UK Skilled Worker Visa 2024: Benefits, Requirements & Costs

Have you ever dreamt of living and working in one of the most dynamic and multicultural countries in the world? The UK is a fantastic destination for skilled workers seeking career advancement, a high quality of life, and a rich and vibrant culture. But how can you turn this dream into reality? The answer lies in the UK Skilled Worker Visa.
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What is the UK Skilled Worker Visa?
This is a new type of work visa that allows you to legally work in the UK for a licensed sponsor (employer). It replaces the older Tier 2 (General) work visa, which was more restrictive and complex. The new visa offers several changes that make it easier and faster for skilled workers to come to the UK.
Understanding the Basics: Visa Type and Duration
The UK Skilled Worker Visa grants you the chance to work for an approved employer for up to 5 years! If your profession falls under the “shortage occupation” list (jobs in high demand), you may even benefit from reduced application fees. This visa is specifically designed for individuals from outside the UK.
Let’s Talk Costs
Applying from outside the UK? Here’s what you need to know about the fees:
- pay the application fee – the standard fee ranges from £719 to £1,639 depending on your circumstances
- pay the healthcare surcharge – this is usually £1,035 per year
- support yourself when you arrive in the UK – you’ll usually need to have at least £1,270 available (unless you’re exempt)
You’ll pay a lower application fee if your job is on the immigration salary list.
Application fees
If you’re applying from outside the UK, the standard fee depends on whether you’ll be in the UK for:
- up to 3 years – £719 per person
- more than 3 years – £1,420 per person
If you’re applying from inside the UK to extend, switch or update your visa, the standard fee depends on whether you’ll be in the UK for:
- up to 3 years – £827 per person
- more than 3 years – £1,636 per person
If your job is on the immigration salary list
You and your family will pay a lower application fee if your job is on the immigration salary list.
The fee for each person applying is:
- £551 if you’re staying for up to 3 years
- £1,084 if you’re staying for more than 3 years
The fee is the same whether you’re applying from inside or outside the UK.
Eligibility Criteria: Occupations and Employers
To find out if you qualify for the UK Skilled Worker Visa, the first step is to identify your occupation code, usually provided by your UK employer in the job offer letter. You can find the list of eligible occupations [here](link for eligible occupations).
Next, it’s crucial to be employed by a licensed sponsor (employer) in the UK. These sponsors streamline the visa application process, making it smoother and more guided.
Ensuring Financial Compatibility
The current minimum salary requirements are set at:
- £38,700 per year
- the ‘going rate’ for the type of work you’ll be doing
Money to support yourself
You must have at least £1,270 in your bank account to show you can support yourself in the UK.
You will need to have had the money available for at least 28 days in a row. Day 28 must be within 31 days of applying for this visa.
Knowledge of English
You’ll usually need to prove your knowledge of the English language when you apply, unless you did this in a previous successful visa application.
Level of English
You must prove you can read, write, speak and understand English to at least level B1 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) scale.
Remember, each occupation code has its own prevailing annual salary rate. It’s advisable to check the prevailing rate for your position using the [going rates table](link for going rates table).
Don’t Forget to Check Out:
- Top Recruitment Agencies in the UK for Foreign Workers 2023
UK Skilled Worker Visa 2024: Step-by-Step Application Process
- Research and Choose an Occupation: Begin by exploring the “shortage occupation” list to identify professions in demand.
- Verify Eligibility: Make sure your chosen profession is eligible for the UK Skilled Worker Visa by consulting the list of eligible occupations.
- Secure a Job Offer: Look for a licensed UK employer offering a job in your chosen field. The list of approved companies [here](link for list of approved companies) will be your guide.
- Confirm Your Finances: Ensure your salary meets the required threshold, referring to the going rates table.
- Application Time: Apply online [here](link for application). The processing time for visa decisions typically takes about 3 weeks if you’re outside the UK.
What You Can and Cannot Do
With the UK Skilled Worker Visa, you can:
- Work in an eligible profession
- Study
- Bring dependents (partner and children)
- Take on additional work in specific situations
- Engage in voluntary work
- Travel abroad and return to the UK
- Apply for permanent settlement in the UK after 5 years
However, there are limitations:
- You cannot apply for most social benefits or the State Pension
- Changing jobs requires updating your visa