The free movement policy which had previously allowed EU nationals to live and work in the UK without restrictions ended on 31 December 2020. As a result, both EU and non-EU nationals now require a visa to work in the UK.
The flagship UK immigration route for both EU and non-EU individuals wishing to be employed in the UK is the Skilled Worker visa. One of the key steps in obtaining a Skilled Worker visa is securing a verified job offer from a UK company.
To be eligible for a Skilled Worker visa,, applicants will need:ts:
Visa candidates can apply for the Skilled Worker visa online.
Applicants will need to provide documentary evidence to show that they meet the requirements for this visa.. The key document here is the Certificate of Sponsorship issued by a licensed sponsor, which will confirm the details of the applicant’s employment, including the skill level and the salary.
To meet the English language requirement, applicants can rely on:
The base fee for a Skilled Worker Visa application ranges from £610-£1,048 depending on a variety of factors, including the length of the visa and the nature of the job.
Applicants will also be required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (£624 per visa year).
On average, it takes up to 15 working days for the application to be processed. To expedite the process, applicants can make use of the priority service, reducing the processing times down to 5 working days.
There is currently no cap on how many times a Skilled Worker Visa can be extended. After 5 years of residence in the UK, Skilled Worker Visa holders may be eligible for settlement in the UK.
Would you like to learn more about this visa or find out which UK immigration route best suits your needs? Speak to us at +44 (0) 020 808 73583 or fill out our Quick Consultation form.
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