a skilled worker visa on your behalf and work with you to make sure that all of the necessary paperwork is in order to accompany your application.
We offer a free 15-minute enquiry service so that you can have an initial conversation with us about applying for a skilled worker visa and your particular circumstances.
We have offices in Gateshead, Middlesbrough, Wakefield and Nottingham. To speak to one of our expert immigration lawyers, ring us on 0330 133 7777, email us at enquiries@hallidayreeves.com or fill in our Contact Form.
“Halliday Reeves has consistently provided a professional, thorough and efficient service in all immigration matters that we have had to address for our business. Conduct and confidentiality has been paramount at all times. Our business needs will require an ongoing service from Halliday Reeves. We will have no hesitation in using their services again.”
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