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UK Work Permit

UK Work Permit (Skilled Worker Visa)

The UK Skilled Worker Visa allows foreign nationals to live and work in the United Kingdom by filling roles in eligible skilled occupations. It replaced the Tier 2 (General) work visa and is designed to attract global talent across various sectors such as healthcare, engineering, IT, finance, and education. The visa is employer-sponsored and requires a job offer from a UK-licensed sponsor

Who Qualifies for a UK Work Permit

To be eligible for the Skilled Worker Visa, applicants must meet the following criteria:
  • A confirmed job offer from a UK employer holding a valid sponsorship licence
  • The job must be listed on the eligible occupations list
  • Minimum salary threshold: Usually £26,200 per year or £10.75 per hour (lower thresholds may apply for certain jobs and new entrants)
  • Proficiency in the English language
  • Valid passport and ability to provide biometrics and documentation
  • Proof of sufficient funds (unless exempt)

Special categories exist for healthcare workers, education professionals, and shortage occupation roles, which may have lower salary thresholds and faster processing.

Required Documents for UK Work Permit Application

  • Valid passport or travel document
  • Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) reference number from UK employer
  • Job title and annual salary details
  • Proof of English language proficiency (e.g., IELTS UKVI, degree taught in English)
  • Bank statements (to show maintenance funds, if required)
  • Tuberculosis test results (for residents of certain countries)
  • Police clearance certificate (if applicable)
  • Application form and payment of visa fees and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)

Duration of Stay

The Skilled Worker Visa is generally issued for up to 5 years and can be extended. After 5 continuous years, visa holders may apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which is a
pathway to permanent residency in the UK.

Work Opportunities

The UK Skilled Worker Visa permits the visa holder to:

  • Work for the sponsoring employer in the role described in the Certificate of Sponsorship
  • Take on Additional work (subject to conditions)
  • Bring dependent family members (spouse/partner and children under 18)
  • Study and access public services (e.g., NHS with IHS payment)
  • Apply for permanent settlement after qualifying period

Visa holders cannot access public funds (e.g., unemployment benefits) and must update the visa if changing employers or job roles.

Why Choose Sky Bridge

At Sky Bridge, we specialize in managing complex employer-sponsored visa applications for professionals across sectors. Our services include:
  • Employer and applicant eligibility assessments
  • Job and occupation list compliance checks
  • Document preparation and verification
  • Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) coordination
  • Visa application filing and biometric scheduling
  • Dependents’ visa support and ILR planning

We work closely with educational institutions and immigration advisors to ensure your student visa application is successful and stress-free.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I change employers while on a Skilled Worker Visa?
Yes, but you must apply for a new visa with a new Certificate of Sponsorship from your new employer.
Yes. Spouses, partners, and children under 18 can apply as dependents and live, study, or work in the UK.
Typically 3 to 8 weeks. Priority and super priority services may be available for faster processing.
Yes. Most applicants must meet the English language requirement via an approved test or academic qualification.
A fee that allows access to the National Health Service (NHS). It must be paid at the time of visa application.
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