I have a job offer for a permanent role in the UK – is the Skilled Worker visa my best option?

Congratulations on your job offer from a UK-based company. Now it is time to navigate the UK visa system, often a difficult task with so many visa options! In this blog, we explore which options might be best for you depending on your situation.

The type of visa you will need will be dependent on what your employment situation is, some visa routes may be more suitable than others. When it comes to a permanent role within the UK, the following visa routes may be potentially relevant to your circumstances.

Skilled Worker visa

The most likely visa route that applies to overseas workers with permanent job offers in the UK is the Skilled Worker visa, which will enable you to travel to the UK for the purpose of living and working there for your employer. Once you have made it to the UK, you can stay for up to 5 years before extending your visa (subject to eligibility). After 5 years, you may be eligible to settle permanently in the UK. You may also be eligible to bring dependants.

Understanding the Skilled Worker Visa

The Skilled Worker visa – previously known as the Tier 2 (General) Visa – is designed for individuals who have been offered a skilled job in the UK. To qualify, you must meet several criteria:

1. Job Offer from a Licenced Sponsor: Your UK employer must hold a valid sponsor licence and provide you with a certificate of sponsorship (CoS).

2. Skill Level and Salary: The role must be on the list of eligible occupations and meet the minimum salary threshold of ￡38,700 or the going rate for the eligible occupation code, whichever is higher. The threshold will also depend on several factors such as whether you are switching from a different visa, if you have previously been on a Skilled Worker visa, or if you are applying for the first time.

3. English Proficiency: You must demonstrate your ability to speak, read, write, and understand English.

4. Financial Requirement: You must prove you have enough personal savings to support yourself unless your sponsor offers to cover your costs for your first month in the UK.

Advantages of the Skilled Worker visa

1. Pathway to Settlement: One of the most significant benefits of the Skilled Worker visa is the clear route it provides to settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain). After five years on this visa, you can apply to settle permanently in the UK.

2. Dependants: You can bring your partner and children under 18, who will also have the right to work and study in the UK.

3. Flexibility: The visa allows you to change jobs or employers, provided the new role and employer meet the visa requirements.

4. Duration: The Skilled Worker visa can be granted for up to five years, with the possibility of extension.?

Please note, the Health and Care Worker visa also falls under the umbrella of the Skilled Worker visa route, but it is tailored for medical professionals. This visa offers reduced fees, faster processing, and an exemption from the Immigration Health Surcharge.

Other Visa Options?

While the Skilled Worker visa is a great choice, other visas might better suit your circumstances depending on your profession, skill level, and personal situation.?

1. Global Talent visa: If you are a leader (or potential leader) in academia, research, arts and culture, or digital technology, this visa could be an excellent option. It provides greater flexibility and does not require a job offer or sponsorship.?

2. Innovator Visa: For those looking to establish a business in the UK, the Innovator Visa offers a pathway to settling in the UK, provided you have an innovative, viable, and scalable business idea endorsed by an approved body.

3. Ancestry Visa: If you have a grandparent born in the UK, the Ancestry Visa allows you to live and work in the UK for five years, with the possibility of extending the visa or applying for settlement.

4. Minister of Religion T2: If you are a clergy worker and have been offered a job in the UK, then you can apply for a Minister of Religion visa (T2). This visa is issued for 3 years and 1 month, and then you can extend it and potentially apply for settlement in the UK after 5 years.

Making Your Decision

Choosing the right visa depends on your unique circumstances, career goals and the nature of your job offer. Here are a few steps to help you decide:

1. Assess Your Eligibility: Review the eligibility criteria for the Skilled Worker visa and other visa options to ascertain which visa you can qualify for.?

2. Consider Your Long-Term Plans: Think about your long-term career and life goals. If permanent residency is your aim, the Skilled Worker Visa offers a clear path.

3. Seek Professional Advice: Navigating the UK immigration system can be complex. Therefore, consulting with an experienced immigration legal team can provide clarity and ensure you make an informed decision.?

4. Employer Support: Engage with your prospective employer’s HR or legal department. They can offer guidance and may even cover some visa-related costs.

The Skilled Worker visa is a strong contender for those with a permanent job offer in the UK, offering a straightforward path to living and working in the UK with the potential for long-term settlement. However, exploring all available visa options and assessing your personal and professional circumstances is crucial to making the best choice. By doing so, you can ensure a smooth transition to your new role and life in the UK.

If you have any questions or need further assistance with your visa application, our team at Gherson is here to help. Contact us for advice tailored to your specific situation.

How Gherson can assist

Gherson’s Immigration Team are highly experienced in advising on UK visa matters. If you have any questions arising from this blog, please do not hesitate to?contact us ?for advice, send us an?e-mail: [email protected]

The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please do not hesitate to contact Gherson. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.

?Gherson ?2024