An Overview of the Skilled Worker visa
The Skilled Worker visa allows applicants to live and work in the UK to do an eligible job with an approved employer.
To be eligible for the Skilled Worker visa, applicants must work for a Home Office approved UK employer, hold a Certificate of Sponsorship, do a job that is on the list of eligible occupations and be paid a minimum salary.
Applicants must also prove their knowledge of English and demonstrate they have sufficient personal savings, which is usually savings in the amount of £1,270.
Skilled Worker visa holders can stay in the UK for up to 5 years but can extend their visas prior to expiration, provided they still meet the eligibility requirements. After 5 years, visa holders maybe eligible to apply for indefinite leave to remain (also known as settlement).
It can take up to 3 weeks to receive a visa decision if applying from outside the UK, or up to 8 weeks if applying from inside the UK.
Applicants must pay the following fees when applying:
· Application fee: Usually £625
· Healthcare surcharge: £624 per year payable in advance
Healthcare workers, such as doctors and nurses, may instead be eligible to apply for the Health and Care Worker visa .If eligible, there is no requirement to pay the Healthcare surcharge.
For more information, contact our specialist Immigration solicitors at Surenity Legal Services.
