The skilled worker visa has replaced the Tier 2 (General) work visa, this visa enables successful applicants to come to or stay in the UK to work with an approved employer also known as sponsors.

Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the skilled worker visa you must have a confirmed employment offer. Other requirements include that applicant must:
- work for a Home Office approved UK employer
- obtain a certificate of sponsorship from the employer with detailed information about the employment
- do a job that is on the list of eligible occupations
- be paid a minimum salary, which varies based on the type of job

The minimum salary for the type of job is recognised as whichever is the highest out of the 3 options:
- £25,600 per year
- £10.10 per hour
- the going rate for the job type (Going rate is the average market price for a particular job)

Applicants will need to be paid at least the going rate.

Example: Sam’s salary = £29,000/year
- Sam’s occupation is Human Resource Manager
- The annual going rate for Human Resource Manager is £37,000
- Therefore, Sam did not meet the usual salary requirements for this visa.

Each occupation code has its own annual going rate which you can check for in the going rates table

The employer, also known as the sponsor, checks that applicants meet the eligibility requirements and as a result issue a certificate of sponsorship to prove this.

The certificate of sponsorship contains the reference number amongst other things that is needed for the visa application.
Applicants must apply for their visa within 3 months of getting their certificate of sponsorship.

Documents Required
- certificate of sponsorship which contain certificate of sponsorship reference number, name of the employer and the sponsor licence number
- proof of knowledge of English
- a valid passport
- the job title and annual salary
- the job’s occupation code
- financial document that proof applicants can support themselves in the Uk

The documents required during application are not limited to the above, it varies depending on individual circumstances. Some other documents required may include;
- marriage or birth certificate to show proof of relationship with spouse or children if applying with dependants.
- Tuberculosis test result if from a listed country
- a criminal record certificate - if working in certain jobs like social services, healthcare, education etc.

Knowledge of English: Applicants must be able to speak, read, write and understand English. However, applicants that have already passed an English Language assessment that is accepted by the relevant regulated professional body do not need to prove their knowledge of English.

Duration: The visa can last up to 5 years.

Application: must be done online. Application for the visa can be submitted up to 3 months before your work resumption date in the UK as it appears on your certificate of sponsorship.

Costs
The cost may vary based on the type of job (lesser if in shortage occupation list), if applying from within or outside the UK and if you are applying with dependants
Applicants and dependants if any must each pay the following:
- the visa application fee
- the healthcare surcharge for each year of stay
- prove of sufficient personal savings

If applying from outside the UK, the visa application fees are:
- for up to 3 years, £625/person
- for more than 3 years, £1,235/person

If applying from inside the UK, either to extend, switch or update visa, the visa application fees depends on how long you will be in the UK for:
- up to 3 years - £719/person
- more than 3 years - £1,423 per person

If your job is on the shortage occupation list, the visa application fee is the same whether applying from inside or outside the UK, which are:
- £479 if up to 3 years
- £943 if more than 3 years

Healthcare surcharge = £624/year

Living Expense
Applicants must have at least £1,270 in their bank account to show they can support themselves for their first month in the UK. The money must be available in your bank account for at least 28 days. Applicants will need to show proof of this except they have been in the UK with a valid visa for at least 12 months or the employer can cover the costs up to £1,270 during their first month in the UK.

For applicants with dependants: they will have to show
- £285 for partner
- £315 for one child
- £200 for each additional child

Dependants will need to complete a separate application using the applicant Global Web Form (GWF) or a Unique Application Number (UAN) and pay the visa fee as stated above.

Visa extension: the skilled worker visa can be extended so far the eligibility criteria are met. After 5 years, you may be able to apply for indefinite leave to remain which gives you the right to live, work and study in the UK as long as you like.

Advantages of a Skilled Worker Visa:
- successful applicants can work in an eligible job
- successful applicants can study
- successful applicants can take on additional work in certain circumstances
- long visa duration – can last up to 5 years
- the visa counts towards settlement and you can apply for indefinite leave to remain if you have lived in the UK for 5 years and meet other eligibility requirements
- successful applicants can do voluntary work
- the skilled worker visa can be extended as many times as you wish as long as you meet the eligibility requirement
- successful applicants can bring their dependants to live in the UK with them if they are eligible
- successful applicants can travel in and out of the UK within their visa duration

Disadvantages: Successful applicants cannot;
- change jobs or employer unless you apply to update your visa
- Application fee is expensive
- The application is not very straightforward due to the number of factors to be considered.
- apply for public funds or the State Pension