The visa application must be created in the country where you currently reside. This does not have to be your country of origin, but can be any country in which you are living/working/studying.
The Skilled Worker visa is the main UK visa route for skilled workers with eligible job offers coming to the UK to take up employment. This route can lead to settlement (ILR) and applicants can be joined by dependent partners and children.
The Skilled Worker visa replaced the Tier 2 General visa in December 2020. Unlike its predecessor, the Skilled Worker visa does not put restrictions on share ownership, making it easier for business owners to come to the UK.
In order to apply for the Skilled Worker visa, candidates must have proof of an official job offer from an approved UK employer and a certificate of sponsorship from their employer with a valid sponsor licence.
UK-based organizations that want to employ overseas workers on a Skilled Worker visa must have a valid sponsor licence. This means that only reputable businesses are willing to partake in the program. Businesses often engage in the program when they are looking to hire skilled professionals who they cannot find in the UK.
This is a unique opportunity for professionals to build their careers in the UK. Not only are there a variety of job options across many different sectors, but also the opportunity to own a share of a business and shape its future.
Learn more about other UK visa options.
Applicants must invest in the business they plan to join in the UK - the specific investment amount is determined based on the business venture.
Skilled Worker candidates can initially apply for a 5-year visa. However, the visa can be renewed indefinitely so long as you continue to meet all the requirements.
28 days before the five-year period ends, you can apply for indefinite leave to remain, provided that you meet the residency requirements and intend to continue with your employment. Another alternative is simply requesting to extend the Skilled Worker visa indefinitely.
The minimum salary requirement is £25,600 per year, or the going rate, whichever is higher.
There are two ways to meet the UK Skilled Worker visa English language requirements:
There are no restrictions on shareholding. New business owners have the option of starting a business in the UK under the Skilled Worker visa category with a UK resident, and then having the UK company sponsor them for entry to the UK.
Vicky Katsarova, CEO
“My world travels and my own immigration experiences have given me a deep understanding and clear insight into each of our clients’ specific requirements, aspirations and concerns. It is this intense personal association with client expectations and needs that helps to set our company and our service apart.”
