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The UK Skilled Worker Visa is a type of work permit granted to foreign nationals wishing to work in specific occupations in the United Kingdom, in line with criteria set by the Home Office. This visa not only provides the opportunity for long-term and permanent employment in the UK, but it is also one of the main official routes to settlement. To qualify, an applicant must have received a valid job offer under a specific occupation code from a Home Office–approved employer and must hold a Certificate of Sponsorship. Applicants are also entitled to bring their spouse and children with them.

📌 Validity Requirements

For a Skilled Worker Visa application to be considered valid, the applicant must complete the form via the official online platform, pay the visa and health surcharges, submit biometric data, and provide a valid passport proving their identity and nationality. In addition, they must possess a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) issued no more than three months prior to the application date. The applicant must be at least 18 years old at the time of application, and in certain cases, additional letters of consent are required. It is not possible to switch to this visa from certain statuses such as visitor visa, short-term student visa, or seasonal worker visa.

📌 Eligibility Requirements

The applicant must not have breached immigration laws in the past, must not currently be on immigration bail, and must not fall under refusal grounds. A person legally present in the UK may switch to Skilled Worker status if they meet the necessary conditions.

📌 Points-Based System

The Skilled Worker Visa is part of the points-based immigration system. A total of at least 70 points must be scored. The mandatory criteria, worth 50 points, include a sponsorship certificate, a job offer at an eligible skill level, and English language proficiency at least at level B1. The remaining 20 points are earned through “tradeable” criteria such as salary level, occupation type, academic qualification, or working in a shortage occupation. The general salary threshold is £25,600 per year; however, this can be lower for PhD holders, those working in the health and education sectors, or in shortage-listed occupations.

📌 Sponsorship and Job Offer

To be approved, the employer must be a Home Office–licensed sponsor. The Certificate of Sponsorship must clearly state the applicant’s name, job details, salary, and start date. It must be issued no more than three months before the application date and must not have been used for another application. The sponsor must also have paid the Immigration Skills Charge. Applications based on unauthorised employers or fraudulent job offers will be refused outright.

📌 English Language Requirement

The applicant must demonstrate proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, and listening in English at level B1 or above according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). This requirement can be met through an approved English language test or by having studied in English, among other accepted methods.

📌 Financial Requirement

Applicants coming to the UK for the first time must show evidence of having at least £1,270 in available funds. This amount must have been held in the bank account for at least 28 consecutive days before the application. Alternatively, an A-rated sponsor can certify in writing that they will cover the employee’s living expenses for the first month in the UK.

📌 Health and Security Documents

For certain occupations (healthcare, education, social work, etc.), a criminal record certificate must be provided. In addition, applicants from specific countries may be required to present a tuberculosis (TB) test certificate.

📌 Visa Duration and Extension

The Skilled Worker Visa is generally granted for up to 5 years. If the sponsorship continues and the conditions are maintained, an extension application can be made before the visa expires. After completing 5 years of lawful work, applicants may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (permanent residence).

📌 Family Members

Applicants can bring their spouse and children under the age of 18 as dependants. Dependants must also pay the visa and health surcharges, provide identity documents, and, if required, demonstrate financial means. Dependent spouses are allowed to work in the UK but cannot work as professional sportspersons.

📌 Settlement

Those who have continuously held Skilled Worker status for 5 years, maintained the necessary salary and sponsorship requirements, and met the English language and Life in the UK test requirements may obtain permanent settlement rights. Once granted, the holder may work in any job, start a business, and access public funds in the UK.

📌 Secure Your Application with Marsel Visa

At Marsel Visa, we manage your UK Skilled Worker Visa application from start to finish with professional expertise. We identify the most suitable occupation code for you, guide you through the process of finding a sponsor employer, ensure your documentation is complete, and finalise your application in the shortest possible time. We are here to help you reach your goal of long-term work and settlement in the UK through a smooth and accurate application process.

📍 Contact Us

📧 info@marselvisa.com