UK Skilled Worker Visa: Requirements and Application

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UK Skilled Worker Visa Requirements and
Application
Understanding the new UK points-based immigration
system. The Skilled Worker visa is the primary
work visa for non-UK nationals seeking employment
in qualifying skilled positions. This visa
enables employers to sponsor overseas workers for
specific roles.
To be eligible, applicants must earn 70 points by
fulfilling criteria such as a valid job offer
from a UK employer with sponsorship capabilities,
meeting skill and salary levels, and proving
English proficiency.
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Earning Points for Visa Eligibility
Mandatory Criteria (50 points)
Tradeable Criteria (20 points)

• Valid job offer

Points are awarded based on factors like salary,
qualifications, and the specific job role.
Meeting the minimum requirements in these areas
is crucial for visa approval.

• English proficiency

• Requisite skill level for the job

Applicants need to accrue a total of 70 points to
be eligible for a Skilled Worker visa. The
applicable 70 points threshold for a Skilled
Worker visa is made up of 50 points for mandatory
criteria and 20 points for what are classed as
tradeable criteria.
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UK Skilled Worker Visa Minimum Salary
General Requirement
Reduced Salary
A salary of at least 30,960 per year if under
26, a student, a recent graduate, or in
professional training.
At least 38,700 per year or the going rate for
your occupation, whichever is higher.
Healthcare and Education
Minimum salary is 23,200 per year or the going
rate for the occupation, whichever is higher.
The salary threshold for the UK Skilled Worker
Visa varies depending on factors such as your
occupation, age, qualifications, and sector. For
workers in healthcare and education sectors, the
salary is typically based on national pay scales.
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Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
Job Offer
Verifies job offer from an employer authorized to
sponsor foreign workers.
Skill Level
Ensures the job meets the required skill level
(at least RQF Level 3).
Salary
Indicates the salary offered, meeting the minimum
threshold set by the UK Home Office.
Job Description
Outlines the specific occupation code and job
description.
A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is a unique
reference number issued by a UK employer who
holds a sponsorship license. The CoS confirms key
aspects of the applicants job offer.
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English Language Requirement
CEFR Level B1
Approved Tests
Exemptions
Reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills.
Secure English Language Test (SELT).
Citizens from majority English-speaking countries.
To meet the English language requirement for the
UK Skilled Worker Visa, applicants must
demonstrate proficiency at CEFR Level B1,
encompassing reading, writing, speaking, and
listening skills.
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Financial Maintenance Requirement
Duration
Funds maintained for 28 days, ending within 31
days prior to application.
Personal Savings
1,270 in the bank account for a continuous
28-day period.
Exemptions
Lawful residents in the UK for 12 months or
sponsor support.
To meet the financial maintenance requirement for
the UK Skilled Worker visa, applicants must
demonstrate they have sufficient funds to support
themselves upon arrival, as access to public
funds is not permitted.
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Police Clearance and TB Test
Police Clearance Certificate
Tuberculosis Test
Required for specific occupations in education,
healthcare, and social services.
Mandatory for applicants from countries where
tuberculosis is prevalent.
When applying for a UK Skilled Worker Visa,
certain applicants are required to provide a
Police Clearance Certificate and undergo a
Tuberculosis (TB) Test.
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Visa Fees and Processing Time
Application Fees
719 (up to 3 years) or 1,420 (more than 3
years) if applying from outside the UK.
IHS
1,035 per year, granting access to the UKs
National Health Service (NHS).
Processing Time
Up to 3 weeks (outside UK) or 8 weeks (inside UK).
Applying for a Skilled Worker visa involves
several costs, including the visa application fee
and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). The
total amount payable depends on factors such as
the duration of the visa.
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Switching to the Skilled Worker Visa
Eligibility
1
Meet specific criteria based on current visa type.
Requirements
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Job offer, salary threshold, English language
proficiency.
Restrictions
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Certain visa holders must apply from abroad.
Individuals already in the UK can switch to the
Skilled Worker visa without having to leave the
country, provided they meet specific eligibility
criteria. The ability to switch depends largely
on the type of visa the applicant currently holds.