Skilled Worker Visa
Skilled worker visa (previously known as Tier 2 General or more commonly referred to as a work permit visa).
Under the Skilled Worker route, the applicant must have a confirmed job offer from a UK business who has a Sponsor licence. The Applicant will need to be assigned a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (COS) for the individual to apply.
To become eligible for this visa you must satisfy the Immigration Rules:
- The job offer must be at the appropriate level from RQF level 3-6. This means the employer must identify the correct Standard Occupation Code (SOC)
- The salary must be paid at the appropriate rate of pay generally speaking at or above £25,600 per annum. Please note, jobs under the shortage of occupation list can be paid at lower rate.
- The applicant scores a total of 70 points
- The applicant is able to evidence the English language proficiency at level B1 (speaking, listening, reading and writing).
- The applicant must be able to meet the maintenance requirement or this can by the employer certifying the maintenance during the first month of employment.
What can and can't I do while in the UK?
You can:
- take up a second job in the same profession and at the same level as your main job for up to 20 hours per week
- take up voluntary work
- commence study, but only if it does not interfere with the job you have been employed to do
- travel in and out of the UK
- bring dependent family members with you, such as your partner or children
