10 Things Most People Don't Know About UK Skilled Worker Visa

1. The UK Skilled Worker Visa replaced the Tier 2 (General) visa in December 2020. It is designed to attract highly skilled workers from around the world to fill skills gaps in the UK.

2. To be eligible for the visa, applicants must have a job offer from a UK employer that holds a valid sponsor license, and the job must meet the minimum salary and skill level requirements.

3. The minimum salary threshold for the Skilled Worker Visa is £25,600 per year, or the going rate for the job, whichever is higher. However, there are some exceptions to this rule, such as for certain healthcare and education roles.

4. The visa allows holders to work and live in the UK for up to five years, with the option to extend for a further five years, or to apply for indefinite leave to remain after five years.

5. One advantage of the Skilled Worker Visa is that it does not require applicants to have a specific level of English language proficiency, as long as they can communicate effectively in their job.

6. The visa application process involves several stages, including obtaining a Certificate of Sponsorship from the employer, completing an online application, and attending a biometric appointment.

7. To qualify for the visa, applicants must score a minimum of 70 points under the points-based system. Points are awarded for factors such as having a job offer, meeting the English language requirement, and meeting the minimum salary threshold.

8. The visa also allows holders to bring dependents with them to the UK, including spouses or partners and children under 18.

9. Skilled Worker Visa holders are generally eligible to access the UK's public services, such as healthcare and education, and can apply for a UK bank account and National Insurance number.

10. The Skilled Worker Visa is not the only option for skilled workers wishing to come to the UK. Other visas include the Global Talent Visa, which is aimed at individuals with exceptional talent or promise in specific fields, and the Intra-Company Transfer Visa, which is designed for employees of multinational companies who need to be transferred to a UK branch.

What is the rejection rate for a UK skilled visa?

The UK government does not publish specific data on the rejection rate for the Skilled Worker Visa. However, the Home Office does publish data on the overall visa refusal rates for all types of visas. According to the latest data published for the year ending September 2020, the overall visa refusal rate was 14%.

It's important to note that the actual refusal rate for Skilled Worker Visas may differ from the overall visa refusal rate, and can vary depending on individual circumstances and the strength of the visa application. Factors that can contribute to a higher risk of refusal include inadequate documentation, failure to meet the eligibility criteria, or concerns over the genuineness of the job offer. It's important to carefully review the visa requirements and seek professional advice before submitting an application.

What is the success rate of a UK Skilled Worker visa?

The UK government does not publish specific data on the success rate of the Skilled Worker Visa. However, the Home Office does publish data on the overall visa grant rates for all types of visas. According to the latest data published for the year ending September 2020, the overall visa grant rate was 86%.

It's important to note that the actual success rate for Skilled Worker Visas may differ from the overall visa grant rate, and can vary depending on individual circumstances and the strength of the visa application. Factors that can contribute to a higher chance of success include meeting all of the eligibility requirements, providing strong supporting documentation, and having a genuine job offer from a UK employer who holds a valid sponsor license.

It's important to carefully review the visa requirements, seek professional advice, and submit a well-prepared application in order to increase the chances of success in obtaining a Skilled Worker Visa.

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