UK Long-Term Skilled Worker Visa - Your Ticket to Work in the UK

Professionals looking to advance their careers, find the United Kingdom an appealing destination. People want to work in the UK because of its dynamic economy, multiculturalism, and a plethora of job opportunities. Cracking the UK visa interview is the first step to making your UK dream come true.

The Long term standard visitor visa UK enables visitors to remain in the country for an extended period without the need to apply for a visa each time.

Increase in skilled worker minimum salary from Spring 2024

There will be an increase in skilled worker salaries of up to 50 per cent from 4th April 2024. People on a UK care worker visa will be exempt from the higher salary threshold increase and the IHS.

The Long Term Skilled Worker Visa UK Requirements

Requirement of Sponsorship

To obtain a skilled worker visa in the UK, you need to be sponsored by an employer licensed by the Home Office to do a specific profession that satisfies the skilled worker visa UK eligibility.

Requirement of Sponsorship Certificate

A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is required for applicants on a work sponsorship visa UK. The COS is a digital document that contains information about the role for which you are being sponsored, including your role title and type, your work start and end dates, gross salary, your sponsor licence number, and the date of expiry.

Skill requirements for skilled worker visas

In an Appendix to the Immigration Rules, the Home Office lists all eligible employment and their corresponding skill levels. There is an occupation code for every eligible employment. The role you are looking to fill must be skilled to at least RQF level 3, equivalent to A-levels. You do not need to hold a formal qualification to satisfy the skills level of the UK work visa requirements. The Home Office will consider factors such as whether they have shown a genuine need for the job as described, whether they have the appropriate skills, qualifications and experience needed to do the job as described and the sponsor’s history of compliance with the immigration system.

English language Proficiency

The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages requires proof of English language proficiency in all four domains (reading, writing, speaking, and listening) at least at level B1 (intermediate) to be eligible for a skilled worker visa.

If an employee is applying for a highly skilled migrant visa UK and meets the following criteria, they will be exempt from the English language requirement: they are a citizen of a nation where the majority language is spoken; they have passed the Secure English Language Test; they have been awarded a degree taught in English; or they graduated from school in the UK with a GCSE/A Level or Scottish Highers in English.

Requirement for financial maintenance

There are two ways you can fulfil the financial requirements for your skilled worker visa. The first is self-maintenance (which requires you to provide proof of having at least £1270.00 in your bank account for a minimum of 28 days). The second is the sponsor-maintenance (in which your sponsor confirms your upkeep as stated in the Sponsorship Certificate).

Switching employers or jobs as a Skilled Worker

If you have a skilled worker visa and would like to switch employers or jobs, you will have to apply for a new visa. As long as your UK work permit visa is still valid, you can apply from within the UK and stay and work here until the Home Office makes a judgment.

If you are staying in the UK apply for work visa three months or more before the start date of your new position if you want to switch employment or employers. Since it could take up to eight weeks to hear back on your application, you must apply as soon as possible.

Changing To The Visa For Skilled Workers

Individuals already in the UK on a different visa type may be eligible to switch to a Long-Term Skilled Worker Visa, provided they meet the eligibility criteria and have a valid job offer from an eligible employer. They need to send a new UK work visa application.

Seeking More Work While Holding A Skilled Worker Visa

As long as they continue to perform the duties for which they have been sponsored, applicants are free to take on additional work or work longer hours. Applicants can apply for domestic worker visa UK and accompany their employer temporarily to the UK.

Conclusion

Travellers to the UK can check their UK visa status online. Obtaining a UK Long-Term Skilled Worker Visa can open up exciting opportunities for skilled professionals looking to work and live in the UK. Going through the UK Visa FAQ can help you make your travel to the UK seamless.

FAQs Related to Skilled Worker Visa

Is the skilled worker visa the same as Tier 2?

The skilled worker visa is now called the Tier 2 (general) visa.

What is a skilled worker?

A skilled worker is a person who is employed in the UK and must possess at least an RQF3 level of skill (equivalent to an A level).

Do EU nationals in the UK need to have a visa?

To work in the UK for longer than six months, citizens of the EU, EEA, or Switzerland need a visa.

Do I need a job offer to apply for a UK work visa?

If you do not have a job offer in the UK, you are not eligible to apply for a UK work visa.

Can I apply for permanent residency (indefinite leave to remain) on a Long-Term Skilled Worker Visa?

Long-Term Skilled Worker Visa holders may be eligible to apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) in the UK after completing a specified period of continuous residence, typically five years.