What is a Skilled Worker visa?
A Skilled Worker visa enables you to enter or remain in the UK to work in an eligible job with an approved UK employer.
A Skilled Worker visa is the primary method of economic migration to the UK.
This visa has replaced the Tier 2 (General) work visa.
What are the specific points requirements for the Skilled Worker visa?
- You must work for or have a confirmed job offer from an approved UK employer.
- You must ensure that your employer is listed as a licensed sponsor approved by the Home Office.
- You must have a certificate of sponsorship from this employer. This will be worth 20 non-tradeable points.
- It must be an eligible job listed on of eligible acceptation list on the government webpage. This will be worth 20 non – traceable points.
- You must be paid the relevant minimum salary (with this minimum salary threshold depending on the type of job and your circumstances). Typically, this is at least £38,700 per year or the standard rate for your occupation, whichever is greater. This will be worth 20 tradeable points.
- You must be able to speak, read, write and understand English. You may be required to prove this knowledge of English depending on your country of origin and academic qualifications. This will be worth 10 non-tradeable points.
- You must maintain a minimum of £1,270 in savings, ensuring you can support yourself in the UK.
How does the new points-based system work?
Under the Immigration Rules, an applicant will have to be awarded 70 points for their application to be successful.
50 of the points an applicant must receive are “non-tradeable” and will be awarded for receiving a qualifying job offer at the appropriate skill level from an employer with a valid sponsor licence and speaking English at the appropriate level.
The other 20 points awarded are “tradeable” criteria, relating to the minimum salary required for each role.
What are the Specific Skill Requirements for a Skilled Worker visa?
Applicants must ensure that the role they are applying for meets the necessary skill level to qualify for a Skilled Worker visa. The job must be classified at regulated qualification framework(RQF) Level 3 or higher, equivalent to a UK A-Level or advanced apprenticeships, demonstrating a specific level of skill and qualifications necessary for the position. Any roles falling below this level will not qualify for the visa.
Employers must assign a Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) which accurately represents the job. This allows for the Home Office to verify that the job meets the required skill level. Applicants must ensure that the SOC code assigned to their job accurately reflects the duties and responsibilities of the position. The SOC code must also match one of the roles on the official list of eligible roles for the Skilled Worker visa seen on the Government webpage.
Misrepresenting the role or using an incorrect SOC code could result in delays or even refusal of the visa application. If there are any concerns about the SOC code or job description, the Home Office may request further information to ensure that the job fits the required skill level, and that the applicant has the necessary qualifications and experience.
What is the Skilled Worker Minimum Salary?
For most applicants, the role they will fill must have a gross annual income of £38,700. The Home Office guidance refers to this as “Option A”. Along with having to meet this £38,700 threshold, the role the applicant’s salary must also be equal to or greater than the full going rate of the occupation they will have. The role’s salary must also meet or exceed the relevant hourly rate for the specific occupation. For Option A, this will be £15.88 per hour.
How do PhD qualifications affect the visa application?
Those applying for the Skilled Worker visa for the first time who also hold a PhD relevant to the role they will fill must earn at least £34,830 gross annually in their UK role. If their relevant PhD is in a STEM subject, role they will fill will have to earn £30,960 gross annually in their role.
What is the “going rate” requirement?
Following the 4th April 2024, applicants for the Skilled Worker visa will have to demonstrate that they will be earning at least a certain percentage or meet the going rate for the role they will fill. These rates are based in up-to-date UK salary data and are set out in two distinct tables.
The first table states the going rates which will apply to new applicants for Skilled Worker visa. The second table covers the lower going rates which existing Skilled Worker visa holders will be able to benefit from when making a new application.
The minimum hourly rate requirement has been integrated to the going rate requirement. This means that applicants applying for their first Skilled Worker visa will have to be paid at least £15,88 per hour, while applicants applying for a new Skilled Worker visa, but which already hold one will have to be paid £11,90 per hour.
What is the Skilled Worker Salary requirement for new entrants to the job market?
If an applicant for the Skilled Worker visa is under 26 years old at the time of the application and either a student or a recent graduate (meaning they have graduated from university within the last 2 years prior to their application), they will be a “new entrant”.
New entrants to the job market applying for the Skilled Worker visa will benefit from a 20% discount on the general salary threshold and a 30%