The Skilled Worker visa allows you to:

• ✅ Work for an approved UK employer
• ✅ Stay for up to 5 years (extendable)
• ✅ Bring family members
• ✅ Apply for settlement after 5 years
• ✅ Switch from other visa categories

Key Features

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You need 70 points to qualify for the Skilled Worker visa.

Mandatory Points (50 points required)

Tradeable Points (20+ points required)

Additional Tradeable Points

Points Calculation Examples

Example 1: Standard Application

Example 2: Shortage Occupation

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1. Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

Your UK employer must:

• Hold a valid Sponsor Licence
• Issue you a Certificate of Sponsorship
• Confirm job details, salary, and SOC code

Finding a Licensed Sponsor:

• Search the Register of Licensed Sponsors
• Over 50,000 employers are registered

2. Job Skill Level

Job must be at RQF Level 3 or above (equivalent to A-Level):

3. Salary Requirements

General Threshold: £38,700/year OR the going rate for your occupation (whichever is higher)

Reduced Thresholds Apply For:

• New entrants: £30,960 minimum
• Shortage occupations: £30,960 minimum
• PhD holders: £34,830 minimum
• Health & care workers: Specific rates apply

Going Rates by Occupation (Examples):

*Health and care workers have different rules

4. English Language Requirement

Must prove English at CEFR Level B1 (intermediate):

Accepted Tests:

Exempt If:

• National of majority English-speaking country
• Degree taught in English (from specific list)

5. Financial Requirements

Must Have: £1,270 in bank account for 28 consecutive days

Exempt If:

• Sponsor certifies maintenance on CoS
• Been in UK with valid visa for 12+ months

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Step 1: Find a Licensed Sponsor & Get Job Offer (Variable)

1. Search for jobs with licensed sponsors
2. Apply and interview
3. Receive job offer
4. Employer issues Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

💡 Tip: Use job boards like Indeed, LinkedIn, and NHS Jobs. Filter for "visa sponsorship available."

Step 2: Gather Documents (1-2 weeks)

Required Documents:

• Valid passport
• Certificate of Sponsorship reference number
• Proof of English language ability
• Bank statements (if required)
• TB test certificate (if from listed country)
• Criminal record certificate (if required)

Step 3: Complete Online Application (1-2 hours)

1. Go to gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa
2. Select "Apply now"
3. Enter CoS reference number
4. Complete personal details
5. Answer eligibility questions
6. Upload documents
7. Pay fees

Step 4: Pay Visa Fees

Application Fees (2026):

Additional Costs:

Total Example (5-year visa):

• Visa fee: £1,420
• IHS (5 years): £5,175
• Total: £6,595

Step 5: Biometrics Appointment (1-2 weeks)

1. Book appointment at Visa Application Centre (VFS Global)
2. Attend in person
3. Provide fingerprints and photo
4. Submit supporting documents (if required)

Step 6: Wait for Decision

Processing Times:

Step 7: Receive Decision

• If approved: Collect BRP or use eVisa
• Entry clearance vignette valid for 90 days
• Must enter UK within validity period

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Jobs on the Shortage Occupation List (SOL) have benefits:

• Lower salary threshold (£30,960 minimum)
• Reduced application fees
• 20 extra tradeable points

Current Shortage Occupations (2026):

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❌ Sponsorship Errors

• Unlicensed sponsor: Verify employer on official register
• Wrong SOC code: Must match actual job duties
• CoS errors: Ensure all details are accurate

❌ Salary Mistakes

• Below threshold: Check both general and going rate
• Incorrect calculation: Include only guaranteed salary, not bonuses
• Part-time miscalculation: Pro-rata salary must meet threshold

❌ English Language Errors

• Wrong test type: Must be "for UKVI" version
• Expired results: Valid for 2 years
• Insufficient score: Need 4.0 in each skill for IELTS

❌ Document Errors

• Missing bank statements: 28 consecutive days required
• Uncertified translations: Official translation needed
• Outdated passport: Must be valid for travel

❌ Application Errors

• Inconsistent information: CoS and application must match
• Missing fees: Application rejected if underpaid
• Wrong visa category: Skilled Worker, not Visitor

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Before Traveling

• Book flights within 90-day vignette validity
• Arrange accommodation
• Inform employer of arrival date

Upon Arrival in UK

• Go through immigration with documents
• Collect Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) within 10 days
• Report to employer

First Month

• Register with GP (doctor)
• Open UK bank account
• Get National Insurance Number
• Register for council tax

Path to Settlement (ILR)

• Work for licensed sponsor continuously for 5 years
• Meet salary threshold throughout
• Pass Life in the UK test
• Meet English requirement (B1 CEFR)
• Apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain

Path to Citizenship

• After 1 year of ILR, apply for British citizenship
• Meet residence requirements
• Pass Life in the UK test (if not done for ILR)
• Attend citizenship ceremony

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✅ UK Immigration Experts: Specialized team for UK visas
✅ Employer Connections: Network of licensed UK sponsors
✅ CoS Support: Guidance on Certificate of Sponsorship
✅ Points Optimization: Ensure you meet 70-point threshold
✅ Application Review: Thorough check before submission
✅ ILR Pathway Planning: Long-term settlement guidance

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Check your eligibility for the UK Skilled Worker visa with our free assessment.

📞 Call: +91-XXXX-XXXXXX
📧 Email: uk@zafco.in
🏢 Visit: Zafco Office, New Delhi

Zafco Human Resource Management - Your Partner for UK Immigration