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How to Work in the UK, Skilled Worker Visa: Step-by-Step Guide

Before you start packing, it's essential to know if you're eligible to work in the UK. The UK has various visa options depending on your situation:


  • Skilled Worker Visa: If you have a job offer from a UK employer with a sponsor license, this is your go-to visa.

  • Global Talent Visa: For leaders or potential leaders in academia, research, arts, and digital technology.

  • Graduate Visa: If you've recently graduated from a UK university, this visa allows you to stay and work for two years (three years for PhD graduates).

  • Youth Mobility Scheme Visa: Available for young people from participating countries, allowing them to live and work in the UK for up to two years.

For today, let’s focus on the Skilled Worker Visa. The main requirements to obtain a skilled worker visa in the UK are finding an eligible job with a job offer, and proving your knowledge of English. 


How to find an eligible job

Step 1  - Find the occupation code for the job you’d like to apply for


Use this link and type in which job you would be interested in applying for:


This will also give you a classification score and an occupation code. The highest job classification score is typically 100 points. This score is associated with occupations that are considered to be in high demand or are classified as shortage occupations. Jobs with a higher score are often those that require a higher level of skill, qualifications, or experience.



SOC2020 job classification search, work visa UK
Find your classification score and an occupation code. The example above shows the code for a Chef is 5434


Step 2 - Check your occupation code is eligible for the Skilled Worker Visa


Here is a list of all occupation codes, and which ones are eligible for a skilled worker visa on the Skilled Worker Eligible Occupations List - it’s in numerical order, so scroll to see if your job is eligible



skilled worker eligible occupations list, chef, occupationcode 5434
Chefs are eligible for a Skilled Worker Visa


Step 3 - Check if your job is on the Immigration Salary List


If your job title is on the ISL, you will have different salary requirements to meet. The ISL is a list of occupations where 80% of the Skilled Worker or Health and Care Worker general salary threshold may be paid (£30,960 per annum). A total of 23 occupation codes are eligible for this, which generally have a lower salary threshold, reduce visa fees, and make it easier for employers to hire non-UK workers for these jobs. 


The current UK Immigration Salary List 2024 can be found here and the list shows whether the labor shortage is in England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland. 


If you have made it this far and have a job that’s on the Skilled Worker List or the ISL - then CONGRATULATIONS, there is an option for you to make a living in the UK with your professional skills! Next is an important step - Apply for jobs to secure your job offer!



Applying for jobs

Step 4 - Apply for a job with an employer who has a Sponsor License in Place 


Obtain a job offer from a company willing to sponsor you from within the UK. You must have a job offer from an approved UK employer before you apply for a Skilled Worker visa. Approved employers are also known as sponsors, because they are sponsoring you to come to or stay in the UK.


Here are some tips to help you find a job:


Online Job Portals: Websites like LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor, and Reed are excellent places to start your job search.


Company Websites: Many UK companies list job openings on their career pages.


Recruitment Agencies: Specialized agencies can help match your skills with job vacancies.


Networking: Connect with professionals in your industry through LinkedIn or professional associations.


Here is a detailed list of approved UK employers.


If your employer is not currently approved, they can apply for a sponsor licence if they’re eligible.


They’ll need to pay a fee - £536 for small businesses and charities or £1,476 for medium and large organisations. It usually takes around 8 weeks to process a licence application.


Once you have obtained a CoS, you have 3 months to make a visa application, and our partners at British Migration Solutions are here to help. 

Skilled Worker Visa application

Step 5 - Apply for your Skilled Worker Visa


You can apply for a visa up to 3 months before the day you are due to start work in the UK. This date is listed on your certificate of sponsorship. 


The decision usually takes around 3 weeks from the date of submission at the visa center. 


Application fee 


If you’re applying from outside the UK, the standard fee depends on whether you’ll be in the UK for:


  • up to 3 years - £719 per person

  • more than 3 years - £1,420 per person


If your job is on the immigration salary list, you and your family will pay a lower application fee. The fee for each person applying is:


  • £551 if you’re staying for up to 3 years

  • £1,084 if you’re staying for more than 3 years


Healthcare Surcharge 


Generally £1,035 per year, but depends on the job type and circumstances (can be checked here)


Proof of funds  


At least £1,270 available for minimum 28 consecutive days in your bank account. Your sponsor can also help cover this amount. 


Final Thoughts


Both the Skilled Worker Eligible Occupations List and the Immigration Salary List play vital roles in the UK's immigration system. By setting clear requirements and benefits, they help maintain a balanced and fair labor market while addressing the country's economic needs. If you’re considering working in the UK, make sure to check which list your job falls under and understand the specific requirements you need to meet.

Got questions or need help with your visa application? Reach out to our team at Look No Further for expert guidance and support!


 
 
 

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