The UK Skilled Worker Visa, formerly known as the Tier 2 General work visa, is the most sought-after visa for individuals from other countries seeking employment and residence in the UK. This visa allows individuals to work for an approved employer in the UK and stay in the country. Over the past year, there has been a 59% increase in the number of Skilled Worker visas granted to main applicants, totaling around 69,423. This visa permits individuals to work for an approved employer, which can sponsor foreign workers.
As of March 2023, approximately 63,400 organizations and institutions were registered as licensed sponsors for work and study in the UK. The Skilled Worker Visa allows a stay of up to 5 years, with the possibility of applying for permanent settlement in the UK after this period. Recent changes in visa requirements are outlined in this post.
About UK Skilled Worker Visa
Understanding the UK Points-based System
Skilled Worker Visa Cost
Shortage of Occupation
Eligible Occupations
Approved UK Employers (Licensed Sponsors List)
How to Maximize Your Chances?
Eligibility
How Long You Can Stay in the UK on a Skilled Work Visa?
How to Apply for the UK Skilled Work Visa?
Understanding the UK Points-based System
To qualify for the Skilled Worker Visa, applicants need a total of 70 points based on factors such as job offer, qualifications, English language skills, and salary.
- Job offer from approved employer: 20 Points
- Job at appropriate skill level: 20 Points
- Speaks English at the required level: 10 Points
- Salary of £20,480 to £23,039: 0 Points
- Salary of £23,040 to £25,599: 10 Points
- Salary of £25,600 or above: 20 Points
- Job in a shortage occupation: 20 Points
- Education qualification: PhD in a subject relevant to the job: 10 Points
- Education qualification: PhD in a STEM subject relevant to the job: 20 Points
Visit [this link](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/skilled-worker-visa-eligible-occupations) to understand more about the UK point-based system.
Skilled Worker Visa Cost
If applying from outside the UK, the standard application fee for the UK Skilled Worker Visa is:
- Up to 3 years: £719 per person
- More than 3 years: £1,423 per person
Shortage of Occupation
For jobs on the shortage occupation list (in-demand professions), applicants will pay a lower application fee:
- £479 for up to 3 years
- £943 for more than 3 years
Check the [shortage occupation list](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/immigration-rules/immigration-rules-appendix-k-shortage-occupation-list).
Eligible Occupations
A [list of eligible occupations](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/skilled-worker-visa-eligible-occupations) with 4-digit codes is provided. Applicants must obtain the occupation code from their UK employer's job offer letter.
Approved UK Employers (Licensed Sponsors List)
Approved employers, also known as sponsors, are institutions sponsoring individuals to come to or stay in the UK. View the [list of approved UK employers](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/register-of-licensed-sponsors-workers).
How to Maximize Your Chances?
To maximize chances of securing a job from a UK approved employer, follow these steps:
1. Check the shortage occupation list.
2. Select an occupation aligned with your field.
3. Verify if the occupation is eligible for the UK Skilled Worker Visa from the eligible occupation list.
4. Search for an approved employer offering a job in that field.
5. Find the [list of approved companies](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/register-of-licensed-sponsors-workers).
Eligibility
To be eligible for the Skilled Worker Visa, applicants must:
- Have a job offer from a UK approved employer.
- Possess a 'certificate of sponsorship' (CoS) from the employer.
- Work in a job on the list of eligible occupations.
- Be paid a minimum salary.
- Work for a UK employer approved by the Home Office.
- Earn 70 points to qualify.
Ensure a confirmed job offer before applying for the visa.
How Long You Can Stay in the UK on a Skilled Work Visa?
The visa allows a stay of up to 5 years before requiring extension.
How to Apply for the UK Skilled Work Visa?
Apply online [here](https://www.gov.uk/apply-uk-visa). The visa decision takes 3 weeks for those outside the UK.
Processing Time
Once applied online and completed biometrics:
- 3 weeks for those outside the UK.
- 8 weeks for those inside the UK.
I hope this information is helpful. Please share with others.
