Skilled Worker Visa in the UK​

You must establish knowledge of the English language in reading, writing, speaking and understanding at level B1. There are a number of ways that this can be proven:

1. Completing an approved SELT test from an approved provider (LanguageCert, Pearson, Trinity College London (in the UK), IELTS SELT Consortium, PSI Services (UK) Ltd (outside the UK))

2. Having a GCSE or A-Level equivalent in English that was taught in the UK

3. Having a degree-level academic qualification that was taught in English (ECCTIS must provide a certificate of equivalence)  

4. Be a national of a majority English-speaking country (Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, the Bahamas. Barbados, Belize, the British overseas territories, Canada, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Malta, New Zealand, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, USA).

There are other visa types for working in the UK that you may qualify for.

The visa may last up to 5 years. You must apply for an extension or update if it expires or if there are job changes. Extensions are unlimited as long as you meet the criteria. After 5 years, you might qualify for 'indefinite leave to remain' in the UK.

Let us assist you with  your application online. Procedures differ if you're:

• Outside the UK.
• In the UK extending your current visa.
• In the UK switching from another visa.
• Changing job or employer also requires visa update. Your eligible 'dependants' can join or stay with you in the UK.

You can apply up to 3 months before your job starts in the UK, as per your certificate of sponsorship. Remember to verify your identity and submit the required documents during application.

• 3 weeks if applying from outside the UK.
• 8 weeks if applying from within the UK. Faster decisions might be available for
  a fee.

Each applicant must:

• Pay the application fee.
• Pay the annual healthcare surcharge.
• Demonstrate sufficient personal savings. Amounts vary, so it's essential to
  check the specifics.

Yes, health or adult social care professionals, especially doctors or nurses, might qualify for the Health and Care Worker visa, which is more cost-effective and waives the immigration health surcharge.

You can:

• Work in an eligible job.
• Study.
• Bring eligible ‘dependants’.
• Undertake additional or voluntary work in some cases.
• Travel abroad and return to the UK.
• Apply for 'indefinite leave to remain' after 5 years in the UK. However, you cannot access most benefits or the State Pension, and job or employer changes require a visa update.

A dependent is your husband, wife, civil partner or unmarried partner (living together for at least 2 years), a child under 18 or over 18 if they’re currently in the UK as your dependent. If your child is over 16 years old, and to be considered your dependent, they must live with you, not be in a marriage or civil partnership or have children and be financially supported by you.

You may need to have further funds depending on the number of dependents. This is not applicable if your sponsor certificate outlines that your sponsor will be covering your maintenance. 

You must provide proof of the following:

• Your civil partnership or marriage certificate which must be recognised in the UK or;
• If not married or in a civil partnership, you’ve been living together in a relationship for at least 2 years when you apply
• Evidence of 16 years and over child address via bank statements, credit card bills, driving licence, NHS registration document or an official letter from their university or college
• The required funds and, have had them, for at least 28 days in a row.