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A Skilled Worker visa has replaced the Tier 2 (General) work visa. It is open to individuals wanting to work in the UK who have been offered an eligible job by an employer with an approved Sponsor Licence.
A Skilled Worker visa is available for skilled workers of all nationalities that have been offered a position from an eligible UK company who is a registered sponsor. This route can lead to settlement and applicants can be joined by dependent partners and children.
This visa can last up to 5 years before you need to apply for an extension and should be updated if you change jobs or employer. You may be able to apply for indefinite leave to remain after working in the UK for 5 years on the Skilled Worker visa.
The requirements for this visa are complex and therefore you should seek advice from an immigration specialist before you proceed with an application. Latitude Law’s specialist business lawyers can advise you of the requirements specifically relating to you and ensure that the conditions of your employment are suitable to meet the Immigration rules.
A Skilled Worker visa is available for skilled workers of all nationalities who have been offered a position from an eligible UK registered sponsor company. This route can lead to settlement and applicants can be joined by dependent partners and children.
This visa can last up to five years before you need to apply for an extension and should be updated if you change jobs or employers. You may be able to apply for indefinite leave to remain after working in the UK for five years on the Skilled Worker visa.
The requirements for this visa are complex, so you should seek advice from an immigration specialist before you proceed with an application. Latitude Law’s specialist business lawyers can advise you of the requirements specifically relating to you and ensure that the conditions of your employment are suitable to meet the immigration rules.
If you would like to learn more about how Latitude Law can help you call our team on 0044 161 234 680 or 0044 207 046 7185, complete our contact form and we will get in touch with you at a time that is convenient for you.
There are various requirements that must be met for this visa, relating to the job you undertake, the salary you will be paid, your English ability and your ability to maintain yourself during your stay.
To qualify for a Skilled Worker visa, you must:
The exact requirements you will need to satisfy will vary depending on your circumstances. You may want to discuss your Skilled Worker application with an immigration lawyer for expert advice.
In order to apply for a Skilled Worker visa, your emoloyer (/sponsor) must have assigned you a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). Employers can only assign a CoS if they are registered sponsor licence holders.
The CoS needs to be issued within the 3 months prior to you submitting your Skilled Worker visa application.
The expert solicitors at Latitude Law can provide expert advice on all aspects of UK Skilled Worker visa applications. We can provide detailed guidance about the requirements, or prepare the entire application alongside a detailed representation document explaining how the relevant rules are met. Our experts can also provide assistance in applications to switch to the Skilled Worker route from another category, extend your leave or apply for settlement.
Latitude Law has extensive knowledge in all aspects of immigration, human rights, and nationality law. Our experienced solicitors have assisted clients with some of the most complex issues that can arise from visa applications, extensions and switching into other categories.
We have the largest immigration team in the North West and work tirelessly to ensure all of the necessary steps are completed to the highest standard. We are recognised as a leading immigration law firm by the Legal 500.
As the requirements for this visa are complex, you should seek specialist advice from an immigration solicitor before you proceed with an application. Latitude Law’s specialist lawyers can advise you about the requirements specifically related to you and ensure that the conditions of your employment are compliant with the immigration rules.
If you would like to learn more about how Latitude Law can help you, call our team on 0044 161 234 6800 or 0044 207 046 7185, or complete our contact form and we will get in touch at a time that is convenient for you.
You are permitted to switch into the Skilled Worker route from most longer-term immigration categories. The usual exceptions apply:
Read the full guide to switching from inside the UK here.
As long as required; there is no longer a cap on the time someone can spend in the UK as a skilled worker. Settlement becomes a possibility after 5 years.
You can usually apply to extend a Skilled Worker visa if all the following are true:
You must not travel outside of the UK, Ireland, Channel Islands or Isle of Man until you get a decision. Your application will be withdrawn if you do.
Read more about extending your skilled worker visa here.
If your salary is reduced to a level below the higher rate threshold, a new Skilled Worker application must be made. This must be supported by a CoS, and the genuine nature of the job must be shown if required. There must also be strong justification provided to explain the salary reduction.
If you require assistance applying for a Graduate Entrepreneur visa, Latitude Law's immigration solicitors have extensive experience in such cases.
If you need help settling in the Entrepreneur route, Latitude Law's immigration solicitors can guide you through the strict eligibility and specified evidence requirements.
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April 2024
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January 2024
All content on this page was reviewed by Latitude Law and is accurate as of 11/10/2022.