The skilled worker visa in the UK continues to be one after the most sought-after opportunities for international individuals to come to the UK for new career opportunities and to experience a change in lifestyle and culture.
But as with many immigration options, there are necessary steps to obtaining a Skilled Worker visa UK, that can sometimes seem daunting.
A primary consideration for many work-based immigration options is that they are inherently tied to a viable employment opportunity, meaning that navigating this visa route comes hand in hand with first needing to find a suitable job, which is often a big challenge in itself.
Nevertheless, it can be a very fruitful path to pursue, especially when you would like to explore your options for long-term residence in the UK, as the Skilled Worker visa can offer a route towards settlement in the UK.
So what are the steps involved with obtaining this visa? And what are some key considerations to keep in mind when making a choice on whether this route is suitable for you?
Understanding the Steps for a UK Skilled Worker Visa
When starting any visa process, it is important to remember that while the overall steps are mostly the same, there may be a variety of individual considerations that could set your case apart from the next one.
It is essential to understand the overall process, but you should always take the time to examine how the general application steps may apply to your specific needs and circumstances.
This is especially relevant for the Skilled Worker visa, as different types of employment and any particular role may affect what you will need to pay attention to with your visa.
To set yourself up on the path towards qualifying for and obtaining a Skilled Worker visa for the UK, you will first need to find a suitable job offer from an eligible UK employer.
UK visas that are issued in relation to employment generally require sponsorship, which means that you need to find an employer that agrees to act as your sponsor and obtain the necessary licence.
To be able to receive sponsorship, the role you are hired for must also meet specific requirements that generally demand fair and genuine working conditions. Depending on the type of work and professional sectors, more restrictions may apply.
For the Skilled Worker visa in particular, a focus is placed on the appropriate skill level of you as the prospective employee. This professional visa is offered to individuals who can show that they meet specific skill levels for specific roles requiring such skills.
While this doesn’t have to mean that you must have obtained a formal or academic qualification to meet this skill level, you will need to be able to prove your capability in some way.
Jobs that may help you qualify for this visa must be on the list of eligible occupations as specified on the appropriate UK government website.
If you have found a suitable job, it will be up to your employer to issue you with a Certificate of Sponsorship, also called a CoS.
This will be an essential document to support you during your visa application as it specifies that sponsorship requirements have been met. Usually, this is an electronic record, and you should be given a reference number that you can provide during your application.
When you are ready to apply, you will need to prepare your application, including all supporting documents. When applying for a visa, your ability to provide evidence of your eligibility will be a deciding factor, and it is important that you know how to best represent your case.
Qualifying for the UK Skilled Worker Visa
The UK Skilled Worker visa operates on a points-based system, which assesses your eligibility. You will need to score at least the minimum of 70 required points to be able to successfully apply.
The points assess your overall fit as a candidate, considering your skill level as well as the overall details of your job offer, including the offered salary, which must meet the visa-required threshold.
You will also need to show that you have adequate English language skills to score the required points.
This includes an ability to read, write, and communication skills in English at an intermediate level, which is generally classed as a B1 level on the CEFR scale.
What Opportunities a UK Skilled Worker Visa Might Unlock?
One of the most immediate opportunities for obtaining a UK Skilled Worker visa is the ability to access career advancement by starting a qualifying new job.
Due to the nature of employment and salary requirements, this is often a great step for career development for many individuals, but beyond this, coming to the UK as a professional also means access to a new professional market, which often offers further opportunities to network and hopefully continue to grow professionally.
Besides career-oriented opportunities, there are many other benefits of this visa, a main perk including the eventual pathway towards possible permanent residence in the UK, which may be applied for after certain residential requirements have been met.
This is especially tempting for individuals who have been considering the possibility of establishing a lasting new life in the UK.
Additionally, the UK Skilled Worker visa offers a way for primary visa holders to bring their immediate family members to the UK with them via a dependent visa route.
This means that relocation, be it for professional or lifestyle reasons, doesn’t need to mean separation for your family.
Individuals who have joined a Skilled Worker visa holder will generally be permitted to seek employment or engage in education, though you should note that this immigration route is reserved for the closest family links, such as spouses or partners, or children who are still underage.
The Skilled Worker visa can be a great way to transform your and your family’s life, while allowing you access to the UK’s job market, which can bring many more opportunities.
