Skilled Worker Visa UK

Applying for a UK Skilled Worker visa can be complex, and having expert legal assistance can make a significant difference. At Moeen & Co. Solicitors, we understand the intricacies of the immigration process and we will guide you step-by-step through the application process, providing clear instructions on the documentation, forms, and timelines involved.

Our team of experienced UK work visa solicitors specialises in all types of Skilled Worker visa applications and can provide the personalised guidance you need to navigate the process smoothly.

Our UK work visa lawyers will work closely with you to understand your specific circumstances and tailor our advice accordingly. We will assist you in gathering the required documentation, preparing the application forms, and ensuring that everything is submitted accurately and on time.

If you require immigration advice or legal assistance with your Skilled Worker visa application, contact our UK work visa solicitors in London at 0203 959 7755. Alternatively, fill in our online contact form to discuss your case.

Table of Contents

1. Understanding the UK Skilled Worker visa
2. Who is eligible to apply for the Skilled Worker visa UK?
3. Requirements for a Skilled Worker visa
4. Minimum salary for Skilled Worker visa UK 2025
5. English language requirement for Skilled Worker visa
6. Documents required for UK Skilled Worker visa
7. UK Skilled Worker visa points calculator
8. How to apply for a Skilled Worker visa?
9. How much is the UK Skilled Worker visa application fee?
10. How long does it take to process the Skilled Worker visa UK application?
11. Visa application using super priority service
12. If your UK Skilled Worker visa rejected
13. How can our immigration solicitors help with your UK visa applications?
14. How much does an immigration solicitor charge for a UK visa application?
15. How to contact a UK work visa solicitor?
16. FAQS: UK Skilled Worker visa

Understanding the UK Skilled Worker visa

A Skilled Worker visa allows overseas skilled workers to come to or stay in the UK to do an eligible job with a UK employer who holds a valid sponsor licence.

Skilled Worker visa has replaced the Tier 2 (General) work visa following the UK's new points-based immigration system that came into effect in December 2020.

The Skilled Worker visa can last up to 5 years before it must be extended. Holders of this visa can work in the job described by their certificate of sponsorship, study (with some limitations), and bring family members ('dependants') with them.

Holders of the Skilled Worker visa may also have a path to settlement (indefinite leave to remain) in the UK after 5 years of continuous and lawful residence, provided they meet all the necessary criteria, including minimum salary requirements and absence limits from the UK.

Who is eligible to apply for the Skilled Worker visa UK?

UK Skilled Worker visa is available to individuals who have a confirmed job offer from a UK employer with a valid sponsorship licence. You must also meet the points-based system requirements, including meeting the necessary skill level, English language proficiency, and earning the required minimum salary.

Requirements for a Skilled Worker visa

Having a comprehensive understanding of the Skilled Worker Visa UK requirements and eligibility criteria is crucial for a successful application.

To be eligible for the Skilled Worker Visa UK, there are specific requirements and criteria that applicants must meet. These include:

• You must be 18 years old or over.
• You must have a job offer from an approved UK employer.
• Your employer must provide you with a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
• Your job must be at RQF Level 3 or above.
• You'll usually need to be paid the 'standard' salary rate of at least £38,700 per year, or the 'going rate' for your job.
• You have enough money to support yourself and any dependents without relying on public funds.
• You must prove your knowledge of the English language.

Minimum salary for Skilled Worker visa UK 2025

The minimum salary requirement for the UK Skilled Worker visa generally must meet either the general salary threshold or the "going rate" for the specific job, whichever is higher. The specific salary requirements are:

• General Salary Threshold: The minimum salary for most Skilled Worker visa applicants is £38,700 gross per year. However, this is the basic threshold and might be higher depending on the job.
• Going Rate: Each occupation code has a specific "going rate", which is determined based on national pay scales for that profession. The job you are offered must pay at least this rate.

The salary must be the applicant's basic gross pay (before taxes) and cannot include allowances, bonuses, or any other additional payments. This is to ensure that the applicant is guaranteed a stable income that meets the minimum threshold.

English language requirement for Skilled Worker visa

When applying for a UK Skilled Worker visa, you must prove that you can read, write, speak, and understand English to at least level B1 on the CEFR scale.

It is essential to demonstrate your proficiency in English, as this ensures effective communication and integration within the UK. Failing to do so can result in your application being refused.

You can prove your proficiency in English by passing a recognised English language test such as the IELTS test. You can also prove your knowledge of English if you have a degree or academic qualification that was taught or researched in English.

You do not need to prove your knowledge of English or take a test if you are over 65 or a citizen of a country where English is the main language.

Documents required for UK Skilled Worker visa

When applying for a Skilled Worker visa, it is essential to ensure that you include all the necessary documents to support your application. The Home Office requires specific documentation to assess your eligibility and determine if you meet the requirements for the visa.

Documents will be required to submit:

• Your valid passport
• Proof of job offer from an approved UK employer
• Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) reference number
• Your job title, occupation code and annual salary
• The name of your employer and their sponsor licence number
• Proof of English language proficiency
• Evidence that you have enough to support yourself
• Tuberculosis (TB) test results (if applicable)
• References from the previous employer

Contact our team at Moeen & Co. Solicitors today at 0203 959 7755 for expert guidance on the required documents for your Skilled Worker Visa UK application. We are here to ensure that your application is complete, accurate, and meets all the necessary requirements.

UK Skilled Worker visa points calculator

The UK Skilled Worker visa operates under a points-based immigration system, where applicants must score a total of 70 points to be eligible. This points system is designed to be more straightforward than previous systems, with some mandatory criteria that applicants must meet to qualify. Here's how the points break down for the Skilled Worker visa:

Mandatory Points (50 Points Required)

• Job Offer by Approved Sponsor (20 points): The applicant must have a job offer from an employer that has been approved by the UK Home Office to sponsor skilled workers.
• Job at Appropriate Skill Level (20 points): The job offer must be at a skill level of RQF3 or above (equivalent to A-level).
• English Language Requirement (10 points): The applicant must demonstrate English language proficiency at level B1 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) in reading, writing, speaking, and listening.

Tradable Points (20 Additional Points Required)

In addition to the mandatory 50 points, applicants need to secure an additional 20 tradable points based on their salary and qualifications. These points can be earned as follows:

• Salary of £38,700 or more, or the going rate for the job offer, whichever is higher (20 points).
• Salary of at least £23,040 and less than £25,600, or at least 90% of the going rate for the job (10 points) - Only applicable if the applicant qualifies under other conditions such as new entrant or if the job is in a shortage occupation.
• PhD in a subject relevant to the job (10 points) or PhD in a STEM subject relevant to the job (20 points).
• Job in a Shortage Occupation (20 points): If the job is on the UK's Shortage Occupation List.

It's important for applicants to carefully assess their eligibility and the points they qualify for before applying. They should also stay updated with any changes to the immigration rules or the Shortage Occupation List, which can affect their point calculation.

How to apply for a Skilled Worker visa?

To apply for a UK Skilled Worker visa, the applicant will need to submit an online visa application along with all the supporting documentation and visa fees.

Please refer to the following steps to apply for the Skilled Worker visa UK:

• Step 1: Initial consultation and assessment of your eligibility.
• Step 2: Get a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your UK employer
• Step 3: Gathering the required documentation.
• Step 4: Complete the visa application form online.
• Step 5: Submit your visa application supporting documents, and pay relevant fees.
• Step 6: Book and attend the biometric appointment
• Step 7: Monitoring the progress of your application.
• Step 8: Receiving a decision on your application.

To begin your Skilled Worker visa application process, contact us at Moeen & Co. Solicitors today at 0203 959 7755. Our dedicated team is ready to provide you with expert legal assistance and ensure that your application is handled with utmost professionalism and care.

How much is the UK Skilled Worker visa application fee?

The application fee for the Skilled Worker Visa UK is determined by the specifics of your situation, such as whether you're applying from inside or outside the UK and the duration of your visa. It's important to note that the fee must be paid for each applicant, including any dependents.

The current UK Skilled Worker visa application fees for applications made from outside the UK are as follows:

• up to 3 years - £719 per person
• more than 3 years - £1,420 per person

If you're applying from inside the UK to extend, switch or update your visa, the standard fee depends on whether you'll be in the UK for:

• up to 3 years - £827 per person
• more than 3 years - £1,636 per person

Please note that these fees do not include any additional charges that may apply, such as the Immigration Health Surcharge, or priority service fees, if applicable.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on Skilled Worker Visa application fees and associated costs, we recommend consulting our immigration lawyers at Moeen & Co. Solicitors. We will guide you through the fee structure and ensure you have a clear understanding of the costs involved in your visa application.

How long does it take to process the Skilled Worker visa UK application?

Skilled Worker visa applications submitted from outside the UK using standard service are currently taking an average of 3 weeks to process. However, you may be eligible to use priority service to get a faster decision.

If the Skilled Worker visa application is made from inside the UK, the Home Office generally takes up to 8 weeks to make the decision.

If your UK Skilled Worker visa rejected

If your UK Skilled Worker visa is rejected, you may have the option to challenge the Home Office's decision by administrative review or reapply for a Skilled Worker visa.

If you're considering appealing or reapplying for a UK Skilled Worker visa after refusal, it is advisable to consult an immigration solicitor to discuss your options.

How to contact a UK work visa solicitor?

If you have questions or need help with your UK Skilled Wokrer visa application, you can contact our team of immigration solicitors in London by calling 0203 959 7755. Alternatively, you can fill in our online contact form and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

FAQS: UK Skilled Worker visa