What is Skilled Worker Visa?
The UK Skilled Worker visa is the most common route for a non-British citizen to live in the United Kingdom and work for a company or other organisation (one with a sponsor license – see https://passportia.org/uk-skilled-worker-sponsor-license.php). This includes citizens of the European Union, EEA and Switzerland.
The dependent spouse or partner and children aged under 18 years, of the skilled worker may also live in the UK, with no restrictions on activities. The worker and any dependents may live and work in the UK for up to five years with a Skilled Worker visa and exit and re-enter the UK freely on multiple occasions.
After 5 years of residence in the UK under the skilled worker visa scheme, Indefinite Leave to Remain (permanent residence) may be obtained by the worker and the dependents. If this is granted, all restrictions end and after a further 12 months of residence in the UK the person can apply to become a British citizen by naturalisation.
The Skilled Worker visa route is popular route for working in the UK, because it leads to settlement and citizenship unlike some other work visas. It can be used by a person already living in the UK depending on what leave (permission) the person already has.
If the application for Indefinite Leave to Remain is successful then the person can apply to become a British citizen after a further year of residence in the UK.
It is by far the popular route to coming to work in the UK for an employer.
Skilled Worker Visa applications
A company or other type of organisation with a valid A-rated Sponsor License may employ a non-British citizen who has been granted Entry Clearance or leave to Remain as a Skilled Worker.
The application must include:
- a description of the job and various related details;
- completion of online application form for Certificate of Sponsorship;
- completion of online application form for Entry Clearance or Leave to Remain;
- supporting evidence of identity and where applicable qualifications, health, conduct, etc.
Passportia will:
- assess and advise on the vacancy, job description, terms of employment;
- assess an intended employee;
- provide a letter explaining why the job and employee qualify, documents needed, timings and expected government fees;
- review documents supplied;
- apply for a Certificate of Sponsorship;
- apply for Entry Clearance or Leave to Remain as applicable;
- assist in resolving any issues encountered.
Passportia uses the renowned AORA system to help assess job, applicant, estimate fees and prepare applications, to provide a high quality service with fast turnaround and great value for money.
STANDARD FEES for a Skilled Worker Visa application (excluding VAT)
| Assessment of job only | £200 |
| Application for job applicant | £800 |
| Application for partner dependent | £500 |
| Application for each child dependent | £500 |
PASSPORTIA IS
- An immigration & citizenship law specialist
- Successful with complex applications
- Fast, flexible and precise
- A consultancy with 8 years’ experience
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Jamal Mohammed Immigration & Nationality Advisor |
+44 (0)20 3695 5385 (UK)
+61 (0) 7 4523 6719 (Australia)
+27 (0) 12 004 2752 (S Africa)
+1 (305) 770 6530 (USA)
