The Skilled Worker Visa allows qualified professionals to live and work in the UK with a job offer from an approved employer. Designed to address skill shortages in the UK, this visa requires meeting specific eligibility criteria, including a minimum salary, English proficiency.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the application process, costs, required documents, and more.

1. What is the Skilled Worker Visa?

The Skilled Worker Visa is part of the UK’s post-Brexit immigration system and enables individuals to work in the UK in skilled occupations, such as engineering, health, IT, and finance.

This visa replaced the previous Tier 2 (General) Visa in 2020 and is essential for skilled workers seeking to enter the UK job market.

It is essential to pay attention to various requirements when submitting an application for a Tier 2 work visa. Typically, the criteria that must be met for a Tier 2 General visa application encompass.

• You ought to possess a job offer for a specialized position in the United Kingdom.
• The employment opportunity must originate from a UK employer who possesses a valid Tier 2 Sponsor Licence issued by UKVI.
• You ought to receive a legitimate certificate of sponsorship (CoS). 
• Number from your employer
• The Resident Labour Market test, which is administered by your company, should be passed by your job). In some cases, a Resident Labour Market test exemption can apply.You should be paid an appropriate salary for your job, above the minimum salary threshold of £20,800.
• At least CEFR level B1 proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, and listening is required of you.
• Unless you are excluded, you will need to demonstrate that you have £945 in maintenance funds to support yourself. You should have kept the funds for at least 90 days.

Certificate of Sponsorship for Tier 2 Visa

An electronic document that contains your personal and professional details is called a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), which is necessary for Tier 2 visa applications. A CoS is a digital certificate reference number, not a certificate as in a paper document.

You will require a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) number from your company in order to submit a legitimate Tier 2 Visa application.

Only one application may be submitted using the Certificate of Sponsorship reference number, which is valid for three months after the date of issuance.

Tier 2 General Appropriate salary

our UK employer must pay you a rate that is commensurate with the work you have been offered. The UKVI official codes of practice for skilled work document contains the rate that is appropriate for your job category.

The employer's Certificate of Sponsorship must also attest to the fact that you will be compensated at or above the going rate for the position.

Time and Fees for Tier 2 Visa Application

The UKVI normally takes three weeks to make a decision on an application submitted from outside the UK.

The cost of obtaining a Tier 2 (General) visa is contingent upon the kind of application, length of stay, and type of employment (if it is a shortage occupation).

On the UKVI website, you may always view the most recent costs for the relevant category..

Knowledge of English

You must be able to read, write, speak, and comprehend English. . 

2. Eligibility Criteria for the Skilled Worker Visa

Applicants must fulfill the following conditions in order to be considered for this visa:

• Job Offer: A confirmed offer from an approved sponsor (licensed employer).
• Salary: The position must meet a minimum salary threshold, typically at least £26,500 per year or £10.75 per hour, though some jobs may have lower salary requirements.
• English Language: You must prove your ability to speak, read, write, and understand English .
• Proper Skill Level: The position requires RQF Level 3 or higher, which is the UK equivalent of A-levels.

3. Application Process for the Skilled Worker Visa

The following steps are included in the application procedure for the skilled worker visa:

1. Confirm Eligibility: Ensure that you meet all the criteria (job offer, salary, English proficiency).
2. Obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): Your UK employer must issue this.
3. Submit Application: Complete the online application form and submit it with the necessary documents, including your passport, CoS, and proof of funds.
4. Pay Fees: The visa application fee varies depending on your salary and the length of your stay. The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) also applies.
5. Biometrics Appointment: Attend an appointment to provide fingerprints and photographs.
6. Decision: Wait for the decision, which usually takes around 8 weeks
7. A strong resume and cover letter are crucial components of a successful UK Skilled Worker Visa application. They not only highlight your skills and experience but also demonstrate your suitability for the specific role and your intention to contribute to the UK economy.

Resume Tips

Tailor Your Resume to UK Standards:

• CV Format: While a chronological format is common in the UK, a functional or hybrid format can also be effective, especially if you have gaps in your employment history or want to highlight specific skills.
• Clarity and Conciseness: Keep your resume concise, typically 2-3 pages. Use clear and concise language.
• Quantify Achievements: Use metrics and figures to showcase your accomplishments. Instead of writing "increased sales," for instance, use "increased sales by 20%
• UK-Relevant Experience: Highlight any experience you have that is relevant to the UK job market, such as working with UK companies or clients.
• Education: Provide your educational background, including degrees, certificates, and diplomas.. Convert your academic qualifications to the UK equivalent if necessary.
• Skills and Keywords: Use keywords from the job description to showcase your relevant skills and experience.

Example Resume Structure:

• Personal Data: Name, address, phone number, and email address
• Professional Summary: A succinct synopsis of your qualifications, background, and desired professional path.
• Work Experience: List your jobs in reverse chronological order, including job titles, company names, dates of employment, key responsibilities, and achievements.
• Education: Provide your credentials, including degrees, certificates, and diplomas..
• Skills: List your technical and soft skills.
• Professional Affiliations (Optional): List any professional memberships or certifications.

Cover Letter Tips

Personalize Your Cover Letter:

• Address it to a specific person: If possible, address your cover letter to the hiring manager or HR representative.
• Reference the Job Posting: Clearly state the job title and reference number.
• Highlight Your Relevant Skills and Experience: Explain how your skills and experience align with the job requirements.
• Quantify Your Achievements: Use metrics and figures to illustrate your accomplishments.
• Express Your Enthusiasm: Show your enthusiasm for the position and the opportunity to work in the UK.
• Make sure your cover letter is free of spelling and punctuation mistakes by carefully proofreading it.

Example Cover Letter Structure:

• Your Name and Address
• Date
• Recipient's Name and Address
• Dear [Recipient's Name],
• Introduction: Give a brief overview of yourself and the letter's goal.
• Body Paragraphs: Highlight your relevant skills and experience, and explain how they align with the job requirements.
• Conclusion: Conclude by thanking the receiver for their time and expressing your ongoing interest in the position.
• Sincerely,
• Your Name

4. Cost of the Skilled Worker Visa

The fees for a Skilled Worker Visa application depend on the type of job and its salary. Here is a breakdown:

• Visa Fees: Typically between £610 to £1,408, depending on your job type and length of stay.
• Immigration Health Surcharge: This is an additional cost, approximately £624 per year, which provides access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS).

How much it costs

You, your spouse, or your kids must::

• pay the application fee
• For each year that you are there, pay the healthcare surcharge.
• prove you have enough personal savings.

5. Duration and Extensions

The Skilled Worker Visa is generally granted for a period of up to 5 years. If you wish to extend your stay beyond this, you can apply to extend your visa or switch employers, provided you continue to meet the eligibility criteria.

How long it takes

Up to three months prior to the day you are scheduled to begin working in the UK, you can apply for a visa. Your certificate of sponsorship states this date.

You will need to submit your documentation and proof of identity as part of your application.

If you require an appointment to do this, you might need to factor in additional time. When you begin your application, you will discover whether you require one.

Getting a decision

Following your online application, identification verification, and document submission, you should receive a decision regarding your visa within:

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

6. Bringing Your Family

Under the skilled worker visa, your spouse or partner and any children under the age of 18 are permitted to accompany you to the UK as dependents. They will have to fulfill certain standards and submit their own applications.

7. Pathway to Permanent Residency (ILR)

You may be able to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which gives you permanent residency, after five years of skilled worker visa-holding in the UK. You can have full work rights and remain in the UK indefinitely once you get ILR.

8. Benefits of the Skilled Worker Visa

• Work in the UK: There is a need for skilled professionals, and this visa enables you to live and work in a number of industries.
• Access to Healthcare: The immigration health surcharge grants access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS).
• Path to Citizenship: After 5 years, you may apply for ILR and, eventually, UK citizenship.

Conclusion

Qualified professionals wishing to work in the UK have a lot of options thanks to the skilled worker visa. By understanding the eligibility requirements, application process, and potential benefits, you can take the right steps to secure your future in the UK. Whether you're in tech, healthcare, or engineering, this visa offers a clear pathway to building your career in one