How do I get a Skilled Worker visa for the UK?
To apply for a skilled worker visa for the UK, you must work for a UK employer who's been approved by the Home Office and has given you a 'Certificate of Sponsorship'.
Types of UK Work Visas for Nepalese Students and Skilled Workers
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Working in the UK is a dream for many Nepalese citizens. While some pursue their higher education in the UK and land a job, others gain expertise in their skills whilst looking for opportunities to broaden their career prospects in the UK. In order to work in the UK, the government mandates to apply for a valid UK work visa to stay, work and live in the UK for a given period of time.
If you are a student aspiring to study and take up a job in the UK or a professional aspiring to work in the UK, this blog will aid you in understanding the different types of work visas and choosing the apt one for you!
Two Major Types of Work Visas in the UK for Nepalese
1. Long-term work visas
2. Short-term work visas
What are long-term work visas in the UK?
All long-term work visas fall under the Tier 2 visa category. Candidates applying for long-term work visas must have gained sponsorship from an employer in the UK whilst approved by the immigration office. The different types of Tier 2 work visas are:
- Health and Care Worker visa
- Intra-company visas
- International Sportsperson visa
- Skilled Worker visa
| Skilled Worker Visa | 1. All nationalities can apply for skilled worker visas after securing a job from a UK employer. 2. You can bring your partner and children as dependents to the UK. |
| Health and Care Worker Visa | 1. Qualified-cum trained doctors, nurses and other allied healthcare professionals from all nationalities can apply. 2. Partners and children can visit and stay in the UK. |
| Intra-company visas | 1. Also known as, transfer visa. 2. MNCs send their employees to UK branches to perform a skilled role. 3. Dependents can work and stay in the UK. 4. The employee must have worked in the sponsor organisation for a minimum of 12 months. |
| International Sportsperson visa | 1. Qualified sports coaches and elite sports personalities with celebrated sports accolades are eligible for this visa category. 2. Mandatory sponsorship from a sports governing body for the applicant. |
UK Work Permit Visa requirements
Getting a work visa in the UK depends on a few critical factors. Read these points carefully to ensure you get your UK work-to-permit successfully.
- You will need a minimum score of 70 points based on age, skills, qualification, salary earned, etc.
- A bachelor's degree (or equivalent) with 2 years of skilled work experience is a must for a UK work visa. Also, your occupation must be on the list of eligible occupations.
- Possession of a valid job offer from a Home Office licensed sponsor is a must. Your job offer should be at the required skill level – RQF 3 or above (A-Level and equivalent)
- In the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, you need to have a minimum B1 level of English.
- A general salary threshold is 20,800 GBP for first-timers and 30,000 GBP for experienced applicants.
- Your employer is responsible for issuing the certificate of sponsorship to you (the work permit aspirant), without which the application process cannot take place.
How to get a UK work visa?
The UK Government has framed the points-based immigration system to ensure international citizens who seek work in the UK meet a set of requirements. To be eligible to apply for a long-term visa, international students must score 70 immigration points. The detailed point-based scoring system is tabulated below:
|
Description
|
Points
|
| Job offer letter by the approved sponsor | 20 |
| Job at appropriate skill level | 20 |
| Speaks English at the required level | 10 |
| Salary of £20,480 to £23,039 | 0 |
| Salary of £23,040 to £25,599 | 10 |
| Salary of £25,600 or above | 20 |
| Job in a shortage occupation as designated by the Migration Advisory Committee | 20 |
| Education qualification: PhD in a subject relevant to the job |
10
|
| Education qualification: PhD in a STEM subject relevant to the job |
20
|
What is a Skilled Worker Visa?
A skilled worker visa in the UK allows applicants to visit or stay for an eligible job with an approved employer. This is a popular category among many young professionals looking for a move to the UK.
What are the requirements of a Skilled Worker Visa?
To acquire a skilled worker visa in the UK, applicants must fulfil a few requirements, listed down below to help you prepare for your application.
- An eligible job with an approved UK employer.
- Certificate of sponsorship from an employer with information about applicants' role in the UK.
- Application only for jobs that are approved by the Home Office.
- Under the financial requirement, applicants need to be paid a minimum salary.
English Language Requirements
Applicants must be able to read, write and speak English. They are required to prove English proficiency when applying for this visa.
How long can you stay on a Skilled Worker Visa?
A skilled worker visa has an eligibility of 5 years before you need to apply for an extension.
Benefits of Skilled Worker Visa
- As a skilled worker, you have the right to live, work and study in the UK during your visa tenure.
- You can apply for benefits eligible for your visa category.
- Your partner and children are eligible to live and work in the UK on the dependent skilled worker visa category.
- You can take on additional work.
- You can go abroad and come back to the UK.
- You may apply to permanently settle in the UK, if you have already lived in the UK and meet other eligibility criteria.
Documents required to apply a skilled work visa:
- The certificate of sponsorship reference number provided by your employer in the UK.
- Proof of English knowledge
- A valid passport with nationality and identity.
- Annual salary and job title
- Occupation code
- The employer's name and licence number (attached on your certificate of sponsorship)
How much does it cost to apply for a skilled Worker visa?
| Types of Fee for Skilled Work Visa | Pounds |
| Standard application fee | 610 to 1,408 |
| Healthcare surcharge | 624 per year |
| Proof of money in bank account | 1,270 |
How to apply for a Skilled Work Visa in the UK?
- All applications must be made online.
- Provide all the documents required for the UK work visa.
- Your partner and children will have to apply separately.
How long does it take to get a Skilled Worker Visa?
You can apply for the visa 3 months before the starting date of your job. The starting date of your job is mentioned in the certificate of sponsorship.
Getting a decision
If you are outside the UK, it generally takes 3 weeks for the Home Office to provide the decision.
If you are in the UK, it takes approximately 8 weeks.
What are short-term work visas in the UK?
Unlike long-term work visas, short-term visas are used as an entry requirement for international citizens visiting the united kingdom temporarily. All short-term work visas fall under the Tier 5 category and are valid for a period of one to two years. The following is the list of primary short-term visa categories in the UK.
- Charity Worker visa
- Creative Worker visa
- Graduate visa
What is a Charity Worker Visa?
This unique work visa lets international citizens undertake voluntary charity work in the UK for a year. In order to be eligible for a Charity Work Visa, the work done shall not be remunerated unless for any reasonable expenses to perform the duties provided by your sponsor.
What is a Creative Worker Visa?
Candidates with profound creative skills can apply through the creator work visa to stay and work in the UK. According to the UK's immigration policy, candidates who contribute to any of the UK's creative professions (dancer, musician, entertainer, fashion model or film crew) can apply for the Creator Work Visa. All applicants can extend their visa duration for up to 24 months while working for the same employer.
What is a Graduate Visa?
International students can apply for a graduate visa to stay in the UK for 2 years upon completing their higher education in the UK.
Eligibility criteria to apply for a Graduate Visa:
- International student studying in the UK.
- The current visa of an international student must be a Tier 4 student visa.
- Studied bachelor's, postgraduate or other eligible courses in the UK with a valid student visa.
- The university/institution's graduation document states the international student has completed the course.
List of eligible courses to apply for a Graduate Visa:
- All law conversion courses (recognised by the Solicitors Regulation Authority in the UK).
- The Solicitors Course in Northern Ireland, the Legal Practice Course in Wales and England, or a Diploma in Professional Legal Practice in Scotland.
- A Bar Practice Course in Wales and England, or a Bar Course in Northern Ireland
- Any foundation programs in dentistry or medicine
- A Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)
- A Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE)
How to apply for a Post-Study Work Visa in the UK?
Post-study work visa is also referred to as a Graduate visa. The UK most recently announced a 2-year work permit for international students. After finishing your degree in the UK, you can apply for a work permit and get a role with an average salary of 40,000 - 50,000 GBP per year. This sponsorship can then be continued by your employer after you complete the 2-year stay and continue to stay in the UK on a work visa.
When to Apply for a Graduate visa?
You must apply before your student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa expires.
You can apply once your education provider has given a nod to the Home Office about the completion of your course. You do not need to wait for the certificate to apply for the Graduate visa.
Getting a decision
8 weeks is the ideal time to get a decision on your Graduate visa, once you have submitted all the required documents.
What is the cost of applying for a Graduate Visa?
| Types of Fee for Graduate Visa | Pounds |
| Standard application fee | 715 GBP |
| Healthcare surcharge | 624 GBP |
List of documents required to apply:
- A valid passport with the students' nationality and identity
- Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), if you were given one when you applied for your Student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa.
- The Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) number from when you applied for your Student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa.
- Proof of your relationship with children or partner (if they're applying with you)
- A letter from your sponsorship or scholarship provider, if they had paid for your living costs or course fees in the last 1 year of your stay in the UK.
PRO TIP: CAS number is sent by your education provider when they offer you a place on the course you completed with your student visa.
Documents required for your partner and children for Graduate Visa
- Proof of your relationship with your partner or children. if they're applying with you.
- A letter from your scholarship or sponsorship provider approving your application, if they paid for your course fees or living costs in the last 12 months.
PRO TIP: Only English documents are accepted by the Home Office, applicants' documents have to be translated into English if they are in another language.
Quick Read: Scholarships in UK for Nepalese Students
What can you do on a Graduate Visa?
- Apply for a job and start working.
- Dependent partners and children can also work and study in the UK.
- Apply for selected public benefits.
When to Apply for a Graduate visa?
We hope you got sufficient information about a wide variety of visas for international students and citizens to work in the UK. To know more about studying in the UK, choosing the apt courses, visa and university, contact us today! Our expert education counsellors will help you in studying and working in the UK.
Switching from a Graduate Visa
As per the Home Office visa guidelines, switching from the graduate route to skilled worker visas is possible from inside the UK, by making an application to switch immigration categories.
As a general rule, applicants must meet certain strict eligibility requirements, including being sponsored by a Home Office-approved employer.
Graduate Visa Refusal
On graduate visa refusal, applicants are given 14 calendar days to appeal their visa application. If the applicant is applying outside of the United Kingdom, they are given 28 calendar days.
In both conditions, visa fees are non-refundable.
Explore a wide range of courses through our Course search platform or contact a counsellor at AECC Global Nepal right away.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is it difficult to get a Skilled Worker visa in the UK?
The most important thing in acquiring a skilled worker visa is to get a job from a UK employer under the mentioned job titles.
How much bank balance is required for a UK Skilled Worker visa?
A minimum balance of 925 GBP or equivalent in your bank account over 90 days.
Is IELTS mandatory for a UK Skilled Worker visa?
No, IELTS is not mandatory for a UK Skilled Worker visa.
Can I apply for a UK work visa without a job offer?
A valid job offer by a UK employer approved by the UK Home Office is mandatory to apply for a UK skilled worker visa.
Does the graduate visa count for residency in the UK?
No, however, the time spent in the UK under the Graduate Route will count towards the residence in the UK under the '10 year route'.
How long does it take to get a Graduate Visa in the UK?
8 weeks or more is the standard time to get a graduate visa in the UK.
What are the things you can and cannot do with a Graduate visa?
You cannot apply for most public funds or state provisions under a graduate visa. Also, you cannot work as a sportsperson on a graduate visa.