Skilled Worker Visa

The UK Skilled Worker visa is a visa granted for long-term work. If your application is granted, you will initially be given a work period of up to five years – but this also depends on the duration of your Certificate of Sponsorship. However, an important thing to note is that the visa is only valid for as long as you remain working for the same sponsoring employer, in the same role. If a change of either role or employer is desired, a new Skilled Worker Visa application must be made and approved by the Home Office.

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By using the Skilled Worker visa route, a visa extension can be made before expiry occurs, and after a qualifying period of five years, an overseas worker can apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR.) One year after this, a British citizenship application can be made. 

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If you are either a UK employer looking to sponsor an employee, or an overseas skilled worker looking to follow the Skilled Worker visa route, it is important to note that a job offer must be secured and the eligibility criteria for said role must be met. We have outlined the eligibility requirements below.

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Whether you’re a UK employer or overseas candidate, we understand how tricky this process can be for both parties. Here at Borderless, our team of business immigration specialists are here to support you through every stage of sponsor licensing. 

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UK Skilled Worker Visa – Criteria and Requirements for Eligibility

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Before the application begins for a Skilled Worker visa, it is important to ensure that you have met the requirements for eligibility.

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• The applicant must have a job offer from a UK employer

In order for the application to even be considered under the Skilled Worker Visa route, a valid job offer must be offered from a licenced UK employer prior to applying. The offer must be made from a company on the list of licenced sponsors, and they must be a reputable company.

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• The applicant’s employer must be on the list of licenced sponsors approved by UKVI

As an applicant, you should check that your employer is fully licenced to hire international workers under the Skilled Worker Route, and that they are ‘A-rated.’ If the employer is ‘B-rated’ then are currently unable to issue new Certificates of Sponsorship until they have complied with the requirements of the Home Office and thus reinstated with their A-rating. Failure to having this A-rating could lead to a delay or refusal in the visa application. 

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• A valid CoS (Certificate of Sponsorship) must be issued to the applicant by their UK employer

A CoS is a virtual document that contains information about the role you are being sponsored for. This includes the title of your role, gross salary, employment start and end dates, sponsor licence number and date of expiry. 

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• The applicants job role must be on the list of eligible occupations

UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) will only grant a Skilled Worker visa for roles on the list of eligible occupations. We have compiled a list of these here. 

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• The applicant must meet the skill level requirement (at least equivalent to RQF level 3)

For applicants under the Skilled Worker visa route, they must have skills that are equivalent to RQF level 3 (or an A-level qualification in the UK.) 

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• The applicant must meet the minimum salary requirements (£26,200 per annum)

The current minimum salary for applicants under a Skilled Worker visa is £26,200 per annum, but this will be increased from the 4^th April 2024. There are exceptions to this rule – see in the next section.

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• The applicant must meet the English language requirements

Ensuring proficiency in the English language is another key factor. You may be required to pass an English language test. Alternatively, you will meet the English language requirements if you hold a degree or comparable academic qualification, but this must have been taught in English. 

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• The applicant must have £1,270 in their bank account to show they can support themselves in the UK

Evidence must be provided in the form of a bank statement, which shows that the applicant has at least £1270 for their first month in the UK. However, depending on the circumstances, it may be possible for the UK employer to provide a letter which confirms they will cover this requirement for the applicant. 

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The Rise in Minimum Salary – April 2024

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An important thing to note: the minimum salary for a skilled worker visa will be increased to £38,700 per annum from the 4^th April 2024. This excludes healthcare and education workers on a national pay. There are other exceptions to this rule too. You can be paid less than £26,000 if:

• Your role is in a shortage occupation
• You are under 26
• You are either studying or a recent graduate, or in professional training
• You have a science, technology, engineering, or maths PhD level qualification that is relevant to your occupation
• You have a postdoctoral position in science or higher education
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Healthcare Professionals

For applicants looking to work as healthcare professionals within the UK health or adult social care sector, it is recommended to look into the Health and Care Worker visa. Going under this route is beneficial for:

• Qualified doctors
• Qualified nurses
• Adult social care professionals
• Many other healthcare professionals

Going under this route offers a number of benefits over the Skilled Worker visa – the application fee is lower, and it is exempt from the Immigration Health surcharge. There is a specific criterion for this route, which we have detailed here. 

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Need Assistance? Get in Touch!

For general enquiries, support with an application or anything else, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our team of business immigration specialists are here to help.

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