Documents You Need for UK Skilled Worker Visa

Documents You Need for UK Skilled Worker Visa; The United Kingdom remains one of the top destinations for skilled workers across the globe.

Are you looking to immigrate to the UK, live and work legally, however, not conversant with the process flow regarding documentations, suitable visa for individual circumstance.

If this feels like you, this guide is tailored to address every concern you may have come across in this journey.

About the UK skilled worker visa

The UK skilled worker visa formally the Tier 2 visa is the work visa, or authorization available for foreign nationals to live and work legally in the United Kingdom.

The visa allows employers to sponsor foreign nationals, usually non-UK, to live and work in UK in eligible skilled roles.

However, this visa is open to individuals who are able to attain 70 points by meeting certain specified requirements.

These requirements include but are not limited to;

Skill and salary level
English language ability, and a
Qualified job Offer from a UK employer who has a valid sponsoring license.

Benefits of working in the UK

1. Free healthcare and education

The UK offers everyone in the country access to healthcare and education for free to a reasonable extent, living and working in the UK implies that foreign nationals also have access to quality healthcare services in case of emergency.

Children also have access to free education at different schools, while the UK is arguably home to most of the world’s best universities

2. Easy access to Europe

One of the unique benefits of living and working in the UK is that you will have access to other European countries. Through cheap and plenty affordable airlines, you can schedule and embark on your journey with no stress to visit Europe at will.

3. Great career opportunities

The availability of many companies in London only goes to show how there’s a great career opportunity in the UK for expats who meet qualifications to find their preferred jobs in the UK.

4. Friendly and polite people

Despite being generously welcoming, the UK is considered to be one of the few places with polite and friendly people.

This goes to say that once you relocate, meeting and connecting with new people isn’t that hard.

5. A lot of paid time off

The UK is a hub for good paid time off policies. Every type of employment has a minimum of 5.6 weeks off, regardless of the type of job you do, so long you earn salary, you are ensured of a lot of leave or vacation days.

Documents required for UK skilled worker visa

Bear in mind that while you are looking to apply for the UK skilled worker visa, you are required statutorily to meet certain documentary specifications, these include but are not limited to;

Your certificate of sponsorship reference number as made available by your UK employer
A proof of your knowledge of English
A valid passport or other documents that show your nationality and identity
Job title and annual salary
Your job occupation code
The name of your UK employer as well as their sponsor license number, contained on your certificate of sponsorship.

Skilled worker visa requirements

The rules are requirements for the skilled worker visa route are set out in Appendix Skilled Worker.

Applicants will need to amass a total of 70 points to be eligible for a skilled worker visa.

The 70 points threshold for a skilled worker visa is made up of 50 points for mandatory or non-tradable criteria.

How to apply for a UK skilled worker visa

If you are looking to apply for a skilled worker visa, you will need to submit an online application, as well as your supporting documentation, then pay relevant fee.

Application can be made up to three months before the worker’s intended employment start date in the UK, as contained on the certification of the sponsorship.

The applicant is required to submit an online application within the three months of being assigned a certificate of sponsorship.

Applicant will need to attend an appointment at a visa application center to enroll biometric information and submit various supporting documents.

Step one: Obtain a job offer

You are required to secure a job offer from a UK employer who serves as the sponsor for a work visa in this case. Such employer can only proceed after the Department of Labor have certified them credible enough with genuine reason to hire a foreign worker.

Under this arrangement, the employer should be able to demonstrate that no UK resident is suitable for the job role being sourced.

Step two: Apply for Certificate of Sponsorship

The employer issues a certificate of sponsorship to the foreign employee, the CoS reference number is required in completing the visa application by the potential immigrant worker.

Step three: Gather your documents

Collect every required document for the visa application, see above for all documents required for the UK work visa application for your perusal, please.

Step four: Complete the online application

Fill out the online visa application form and pay the fees.

Step five: Biometric appointment

You will need to attend an appointment to provide your fingerprints and photo.

Step six: Wait for decision

You will need to wait for the Home Office to process your application which after you will receive a decision as to whether your application is accepted and approved.

Step seven: Receive your visa

If the Home Office finally makes a decision that favors your visa application, you will receive a congratulatory message regarding your application, and your visa granted at last, then prepare for your move to the UK.

UK skilled worker visa timeline

Here are the key stages and expected timeframe involved in the skilled worker visa application process;

Job Offer and certificate of sponsorship: This could take a few weeks to a month
Preparation of documents: 1 – 2 weeks
Online visa application: A few hours
Biometric appointment: within 1 – 2 weeks
Visa processing: Could take up to 8 weeks
Decision and notification: Within the chosen processing time
Travel to the UK: Within 30 days of receiving vignette

Tips to improve your chances of a successful application

Be sure that all documents are complete

Gather all required documents before starting your application, this include but are not limited to your passport, Certificate of Sponsorship, proof of English language proficiency, and financial evidence. If you miss a document, it could delay your visa process.

Check sponsor’s licensed status

Verify that your employer has a valid sponsorship license. You may check the official list of licensed sponsors on the UK government website. An invalid license will result in application being rejected.

Understand the financial requirements

Be sure you meet the maintenance fund requirement, you will need to show that you have enough money to support yourself, and any dependent without relying on public funds.

Maintain the required amount in your bank account for at least 28 days.

Prepare for the English language test

Book and prepare for an approved English language test if required in advance. Achieving the necessary score is ideal for your visa approval, exception you are a national of an English-speaking country.

Complete the online application accurately

Fill in all sections of the online application form correctly, crosscheck all details to avoid errors which may lead to delays or rejection, be sure to select the correct visa category.

Pay the immigration health surcharge

Calculate and pay the IHS as part of your application, this provides access to the UK NHS during your stay, the amount will depend on the length of your visa.

Book and attend the biometric appointment

Schedule your biometric appointment as soon as you got the invitation, attend on time and bring all required documents, if you miss this appointment, it’ll delay your application.

Choose the right processing service

Decide between standard, priority, or super priority processing based on your timeline and budget. Priority services cost more, however, can reduce processing time significantly.

Keep copies of all submitted documents

Make copies of all documents submitted with your application. This includes the online application form, supporting documents, and payment receipts. Keeping records can be useful in case of issues.

Monitor application status

Regularly check your application status. If you opted for priority or super priority service, expect updates within the promised timeframe, for any unexpected delays, contact the UKVI.

Prepare for arrival in the UK

Plan your arrival in the UK within the 30-day period specified on your visa vignette. Be sure to collect your biometric residence permit from the designated post office within 10 days of arrival.

Changing job or employer

If you change sponsor or job, you are required to apply for a new period of leave by making an application for a new skilled worker visa on the basis of your new Certificate of Sponsorship.

Additional work with skilled worker visa

There are rules governing whether someone with skilled worker visa can take a second job or earn supplementary income in addition to the sponsored role.

As a skilled worker visa holder, you are permitted to take an additional work, provided you are still employed by your original sponsor, and continued to undertake their main sponsored role.

If the skilled worker is a GP trainee and has been granted permission up to 4 months after the end date listed on the CoS, they are allowed to undertake supplementary work during this period, even if they are no longer employed by their original sponsor.

What if you lose your sponsored job?

If you lose your job under the skilled worker visa category, you have a 60-day grace period to remain the UK and seek new employment.

If during this time, you find a new job with a UK employer who holds a valid sponsorship license, you should obtain a new CoS and apply for a new skilled worker visa using the new CoS.

However, if you couldn’t find a new sponsor, you may consider switching to another visa type, such as family visa, if eligible.

Kindly comply with all visa conditions during this period, and seek professional advice if necessary.

Failure to secure a new employment or switch visas within the grace period means you must leave the UK to avoid overstaying.

Skilled worker visa to ILR

Securing Indefinite Leave of Remain is a significant step towards obtaining permanent residency in the UK. It grants you the right to live, work and study in the UK with no time restrictions, however, a key milestone on the path to British citizenship.

To apply for ILR, skilled worker visa holders must meet several requirements. You must have lived in the UK continuously for at least five years, during this duration, you must not have spent more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period.

However, you must hold a valid skilled worker visa at the time of your ILR application.

Conclusion

The UK skilled worker visa formally the Tier 2 visa is the work visa, or authorization available for foreign nationals to live and work legally in the United Kingdom.