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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 Tier 1 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 may be eligible to switch to a Skilled Worker visa if you are currently in the UK in one of the following categories:
If you are switching from other categories, you may need to leave the UK Entry Clearance fro your country of nationality or usual residence.
Read the full guide to switching from inside the UK here.
There is a job creation requirement for the Innovator category; this is measured at settlement stage and can be either:
Note there are alternative ways to measure business success, including:
You must work full-time developing the business in the UK and your endorsing body must be reasonably satisfied that you will spend your entire working time in the UK focussing on the business progression. You can also form a team in the UK, but each member of the team must have access to at least £50,000 to be eligible.
You can usually apply to extend a Skilled Worker visa (or a Tier 2 (General) work visa, if relevant) 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.
You may need to meet different eligibility requirements, depending on whether you got the CoS for your first Skilled Worker visa before or after 24th November 2016:
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, but a resident labour market test does not need to be performed. 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.
If you need help securing a visa through the investor route, the immigration solicitors at Latitude Law are here to help. We can help you through the application process and provide legal advice and guidance on complex matters, such as appeals.
"Dear Gemma and Victoria, I wanted to thank you for your amazing effort! This is a personal achievement for me as a director of a small SME. It feels great that our firm is now able to sponsor workers and we could only do it with your guidance and professional help"
Mr Maida - Beta Design Consultants
April 2023
“My wife & I wish to thank Gemma and the team at Latitude Law for the professional , supportive and successful service you have provided for us. We are so pleased with all that we have achieved with you and your team. Thank you again.”
Mr & Mrs Williams
April 2023
Deciding to choose Latitude Law firm for my visa application was the best decision my husband made. They first assisted him with his tier-1 Entrepreneur visa which was a success and later my PBS partner-dependent visa.
My first two applications were refused due to lack of relationship evidence as my marriage was fairly new at that time. Similarly we went ahead with the administrative review which again upheld the decision to refuse my application. This painstaking process was two years long which took a toll on my mental health.
By the blessing of God, we came across Mr.Hafejee at Latitude Law. His excellence, determination and guidance helped us at every step of our application. Mr.Hafejee was extremely patient with our countless queries and calmed our anxiety humbly. He is one of the most approachable solicitors we ever came across and is equipped with brilliance in his field of work. He helped me reunite with my husband after 2 years and the credit goes to his hard work behind our application.
My husband and I will always be thankful to Mr.Hafejee and his brilliant team for the wonderful service they provide. They surely are the best in this field and would truly recommend their services to everyone.
All content on this page was reviewed by Latitude Law and is accurate as of 11/10/2022.