The United Kingdom is one of the immigrant-welcoming countries. India is one of the largest groups of immigrants who have been granted skilled worker visas in the UK because the United Kingdom has remained one of the top choices among Indian professional workers, business people, and students.
This article will provide every detail about the UK Skilled Worker Visa and how to apply for the United Kingdom Skilled Worker Visa Program. But, before moving, let us give you an insight into the UK Skilled Worker Visa.
UK Skilled Worker Visa - An Insight
The Government Authority of the United Kingdom has introduced the Skilled Worker Visa Program. It aims to attract international skilled workers to the United Kingdom's labor market by giving them permanent residency.
This visa program allows the UK government to select foreign skilled workers based on the skill shortage list. These workers can stay up to five years in the UK.
Benefits of Getting the UK Skilled Worker Visa
The following information explains the benefits of getting the UK Skilled Worker Visa.
Pathway to Permanent Residency
Candidates getting the Skilled Worker Visa UK are eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain(ILR) after five years, which results in a pathway to permanent residency.
No Quota Limit
Unlike other skilled worker programs, there is no cap limit for the UK skilled work visa issued to skilled workers, which provides a more accessible pathway to skilled migrants.
Get an Access to Public Services
Through this visa program, skilled workers can gain access to public services, including healthcare facilities and educational facilities.
Targets High Demand Sectors
This visa program targets various high-demand sectors, such as healthcare, engineering, and IT, resulting in career growth and competitive salaries.
Stability and Security
Candidates with a Skilled Worker Visa get legal status and job security in the United Kingdom, which allows long-term stability and planning.
Skilled Worker Visa UK Eligibility Criteria
The Skilled Worker Visa UK eligibility criteria include the following.
Valid Job Offer
Candidates planning to get the Skilled Worker Visa UK must have a valid job offer from a UK-based employer.
COS(Certificate of Sponsorship)
Candidates planning to migrate to the UK through the UK Skilled Worker Visa should have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship from a UK-based employer. This sponsorship certificate will provide details about your job type, location, and other related information.
In-demand Occupation
If you are a candidate planning to migrate to the United Kingdom, you must check if your occupation is in demand in the UK labor market. You can check it through the occupation list published on the government website.
Language Proficiency
Skilled workers planning to migrate to the United Kingdom must demonstrate language proficiency in the official language of the UK. You can do it by taking the English language proficiency test. In the language test, you must get at least B1 level language proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
Minimum Points
Candidates planning to migrate to this country should score at least 70 points in the UK Skilled Worker Visa Points Calculator.
Documents Required for the Skilled Worker Visa UK
The following are the documents required for the Skilled Worker Visa UK.
Certificate of Sponsorship
Under this, the candidate should provide the reference number of the Certificate of Sponsorship that is given to you by the UK-based employer.
Language Proficiency
Under this, you must provide the language proficiency test results to the immigration authority.
Valid Passport
Under this, you must provide valid passport details along with a copy of your passport to the immigration authority. It will show your identity and nationality to authorities.
Police Clearance Certificate
Under this, you must provide a Police Clearance Certificate to the immigration authorities to ensure them that you don’t have a criminal background.
Occupation Code
Under this, you must provide the details about your occupation code to the immigration authorities.
How to Apply for the UK Skilled Worker Visa Program
The process to apply for the UK Skilled Worker Visa Program includes
Analyse Your Eligibility
Under this, you must analyze your eligibility for the skilled worker program.
Get the COS(Certificate of Sponsorship)
After analyzing your eligibility, you must now get the Certificate of Sponsorship from the UK-based employer to apply for the Skilled Worker Visa UK.
Submit the Online Application
To apply for a Skilled Worker visa, visit the UK government's website, read carefully, provide the required information in English, and choose your planned residence.
Upload Documents
Now, the candidate must upload the documents required for the skilled worker visa program. These documents include valid passport details, educational credentials, professional credentials, Certificate of Sponsorship, and others.
Pay the Visa Fee
Now, the candidate must pay the visa application fee.
Healthcare Surcharge
Under this, the healthcare surcharge must be paid either online or during an appointment at the visa application center.
Provide Your Biometrics
Under this, the candidate must provide biometrics details. You can do this by scheduling the appointment at your nearest visa application center, which can be found on GOV.UK.
Processing time for the Skilled Visa Program
If you have applied for the skilled visa program by staying in the UK, your processing time can take up to eight weeks. If you have applied for the visa program outside of the UK, the processing time can take up to three to four weeks.
Processing Fee for this Visa Program
The following table illustrates the processing fee for this visa program.
Factors | Fee |
For staying for less than three years | £625 per applicant |
For staying for more than three years | £1,235 per applicant |
Surcharge of Healthcare for each year of your stay | £624 per year |
Applying to amend, switch, or extend your visa for a stay of up to three years from within the United Kingdom. | £719 per applicant |
Applying to amend, switch, or extend your visa for staying more than three years from within the United Kingdom. | £1,423 per applicant |
Shortage of occupation roles, both in-country and out-of-country, is affecting applications for stays up to three years. | £479 per applicant |
Shortage of occupation roles, both in-country and out-of-country, is affecting applications for staying more than three years. | £943 per applicant |
Conclusion
This article details the Skilled Worker Visa UK. The UK Skilled Worker Visa Program is a government initiative aimed at attracting international skilled workers to the UK's labor market by offering permanent residency.
Eligibility requirements include a valid job offer, Certificate of Sponsorship, in-demand occupation, language proficiency, passport, Police Clearance Certificate, and occupation code. Processing time for UK residents can take up to eight weeks, while outsiders may face three to four weeks. The program offers benefits such as no cap limit, access to public services, targeting high-demand sectors, and long-term stability.
For more details about the United Kingdom Skilled Worker Program, contact Province Immigration via +91 98961 96762 or info@provinceimmigration.com
