Skilled Worker Visa
Home > UK Visas > Worker Visas > Skilled Worker Visa
A quick look
The Skilled Worker Visa lasts up to five years.
After 5 years, you can apply for indefinite leave to remain.
Yes, your employer needs to hold a sponsor licence and provide you with a Certificate of Sponsorship.
You are allowed to:
- Work in an applicable job
- Study
- Volunteer work
- Take on extra work if allowed
- Travel into and out of the UK
- Bring your partner or children as dependants if possible
- Apply for indefinite leave to remain
You are not allowed to:
- Apply for benefits
- Apply for State Pension
- Change jobs or work for someone else unless you update your visa
Skilled Worker Visa
The Skilled Worker Visa is perfect for those who want to come to the UK to work.
It is also the most popular route into the UK.
Requirements
- Have a confirmed job offer.
- Work for an approved UK employer.
- Apply to work for a job on the eligible occupations list.
- Have a Certificate of Sponsorship from your employer.
- Be paid the minimum salary; this varies depending on what you do.
- Have £1,270 to support yourself, unless you are exempt.
- Prove your English knowledge is at least at level B1, unless you are from certain countries.
Can I extend this visa?
Yes, you can extend this visa as long as you are still eligible. This can be done as many times as you want.
Alternatively, after five years you can apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR).
With ILR, you can live and work in the UK for as long as you like.
Can I switch to a Skilled Worker Visa?
Yes, you can switch to this visa if you are in the UK on most types of other visas.
The visas you cannot switch from are:
- Visitor Visa
- Short-term Student Visa
- Parent of a Child Student Visa
- Seasonal Worker Visa
- Domestic Worker in a Private Household Visa
If you are on one of these visas and want to apply for a Skilled Worker Visa, you must first leave the UK.
Please note that any dependants such as your partner or children will not automatically switch to this visa. They will have to apply separately, before their visa expires.
Will I have to pay the immigration health surcharge (IHS)?
Yes, you will have to pay the IHS. This is around £624 per year you are in the UK.
Other information
- You can apply 3 months before you are due to work
- Visa applications can take up to 8 weeks to be approved/denied
- You must not enter the country and start your job if your visa is not approved
- You must not overstay on your visa
- Any documents not in English or Welsh must be translated by a sworn translator
Ready for assistance?
If you have any questions about the changes or want legal advice, contact
Woodcock Law & Notary Public today. Contact us by phone on 0330 133 6490 or
by email at info@woodcocklaw.co.uk.
