Working in the UK
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UK Skilled Worker Visa Applications
If you want to enter the UK on a long-term basis to fill a skilled job vacancy, you may be eligible to apply for a Skilled Worker Visa (formerly known as the Tier 2 Visa).
At Rees Clayton Solicitors we have a 100% success rate for UK Work Visa applications and are here to help you submit your application quickly with the best chance of success.
Assessing your eligibility for a Skilled Worker Visa
Job Offer and Qualifications Required for s UK Work Visa
You must work or have a job offer for a job that is on the list of eligible occupations to be eligible or a UK Skilled Worker Visa. Your employer in the UK must have approval from the Home Office and hold a Sponsor License. It is their responsibility to apply for the Sponsor Licence.
What Skilled Worker Visas Allow You to Do
Depending on your term of employment Skilled Worker Visas can last as long as 5 years. Extensions can also be applied for as many times as required. Once skilled workers have spent 5 years in the UK, they also become eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain or Settlement.
Whilst in the UK on a Skilled Worker Visa you can:
- Work for your sponsor in the job described in your certificate of sponsorship
- Work in a second job (in certain circumstances)
- Undertale voluntary work
- Study (providing that it doesn’t interfere with the job that you’re sponsored for)
- Travel abroad and return the UK
- Bring family members with you
- Apply for UK Settlement if, and when, you meet the requirements
There are however some things that you can’t do on a Skilled Worker Visa, including:
- Access most public funds
- Change employment without updating your visa
People from certain nationalities are also required to register with the police when they are entering and planning to stay in the UK for longer than 6 months.
Documents Required for UK Work Visa Applications
When applying for you a Skilled Worker Visa, you must provide the following:
- A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your employer
- Proof you meet the English language requirements
- Proof of your identity
- Proof of maintenance funds to cover your living costs
- A criminal record certificate (if applicable)
UK Skilled Worker Requirements
To be eligible for a Skilled Worker Visa you must score 50 points be meeting the following criteria:
- A job offer from an approved sponsor – 20 points
- A job offer at the appropriate skill level – 20 points
- Sufficient knowledge of English language – 10 points
In addition to this you must also be awarded 20 points which are ‘tradable points’ – requirements for these points will vary depending on your individual circumstances.
UK Short-Term Work Visas
Working on a Temporary Basis
You may be eligible to apply for a Temporary Work Visa if you want to come to the UK to temporarily work.
Read more about coming to the UK on a temporary basis for work here. (Link to Short term Work Visa Page)
UK Work Visa Sponsorship
How Businesses Can Sponsor You
The first thing that you must do is find out whether your employer is eligible to sponsor you. To sponsor you they must hold a sponsorship license. The business looking to sponsor you must also not have any unspent criminal convictions – This includes immigration offences.
Applying for a UK Work Visa with Rees Clayton Solicitors
When you’re ready to apply for your Skilled Worker Visa, our immigration solicitors are here to help. We are available to assist you and your employer with the immigration process and to ensure that the process can be a quick and stress-free as possible
Get in touch with our expert immigration solicitors today for your free initial consultation.