Skilled worker visa in the UK
A Skilled Worker visa is a form of entry for foreigners who have specialised skills or qualifications and want to work in England. Obtaining a skilled worker visa provides legal employment status in the country.
This document allows you to enter and remain in the UK to perform relevant work for an approved employer.
To obtain a visa, you must:
- work for a British employer approved by the UK Home Office;
- have a "certificate of sponsorship" (CoS) from the employer with information about the position offered to the person in the UK;
- perform work that is included in the list of skilled professions. For example, information technology, medicine, finance, etc;
- receive the minimum wage - its amount depends on the type of work performed by the specialist and the calendar date of receipt of the CoS;
- have a confirmed offer from the employer before applying for a visa;
- be able to speak, read, write and understand English. As a rule, a foreign national is required to prove his/her English language skills at the time of application (if this was not done during a previous successful visa application).
Validity of a skilled worker visa
A visa can be valid for up to 5 years before it needs to be extended. After the expiry of the visa, it is necessary to apply for an extension or renewal of the visa, or if the foreigner decides to change jobs or employers. Such a visa extension application can be submitted multiple times if the person still meets the requirements.
After 5 years, it is possible to apply for permanent residence in the UK (also known as indefinite leave to remain). This gives you the right to live, work and study in the UK indefinitely, and you can also apply for benefits if you are eligible.
Making an application and receiving a decision
How you apply depends on where you are applying:
- outside the UK, but the person is coming to the UK soon;
- in the UK when extending a current visa;
- in the UK when changing another type of visa;
Waiting for a decision also depends on the location of the foreigner:
- 3 weeks if the application is made outside the UK;
- 8 weeks if the application is submitted in the UK.
Documents required to obtain a skilled worker visa:
- reference number of the applicant's Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS);
- documentary evidence of the level of English language proficiency;
- passport or other document confirming the applicant's citizenship and identity;
- a certificate of previous salary. It confirms the applicant's level of qualifications.
Specialists working on the legal marketplace "Consultant" have in-depth knowledge and experience in the field of migration. You can choose your own specialist who will help you to quickly and smoothly prepare the necessary document required for legal stay in the UK.
