This can be regarded as a very popular topic among a lot of visa applicants these days. As we all know, the visa application process is indeed very complex. The applicants must pay proper attention to various factors in order to successfully complete the application procedures. Here, we will be discussing in detail about the Skilled worker visa. This particular visa category is very famous and a lot of people apply for this visa on a regular basis. Before proceeding with the application, there are several things that should be kept in mind. As we have already mentioned, the process is a bit complicated and some people might face extreme difficulties while applying.
In order to avoid such problems, they should go through the particular visa type in detail before applying. In addition to that, they can also take the help of a good immigration lawyer. These lawyers are extremely talented and they can provide the applicants the much needed guidance. Here, we will be providing a detailed overview of this particular visa type. Thereafter, we will be looking at the eligibility criteria for this visa. Lastly, we will be looking at the vital aspects of the application procedure. So, without further delay, let’s get into our discussion of this essential topic.
Skilled worker visa– An overview
This visa allows the applicants to come to or stay in the UK to do an eligible job with an approved employer. This visa has replaced the Tier 2 or General work visa. A person with this visa can work in an eligible job, study, bring their partner and children with them as their ‘dependants’, take on additional work in certain circumstances, do voluntary work, travel abroad and return to the UK, and apply to settle permanently in the UK if they lived in the UK for 5 years and meet the other eligibility requirements. These visa holders cannot apply for most benefits and the State Pension. They also cannot change jobs or employers unless they apply to update their visa.
This visa can last for up to 5 years and after that they have to extend it. In addition to that, the applicants need to apply to extend or update their visa when it expires or if they change jobs or employer. If the applicants want to stay longer in the UK then they can apply to extend their visa as many times as they like as long as they still meet the eligibility requirements. A significant advantage of this visa type is that after 5 years, the visa holders will be able to apply to settle permanently in the UK. This is also known as ‘indefinite leave to remain’ or ILR. This gives the applicants the right to live, work and study here for as long as they like, and apply for benefits if they’re eligible. So, this can be regarded as a detailed overview of this particular visa type. Now, let’s take a look at its eligibility criteria in detail.
Eligibility Criteria
In the previous section, we have given a detailed overview of the Skilled worker visa. Now, in this section, we will be looking at the eligibility criteria of this particular visa. So, without further delay, let’s take a look at these points.
- The applicants must have a confirmed job offer before they apply for this visa.
- To qualify for this visa, the applicants must work for a UK employer that has been approved by the Home Office.
- The applicants should have a ‘certificate of sponsorship’ from their respective employer. This certificate must contain all the necessary information regarding the role that has been offered to them in the UK.
- Another vital requirement is that the applicants must do a job that is on the list of eligible occupations.
- In addition to the above mentioned points, the applicants must be paid a minimum salary. This salary will depend on the type of work they have been offered in the UK.
- The applicants should keep in mind that the specific eligibility will depend on their job.
- The applicant must be able to speak, read, write and understand English. They usually need to prove their knowledge of English when they apply.
Application Procedure
In the previous section, we have discussed in detail about the eligibility criteria of the Skilled worker visa. Here, we will be discussing in detail about the application procedure. All the applicants must apply online and the process will depend on certain factors like whether they are outside the UK and are coming to the UK, or inside the UK and extending their current visa, or inside the UK and switching from a different visa. In addition to that, if the applicants want to change their job or employer, then they must apply to update their visa. They can also include their partner and children in their application to stay in the UK if they are eligible. The applicants can apply for a visa up to 3 months before the day they are due to start work in the UK. This date is usually listed on their certificate of sponsorship. In addition to that, as part of their application, they will need to prove their identity and provide their documents. The applicants may need to allow extra time if they need an appointment to do this. They will find out if they need one when they start their application.
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Conclusion
Thus, from our discussion of the topic, it can be concluded that the Skilled worker visa is indeed very popular and a lot of people apply for this particular visa to move to the UK. Here, we have given a detailed overview of this particular visa. Thereafter, we have looked at its eligibility criteria. Lastly, we have discussed the application procedure that should be kept in mind while applying for this particular visa type. Hence, this discussion can be regarded as extremely beneficial for all the prospective applicants. It will provide them the much needed guidance regarding this particular visa type.