The Skilled Worker visa has replaced the old Tier 2 (General) visa and allows eligible individuals to come to work in the UK for an approved sponsor organisation. As well as having a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), applicants must speak English to a minimum of B1 level and the job offered must be at a skill level of at least RQF3 (equivalent to an A-level).
We understand that the visa application process can be stressful, so our immigration experts work closely with you to ensure that your application is well-prepared and submitted in a timely manner. We will also provide you with ongoing support and advice to ensure that you comply with your visa conditions and meet any reporting requirements.
How can Lexus Law help?
- We can help you to obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your UK employer.
- We will ensure you comply with all of the visa requirements and will take the stress out of preparing and submitting a strong visa application.
- If your visa is unfortunately refused, we can advise on the best next steps and can represent you in case of appeals.
Speak to our team
Contact us today to find out how our expert immigration lawyers can help you achieve your career goals with Skilled Worker visa application support.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to apply for a Skilled Worker visa?
There are a number of factors to consider when calculating the costs of the Skilled Worker visa. Firstly, the application itself costs anywhere from £247 to £1,423, depending on your geographical location and the details of the role you will be filling. For most applicants with a CoS of three years or less, the cost will be £625 for applications made outside the UK, and £719 when made inside the UK. Reductions are available for those filling ‘shortage occupation’ roles.
Most applicants will also be subject to the Immigration Health Surcharge, which costs £624 per year on top of their visa application fees – though a discounted rate is available for some students and young people.
How long can I stay in the UK on this visa?
The initial Skilled Worker visa will be issued for up to three or five years, depending on the length of the CoS. When the visa is due to expire, you can apply to extend; there is no limit to the number of times you can extend the Skilled Worker visa as long as you and your job role remain eligible.
This visa is also a viable route to UK indefinite leave to remain, so you may want to consider this option when your Skilled Worker visa expires.
When should I apply and when will I get my visa?
You need to have been issued a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) before you can apply. Once you’ve received your CoS, you will have three months to apply for your Skilled Worker visa. The CoS will also note your intended employment start date; the earliest you can apply for your visa is three months prior to this date.
In most cases, if you apply for the Skilled Worker Visa from within the UK the process takes up to 8 weeks, or up to 3 weeks if applying from overseas.
Our Process
01.
Contact us to book your complimentary consultation.
If you need trustworthy legal advice regarding immigration in the UK, we would be pleased to help. Fill in our contact form with a brief overview of your situation and we will be in touch as soon as possible to schedule a free consultation with our immigration law experts.
02.
Let us review your circumstances and provide a quotation.
During your free consultation, we will provide guidance on how we can support you with your immigration needs. Once we have assessed your current situation and objectives, we will advise on the best course of action and will supply a quotation for our recommended services.
03.
Leave the complex legal matters to our dedicated immigration lawyers.
Once you have approved the quote, we will supply you with our full terms of business. After the terms have been agreed to, we will work closely with you (or on your behalf where appropriate) to achieve your immediate and long-term UK immigration goals.