What is the Skilled Worker Route?

The Skilled Worker route will replace the Tier 2 (General) route on 1 December, 2020. It’s primarily a route for skilled workers to enter the UK to work with a Home Office-approved Sponsor, provided they have a job offer from the employer before applying for the visa. Here are some notable differences between the Skilled Worker route and the Tier 2 (General) route:

Minimum skill threshold

While the minimum skill threshold for Tier 2 (General) route was that the applicant had to receive a job skilled to RQF level 6 or above, the Skilled Worker route allows workers in occupations skilled to RQF level 3 to enter the UK. RQF level 3 is roughly equal to A levels, which means the UK has opened its doors to many skilled workers from across the world.

Salary threshold

The Skilled Worker route holds the employer responsible for paying their employees a salary that equals or exceeds both the ‘going rate’ for the occupation and a general salary threshold.

However, it’s noteworthy that the salary threshold will be lowered from £30,000 to £25,600 annually under the Skilled Worker route. Of course, people with different skillsets and qualifications will be paid according to their credentials.

Suspension of the cap

Under the Skilled Worker route, the cap on the number of people entering the UK will be removed. This means that there will be no limit on the number of people coming to the UK on the Skilled Worker route. Consequently, the timeline of sponsoring applicants will be reduced by up to four weeks.

Resident Labour Market Test removed

While the Tier 2 (General) route required sponsors to take the Resident Labour Market Test (RLMT), the Skilled Worker route has abolished the assessment. This will further reduce at least four weeks from the process of sponsoring skilled workers.

Get legal help today

The Skilled Worker route has opened up many new opportunities for employers in the UK to receive skilled and professional labour. If you’re looking for qualified immigration solicitors to help you with the process, reach out to us. At Wembley Solicitors, we offer legal assistance in immigration, family law and personal injury cases. Connect with us today.