Who Is Eligible for a Skilled Worker Visa?
- Details
- Written by: Wembley Solicitors
The Skilled Worker visa, formerly known as 'Tier 2 (General) Work visa', permits overseas skilled workers to work in the UK with an approved employer.
You may be eligible for a UK Skilled Worker visa if you hold a genuine job offer from a licensed UK sponsor, meet the required skill level, and salary threshold. You must also prove your English language proficiency, have enough money to support yourself, and satisfy all other general eligibility criteria.
If you're unsure about the eligibility criteria for a UK Skilled Worker visa, speak to our immigration solicitor by calling 0203 417 3700 or send us an enquiry.
1. Genuine Job Offer from a Licensed UK Sponsor
To qualify, applicants must have a genuine job offer from a UK employer that is licensed by the Home Office to sponsor Skilled Worker visa applicants.
If an employer is not licensed and authorised by the Home Office, they cannot legally sponsor you for a Skilled Worker visa, even if they want to hire you.
Not all UK companies have a sponsorship licence. So, it's important to check your employer's status before applying.
2. Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
Your employer must issue you a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), which is a unique reference number that confirms your job, salary, and employer.
CoS is an electronic record, not a physical document, that is mandatory when applying for the UK Skilled Worker visa.
3. Eligible Occupations
To be eligible for the UK Skilled Worker visa, the job you're being offered must appear on the official list of eligible occupations.
This list features skilled roles across various industries, including healthcare, IT, engineering, education, construction, and more. If your job isn't on the list, you can't apply under this visa route.
4. Appropriate Skill Level
To be eligible for the UK Skilled Worker visa, the job you're offered must meet a specific skill level. This is typically set at RQF Level 3, which is equivalent to A-levels in the UK education system.
5. Salary Threshold Requirements
From 4 April 2024, to qualify for a UK Skilled Worker visa, applicants typically need to meet minimum salary thresholds of at least £38,700 gross per year.
Applicants are usually required to earn either the standard salary of £38,700 per year or the ‘going rate’ for their occupation, whichever is higher.
6. English Language Proficiency
To be eligible for the UK Skilled Worker visa, you must show that you can speak, read, write, and understand English to at least level B1 on the CEFR scale.
You can prove this through:
- A Secure English Language Test (SELT)
- A degree taught in English
- Citizenship from an English-speaking country
7. Financial Support Requirements
Applicants must show they have held at least £1,270 in their bank account for 28 consecutive days to prove they can support themselves without public funds.
If your employer is willing to certify your maintenance on your CoS, this requirement may be waived.
8. Other Requirements
You'll also need to meet suitability and security criteria, which may include:
- Criminal record certificates for certain roles
- Passing the Tuberculosis (TB) test, if you're from a listed country
- Passing general security and suitability checks
- Paying the healthcare surcharge for access to the NHS
Need Help? Speak to an Immigration Solicitor
If you need help with a UK Skilled Worker visa, call our specialist immigration solicitors today on 0203 417 3700 for legal advice and representation.
There are several ways to contact Wembley Solicitors:
- Phone - Call us on 0203 417 3700
- Email us - info@wembleysolicitors.com
- Online - Fill in our online enquiry form
- Live Chat - Click on the chat button below
- Visit our office - 561 High Rd, Wembley London HA0 2DW
Our team of immigration solicitors is based in Wembley, London about a 4-minute walk from the Wembley Central underground station which gives easy access to clients.
Legal Disclaimer
The information provided is for general informational purposes only and should not be taken as legal advice. While we make every effort to ensure accuracy, the law may change, and the information may not reflect the most current legal developments. No warranty is given regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information, and we do not accept liability in such cases. We recommend consulting with a qualified lawyer at Wembley Solicitors before making any decisions based on the information provided on this website.
