How to Secure a UK Skilled Worker Visa
The UK Skilled Worker Visa, formerly known as the Tier 2 General Work Visa, is tailored for medium and highly skilled professionals who wish to work in the UK. To apply, you need a confirmed job offer from a Home Office-approved UK employer willing to sponsor you.
This visa allows you to live and work in the UK, contributing to various sectors of the economy, provided you meet all eligibility requirements and secure the necessary endorsements and documentation.
The visa application process involves verifying your qualifications, securing a Certificate of Sponsorship, and proving English language proficiency and sufficient maintenance funds.
Who Can Join Me Under a Skilled Worker Visa?
Eligible Skilled Worker Visa holders can bring their dependent family members to join them in the UK. Dependents can include:
To qualify, Skilled Worker Visa holders must provide evidence of genuine relationships with their family members.
Contact Salam Immigration for assistance with your Skilled Worker Dependent Visa application today.
UK General Work Visa Costs
The cost for a General Work Visa is the same as the Skilled Worker Visa, including associated fees. The standard fee ranges from £719 to £1,639 depending on specific circumstances. Dependents must also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) to access the NHS:
Additional financial requirements apply during your stay in the UK as a dependent.
Financial Requirements for General Work Visa
General Work Visa holders must demonstrate sufficient financial support, as they cannot access public funds. Required savings include:
Funds must be held for at least 28 of the 31 days before the application. Proof may not be required if you’ve been in the UK on a valid visa for 12 months or if the sponsor’s employer covers the first month’s costs (stated on the Certificate of Sponsorship).
Eligibility Criteria for General Work Visa
To qualify for a dependent visa, you and your family members must meet the following criteria:
For partners, additional requirements include:
Children over 16 must be financially dependent and meet financial requirements. Certain visa categories may restrict eligibility.
Contact Salam Immigration for assistance with your Skilled Worker Dependent Visa application today.
Steps to Secure a UK General Work Visa
To secure a UK General Work Visa (Tier 2), applicants must follow three main steps:
- Sponsorship Licence Application The employer applies to UK Visas and Immigration for a sponsorship licence to hire non-resident workers.
- Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) An approved sponsor assigns a Certificate of Sponsorship for the intended position.
Visa Application Submission Applicants submit their visa application using their unique CoS number and supporting documents.
Eligibility for a Tier 2 General Work Visa
To be eligible, applicants must:
Understanding the Points-Based System
Applicants must score enough points based on:
Start Your Career in the UK! Contact Salam Immigration for expert guidance on your visa application.
What Can I Do With a General Work Visa?
With a General Work Visa, you can:
Contact our immigration experts for assistance with your General Work Visa application today.
How Can I Prove a Genuine Relationship?
To be eligible for a Skilled Worker Dependent Visa, you must provide evidence of a genuine relationship. For spouses or civil partners, this involves submitting a valid marriage or civil partnership certificate recognised in the UK. For unmarried partners, proof of a relationship lasting at least two years is required, such as tenancy agreements or joint utility bills. For children under 18, you must show that they depend on you or your partner. Proof that the child is not married, in a civil partnership, or has their own children, and that they live with you or will live with you full-time, is necessary.
Requirements for General Work Visa
Dependent children must meet specific criteria to qualify for a Skilled Worker Dependent Visa. They can apply if:
Exemptions apply if only one parent is alive, one parent has sole responsibility for the child, or there are serious, compassionate considerations. Additional documentation or proof may be required for these situations. If the child lives with the Skilled Worker visa holder, evidence of the child’s address, such as a bank statement or NHS registration document, must be provided.
Contact Salam Immigration for expert guidance on your Skilled Worker Dependent Visa application.
How to Apply for a General Work Visa
Applying From Outside the UK
To apply for a Skilled Worker Dependent Visa, you must complete the online application on the Gov.uk website. You will need your family member’s Skilled Worker visa application number, either a Global Web Form (GWF) or a Unique Application Number (UAN).
Complete the online application accurately and upload all required supporting documents to prove the genuine relationship between you and your family member. You may need to attend a local UK visa application centre to provide biometric information. The centre may retain your passport while processing the application. Typically, you should receive a decision within three weeks, although this can vary based on application volume and centre workload.
Applying From Inside the UK
If you are already in the UK, you can switch to a Skilled Worker Dependent Visa online through the Gov.uk website before your current visa expires. You cannot switch to this visa if you hold any of the following:
You will need your family member’s Skilled Worker visa application number (GWF or UAN) to apply. Ensure the application is filled out accurately and upload the necessary supporting documents to establish the genuine relationship. You may also need to visit a local UK visa application centre for biometrics. You must remain in the UK while your application is being processed, as leaving will withdraw your application. Processing usually takes around eight weeks but may vary depending on the workload of the UK Visas and Immigration service.
Contact Salam Immigration today for expert advice and support with your Skilled Worker Dependent Visa application.
Which Other Visas Could Dependents Be Eligible For?
With the closure of the UK Tier 2 visas to new applicants, the Skilled Worker Visa has taken its place. However, dependents of individuals still in the UK on certain Tier 2 visas can still apply to join them. These visas include:
Additionally, those who have entered the UK on the following visas may also bring their dependent family members:
Contact Salam Immigration today for expert advice and support with your Skilled Worker Dependent Visa application.
How Can Salam Immigration Assist You?
Joining a spouse, partner, or parent in the UK under a Skilled Worker (Tier 2 Dependent) Visa is a common route for many applicants. If you have a family member currently residing in the UK on an eligible work visa and wish to join them, Salam Immigration can help.
Our team of expert immigration lawyers has extensive experience in assisting visa applicants like yourself. We provide a comprehensive service to maximise your chances of successfully obtaining a visa to join your family in the UK. We guide you through the application process, ensuring all forms are accurately completed and all necessary supporting documents are compiled effectively.
Our services include:
For more information about our services and how we can help you, call us on 0161 839 7396 or contact us online. We offer immigration advice sessions as face-to-face appointments at all our UK offices, or via phone consultations.
Contact Salam Immigration today for expert advice and support with your Skilled Worker Dependent Visa application.
