UK Skilled Worker visa Requirements | A complete guide to understand the visa application process

by UK Immigration Law Firm in India

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Introduction: UK Skilled Worker Visa Requirement

India is the leading country of origin of migrants globally, with some reports putting the number at 18 million migrants. The UK on the other hand ranks 5th in welcoming immigrants from all over the world. Not surprisingly Indians make up the largest group of migrants being granted Skilled Worker visas to the UK.

Source: IOM, 2020 data

The United Kingdom has always been a top choice of destination for many individuals striving to migrate for study/work/business purposes. Be it:

  • Better financial gains
  • The quality of life
  • Advanced healthcare facilities
  • Consistently strong economic growth

Many factors combined, make the UK a secure place to build your career or business. In India, we have a huge talent pool from multiple sectors. With the world becoming a global village, the Indian professionals are keen to take their skills on a global stage and this is where skilled migration provides them with the platform to do so.

1. Skilled Worker Visa UK Eligibility

To qualify, you have to meet the Skilled Worker Visa Eligibility UK:

  • have a job offer from an employer on the Home Office’s sponsor licence register
  • have a ‘Certificate of Sponsorship’ (COS) from your employer with information about the role you’ve been offered in the UK
  • do a job that’s on the list of eligible occupations
  • Be paid salary at appropriate level
  • Meet the English language requirement
  • Meet the maintenance funds requirement

2. UK Skilled Worker Visa Salary requirements

You’ll usually need to be paid at least £25,600 per year or £10.10 per hour, whichever is higher. Or the ‘going rate’ for the type of work you’ll be doing.
(For example, your salary is £27,000 per year, but the annual going rate for the job you’ll be doing is £30,000, then you do not meet the usual Skilled Worker Visa Salary requirements for this visa).

Did you know that if you meet the requirements, the UK Health & Care Worker visa also allows you to extend your stay in the country and apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (settlement)? Read the article for more…

2A. If you work in healthcare or education

There are different salary rules if you work in some healthcare or education jobs, where the going rate is based on national pay scales.

2B. When can you be paid less?

If you do not meet the usual salary requirements, and you do not work in healthcare or education, you might still be eligible if your salary will be at least £20,480 per year and at least £10.10 per hour.

3. UK Skilled Worker Visa English Language requirements

Applicants are required to prove the UK Skilled Worker Visa English Language requirements. You must prove you can read, write, speak and understand English to at least level B1 on the (CEFR) scale.

You can prove your knowledge of English by:

  • passing a Secure English Language Test (SELT) from an approved provider
  • having a GCSE, A level, Scottish National Qualification level 4 or 5, Scottish Higher or Advanced Higher in English, gained through study at a UK school that you began when you were under 18
  • having a degree-level academic qualification that was taught in English – if you studied abroad, you’ll need to apply through Ecctis (formerly UK NARIC) for confirmation that your qualification is equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or Ph.D.

3A. Who is exempted to meet the English language requirement?

  • You WILL NOT need to prove your knowledge of English if you’re a national of one of the following countries: Check Here
  • If you’re a doctor, dentist, nurse, midwife or vet:
    • You do not need to prove your knowledge of English if you’ve already passed an English Language assessment that is accepted by the relevant regulated professional body
    • If you’re a vet, you may need to prove that you passed an English Language assessment with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.

Interesting read: English language requirement for entry clearance as a family member in UK. Click here.

4. UK Skilled Worker Visa Documents list

  • Certificate of Sponsorship reference no. – provided by the employer
  • proof of your knowledge of English
  • a valid passport and a blank page in your passport
  • evidence that you have enough savings to support yourself in the UK
  • your job title and annual salary
  • your job’s occupation code
  • the name of your employer and their sponsor licence number – this will be on your certificate of sponsorship
  • criminal record certificate
  • your tuberculosis test test results (if required)

5. How long is a UK Skilled Worker Visa valid?

Your UK Skilled Worker Visa can last for up to 5 years before you need to extend it. You’ll need to apply to extend or update your visa when it expires or if you change jobs or employer. You may also be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) at the end of 5 years.

6. UK Skilled Worker Visa Processing Time

Once you’ve applied online proved your identity, and provided your documents, you’ll usually get a decision on your visa within:

  • 3 weeks, if you’re outside the UK
  • 8 weeks, if you’re inside the UK

UK immigration laws can be difficult to navigate and mistakes in the application form can result in refusals and in some cases denial of entry for up to 10 years.

How to gain permanent residence in the UK on a skilled worker visa. Know here.

Contact UK Skilled Worker Visa Consultant in India to apply for UK Skilled Worker Visa UK From India

  • The SmartMove2UK is one of the leading UK immigration law firm’s in India.
  • For over 2 decades, we have been assisting people with UK immigration and nationality laws.
  • Our clientele base is spread over 26+ countries, with 1,000s of success stories.
  • If you are looking for assistance in applying for a UK Skilled Worker visa, you can book a consultation with our immigration experts.

Informative Video

In this video, Hemang Laaheru, Lawyer and Partner in The SmartMove2UK, explains in detail the UK’s soon launching Global Business Mobility visas.

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