Every year, lots of Spanish-speaking people want to apply to come to the UK. There are a number of different ways to do this, but today I want to give you some brief advice about one of the most common – the Skilled Worker Visa. A Skilled Worker visa allows you to come to or stay in the UK to do an eligible job with an approved employer.
Knowing that you have the skills to qualify for a Skilled Worker visa is one thing, but there are some other essential steps you must take. More specifically, you must:
· work for a UK employer that’s been approved by the Home Office
· have a ‘certificate of sponsorship’ from your employer with information about the role you’ve been offered in the UK and a confirmed job offer
· do a job that’s on the list of eligible occupations and be paid a minimum level of salary for that job - how much depends on the type of work you do
· be paid a minimum salary - how much depends on the type of work you do
The specific eligibility depends on your job. The UK has a list of eligible jobs in the areas where it has a shortage of skilled workers and wants to attract talented people from abroad. The first thing you should do is consult this list, which you can see here.
Another key requirement is that you must be able to speak, read, write and understand English and you’ll need to prove your knowledge of English when you apply.
Your partner and children can apply to join you or stay in the UK as your ‘dependants’ if they’re eligible.
Your visa can last for up to five years before you need to extend it. If you change jobs or employer (or do a second job) before then, you must apply to extend or update your visa. Please note: your partner or children will need to apply separately to update their visa if you change jobs. They can either apply at the same time as you, or at any time before their current visa expires.
If you want to stay longer in the UK, you can apply to extend your visa as many times as you like as long as you still meet the eligibility requirements.
You must apply online and as part of your application you’ll need to prove your identity and provide your documents. You can apply for a visa up to three months before the day you are due to start work in the UK. This date is listed on your certificate of sponsorship. You may need to allow extra time if you need an appointment to do this. You’ll find out if you need one when you start your application.
This is just a quick introduction to the basics of the Skilled Worker Visa. Please be aware that there are many more things to consider and do before you can be successful with your application. If you need any help, please do get in touch. As a native Spanish speaker, working as an immigration lawyer in the UK, I have all the information about the details of this and other Visa schemes (if you’re not eligible for a Skilled Worker Visa, you may be eligible for another type of visa to work in the UK).
There is, of course, a cost for this service, over and above the charges the UK government makes (please see the other pages of my website for my details), but it does mean you’ll have complete peace of mind and the process should go smoothly and professionally. I look forward to helping you. You can contact me here.
Silvia Rodriguez Molina
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