Skilled Worker

Q) What is Skilled Worker visa category

The Skilled Worker visa enables skilled workers to come to the UK in order to fill a gap in the UK labour market. Skilled Worker replaced Tier 2 (General) on 1 December 2020.

Q) Skilled Worker visa – What are its main requirements:

In order to qualify for a Skilled Worker visa, the applicant must be able to show amongst others:

  • they have a suitable job offer and a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from an UK based licensed sponsor;
  • the role represents a genuine vacancy of the Employer;
  • they possess the suitable skills and experience for the chosen role;
  • the role is at the relevant skill level;
  • they will be paid an appropriate salary for the role;
  • they meet the required level of English language;
  • they have sufficient funds to maintain themselves if maintenance is not certified by the sponsor;
  • they have a TB certificate, if required; and
  • they have a criminal record certificate, if required; and
  • they do not fall for refusal under the general grounds for refusal.

Q) What is the length and conditions of stay in the UK

There is no restriction on the length of stay in the UK under this route. However, visas will be granted in accordance with the work start and end data entered onto the CoS by the sponsor.

Q) What work a Skilled Worker will do once granted under this category

During their stay in the UK, applicants must work for the sponsor in the role described on the CoS.

They can also perform supplementary work in accordance with the rules and study, providing this does not interfere with their main sponsored work.

Q) Can a skilled worker own shares in the Sponsoring Company

There is no restriction on the number of shares an applicant can hold in the sponsoring company.

Q) Will the Skilled worker be entitled to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain

An application for Indefinite Leave to Remain can be made once an applicant has held a Skilled Worker visa (plus time spent under Tier 2 (General) for a period of at least five years.

What are eligibility In order to be eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain an applicant must demonstrate that:

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