We start with a free initial consultation with a member of our business team to understand your circumstances and confirm your eligibility. If you meet the requirements, we can move forward. We will provide you, without obligation, a fixed fee quotation for our work.
Business Immigration
UK SKILLED WORKER VISA
UK SKILLED WORKER VISA
The UK Skilled Worker Visa allows eligible overseas nationals to live and work in the UK in a qualifying role with a Home Office-approved employer.
To apply for a Skilled Worker Visa, you will normally need a confirmed job offer from an approved UK sponsor and a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). You must also meet the relevant Skilled Worker Visa requirements, including requirements relating to your job, salary and English language ability.
The Skilled Worker route replaced the former Tier 2 (General) visa and can provide a route to settlement in the UK. Depending on your circumstances, you may also be able to extend your visa, change employer or bring eligible family members to the UK with you.
At Halliday Reeves, our specialist immigration solicitors provide clear, practical advice on Skilled Worker Visa applications. We can assess your eligibility, advise you on the requirements and supporting documents, prepare and submit your application and guide you through the process from start to finish.
We can also advise existing Skilled Worker visa holders who need to extend or update their visa, change employment or are considering their longer-term options for remaining in the UK.
UK SKILLED WORKER VISA REQUIREMENTS
To qualify for a UK Skilled Worker Visa, you must meet the relevant Home Office eligibility requirements. The exact requirements will depend on your job, salary and individual circumstances.
You will normally need:
a confirmed job offer from a UK employer that holds an appropriate Sponsor Licence;
a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your employer;
a job that meets the requirements of the Skilled Worker route;
to meet the applicable Skilled Worker Visa salary requirements for your role;
to meet the English language requirement;
to meet any applicable financial requirement; and
to provide the supporting documents required for your application.
The salary required for a Skilled Worker Visa application can vary depending on the occupation, the applicable going rate and the applicant's circumstances. It is therefore important to check the requirements that apply to your particular role rather than relying on a single general salary figure.
Our specialist immigration solicitors can assess your eligibility, check that your proposed role and salary meet the relevant requirements and advise you on the evidence needed to prepare your application.
We can help with your skilled worker visa application in 5 easy steps!
We will then provide you with a personalised documents checklist, which will then enable you to gather the required supporting documentation, for your application.
Once you have returned the supporting documentation, we will then review them and provide you with some feedback.
Whilst you are working on the feedback we have provided; we will complete a first draft of your skilled worker visa application and our representation letter.
As per our feedback, once you have provided any additional documentation, we will then send you the draft visa application to review. Once you are happy, your skilled worker visa application can be submitted.
Skilled Worker Visas Help & Guides
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. How much does a UK Skilled Worker Visa cost?
The cost of a UK Skilled Worker Visa application depends on your circumstances, including how long your visa will last and whether you are applying from inside or outside the UK.
Applicants will normally need to pay a visa application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge. Other costs may also apply depending on your circumstances.
We can advise you on the fees applicable to your application before it is submitted.
2. Can I switch from a Student Visa to a Skilled Worker Visa?
It may be possible to switch from a Student Visa to a Skilled Worker Visa from within the UK if you meet the relevant requirements.
You will need an eligible job with an approved sponsor and must meet the Skilled Worker requirements. There are also specific rules affecting when Student Visa holders can switch into the Skilled Worker route, so it is important to check your eligibility before applying.
3. Can I extend or renew my Skilled Worker Visa?
Yes. You may be able to apply for a Skilled Worker Visa extension before your existing visa expires, provided you continue to meet the relevant requirements.
If your employment or circumstances have changed, you may need to make a new application rather than simply extend your existing permission. We can advise you on the correct application and the requirements you need to meet.
4. Can my partner and children come to the UK with me?
Eligible partners and children may be able to apply to join or remain with you in the UK as your dependants.
The rules depend on your circumstances and the job you are being sponsored to undertake, as restrictions apply to dependants in some categories of sponsored work. Each dependant must make their own application and meet the relevant requirements.
5. How long does a Skilled Worker Visa last?
A Skilled Worker Visa can be granted for the period covered by your sponsorship, subject to the Immigration Rules, and can potentially last for up to five years before it needs to be extended or updated.
There is no overall limit on how long you can remain in the UK under the Skilled Worker route provided you continue to qualify. Many Skilled Worker Visa holders may become eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after completing the required qualifying period.
6. Can I change jobs or employer on a Skilled Worker Visa?
Yes, but you may need to update your Skilled Worker Visa before starting your new job.
If you change employer, your new employer will normally need to be an approved sponsor and issue you with a new Certificate of Sponsorship. A new application may also be required if your job changes significantly with your existing employer.
You should check whether a new application is required before starting the new role.
7. How long does a Skilled Worker Visa application take?
Processing times depend on whether you apply from inside or outside the UK and on your individual application.
The Home Office currently aims to decide most Skilled Worker Visa applications made from outside the UK within around three weeks, and applications to extend or update a Skilled Worker Visa from inside the UK within around eight weeks. Faster services may be available for some applications.
Experienced Legal Team
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Offices in Middlesbrough and Wakefield, supporting clients across the UK and internationally.
Our Outstanding Skilled Worker Visa Service
Successful Skilled Worker Visa
Good service, I made application for skilled worker visa and later for ILR, both are successful, quick replies. Amazing job!
Get In Touch
At Halliday Reeves, we can guide you through the visa or licence application process. If you have been turned down by the authorities, we can discuss your options with you.
Our firm specialises solely in immigration, meaning we have the in-depth knowledge and experience to help our clients with all of their immigration needs.
If you are looking to make an application, we offer a Free Initial Assessment to discuss your requirements.
