If you are an Indian citizen looking to work in the United Kingdom, then you will need to apply for a UK work visa. The Skilled Worker Visa allows you to work in the UK with an approved employer, which replaced the Tier 2 (General) Work Visa at the end of 2020. This guide explains how to apply for a UK work visa from India.
The Skilled Worker Visa also allows you to bring your spouse, partner, and children with you to the UK. This visa can be granted for up to 5 years. After holding the Skilled Worker Visa for 5 years, you become eligible to apply for settlement, also known as Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which grants you the right to live in the UK without any restrictions.
Keep reading to learn more about how to apply for a UK work visa as an Indian citizen.
Check Your Eligibility
Before applying for a Skilled Worker Visa, ensure you meet the following criteria:
- You must have a confirmed job offer from a UK employer who holds a valid sponsorship license from the UK Home Office.
- Have a ‘certificate of sponsorship’ from your employer with information about the role you’ve been offered in the UK
- The job must be on the list of eligible occupations for the Skilled Worker Visa.
- The job must meet the minimum salary threshold-how much depends on the type of work you do
What are the minimum salary requirements?
From April 4, 2024, the minimum salary requirement for a UK Skilled Worker Visa increased to the higher of £38,700 per year or the specific “going rate” for your job type, whichever is higher. The going rate is determined by the job’s Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code which can be found in the Immigration Salary List (ISL).
Certain roles in healthcare and education have lower salary thresholds under the UK Skilled Worker Visa requirements. For these occupations, the minimum salary requirement is set at £23,200 per year or the going rate for the job, whichever is higher. Employers must ensure that these roles meet the minimum salary and comply with working hour regulations. Failure to adhere to these requirements can result in the refusal of the visa application.
How to find approved UK employers?
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. You can view the list of approved UK employers on the government website. The UK Home Office provides a list of organisations licensed to sponsor workers on the Worker and Temporary Worker immigration routes. For the whole list of sponsors, please check the link https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/register-of-licensed-sponsors-workers
What do you need to know about ‘ Certificate of Sponsorship’?
- The CoS is not a physical document but a digital record with a unique reference number. This number is used to match your visa application to the job offer from your UK employer. You will need to provide this reference number for you Skilled Worker visa application.
- The CoS must include key details about your employment, such as the job title, salary, and occupation code. It should also confirm that the job meets the visa eligibility criteria, including the minimum salary requirement and skill level.
- A CoS is typically valid for three months from the date it is issued. You must apply for your visa within this period; otherwise, you will need a new CoS from your employer.
Knowledge of English
You must demonstrate your ability to speak, read, write, and understand English. This can be proven by one of the following ways:
1. Passing an Approved English Language Test: You can take a test approved by the Home Office, such as the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) for UKVI. You need to achieve at least a B1 level in reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
2. Holding a Recognized Qualification: If you have a degree taught in English, you might meet the language requirement. The degree should be recognized by UK NARIC (National Recognition Information Centre) as being equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree or higher.
3. Being a National of a Majority English-Speaking Country: Indian citizens generally need to provide proof of English proficiency, but if you have a degree or educational qualification from an English-speaking institution, it might be considered.
Financial Requirement
- Maintenance Funds: You must show that you have £1,270 in your bank account to prove you can support yourself. This amount needs to be in your account for at least 28 consecutive days before you apply.
- Exemptions: If your employer is an approved sponsor, they might be able to cover your maintenance costs. In this case, you wouldn’t need to show the £1,270 yourself. Your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) should state if your sponsor is covering your maintenance.
Written by Beryl Gao
Interested in applying for a Skilled Worker Visa? Contact our immigration law team today!
Call us on 020 7928 0276, phone calls are operating as usual and we will be taking calls from 9:30am to 6:00pm.
Email us on info@lisaslaw.co.uk.
Use the Ask Lisa function on our website. Simply enter your details and leave a message, we will get right back to you: https://lisaslaw.co.uk/ask-question/
For more updates, follow us on our social media platforms! You can find them all on our Linktree right here.
