The UK continues to be a very popular destination for overseas workers, however the requirements for Skilled Worker visa applicants are severe.
The UK visa system is changing often. Applicants who do not comprehend the current rules risk costly rejections if they apply.
Experts have laid up 10 key things any candidate must go thru before submitting to the Home Office.
The United Kingdom (UK) continues to be one of the most attractive locations for talented specialists globally, but the country’s immigration system should be ready for before a visa application is submitted.
The restrictions on visas to the UK are changing regularly and anyone applying for a Skilled Worker visa to the Home Office without full knowledge of the current requirements is risking either a formal denial or a large financial loss.
Whether you are an internationally trained professional, a recent graduate or a specialist who has already received a job offer from a British employer, experts have listed no fewer than 10 important points that all applicants must check before submitting an application. Nigerian Tribune reported.
UK skilled worker visa: The devil is in the detail
The Skilled Worker visa route has replaced the previous Tier 2 General visa and is the main route for non-UK nationals wishing to come to work in Britain. You will also need to meet wage levels and have a certificate of sponsorship from an eligible company. You will also need to satisfy English language requirements, and other restrictions.
What applicants should check before applying
Before submitting an application, applicants should review the 10 important areas:
1) UK visa: Salary rules relevant for going rate
The base wage level of £41,700 is just one element of the financial requirements. The employment offer must also provide the whole regular pay rate for the position, known as the “going rate,” for the particular occupation code allocated to the position by the government.The rules require an employer to pay whichever is higher: the overall minimum of £41,700 or the specific market rate for that occupation.
2) Valid Sponsorship Certificate;
Letter of employment alone cannot be used as basis for processing visa application. The company that wishes to employ the worker must hold a valid sponsor licence from the Home Office.
The employer will be responsible for creating a Certificate of Sponsorship, which is a digital record with a unique reference number which must be entered on the visa application form.
3) CoS is expired in 3 months
Once the sponsorship document has been issued the applicant should move promptly. The visa application has to be made within 3 months from the date of the document creation. Also, a person cannot make an application earlier than three months before the day when the job is due to start in the United Kingdom.
4) Visa: Enforcement of pay period compliance
Each pay cycle must fulfil the legal minimum for a salary, which is the responsibility of sponsoring companies. This is verified by the authorities e.g. the national tax records.
“If one employe is paid below that for even a single month, it can be uncovered in an audit and spell serious trouble for the worker’s immigration status.
5) Proficiency in English Language
Applicants must be able to demonstrate their ability to speak, read and write English at B1 level. This condition can be met if the person is a citizen of a predominantly English-speaking country, has a university degree that was taught in English, or passes a government-approved language test such as IELTS.
6) Certificates of criminal records for sensitive sectors
If you work in a sensitive area such as medical, teaching or social work you will be asked to provide a criminal record certificate. The documents shall be submitted from each nation where the person has resided for one year or more after turning 18.
7) UK Skilled Worker visa: Dependants rules
Family members rules differ by job area. Many applicants will be able to bring their family with them, but every extra person will require more savings – about £285 for a spouse and between £200 and £315 for each child. It’s also worth noting that some healthcare and care workers are not currently allowed to bring family members to the UK.
8) UK visa: £1,270 financial maintenance requirement
People have to prove that they have sufficient funds to support themselves in the first month of their stay in the country. You will need to have at least £1,270 in your personal bank account for 28 consecutive days prior to starting your application.
This verification is not necessary if the sponsoring employer states on the sponsorship certificate that they will give financial support.
9) UK visa: Allow for health surcharge costs
Note that the usual visa application price and the Immigration Health Surcharge will also need to be factored into your finances when preparing. The payment permits the applicant to use the National Health Service in the UK.
The fee is currently £1,035 each visa year for an adult. So that means a worker applying for a three-year visa has to pay £3,105.
10) RQF 6 required for Skilled worker visa
Most sponsored jobs have to be at a certain level of professional difficulty, called RQF Level 6. This level is often regarded as equivalent to a university degree.
Jobs beneath that skill level normally don’t qualify for the visa, with few exceptions for certain jobs the government has recognised as being in high demand for workers.