Skilled Worker Visa Solicitors
A Skilled Worker Visa can be a vital step in your career, or it can be a great way to secure international talent for your business. Our dedicated immigration team is here to support individuals and businesses through the application process, ensuring you meet all the requirements and have the best possible chance of success.
Talk to one of our team members on 03300297347
Helping Global Talent Secure the Right to Work in the UK
A Skilled Worker Visa allows individuals to come to or stay in the UK to work for an approved employer in an eligible role. This visa has replaced the previous Tier 2 (General) work visa and is now the primary route for skilled workers to gain employment in the UK. It also covers those working in UK waters.
If you are looking to apply for a Skilled Worker visa, our expert legal team can guide you through every step, from checking eligibility to completing your application. Our solicitors can assess your supporting evidence, guiding you toward the best possible path to employment in the UK.
We can assist businesses in gaining a sponsorship licence and guide HR teams through complex immigration regulations. Our solicitors can also help your business maintain a licence through compliance with Home Office regulations and assist multi-national companies in relocating staff to UK branches.
Whether you are an employer looking to recruit international talent or a professional seeking guidance on your visa application, our immigration team is here to help.
Our specialist Immigration and Visa Solicitors, based in Manchester and Sale and serve clients worldwide to help them secure a place in the UK workforce.
If you’d like to contact our solicitors, fill out the adjacent contact sheet on this page or call 03301 732 339.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
Who Is Eligible for a Skilled Worker Visa?
To qualify for a Skilled Worker visa, you must:
- Have a confirmed job offer from a UK employer that is approved by the Home Office.
- Obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your employer.
- Ensure your job is listed as an eligible occupation.
- Meet the salary requirements, which will depend on your role and the date your CoS was issued.
- Demonstrate proficiency in the English language.
If you are unsure about whether you meet these requirements, our team can assess your case and provide tailored advice.
How Long Can You Stay on a Skilled Worker Visa?
A Skilled Worker visa is usually granted for up to five years. Before it expires, you can apply to extend it, provided you continue to meet the eligibility criteria.
After five years in the UK on a Skilled Worker visa, you may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), allowing you to live, work, and study in the UK without time restrictions.
How do I Apply for a Skilled Worker Visa?
You must apply online, and the process varies depending on whether you are:
- Applying from outside the UK.
- Extending your existing visa from within the UK.
- Switching to a Skilled Worker visa from a different visa category.
Our immigration specialists can assist you with each stage, ensuring that your documents and application are correctly prepared to avoid delays or rejections.
How Long Does the Process Take?
The decision timeline for a Skilled Worker visa application is usually:
- 3 weeks if you are applying from outside the UK.
- 8 weeks if you are applying from within the UK.
You may be able to pay for a priority service to receive a faster decision.
Costs and Financial Requirements
When applying for a Skilled Worker visa, you must consider the following costs:
- Visa application fee (varies depending on the length of stay and job type).
- Healthcare surcharge for each year of your visa.
- Proof of sufficient savings to support yourself in the UK.
Our team can provide clarity on the costs involved and advise on whether any exemptions apply to your case.
What are the Salary Requirements?
To be eligible for a Skilled Worker visa, you must be paid at least the minimum salary threshold, which is whichever is highest of:
- £38,700 per year
- The going rate for your specific job role
Some exceptions apply, particularly for healthcare and education roles. If you are unsure whether your salary meets the criteria, our team can help you check the specific requirements for your job.
Can You Bring Your Family to the UK?
Yes, your partner and children can apply to join or remain with you in the UK as dependants. They will need to:
- Pay the visa application fee.
- Pay the healthcare surcharge.
- Provide proof of sufficient funds.
If you are applying as a care worker or senior care worker, your dependants may not be eligible to join you under the Skilled Worker visa. We can provide guidance on alternative visa routes.
Can I Switch to a Skilled Worker Visa?
If you are already in the UK on a different type of visa, you may be eligible to switch to a Skilled Worker visa. However, you cannot switch if you are currently on certain visa types, such as a visitor visa or a short-term student visa.
Our legal team can assess your situation and advise on the best course of action.
Settling in the UK: Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
After five years of continuous residence under the Skilled Worker Visa, individuals can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). This grants permanent resident status, removing visa sponsorship restrictions and allowing greater flexibility in employment.
Approved UK Employers and Sponsorship
You must have a job offer from a UK employer that is approved by the Home Office. These employers are known as sponsors, as they provide the Certificate of Sponsorship required for your visa application.
If your employer is not currently approved, they may be able to apply for a sponsor licence. We can advise both individuals and employers on the requirements and process for obtaining sponsorship approval.
Get Expert Legal Advice Today
If you need support with your Skilled Worker visa application, our experienced immigration team is ready to help. Contact us today to discuss your case and start your application process with confidence.
Meet the Team
If you need expert advice on UK immigration and visa matters, we’re here to help. Contact us today to discuss your situation with one of our experienced immigration solicitors.
