UK Work Visa Guide: Salary, Eligibility, and Application Process
The United Kingdom offers various work visa options for foreign nationals seeking employment opportunities. This guide focuses on the most common work visa, the Skilled Worker visa, covering key aspects such as salary requirements, eligibility criteria, and the application process.
Salary Requirements -
The minimum salary requirement for a Skilled Worker visa depends on several factors:
- General threshold: £26,200 per year or £10.75 per hour, whichever is higher.
- Occupation-specific salary: Some jobs have higher salary requirements based on their "going rate."
- New entrants: Lower thresholds apply for those under 26, in graduate schemes, or working towards professional qualifications.
Applicants must meet whichever is the highest among these requirements for their specific situation.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for a Skilled Worker visa, you must:
- Have a job offer from a UK employer with a valid sponsor license.
- Work in an eligible skilled occupation (generally RQF level 3 or above).
- Meet the minimum salary requirements for your job.
- Prove English language proficiency (usually CEFR B1 level or higher).
- Have sufficient funds to support yourself (usually £1,270, unless exempt).
- Provide a clean criminal record certificate, if required.
How to Apply
The application process for a UK Skilled Worker visa involves several steps:
Secure a job offer: Obtain a valid job offer from a UK employer with a sponsor license.
Receive a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): Your employer will provide you with a CoS, which is a unique reference number needed for your application.
Prepare required documents: Gather necessary documents, including:
- Valid passport
- CoS reference number
- Proof of English language proficiency
- Bank statements showing required funds
- Criminal record certificate (if applicable)
- Tuberculosis test results (for certain countries)
Online application: Complete the online visa application form on the UK government website.
Pay fees: Pay the visa application fee (£625 to £1,423, depending on circumstances) and Immigration Health Surcharge (£624 per year).
Biometrics appointment: Schedule and attend an appointment to provide your fingerprints and photograph.
Submit documents: Upload your supporting documents through the online system or at your biometrics appointment.
Wait for a decision: Processing times vary, but you can typically expect a decision within 3 weeks for applications made outside the UK.
Additional Considerations
- Visa duration: The Skilled Worker visa can be granted for up to 5 years, after which you may be eligible to apply for indefinite leave to remain.
- Dependents: You can bring eligible family members with you to the UK.
- Switching: It's possible to switch to a Skilled Worker visa from certain other visa categories while in the UK.
Remember that immigration rules can change, so always check the official UK government website for the most up-to-date information before applying.
Important Link : https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration/work-visas
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