HOW TO APPLY FOR A SKILLED WORKER VISA IN UK
The Skilled Worker Visa is perhaps the most prominent route towards employment in the UK for people who are not from the UK. For foreign workers who are being offered employment by a licensed UK employer hired by the UK Government in one of the prescribed skilled occupations, not only is work permitted but also the potential to settle here forever. If you are applying for a Skilled Worker Visa, the following is a step-by-step guide which informs you of the steps and requirements necessary to help you apply to get approved.
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
You need to verify if you are eligible before applying, and you have to do it to qualify that you qualify the qualification requirement of the Skilled Worker Visa:
- Job Offer: You must have a job offer from your qualifying employer who holds a valid Sponsor Licence issued by the Home Office.
- Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): You must receive a valid CoS with a reference number and your role.
- Eligible Occupation: Your role must be an eligible occupation as mandated by the Home Office.
- English Language Requirement: You must demonstrate that you can communicate in English at the required level.
- Salary Threshold: Your occupation needs to be of at least salary threshold minimum because it is the requirement by Home Office.
- Point-Based Immigration System: You have to obtain 70 points from various requirements such as your employer’s job offer, your pay, and the level of English language proficiency.
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
Having established your eligibility now, the next thing is that you have with you the documents that will be sent with your application. These are usually:
- A valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your employer.
- Evidence of your English language ability, e.g., test result certificate or academic qualification.
- Your current passport or other travel document.
- Evidence you are above the relevant minimum salary threshold, e.g., payslips or letter from employer.
- Any other documentation in favor of your case, such as existing work experience or qualifications.
Step 3: Apply Online
You will make your application for the Skilled Worker Visa through the internet on the UK government immigration website. You will open an account and fill in the application form that will contain all your employment as well as personal information.
You will have to the pay the fees mentioned below:
– Application Fee: This will vary based on your case and period of stay.
– Immigration Health Surcharge: You’ll also pay an immigration health surcharge that will give you access to the UK National Health Service (NHS) during your stay in the UK.
Step 4: Biometric Information
After you have applied, you will be asked to provide biometric data (fingerprint and photo). It might be a local visa application centre, depending on your location, or a biometric appointment.
Step 5: Apply and Wait for a Decision
After you have applied and provided your biometric data, the processing will typically be as follows:
– Outside the UK: Standard 3 weeks.
– Inside the UK: Standard 8 weeks.
You will be contacted during the waiting period to provide additional information or documentation, so keep an eye on your email and mail.
Step 6: Receive Your Decision
You will be informed when a decision has been made on your application. If successful, your Skilled Worker Visa will typically enable you to remain in the UK for five years. You will be issued a biometric residence permit (BRP) that details your status, rights, and terms of stay.
Step 7: Prepare for Your Move
If you can secure your Skilled Worker Visa, you can then proceed to prepare yourself for your move. This entails finding accommodation, familiarizing yourself with the rights and obligations of your visa, and preparing yourself mentally for residence and work in the UK.
Conclusion
A Skilled Worker Visa application is a tremendous career jump start to your life in the UK, opening doors to lasting work and even permanent resident status. Although the application process is multi-step and document-intensive, preparation will make the ordeal much less of a hassle for you.
If you need individual guidance or specialist advice on your application, Lumine Solicitors at crownwell road in London can help. With a specialist expert at your fingertips to guide you through the intricacies of immigration law, you can apply for a Skilled Worker Visa with confidence. To find out more, contact Lumine Solicitors at 020 3950 2246 or start on their website.
