Being under pressure and uncertain about one's visa status can be stressful and emotionally draining. I had the opportunity of talking to Lauren about my concerns. Trust me when I say we sent up to 15 emails and phone calls back and forth. She was so patient with me and helpful. She stated clearly what could be done, also she responded to my employer's emails and supported me all through the process until I got my COS and visa. I am very grateful to Lauren and White rose visas. This review is not enough as a thank you.
I had the pleasure of working with WRV for obtaining a CoS and further the work visa. The service provided by this firm, particularly by Mrs. Tracey Grayson was nothing short of brilliance!!! From the onset, the process was smooth and incredibly swift, communication skills stood out prominently. She is consistently clear and precise in her requests for information to be provided. Moreover, she deeply understood my complex scenario of transitioning to the new workplace. This level of efficiency is unprecedented in my experience. I'm grateful for the guidance provided and no doubt will be back with you soon for the ILR journey and further.
I have received the exceptional assistance in my case and it went buttery-smooth. Whole team worked exceptionally well. I highly recommend White Rose Visas to everyone. Thank you Once again Kim and Team
I had a really great experience applying for a Skilled Worker Visa through White Rose. It was a very easy process and they guided me through each step. Tracey and her team did all the work so all I had to do was fill out some forms and show up at my biometric appointment. Superb!
I enjoyed my experience with White Rose Visas during my Skilled Worker visa application. Tracy pulled me along through the whole process, explained the steps and what needed to be done, answered my questions and if I need to communicate with her directly, she was always available. The process was smooth and stress free. Thank You Tracy and White Rose Visas. Highly Recommended
I had a fantastic experience with Whiterose Visas in obtaining both mine and my husband's visas. Their professionalism and expertise truly set them apart. The entire process was seamless, and I highly recommend their services for anyone in need of visa assistance.
What is the Skilled Worker visa?
The Skilled Worker visa is a category designed for workers who have been offered skilled employment in the UK. It replaced the Tier 2 General visa. Skilled Worker visa holders are employees who have been hired by a UK sponsor.
How do you qualify for Skilled Worker?
To apply for a Skilled Worker visa, you will need all of the following:
Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
Appropriate Salary
Knowledge of English Language
Maintenance Funds
Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). Applicants must have been issued with a CoS by a UK based employer. The employer must appear on the list of licenced sponsors, current details of which can be found on the gov.uk register.
Note that the CoS is not an actual paper document, rather an electronic record on a database. Each CoS has a unique reference number and contains information about the prospective worker, the job they will be coming to the UK to perform, the length of the contract and the salary.
Appropriate salary. There are minimum salary requirements which vary dependant on the job the applicant is coming to perform. Details of current salary rates can be found here.
Knowledge of English Language. Skilled Worker applicants must demonstrate English Language of at least B1 on the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages), evidenced by taking an appropriate test, being a national of a majority English speaking country or holding a degree which was taught in English.
Maintenance. Applicants must show that they have at least £945 of savings held for 90 days prior to making their visa application. Alternatively they can ask their sponsor to act as guarantor for this requirement and record this on the CoS.
How long is a Skilled Worker visa granted for?
Skilled Worker visas are granted for the length of contract stated by the sponsor on the Certificate of Sponsorship - plus one month - up to a maximum of five years. Applicants are able to extend their visas within Skilled Worker up to a maximum of six years in total.
What restrictions are there for those with a Skilled Worker visa?
Applicants must undertake the job for which they were initially granted a visa for, i.e. the job detailed on the CoS. If applicants change employers, or even move to a different job within the same organisation they will need to make a fresh Skilled Worker application.
It is possible to take a second job whilst working on a Skilled Worker visa, in certain circumstances. Skilled Worker visa holders are able to study, as long as it doesn’t interfere with the job that they are being sponsored for. Self-employment is permitted within Skilled Worker under certain circumstances.
Can you include family members in a Skilled Worker application?
Applicants can include partners and children aged under 18 on this visa, and they will be granted the same length of time as the main applicant. These family members will be able to work or establish their own businesses in the UK.
Does a Skilled Worker visa lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)?
Skilled Worker visa holders will become eligible to apply for settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain) after five years provided that they are still required for UK employment by a licensed sponsor.
They must usually be earning a minimum salary of £38,700, with just a few exceptions:
- Current job appears on the Immigration Salary List: £30,960
- Initial Skilled Worker granted before 4 April 2024 and has been maintained continuously since then: £29,000
- Health & Care workers: £23,200
Applicants will also need to satisfy the Knowledge of Language and Life in the UK requirement and should not have spent more than 180 days in any 12 months period outside the UK.
Family members will also usually be eligible for ILR after completing 5 years as a dependant.
How can we help?
White Rose Visas are able to assist with any Skilled Worker visa application, including more complex situations such as those involving self-employment. We are also experienced in other applications such as Minister of Religion and Sportsperson. If you are looking to prepare an application, or are unsure how to proceed in your particular circumstances, please contact us and we will be happy to advise you.
If you are an employer or Sponsor and are looking for more details on the sponsorship process, please see our dedicated Sponsor Licensing Guide.
