Work, Live, Thrive: Mastering the UK Skilled Worker visa process

Skilled worker visa in the UK is one of the most prominent route for skilled professionals who are seeking to come and stay in the UK while working with an eligible employer. The wording itself skilled workerexplains that this route is available to anyone worldwide if they meet the criteria set by the Government of the United Kingdom and they have certain skillset.

The main objective of this route is to attract high potential professionals worldwide to address the gaps in skilled professions. It varies from healthcare industries, IT, managements, banking, legal or other demanding professions. This route opens the door to settle in the United Kingdom after completion of 5 years on a skilled worker visa and finally leading to acquiring citizenship if someone wishes.

This article will shed some light on the overview of the application process and criteria that needs to be satisfied for a successful application and will elaborate on the update salary threshold along with policies that a case worker follows in general. Some of the changes occurred are due to Brexit and ongoing issues in the UK labour market as this country always relies on talents worldwide considering UK as the global hub.

Skilled Worker Visa? What is it?

This is an essential part of the United Kingdom’s point-based immigration (PBS) system which was first introduced in 2020 to replace the Tier 2 (General) visa. Therefore, addressing the post-Brexit strategy to attract talent from overseas.

Key Advantages of the Skilled Worker Visa

Recent Changes

Major changes to the skilled worker visa was brought in 2024 and significant changes to salary thresholds and new rules related to health and care workers. Increased salary thresholds took effect from April 2024. The British government introduced higher salary threshold to address the changing labour market in the UK.

General Salary Threshold Increase

The recent change in the salary threshold means a significant increase in annual earnings from £26,200 to £38,700 per year. This is a hike that represents an 82% increase, signifying the country's strategy which helps to focus on drawing interest of high-earning skilled individuals.

PhD Holder Adjustments

PhD holder have an updated salary threshold. The minimum salary requirement for PhD holders has been raised from £23,800 to £34,830. STEM PhD holders now face a minimum salary of £30,960, an increase from £20,960. Notably, the 20% salary discount for shortage occupations and new entrants has been eliminated, and applicants in these categories must now meet the new threshold of £30,960.

Reasons for the Changes:

These policy revisions are aligned with the UK's economic priorities, emphasizing the recruitment of highly skilled and financially remunerative professionals.

Changes to the Health and Care Worker Visa:

Care workers, previously eligible for lower salary thresholds, now face more stringent requirements.

Dependant Restrictions: From March 2024, newly arriving care workers and senior care workers will no longer be permitted to bring dependants under their visa. Salary Adjustments: Applicants must earn at least £23,300 or meet the occupation-specific threshold.

These changes reflect the UK government’s commitment to ensuring that the Health and Care Worker visa prioritizes the most critical labour needs.

Eligibility Criteria for the Skilled Worker Visa

To be eligible for the Skilled Worker visa, applicants must meet the following key requirements: A job offer from a UK-based employer approved by the Home Office is mandatory. The employer will provide a CoS, which is mandatory for your application. The job must be at RQF Level 3 (equivalent to an A-level) or higher. Jobs in sectors such as healthcare, engineering, IT, and education often meet this requirement.

Salary Threshold: General roles require a minimum annual salary of £38,700. Exceptions exist for shortage occupations, new entrants, and PhD-qualified professionals, but these also come with higher salary thresholds. You must demonstrate effective English communication through recognized tests like IELTS or prior educational qualifications in English, show evidence of at least £1,270 in your bank account to demonstrate your ability to support yourself upon arrival, unless your employer covers this cost.

Application Process:

The application process involves several steps:

Begin by checking if your role meets the eligibility criteria for the Skilled Worker visa. The UK governmen's Shortage Occupation List is a valuable resource for this purpose. Your UK employer will provide a CoS, which includes details of your job, salary, and work start date.

Essential documents include:

• A valid passport or travel document.
• CoS reference number.
• Evidence of English language proficiency.
• Bank statements or employer assurance for financial maintenance.

Step 1: If you are from a listed country, submit your tuberculosis (TB) test results.

Step 2: Complete the online application through the UK government’s official immigration portal. Application fees vary depending on the visa duration.

Step 3: Schedule an appointment to submit your fingerprints and photograph for your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP).

Step 4: Wait for the decision. Standard processing times range from 3 to 8 weeks. Expedited options are available for an additional fee.

Examples of Successful Applications:

Example 1: A Registered Nurse from Sri-Lanka

Job Role: Registered nurse with an NHS Trust.

Salary: £23,000 (shortage occupation).

Passed IELTS to meet English requirements.

Submitted a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from the NHS.

Paid the visa fee for a 3-year term.

Outcome: Visa approved within 4 weeks. The nurse was able to relocate with her spouse and one child.

Example 2: A Software Engineer from Nigeria

Job Role: Software developer earning £40,000.

Applied using a CoS from a UK-based tech company.

Demonstrated English proficiency through prior UK education.

Outcome: Visa approved in 6 weeks, with plans to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 years.

Example 3: A Secondary School Teacher from South Africa

Job Role: Secondary school teacher in a shortage occupation.

Salary: £31,000.

Received a CoS from a UK school.

Used IELTS results to meet the English requirement.

Outcome: Visa approved, with the teacher successfully relocating to the UK within two months.

Tips for a Successful Application:

1. Select the Correct Employer:
- Verify that your employer is included on the Home Office’s list of authorized sponsors.

2. Prepare Thoroughly:
- Commence collecting the requisite documents, such as English test scores and tuberculosis test results, well in advance.

3. Verify Salary Requirements:
- Confirm that your position meets the revised salary thresholds to avoid any potential delays.

4. Avoid Common Errors:
- Carefully scrutinize your application for any discrepancies or missing documents.

5. Seek Professional Assistance:
- Consider consulting an immigration lawyer if your case involves intricate circumstances.

Pathway to Permanent Residency:

The Skilled Worker visa facilitates direct access to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), enabling permanent settlement in the UK after five years. To qualify for ILR, you must possess:

- Continuous lawful residence in the UK
- Updated salary thresholds
- Passage of the Life in the UK test

ILR confers numerous advantages, including access to public funds and the facilitation of family sponsorship.

Conclusion:

The Skilled Worker visa presents a golden opportunity for highly skilled professionals globally to secure employment and reside in the UK. With recent revisions to salary thresholds and care worker policies, it is imperative to remain informed and meticulously prepare your application.

By comprehending the process and meeting the eligibility criteria, you can unlock the path to a prosperous career and a fulfilling life in the UK. Initiate your journey today by exploring eligible roles and establishing connections with licensed sponsors.