Applying for a skilled worker visa

 

 

Once you have assigned a Certificate of Sponsorship to your worker, they will be ready to apply for a Skilled Worker visa.

  

They will need to follow the following process:

 

Step 1: Gather documents

 

The Skilled Worker will need to gather the documents needed to support the application. These may include:

 

• A valid passport or travel document

• A certificate of sponsorship from the employer

• Proof of knowledge of English

• Proof of finances

• TB Test, applicable for certain countries, if applying from abroad

 

It is important to ensure that the documents are in the correct format and meet the requirements of the Home Office.

 

Step 2: Complete and Submit the online application

 

Once they have checked their eligibility and gathered the above documents, they can submit their application online. They will need to pay the application fee and the healthcare surcharge, which will give them access to the UK's National Health Service (NHS).

 

Step 3: Attend a biometric appointment

 

After submitting your application, the Skilled Woker will need to attend a biometric appointment to provide fingerprints and a photograph. This information will be used to create the biometric residence permit (BRP).

 

Step 4: Wait for a decision

 

Once the Skilled Worker has submitted their application and attended the biometric appointment, they will need to wait for a decision. The processing time for a UK Skilled Worker Visa can vary depending on individual circumstances, but on average takes about 6 weeks. There is also the option to pay an addition fee and get a decision within a few days.

 

Step 5: Collect the visa

 

If the application is successful, and the skilled worker applied from abroad, the visa will be in the form of a vignette in their passport. This will allow them to travel to the UK and collect the BRP within 10 days of arriving.

 

If the Skilled Worker applied for the visa from within the UK, ,the BRP will be delivered to their home address by a courier on behalf of the Home Office.

 

Applying for a UK Skilled Worker Visa can be a complex process, but with the right guidance and support, it can be a smooth and successful experience. As specialist business immigration solicitors, we have the expertise to help you navigate the process and ensure that the application is successful.

​