Skilled workers from various countries must apply for a skilled worker visa in the UK to work, also known as a Labour Visa.
This visa is essential for individuals looking to work in specific occupations within the UK. To qualify, applicants must meet several conditions, including proficiency in English and other required qualifications.
In this article, we provide comprehensive details on the Skilled Worker Visa and how it works.
Contents
- 1 What is a Labour Visa in the UK?
- 2 Labour Visa VS Skilled Worker Visa
- 3 Jobs Available with a Skilled Worker Visa
- 4 Eligibility for a UK Labour Visa
- 5 Documents Required for a Labour Visa Application
- 6 How to Apply for a UK Skilled Worker Visa
- 7 Costs Associated with a Skilled Worker Visa
- 8 Application Processing Time
- 9 Validity and Renewal of the Skilled Worker Visa
- 10 Transition to a Skilled Worker Visa from Another Visa
- 11 What Happens if You Lose Your Job?
- 12 FAQs
What is a Labour Visa in the UK?
A labour visa, more commonly referred to as a Skilled Worker Visa, allows qualified workers from overseas or within the UK to gain employment legally.
Introduced to replace the Tier 2 visa in late 2020, the Skilled Worker Visa is designed for individuals with a skill level equivalent to RQF Level 3 (similar to A-level qualifications) or higher in eligible roles.
Learn also about the US Work Permit Guide
Labour Visa VS Skilled Worker Visa
Both terms typically refer to the same type of visa. While the official name is the Skilled Worker Visa, it is often called a labour visa because it is aimed at facilitating employment for skilled workers within the UK.
Jobs Available with a Skilled Worker Visa
A wide range of employment opportunities is available for those who qualify for the Skilled Worker Visa. These jobs vary based on qualifications and skills, with salaries differing according to the specific role.
For more details about the jobs eligible under this visa, you can visit the UK’s official list of available occupations.
Eligibility for a UK Labour Visa
To apply for a Skilled Worker Visa, certain eligibility criteria must be met:
- Age: You must be at least 18 years old.
- Job Offer: You need a job offer from a licensed UK employer who will act as your sponsor.
- Skill Level: Your job must meet the skill level requirement of RQF Level 3 or higher.
- English Proficiency: You must demonstrate your ability to speak, read, and understand English (minimum CEFR Level B1).
- Financial Stability: You must show evidence of having at least £1,270 in savings to support yourself.
- You may also need a UK Work Permit, depending on your job role.
Documents Required for a Labour Visa Application
When applying for a Skilled Worker Visa, you need to submit various documents:
- Valid passport
- Certificate of Sponsorship reference number
- Job title and annual salary
- Occupation code for your job
- Sponsor licence number from your employer
- Bank statements showing sufficient savings
- Proof of relationship with dependents, if applicable
- Criminal record certificate (for certain jobs)
- English language proficiency certificate
- Tuberculosis test results, if applicable
How to Apply for a UK Skilled Worker Visa
If you’re inside the UK, you can apply via UK Immigration. For those applying from outside the UK, follow these steps to apply online:
- Visit the UK government’s website to apply for a Skilled Worker Visa.
- Click on “Start Now“
- Choose the region of the UK you intend to work in.
- Answer whether you currently hold an EU, EEA, or Swiss passport.
- Select the country where you will provide your biometric information.
- Fill in your personal details, submit your application, and pay the required fee.
Costs Associated with a Skilled Worker Visa
The fees for applying for a Skilled Worker Visa vary depending on several factors, including the length of employment and job type:
- From outside the UK (up to 3 years): £719 per applicant
- From outside the UK (more than 3 years): £1,420 per applicant
- From within the UK (up to 3 years): £827 per applicant
- From within the UK (more than 3 years): £1,636 per applicant
Additionally, you need to pay a healthcare surcharge of £624 per year for access to the NHS.
Additional Expenses
- Healthcare Surcharge: £1,035 annually to access NHS services.
- Maintenance Funds: You must have at least £1,270 available for financial support, unless you are exempt (e.g., if your employer covers this).
Application Processing Time
The processing time for the Skilled Worker Visa varies depending on where you apply from:
- Outside the UK: Processing generally takes around 3 weeks.
- Inside the UK: Processing can take 8 weeks or more.
Delays may occur if the UK Home Office requires additional information.
Validity and Renewal of the Skilled Worker Visa
The Skilled Worker Visa typically lasts for up to five years. After this period, it must be renewed if you wish to continue working.
To renew your visa, your employer must still require your services, and your role must remain the same. If your employer no longer needs you, the visa cannot be renewed.
Transition to a Skilled Worker Visa from Another Visa
It’s possible to switch to a Skilled Worker Visa from other visa categories, except for the following:
- Visitor Visa
- Short-term Student Visa
- Parent of a Child Student Visa
- Seasonal Worker Visa
- Domestic Worker in a Private Household Visa
- Immigration Bail
- Permission to Stay Outside the Immigration Rules
Minimum Salary Requirements
To qualify for the Skilled Worker Visa, you must meet the minimum salary threshold, which varies depending on your job:
- General threshold: £26,200 per year or £10.75 per hour
- Shortage occupations: £20,960 per year
- PhD-level roles: £23,580 per year (or lower for STEM roles)
- New entrants: £20,960 per year
- For health and education jobs, national pay scales apply.
What Happens if You Lose Your Job?
If you lose your job while on a Skilled Worker Visa, your employer must inform the Home Office, and you may need to leave the UK unless you can secure another job and apply for a new visa within the required timeframe.
FAQs
- Do EU Workers Need a UK Work Visa?
Ans: EU citizens with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme do not need a work visa.
- What Can Cause a Labour Visa Rejection?
Ans: Visa applications can be rejected due to incomplete documentation, errors in the application form, or failure to meet qualifications.
A UK Skilled Worker Visa is your gateway to working in the UK, but you must meet strict requirements. Ensure you follow all guidelines and provide necessary documentation to avoid delays or rejection.
If you plan to bring family members, make sure they meet the UK’s dependent requirements as well.