Understanding The Skilled Worker Visa Requirements 2024

Do you wish to work and start your life in the UK under the skilled worker visa requirements in 2024? Well, to have a better start with it you must understand each and every requirement. Such as the eligibility criteria, the application process and more. If you find the process complex, consider seeking advice from immigration solicitors who can guide you through the process. You can use platforms like Lawyersorted to find qualified solicitors for immigration services.

Know that a skilled worker visa was earlier known as Tier 2 work visa or general work visa. It allows a qualified person to enter the UK for employment with the approval of an employer or sponsor. This guide, here, will provide you every bit of information you need for understanding the skilled worker visa requirements 2024. 

Overview of Changes in 2024

Before you begin with the process or requirements, you must know what has changed this year. The application process is more streamlined and aims for fairer opportunities for applicants. There are some adjustments to the point-based system which we will discuss further in the blog. Salaries are revised, job offers and sponsorships are updated. The main object was to make the entire process transparent and accessible.

General Requirements

A skilled worker is someone who has specialised training, education, and experience for a particular job. These jobs often fall within sectors like healthcare, engineering, IT, and more. 

Applicants need 70 points in total to be eligible for the UK skilled worker visa 2024. The basic eligibility criteria of skilled worker visa UK includes:

• You must have a job offer from an UK employer approved by the Home Office. The required qualification can vary as per the job requirement. 
• COS from the employer
• The job must be on the list of eligible job options
• Must get a minimum amount of wage
• Prove the ability to speak and write in English

UK visa for skilled workers is granted for five years. Once the visa duration is over, the visa holder can either apply for a job extension, apply for ILR if they meet the residency or return to their home country.

Application Process

There are some pre-application steps that you must complete to secure this visa. 

Step1

You must get yourself a job offer from a UK employer. The job offer must be equivalent to your skill level, usually at least RQF Level 3 (equivalent to A-level). It must meet the minimum salary threshold which generally starts at £25,600 per year or the present rate, whichever is higher. 

Step 2

Your employer must be a licensed sponsor, i.e., they must be approved by the UK Home Office to hire foreign workers. The employer will give you a CoS with a unique reference number suggesting complete fulfilment of visa requirements. 

Once you have the above things with you, the online process begins. Here’s what you need for it:

• A valid passport
• The CoS reference number
• Proof of knowledge of English
• Proof of personal savings to support yourself in the UK
• A criminal record certificate
• Proof of your relationship with your partner or children, if they are applying with you

To fill the application process you will need to include the following:

• Full name and contact details
• Passport information
• Details about your job offer and employer
• Educational background and work experience
• Information about your dependants
• Health and character declarations

Other documents you might need:

• ATAS certificate if your job needs research at PhD level
• UK PhD certificate if your education is not from the Uk

Make sure every information is true, otherwise you might lose your visa. Once you are done with the application form and all the important documents are uploaded, submit the application. Pay the visa price and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). 

After that, you will have to wait for a biometric appointment. There you can provide your fingerprints and a photograph. Once everything is done, the decision will be made. 

Points-based System

As you already know that you need 70 points to be eligible for a visa. These points are awarded based on many criterias such as the job offer, salary, qualifications, and skills. Here is the scoring criteria breakdown for you:

• If you have the job offer in your hands, it earns you 20 points
• Salary for that job means more points. 20 points for £25,600 or above. 10 points for a salary between £23,040 and £25,599. 0 points for a salary between £20,480 and £23,039 (though other points can be compensated in different criteria).
• You will get 20 points for a PhD. 10 points for a PhD in a STEM subject. However, there are no points for any qualification below PhD. 
• 20 points if the job is on the Shortage Occupation List.

Here’s a simple example for you: 

Health and Character Requirements

You have to fulfil certain health requirements to make sure you are fit to live and work in the UK. This typically includes having a tuberculosis test. The clinic must be approved by the UK Home Office. Present the certificate during the visa application process. You might also be asked to get other medical tests done. 

The UK also requires the applicants to provide a police clearance certificate. You must have lived in the country for 12 months or more in the past 10 years to get the certificate. This certificate will prove that you are not a criminal and keep your past clear. 

Do not forget to get a character declaration certificate. This involves answers about your criminal history. This declaration will provide information that you are safe for their country. 

Dependent and Family Visas

In case you plan to take somebody with you on this visa, you may include:

• Spouses or civil partners
• Unmarried partners
• Children under 18 years old
• Children over 18 years old if they are already in the UK as dependents

The application process for the family members involves the following steps:

1. You must gather important documents such as a valid passport, proof of relationship, and evidence of financial support. Birth certificate in case of a child. 
2. Dependants must complete their own visa application and pay the fees.
3. Wait for the biometric appointment to provide fingerprints and a photograph.
4. Once everything is done, wait for the decision and visa vignette.

Common Challenges and Tips

Nothing is as easy as it seems. Here are some challenges and tps to get through those challenges. 

• You might have some incomplete or incorrect documentation or missing documents that can lead to rejection
• Insufficient funds can also result in denial of visa.
• If you fail to provide proof of English language skills, it can behave as an obstacle.
• Not being prepared for the biometric appointment can delay the process. 

Here are some tips that can help you increase your odds of a successful visa application:

• Check every requirement thoroughly and make sure you have all the important documents
• Double check each information twice to avoid any errors
• Take the English language test in advance
• Consider getting immigration solicitors or advisors if you are still confused. Use the platform Lawyersorted to find a trustworthy lawyer. 

Conclusion

In the end, it can be said that to get an immigration skilled worker visa you must comply with certain conditions. Make sure the status is not left to expire and to take certain steps if the job or the employer were to change. There is no limit on the number of times this visa can be extended. Just make sure to meet all the requirements. 

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