Skilled Worker Visa UK

The requirements for Skilled Worker Visa UK applications generally include an eligible job with an approved UK sponsor, a valid Certificate of Sponsorship, the applicable salary, English-language ability and other relevant immigration requirements.

To apply for a Skilled Worker Visa UK, you normally need a qualifying job offer from an approved UK sponsor, a Certificate of Sponsorship and the required supporting documents. The application is made online.

Current standard processing is generally around 3 weeks for applications made outside the UK and 8 weeks for applications made inside the UK, after the required application and identity steps have been completed. Faster services may be available in some cases.

A Skilled Worker Visa can be granted for up to five years, depending on the circumstances and sponsorship. Eligible applicants may be able to extend their permission or later apply for settlement.

You generally need your Certificate of Sponsorship details, valid passport or identity document, evidence of English-language ability and information about your job, salary, occupation code and sponsoring employer. Additional documents may be required depending on your circumstances.

A tuberculosis test may be required if you are applying from a country where the UK requires TB screening. Whether you need one depends on your country of residence and the circumstances of your application.

Yes. Documents that are not in English or Welsh may need to be accompanied by a certified translation that meets the UK immigration requirements.

Yes. You may be able to apply for a Skilled Worker Visa extension if you continue to meet the relevant immigration requirements. You should apply before your current permission expires.

You should apply for your Skilled Worker Visa extension before your current visa expires. If your job, employer, occupation code or salary has changed, you should check whether additional immigration steps are required.

The term Skilled Worker Visa renewal is commonly used to describe continuing your permission under the route. In UK immigration practice, this normally involves applying to extend or update your visa rather than making a separate application called a renewal.

Yes, but you may need to update your visa and obtain a new Certificate of Sponsorship from your new approved employer before starting the new role. The requirements depend on the nature of the job and change.

Changing your occupation code may require you to update your visa and meet the relevant Skilled Worker requirements. You should check the immigration rules before moving into the new role.

Eligible Skilled Worker visa holders may be able to bring their partner and children as dependants, although dependant eligibility can depend on the sponsored occupation and the circumstances of the application.

Yes. A Skilled Worker Visa can provide a route to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) for eligible applicants. Under the current rules, qualifying applicants may generally apply after five years, subject to meeting the relevant settlement requirements.

Settlement requirements can include the required qualifying residence period, continuous residence requirements, applicable salary and employment conditions, the Life in the UK Test and English-language requirements where applicable.

Immigration for skilled workers covers the immigration matters involved in working in the UK under the Skilled Worker route, including visa applications, sponsorship, Certificates of Sponsorship, dependants, extensions, employer changes and settlement.

Yes. A Skilled Worker Visa solicitor can advise on eligibility, sponsorship, supporting documents, applications, extensions, changes of employer, refusals and settlement. Professional advice can be particularly useful where a case involves complex circumstances.

You can apply yourself, but legal advice may be helpful if you have concerns about eligibility, sponsorship, salary, occupation codes, previous immigration applications, refusals or changing employer.