As an applicant, there are a lot of ifs and but’s when you are applying for a UK skilled worker visa. One of the common questions is regarding the period to get this visa. The time for getting the skilled worker visa for the UK is related to the status of the application process.
You can expect an early visa arrival only after you fall into the points for sponsorship. Also, the visa shall only be granted if you have a letter of employment and acceptance from the office. After you are through with these, then the application process will begin.
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Visa Overview
The UK skilled worker visa allows an applicant to relocate to the UK and stay there for a service term as offered and accepted by an approved employer. There have been some changes in the process and rules by the UK Government. This visa replaced the Tier 2 (General) work visa that existed before the changes.
However, there are some relaxations and process differentiation for some applicants. For example, if you are a citizen of the EU, Norway, Switzerland, or other countries like Iceland and Liechtenstein, or your family is a resident of these places, you may stand a chance to apply for the free EU Settlement Scheme. However, the deadline has passed. The deadline was 30 June 2023.
But, in some cases, you are still allowed to apply for the scheme that is as follows:
- You have the deadline of a later date if you are a joining member of the family living in the UK who was living there by 31 December 2020.
- Also, if you present reasonable grounds for your inability to apply for the visa under the primary deadline, which is 30 June 2023, you can still be eligible to apply.
You will have to apply for a UK skilled worker visa in all other situations. It will offer the following advantage to you:
- Work and study in the country.
- Check for the eligibility of the dependants and begin their moving process.
- Do additional and voluntary work.
- Move to and from the country.
- Opt for permanent settlement in the country.
Time Period
The average period for an applicant to get a UK skilled worker visa is six months. The decision process takes time if you apply for it while staying outside the UK. You should check the waiting time for the decision to allow the visa. That’s the only way you get through the process and land on a faster decision. You only have to ensure proper documentation and detailing, which is incomplete without an experienced professional like https://imperiallegal.com/uk-skilled-worker-visa.
The application depends on certain factors that are as follows:
- Whether you are already living in the UK or are planning to come.
- If you want to extend it post the expiry or initiate the process.
- If you are moving from one state in the UK to another and are planning to switch from one visa to another.
You must not forget that in case of a change in employment, tenure, job, or employer, you must update your visa on priority. Also, the visa process is incomplete until you attach some essential documents that are as follows:
- The certificate of the sponsorship reference number as provided by the employer. The certificate should clearly mention the employer details and the sponsor license number.
- The proof of proficiency in the English language.
- The passport and other valid documents will prove nationality and identity.
- The job, occupation code, and annual salary.
The process can be initiated from any country where the applicant resides. If the country is not the applicant’s country of origin, there will be no problem in the process. The applicant can apply for a minimum of 3 months before the commencement of the employment term in the UK.
The UK skilled worker visa bars you from doing the following:
- You are not eligible for the benefits like public funds and won’t be allowed to sign up for the state pension.
- You won’t be allowed to change your state or profession until you get your visa updated for the same.
Stay Period
The visa can help you stay in the UK for five years, and for staying in the country for more than that time, you can apply for an extension. Also, you need to update it from time to time, either when it expires or whenever you plan a change in the job, employment, or offer.
Also, the period depends on whether your current location is outside the UK or outside of it.
The steps to stay in the UK for a more extended period are as follows:
You can check with the employer and put forward your wish for a permanent settlement. You can apply for a permanent settlement in the UK, commonly known as indefinite leave, to remain in the country. If you get through it, you will be eligible for the following:
- You enjoy the right to live in the UK.
- You can work and study in the UK for any period.
- Check for the benefits you can avail of and apply for the same.
Visa Expenses
The application process will require you to pay a different amount if you apply for yourself, your spouse, your child, or any other family member. The charges will include the following:
- The application fees amount.
- The healthcare surcharge is paid every year.
- Submit the proof related to personal savings.
However, if you are a part of the medical field, that is, a doctor or a nurse, or are working in an adult or health social care, you can apply for the health and care worker visa, too. The expenses for this one are less, and you won’t need to pay for the annual immigration health surcharge that is to be paid if you are applying for the skilled worker visa.
Conclusion
That’s all about what you know regarding the do’s and don’ts and the period you can expect your UK skilled worker visa. Then, check for eligibility and begin the process to avoid unnecessary delays.