Navigate the UK Skilled Worker Visa Process 2024 with Ease | Tier 2 Visa Guide
Are you planning on embarking on a professional journey in the UK? The UK Skilled Worker Visa Process for 2024, or Tier 2 Visa, is your gateway to a fulfilling career. Navigating the intricacies of this process can be a game-changer, and we’re here to simplify it for you. Let’s delve into the key steps and essential information, ensuring you have no issue with your UK work adventure with confidence and clarity.
The Tier 2 General work visa, formally known as the UK Skilled Worker Visa, stands as the predominant choice for individuals aspiring to work in the UK. Facilitating employment with an approved employer, this visa has witnessed a 59% increase in grants to main applicants, totaling around 69,423 in the past year.
This work visa hinges on the sponsorship of foreign workers by approved employers. This category encompasses approximately 63,400 organizations and institutions registered as licensed sponsors for work and study as of the end of March 2023. The visa, extending a stay duration of 5 years, opens up the prospect of permanent settlement in the UK after this period.
In response to the evolving landscape, the UK government has implemented modifications in the visa requirements, and this post aims to elucidate all the pertinent details comprehensively. This blog covers everything from unraveling the intricacies of the UK Points-based System to delving into the specifics of the Skilled Worker Visa cost, occupation shortage, eligible occupations, and the extensive list of approved UK employers (Licensed Sponsors List).
For those contemplating the application process, we will unravel the key facets, such as eligibility criteria, how long to stay in the UK on a Skilled Work Visa, and the step-by-step application guide. Additionally, insights into processing times will be shared to equip prospective applicants with a holistic understanding of the journey.
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About the UK Skilled Worker Visa Process
- Country: UK
- Visa Type: Skilled Work Visa
- Stay Duration: 5 Years, renewable
Join us on this informative exploration of the UK Skilled Worker Visa, providing you with the knowledge and tools to maximize your chances and embark on a successful professional venture in the United Kingdom.
A crucial aspect of qualifying for the UK Skilled Worker Visa is understanding the Points-based System, where a minimum of 70 points is requisite for a successful application. The allocation of points is contingent on several factors, encompassing your job offer, qualifications, English language proficiency, and salary.
Here’s a breakdown of the points distribution:
1. Job Offer from Approved Employer: 20 Points
Securing a job offer from an approved employer contributes significantly, earning you 20 points.
2. Job at Appropriate Skill Level: 20 Points
Occupying a position that aligns with the appropriate skill level carries a weightage of 20 points.
3. English Language Skills at the Required Level: 10 Points
Proficiency in English at the required level adds 10 points to your total.
4. Salary Categories:
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
5. Job in a Shortage Occupation: 20 Points
If your job falls under the shortage occupation category, you are awarded an additional 20 points.
6. Education Qualification:
PhD in a subject relevant to the job: 10 Points
PhD in a STEM subject relevant to the job: 20 Points
For a more comprehensive understanding of the UK Points-based System and its nuances, we recommend visiting here to delve deeper into the details. This breakdown equips potential applicants with the knowledge to strategically navigate the visa application process, ensuring that each criterion is met to accumulate the requisite points for a successful application.
Skilled Worker Visa Cost:
For applicants applying from outside the UK, the standard application fees for the UK Skilled Worker Visa are as follows:
- Up to 3 years: £719 per person
- More than three years: £1,423 per person
Shortage of Occupation:
If your job falls under the shortage occupation list, indicating professions in high demand, you may benefit from a reduced application fee. The fees in this case are:
- Staying for up to 3 years: £479
- Staying for more than three years: £943
To determine if your occupation is on the shortage list and qualifies for the reduced fee, it is advisable to consult the official shortage occupation list for accurate and updated information. This fee structure ensures that applicants with skills in occupations crucial to the UK’s needs are incentivized with a more affordable application process.
UK Skilled Worker Visa Process – Eligible Occupations:
The UK Skilled Worker Visa eligibility is closely tied to specific occupations, each identified by a unique 4-digit code. Your employer, who extends the job offer, will furnish you with an offer letter containing this essential code. To determine your occupation code, you can consult the official list provided by the UK government at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/skilled-worker-visa-eligible-occupations. If you already have a job offer, promptly inquire about this crucial code with your employer.
When unsure of your code, you can utilize the ONS (Office for National Statistics) occupation coding tool to search for your specific job.
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Approved UK Employers (Licensed Sponsors List):
Approved employers, often referred to as sponsors, play a pivotal role in the Skilled Worker Visa process by sponsoring your entry or stay in the UK. The list of these licensed sponsors is regularly updated, with additional companies included. Stay informed by viewing the comprehensive list of approved UK employers.
Access to this list ensures you align yourself with legitimate and authorized sponsors, facilitating a smooth and secure visa application process. Check the link for the most up-to-date information on licensed sponsors, providing peace of mind as you progress through your application journey.
How to Maximize Your Chances:
To enhance your likelihood of securing a job from a UK-approved employer, follow these steps:
1. Check the Shortage Occupation List:
Review the shortage occupation list to identify professions in demand.
2. Select a Relevant Occupation:
Choose an occupation aligned with your field of expertise.
3. Verify Eligibility for Skilled Worker Vis
Ensure the selected occupation is eligible for the UK Skilled Worker Visa by referring to the official eligible occupation list.
4. Search for Approved Employers:
Explore the list of approved companies to find employers offering jobs in your chosen field.
5. Confirm Eligibility:
Before proceeding, confirm that your chosen job offer aligns with the eligible occupation list, ensuring you meet the visa criteria.
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UK Skilled Worker Visa Process – Eligibility:
To be eligible for the UK Skilled Worker Vis
1. Job Offer from Approved Employer:
Secure a job offer from a UK-approved employer.
2. Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS):
Obtain a ‘certificate of sponsorship’ from your employer, providing details about the offered role in the UK. Only licensed sponsors can issue a CoS.
3. Job on Eligible Occupations List:
Your job must be on the list of eligible occupations.
4. Minimum Salary:
Be paid a minimum salary as per the visa requirements.
5. Work for an Approved UK Employer:
Work for a UK employer approved by the Home Office.
6. Earn 70 Points:
Accumulate 70 points to meet the visa qualification criteria.
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Visa Duration:
Your Skilled Worker Visa allows you to stay in the UK for up to 5 years before requiring an extension.
How to Apply:
Apply online. The visa decision takes three weeks if you’re outside the UK.
Processing Time:
Once you’ve submitted your online application and completed biometrics:
- Outside the UK: 3 weeks
- Inside the UK: 8 weeks
For a smoother experience, ensure a confirmed job offer before initiating the visa application process.
Conclusion on UK Skilled Worker Visa Process
The UK Skilled Worker Visa process is a pivotal gateway for individuals seeking professional opportunities in the United Kingdom. Navigating this process successfully requires a strategic approach, beginning with thorough research into eligible occupations and approved employers. By leveraging the Points-based System and aligning with the requirements, applicants can maximize their chances of securing a job offer and, subsequently, the coveted visa.
The importance of checking the shortage occupation list, confirming eligibility, and ensuring a minimum salary cannot be overstated. The comprehensive resources provided, including the list of eligible occupations and licensed sponsors, empower applicants to make informed decisions, fostering a smoother and more confident application journey.
With a visa duration of up to 5 years, the Skilled Worker Visa opens doors to long-term professional growth and potential settlement in the UK. The online application process, coupled with reasonable processing times, further streamlines the journey for applicants, making it essential to initiate the process with a confirmed job offer.
Staying abreast of updates and adhering to the eligibility criteria will be paramount as individuals embark on this transformative journey. The UK Skilled Worker Visa process is a testament to the country’s commitment to attracting and retaining skilled professionals, offering a pathway to a rewarding and enriching career on British soil.
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FAQs on UK Skilled Worker Visa Process
1. What is the UK Skilled Worker Visa, and for whom?
The UK Skilled Worker Visa, formerly Tier 2 General, is designed for individuals from overseas who have a job offer from a UK employer and wish to work and reside in the UK.
2. How can I check if my occupation qualifies for the Skilled Worker Visa?
Refer to the official list of eligible occupations provided by the UK government. Your employer will also provide you with a 4-digit occupation code corresponding to your job.
3. Are there any advantages to having a job on the Shortage Occupation List?
You may qualify for a reduced application fee if your job is on the Shortage Occupation List. It is advisable to check the list for professions in high demand.
4. How do I find an Approved UK Employer to sponsor me?
Explore the list of approved UK employers, also known as licensed sponsors, provided by the Home Office. Your employer offering the job must be on this list.
5. Can I apply for the Skilled Worker Visa without a confirmed job offer?
No, you must have a confirmed job offer from a UK-approved employer and a ‘certificate of sponsorship’ to apply for the Skilled Worker Visa.
6. What is the Points-based System, and how does it affect my visa application?
The Points-based System is a scoring mechanism where applicants must earn at least 70 points based on job offer, skill level, English language proficiency, and salary criteria.
7. How long does the Skilled Worker Visa allow me to stay in the UK?
The visa allows you to initially stay in the UK for up to 5 years and can be extended after that.
8. What is the application fee for the Skilled Worker Visa?
The application fee varies based on the duration and whether your job is on the Shortage Occupation List. Check the official government website for the latest fee structure.
9. How long does the Skilled Worker Visa application take to process?
The processing time is typically three weeks if you are outside the UK and eight weeks if you are inside the UK.
10. Can I settle permanently in the UK with the Skilled Worker Visa?
Yes, after residing in the UK for five years under the Skilled Worker Visa, you may be eligible to apply for settlement and seek permanent residence.
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