(Introduction/Overview)
The UK is becoming home to thousands of talented individuals who have brought immense innovation and expertise in different fields. The visa is applicable to international students, graduates or professionals wanting a job in the UK. The immigration policy of the UK has some significant changes that might affect your visa. Especially the skilled worker visa UK new rules are subject to some changes that came into effect on April 4, 2024.
Navigate your way through the Skilled Worker Visa application procedure by going through this comprehensive guide. Consider this as your handbook that will break down all the rules, simplify the application process and state the essential requirements for you. Our aim is to make sure that you have the knowledge and tools to submit the application successfully,
The UK presents diverse opportunities and a dynamic environment with cutting edge industries. Moreover the rich heritage and culture found here will enrich your experience. People all over the world think of working in the UK as an impossible dream to work but we are here to prepare and guide you through the most difficult step of your journey.
What’s Changing In 2025?
To ensure the economic and social needs of the UK aligns with the economic goals, there are periodical reviews and changes done to the immigration policies. As the system keeps updating the minute details, we will focus on the big changes that may actually affect your application.
Salary Thresholds
The skilled worker visa minimum salary requirement changes quite often. The new rule is that the salary cannot be lower than £38,700/year but if the average rate of the job in your industry is higher than this, the minimum criteria for the salary will be the industry average.
For example, you will not meet the criteria if the industry average rate is £43,000 and your salary is £39,000 which might be greater than £38,700 but still lower than the going rate for your job.
For the healthcare and education domain the minimum requirement rules are different so check out healthcare or education jobs, for specific updates. There can be exceptions made if you aren’t fulfilling the salary criteria of £38,700/year but only if you belong to any one of the categories mentioned in this list. Along with the list, two other categories are exempted and they are:
Eligible Occupation List
The government may change the criteria according to shortages or economic priorities. To make it easy to know whether your job fulfills the skilled worker visa UK eligibility, research the code for it and if you have a job already ask your employer to provide the code.
In case you are not aware about the code, refer to the list of Classification and Job Codes. Sometimes the title of the job is not entirely accurate, in the case of which, you can search for jobs that are similar to your role. But, be careful while reading the description as sometimes similar job profiles have different codes. For example, chefs and cooks are two very alike roles but while Chefs are eligible to apply, cooks are not.
Employers Included In The Approved List
Once you are sure of whether your job is eligible or not, don’t forget to check on the approved list of employers. These employers are also called “sponsors” since they will be financing your stay in the UK. You can refer to the List including the approved UK Employers.
The employers can apply for a licence to become a sponsor in case they are not in the approved list. There is a fee that needs to be paid depending on the size and nature of the business. For Care or senior workers, the employer should be in record with the Care Quality Commission.
Existing Offer From An Approved Employer
A ‘Certificate of Sponsorship’ (CoS) should be provided by the employer if you already have an offer meeting all the eligibility criterias. CoS is a digital document which has a reference number needed for the visa application. Applying within 3 months of receiving the CoS is a must.
The Application Process
It’s very tiring to undergo the whole UK Skilled Worker Visa Process and that’s why we are here to break it down into simple steps. Go through this step by step outline of the whole process to have an idea before you embark on this journey:
Step 1: Secure A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
Having a CoS from your employer is the first and the most crucial step before applying for the visa, consider it as your ticket to apply for the visa.
CoS is a record with a unique number that is assigned to you by your employer in the UK. It must be generated to you by your prospective employer and cannot be directly applied by you. Once you receive an official offer letter, you can ask for this certificate.
The role of the employer is to make sure that you are being sponsored according to the minimum requirement and that he/she is an eligible sponsor.
Step 2: Gather The Required Documents
After securing the CoS, you will have to make note of the documents required in the whole process and start gathering them.
Some of the essential documents are listed below:
- Valid Passport: A valid passport required to be validated till the time you intend to stay back in the UK.
- CoS reference number as explained above, obtaining the unique number is important before applying.
- Proof of being proficient in English Language: You must provide proof that you can read, speak, understand and write in English. There are various ways to prove your proficiency in English, check out the list and your eligibility for a waive off – Prove your Knowledge of English
- Financial proof (If applicable): If you are applying when you might have a dependency, you might have to prove that you have extra funds to sustain them.
- Tuberculosis (TB) Test Results (If applicable): If you are from a list of these countries then a test is mandatory.
- Criminal Record Certificate(If applicable): A certificate of criminal record is required for certain types of jobs from the country you have lived in for more than 12 months in a decade.
If any of your documents are not written in English Language then a legit translation of the same will have to be given. Also make sure to get copies of the documents as you might need in future.
Step 3: Start And Complete The Online Application
The process of applying for a Skilled Worker Visa is done online.
- Start by applying through the official UK government websites.
- Start putting in details and attach the required documents where needed.
- Double cross every detail for avoiding mistakes.
- Tip: keep your documents ready before applying for the ease of the process and read all the questions carefully.
Step 4: Payment of Application Fee and Additional Charges
Be sure of the category you fall in as the application fee can vary and lies in the range of £719 to £1,639. You will need to pay a healthcare surcharge applicable to all immigrants, which is usually £1,035 per year.
If your job belongs to the list of immigration salaries then you might have to pay a lesser amount for the fees, and the amount will be directly shown to you once you apply and fill in the details.
Step 5: Appointment For Verifying Biometrics
Once the skilled worker visa application is complete, you will have to schedule an appointment for biometrics verification.
- You will have to give your fingerprints and photographs for identification purposes.
- The centre will be a particular Visa centre which will be known to you once you schedule.
Important Tip: Go to the centre at least 15 minutes before the appointment slot and carry all the required documents including your passport.
These steps are the basic and essential steps to be done throughout the application process and you just have to wait for your decision after completing the steps.
Timeline to apply for the Visa:
It is advised to apply three months prior to the day you will start working in the UK. The date will be mentioned in the CoS. You should keep extra time in your hand in case your documents are required to be cross checked or verified by the authorities. Whether or not you need to get it verified will be known to you once to start your application.
It usually takes 3 weeks for a person’s visa to be processed if he/she lives outside the UK and 8 weeks if they are residing inside the UK. If you want to expedite the process, you can pay an extra amount to get it done sooner.
Student Ports To The Rescue
The process of getting a ticket to your dream is often tiring and complex, as explained in the guide but don’t let that motivate you. We recognize all the pressure you’re in, especially being an international student can be sometimes overwhelming.
Being in a new country and adjusting to the new environment is all a lot to take in. So, let us help you with all the steps mentioned in the guide that will take some pressure off you. In the meanwhile you can focus on preparing yourself for the UK.
Student Ports has the perfect expertise in helping international students and graduates to achieve their dreams of working and staying in the UK and are dedicated to providing assistance one every step towards fulfilling your goals.
Our Services
To increase your chances and simplify the process of Skilled Worker Visa, we offer a range of following services:
- Assistance in Job Search: If you don’t have a sponsor but always wanted to live and work in the most desired countries of all, don’t worry we will help you connect with someone from our partner firms who are in need of skilled international workers. We can also help you refine your CV and help you prepare for interviews.
- Help in obtaining your CoS: You don’t have to go through the trouble of searching your job profile and codes as we have guided many individuals iin obtaining the certificate from their employer. We can also talk to your employer on your behalf and ensure that all the documents are in order for issuing the CoS accurately.
- Guidance throughout the Visa Application: We will assist you with every step in the process of filling out the application ensuring that there are no mistakes made. The process needs to be fast, efficient and accurate, and this is where we excel at.
- Eligibility Assessment: We will have your profile screening and tell you whether you qualify for the Visa or not. If there are some minor requirements that need to be fulfilled to get you closer to your dream, we will identify that and help you alter it. The criteria’s changes very often so keeping track of it is sometimes difficult and we are here to make sure you don’t leave any stone unturned.
- Personal consultant: On top of all the services, we will provide you one on one expert who will help you navigate the whole process. They will be your first point of contact for all communications and queries.
Our experts will guide you through the complex process and help you to succeed.
Contact Us
Take you your first step towards your dream of working in the UK and book a free session with our experienced consultants. We will discuss and assess your profile and give you a full proof plan to give a boost for the process.
Visit our Website to know more about us: Student Ports
Conclusion
The main agenda in your journey to the UK is to submit a successful visa application and for that you need to be updated with the constant changes in the visa requirements. Obtaining the required documents, following the correct flow and being up to date with the requirements is the initial and the most important phase on your journey to the UK.
Taking a risk is not suggested as it can lead to delay in the process including wasting of resources. Connect with our experts for knowing your chances beforehand, one meeting will help you understand the whole thing better. The free consultation video will be an effective way to know if you are on the right track or not.
The skilled individuals have many chances to work in the UK. The country has a thriving economy, diversified culture and has cutting edge industries which makes it a great destination to start a career.
And if you are prepared in the correct way, you can succeed professionally in the UK. Dreams do come true and we will help you seize every chance that comes your way.
The United Kingdom is waiting, are you prepared to embark on this journey?
In partnership with Holmes & Partners Ltd, a leading solicitor firm with OISC Registration: F202000183.