UK Skilled Worker Visa Process 2024 (Tier 2 Visa)
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The UK Skilled Worker Visa is formally known as a Tier 2 General work visa. This is the most popular work visa that allows people from other countries to work for the employer and stay in the UK. Skilled Worker visa grants to main applicants have risen by 59% in the past year to around 69,423. This Visa allows you to work for an approved employer. An approved employer can sponsor a foreign worker for a Skilled worker Visa.
At the end of March 2023, there were around 63,400 organizations and institutions registered as licensed sponsors for work and study. This Visa allows you to stay in the UK for 5 years. After 5 years, you may be able to apply to settle permanently in the UK. The UK government has made some changes in the visa requirements. All important information will be shared in this post.
About UK Skilled Worker Visa
- Country: UK
- Visa Type: Skilled Work Visa
- Stay Duration: 5 Years, renewable
Also Check: Types of UK Work Visas in 2024 (With & Without Job Offer)
Understanding the UK Points-based System
A total of 70 points is needed to be able to apply for the skilled worker visa which includes your job offer, your qualifications, your English language skills, and your 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 to understand more about the UK point-based system.
Skilled Worker Visa Cost
If you are 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
If your job is on the shortage occupation list (professions that are in demand) then you will pay a lower application fee.
- £479 if you’re staying for up to 3 years
- £943 if you’re staying for more than 3 years.
Check the shortage occupation list.
Eligible Occupations
Here is a List of Eligible Occupations with 4 4-digit codes. Your employer in the UK who offered you a Job will give you an offer letter with a 4-digit code.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/skilled-worker-visa-eligible-occupations
- If you already have a job offer, ask your employer for your occupation code.
- If you do not know your code, you can search for your job in the ONS occupation coding tool.
Approved UK Employers (Licensed Sponsors List)
Approved employers are also known as sponsors because they are sponsoring you to come to or stay in the UK.
View the list of approved UK employers. (The list has been updated and more companies have been added).
How you can Maximize Your Chances?
So, to maximize your chances of getting a Job from an UK Approved employer here are the steps to research:
- First, check the shortage occupation list (Given above)
- Pick an occupation that is according to your field.
- Then check if that occupation is eligible for the UK Skilled Worker Visa from the eligible occupation list.
- Now if you have found the above two things, search for an Approved Employer/company that is offering a Job in that field.
- You can find the List of the approved companies (above).
Eligibility
- You must have a Job offer from the UK Approved Employer.
- have a ‘certificate of sponsorship’ from your employer with information about the role you’ve been offered in the UK. Only licensed sponsors can issue a CoS
- to do a job that’s on the list of eligible occupations
- to be paid a minimum salary
- You must work for a UK employer that’s been approved by the Home Office.
- You must earn 70 points to qualify.
Make sure you have a confirmed job offer before you apply for your visa.
How long you can Stay in the UK on a Skilled Work Visa?
Your visa can last for up to 5 years before you need to extend it.
How to Apply for the UK Skilled Work Visa?
You must apply online from here. It takes 3 weeks if you’re outside the UK for the Visa Decision.
Processing Time
Once you’ve applied online, and are done with biometrics it takes:
- 3 weeks, if you’re outside the UK
- 8 weeks, if you’re inside the UK
I hope this information is helpful. Please share with others.
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