Published on: 13th April 2022
Reading time: Approx 5 mins

Introduction
Eligibility requirements of a UK Skilled Worker visa
UK Skilled Worker visa salary requirements
UK Skilled Worker visa English requirements
Documents required for UK Skilled Worker visa
How long is a UK Skilled Worker visa valid?
Getting a decision on your UK Skilled Worker visa application
Contact Skilled Worker visa consultant in India

India is the leading country of origin of migrants globally, with some reports putting the number at 18 million migrants. The UK on the other hand ranks 5th in welcoming immigrants from all over the world. Not surprisingly Indians make up the largest group of migrants being granted Skilled Worker visas to the UK.

Source: IOM, 2020 data

The United Kingdom has always been a top choice of destination for many individuals striving to migrate for study/work/business purposes. Be it:

• Better financial gains
• The quality of life
• Advanced healthcare facilities
• Consistently strong economic growth

Many factors combined, make the UK a secure place to build your career or business. In India, we have a huge talent pool from multiple sectors. With the world becoming a global village, the Indian professionals are keen to take their skills on a global stage and this is where skilled migration provides them with the platform to do so.

Let’s understand what all it takes to apply for a UK Skilled Worker visa and what does the UK require from its applicants?

To qualify for a UK Skilled Worker visa, you must:

• have a job offer from an employer on the Home Office’s sponsor licence register
• have a ‘Certificate of Sponsorship’ (COS) from your employer with information about the role you’ve been offered in the UK
• do a job that’s on the list of eligible occupations
• Be paid salary at appropriate level
• Meet the English language requirement
• Meet the maintenance funds requirement

You’ll usually need to be paid at least £25,600 per year or £10.10 per hour, whichever is higher. Or the ‘going rate’ for the type of work you’ll be doing.
(For example, your salary is £27,000 per year, but the annual going rate for the job you’ll be doing is £30,000, then you do not meet the usual salary requirements for this visa).

There are different salary rules if you work in some healthcare or education jobs, where the going rate is based on national pay scales.

If you do not meet the usual salary requirements, and you do not work in healthcare or education, you might still be eligible if your salary will be at least

Applicants are required to prove English language proficiency. You must prove you can read, write, speak and understand English to at least level B1 on the (CEFR) scale.
You can prove your knowledge of English by:

• passing a Secure English Language Test (SELT) from an approved provider
• having a GCSE, A level, Scottish National Qualification level 4 or 5, Scottish Higher or Advanced Higher in English, gained through study at a UK school that you began when you were under 18
• having a degree-level academic qualification that was taught in English – if you studied abroad, you’ll need to apply through Ecctis (formerly UK NARIC) for confirmation that your qualification is equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or Ph.D.

• You WILL NOT need to prove your knowledge of English if you’re a national of one of the following countries: Check Here
• If you’re a doctor, dentist, nurse, midwife or vet:
  • You do not need to prove your knowledge of English if you’ve already passed an English Language assessment that is accepted by the relevant regulated professional body
  • If you’re a vet, you may need to prove that you passed an English Language assessment with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.

• Certificate of Sponsorship reference no. – provided by the employer
• proof of your knowledge of English
• a valid passport and a blank page in your passport
• evidence that you have enough savings to support yourself in the UK
• your job title and annual salary
• your job’s occupation code
• the name of your employer and their sponsor licence number – this will be on your certificate of sponsorship
• criminal record certificate
• your tuberculosis test results if you’re from a listed country

Your visa can last for up to 5 years before you need to extend it. You’ll need to apply

Once you’ve applied online proved your identity, and provided your documents, you’ll usually get a decision on your visa within:

• 3 weeks, if you’re outside the UK
• 8 weeks, if you’re inside the UK

UK immigration laws can be difficult to navigate and mistakes in the application form can result in refusals and in some cases denial of entry for up to 10 years.

The SmartMove2UK is one of the leading UK immigration law firm’s in India. For over 2 decades, we have been assisting people with UK immigration and nationality laws.

Our clientele base is spread over 26+ countries, with 1,000s of success stories. If you are looking for assistance in applying for a UK Skilled Worker visa, you can book a consultation with our immigration experts.

Call us on +91 98191 27002 or Email us at [email protected]

In this video, Hemang Laaheru, Lawyer and Partner in The SmartMove2UK, explains in detail the UK’s soon launching Global Business Mobility visas.