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I’m on a Skilled Worker visa. How long can I spend outside of the UK?

As one of the most popular visa routes, Skilled Worker visa holders must ensure that they understand the rules regarding the length of stay outside the UK, as it can affect their future immigration prospects.

The Skilled Worker visa, which replaced the Tier 2 (General) visa in December 2020, allows employers who hold a Skilled Worker Sponsor licence to sponsor foreign skilled workers in the UK.

As a Skilled Worker visa holder, you are permitted to travel outside the UK during your visa without restrictions, provided you have the permission of your employer. This includes annual leave entitlement.

However, if you wish to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) as a Skilled Worker in the future, it is important to note that you must meet the ‘continuous residence requirement’. The requirement states that you must not have been absent from the UK for more than 180 days in any 12-month period, either through a single absence or through combined multiple absences (“the 180 day rule”). If you do not meet this requirement, your application for ILR may be refused.

If you do not meet the 180 day rule, you may still be eligible to apply for an extension of your Skilled Worker visa.

In certain circumstances, it may be possible to seek discretion where the rule is not met if the absence was for a compelling reason, however, it is advisable to seek professional advice in respect of any discretionary application.

How Gherson can assist

Gherson’s Immigration Team are highly experienced in advising on UK visa matters. If you have any questions arising from this blog, please do not hesitate to contact us for advice, send us an e-mail , or, alternatively, follow us on Twitter , Facebook , In stagram , or LinkedIn to stay-up-to-date.

The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please do not hesitate to contact Gherson. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.

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Information & Advice

The Skilled Worker route is a suitable immigration route for those looking to remain in the UK after their studies and work. Normally, the Skilled Worker route requires you to have a qualifying job offer from a Skilled Worker sponsor.

The information we give is not exhaustive, and focuses on those that do not already have Skilled Worker permission. If you are unsure about any particular part of the route, or need help with your specific situation, please contact your sponsoring organisation.

According to Home Office statistics from August 2023 , the five most common work sectors for work visas in the UK were:

Human health and social work activities
Information and communications
Professional, scientific and technical activities
Financial and insurance activities
Manufacturing

Where, when, how to apply

The Skilled Worker route has important conditions relating to where and when you can apply. Read through this guidance carefully so that you understand how to apply appropriately.

Where to apply

You can apply overseas or in the UK. Employers have different requirements to meet for the Skilled Worker route if they are recruiting from overseas. If you have any questions how this may affect you, please contact your sponsoring organisation.

When to apply

Applying from outside the uk.

You can apply as soon as you have received your job offer, you meet the requirements, and you have received your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your employer.

If you are hoping to apply as a 'new entrant' from overseas, you can:

Apply no more than 2 years after your Student or Graduate visa has expired (you must not have held any other immigration permission for the UK other than a Visitor after expiry)
Apply after you have completed 12 months towards a UK PhD on your Student immigration permission
Apply within 2 years of completing 12 months of study towards a UK PhD on Student immigration permission

Applying from the UK

For applications made inside the UK, your application timeline will vary based on your circumstances. The absolute deadline for applying in the UK to switch into the Skilled Worker route is the expiry date of your current permission, but it is important you are aware of the specific deadlines for your personal circumstances. The options for when you are able to switch to a Skilled Worker visa in the UK are mainly based on the type of study you are undertaking:

If you are studying full-time for a UK bachelor's/UK master's/PGCE/PGDE

You can apply once your course of study is complete; OR
You can apply if the start date on your CoS is after your course completion date (this is only applicable to those studying at a higher education providers with a track record of compliance)

If you are studying full-time for a PhD

You can apply if the start date on your CoS is after your course completion date (this is only applicable to those studying at a higher education providers with a track record of compliance); OR
You can apply if the start date of your CoS is no earlier than 24 months after the start date of your PhD (this is only applicable to those studying at a higher education providers with a track record of compliance)

You apply online. There are different application forms for whether you are applying outside the UK or inside the UK . The application fee varies depending on the length of the certificate of sponsorship that you have been issued, the type of job you are being sponsored for, and whether you are applying from overseas or in the UK. A breakdown of how much it costs can be found on the government website.

You must pay for the immigration health surcharge as part of your application. This is charged at £1,035 per year of immigration permission granted.

Mandatory points

To qualify for a Skilled Worker visa, you must obtain 70 points (50 mandatory points and 20 tradeable points ). You must also meet other mandatory requirements.

Firstly, we will review the mandatory points :

Sponsorship (20 points)

You must have a qualifying job that is sponsored by an employer with a Skilled Worker license. The employer will issue you a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) for you to use in your visa application. Using a valid CoS obtains you the required points.

UK employers recruiting under the Skilled Worker route may be required to pay an Immigration Skills Charge (ISC). This is not a charge that you will pay, but it does mean that sponsoring you may incur extra costs to your employer. This charge does not apply if you are switching into the Skilled Worker route from the Student route in the UK.

Details about this charge can be found on the UK visa sponsorship for employers website.

See the Register of licensed sponsors: Workers for a list of all sponsor license holders.

Job at an appropriate skill level (20 points)

You must be being sponsored for a job at, or above, the minimum skill level. This is described as Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) level 3, which equates to an A-level qualification in the UK.

You must be taking up a job that matches an eligible SOC 2020 occupation code . Your employer must ensure that the job they are sponsoring you for has an appropriate SOC 2020 occupation code, and that the salary is appropriate for the job. There must be a genuine need for the job role and you must have the appropriate skills, qualifications, and experience to do the job.

You will evidence that this requirement has been met by submitting your CoS in your visa application.

English language skills (10 points)

You must meet the English language requirement. You must be able to demonstrate English language to B1 level. A degree-level qualification from a UK institution is one way of meeting this requirement. Further ways of meeting this requirement can be found on the Skilled Worker visa: Knowledge of English page.

Tradeable points

In addition to the mandatory points, you must obtain a further 20 tradeable points . There are eleven different options, hence why these points are “tradeable”. The eleven options are listed in the immigration rules as Option A-K, and each option has its own salary requirement, job requirement, and occasionally specific academic requirements.

It is important to note that Options F-J are reserved for those already with Skilled Worker permission in the UK, and Option K is reserved for those seeking sponsorship in certain health or education occupations.

The information in this section is applicable to applications under the Skilled Worker route made with a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) that was issued on or after 4 April 2024.

Minimum salary

Any eligible job that you are hoping to be sponsored for must meet a minimum salary requirement. A salary must meet or exceed the following requirements:

the minimum salary threshold
the "going rate" for the specific occupation

The minimum salary varies depending on how you are obtaining your tradeable points. As an example, the most common option for obtaining the tradeable points is through Option A.

The minimum salary for Option A is as follows:

Yearly salary of £38,700
The going rate for the SOC 2020 occupation code

Each of the other options have different minimum salaries, so it is important to understand which tradeable points you are seeking to obtain in a Skilled Worker route application.

Every job that can be sponsored under the Skilled Worker route also has its own minimum salary, and this is what is referred to as the “going rate”. These salaries can be found in Appendix Skilled Occupations in Tables 1, 2, 2a, and 3. When considering salaries under the Skilled Worker route, the highest figure will always be treated as the minimum. For those switching into the Skilled Worker route from Student or Graduate permission, you should use Table 1 as your reference.

Let's look at the first occupation listed under Table 1 in Appendix Skilled Occupations, '1111 Chief executives and senior officials', and let’s assume you are hoping to apply for a Skilled Worker visa as a Chief Executive at Company X:

You have a job offer as a Chief executive of Company X. You are hoping to obtain your tradeable points under Option A. Your job offer must have a salary that exceeds £84,100 per year (the going rate) and £43.13 per hour (the hourly rate). Because this occupation already exceeds the minimum salary of the Skilled Worker route (£38,700), you must demonstrate that you will be paid over and above £84,100 per year and £43.13 per hour in a visa application.

Appendix Skilled Occupations provides a long list of job roles and it is important that when you are seeking sponsorship that you understand what the minimum salary is for the role you are applying for. If you are unsure, it is important that you contact the sponsoring organisation.

If you are being sponsored for a job role in a listed health or education occupation, you can only claim your tradeable points through Option K. It is important to note that roles in the health or care sector have further rules and requirements that you must meet. We do not cover these in our information.

Option E ('new entrants')

It may be possible to obtain your tradeable points through as a 'new entrant'. The 'new entrant' option is designed for those that are new to the labour market in the UK, and this includes those coming from Student or Graduate permission.

If you are planning to use the 'new entrant' option to obtain your tradeable points and you do not currently hold Skilled Worker permission you should use Option E . The other 'new entrant' option, Option J, is reserved for those already with Skilled Worker permission that are seeking an extension.

As is the case for all of the tradeable points options, it is your prospective employer that is responsible for evaluating your eligibility. It is important that you understand what you may be eligible for however, and that any concerns are raised with your employer directly.

There are many benefits to obtaining your tradeable points as a 'new entrant' such as a lower minimum salary and an extended eligibility period if you leave the UK. You can obtain points through Option E if you meet any one of the following provisions:

you are under the age of 26 on the date of application
your most recent visa was a Student visa, your Student visa is still valid or it expired less than 2 years before the date of application, you were sponsored to study a UK bachelor's/UK master's/UK PhD or other doctoral qualification/PGCE/PGDE
your most recent visa was a Graduate route visa and it is still valid or it expired less than 2 years before the date of application
the job is a postdoctoral position under specific occupation codes ( see Appendix Skilled Worker, SW 12.2 (b) )
you are working towards a recognised professional qualification in a profession listed on the Centre for Professional Qualifications website
you are working towards full registration or chartered status with the relevant professional body for the job you are being sponsored for

The main benefit of being a "new entrant" is a lower minimum salary requirement. The minimum salary for Option E is as follows:

Yearly salary of £30,960
70% of the going rate for the SOC 2020 occupation code

Let’s revisit the example we used earlier where you have been offered a position of Chief Executive Officer at Company X:

You have a job offer as a Chief executive of Company X. You are hoping to obtain your tradeable points under Option E. According to Table 1 in Appendix Skilled Occupations, the going rate for this role is £84,100. However, 70% of the going rate for this SOC 2020 occupation code is £58,870 per year and £30.19 per hour. Because this occupation already exceeds the minimum salary of the Skilled Worker route (£38,700), you must demonstrate that you will be paid over and above £58,870 per year and £30.19 per hour in a visa application.

You can see that being a new entrant has a major impact on the salary that is required in any particular role. It is unlikely that you will enter into the labour market at the level of chief executive however, so let's take a look at another example of an occupation that can be sponsored under the Skilled worker route. This time, let’s look at "1135 Charitable organisation managers and directors". Remember, as a new entrant, you are able to take a salary at 70% of the going rate:

You have a job offer as a Charity Manager at Charity X. You are hoping to obtain your tradeable points under Option E. According to Table 1 in Appendix Skilled Occupations, the going rate for this role is £40,900. However, 70% of the going rate for this SOC 2020 occupation code is £30,960 per year and £15.88 per hour. Although this does not exceed the minimum salary threshold of the Skilled Worker route (£38,700), it does meet the minimum threshold as a 'new entrant' (£30,960). Therefore your job offer must have a salary at or above the 70% of the going rate, as listed above.

It may be the case that the 'new entrant' going rate for an occupation does not always equate exactly to 70% of the going rate. This is because the Immigration Rules round up any salary that falls below the 'new entrant' minimum rate of £30,960 (or £15.88 per hour) automatically.

It is important to note that you have a time limit as a new entrant. You can only have 4 years of total immigration permission for the UK under these routes:

New entrant under Skilled Worker route

Deadlines and timeframes for applying for the Skilled Worker route can be found above under "Deadlines". If you come to the UK as a Visitor after your Student/Graduate leave, it will not affect your eligibility as a "new entrant".

Other requirements

Once you are confident that you have the required 70 points for Skilled Worker route, you must also meet the remaining requirements for the visa application. Some of these requirements are mandatory, and some are based on the type of job you are applying for, where you are applying for your visa, and any previous financial sponsorship.

Financial requirement (mandatory)

If you have been living in the UK with valid permission for 12 months or longer on the date of application, and you are applying for a Skilled Worker route visa in the UK, you will meet the financial requirements automatically. This will also apply for any dependants that are applying in the UK.

If you have been living in the UK for less than 12 months, or if you are applying outside the UK, you will need to demonstrate funds of £1,270 for 28 consecutive days prior to the date of application. If you are applying with dependants, they must also be able to demonstrate funds .

Certain employers can confirm on the Certificate of Sponsorship that they will cover your living costs during your first month in the UK, up to a maximum of £1,270. They may also be able to do this for any dependents. If you are unsure if your employer can offer this, speak with them directly.

Genuineness requirement (mandatory)

The job and vacancy must be genuine, and the Home Office may check this. The Immigration Rules explains ( Appendix Skilled Worker ) that you as the applicant must:

"[...] genuinely intend, and be able, to undertake the role for which they are being sponsored; and not intend to undertake employemnt other than in the role for which they are being sponsored, or as otherwise permitted"

This is assessed by a caseworker when your application is under review.

The Skilled Worker caseworker guidance elaborates further on this and explains that caseworkers assessing your application will take specific steps to establish the genuineness of your application and role.

Criminal record certificate (mandatory for certain entry clearance applications only)

If you are applying from outside of the UK and being sponsored under certain SOC 2020 occupation codes, you will need to provide a criminal record certificate from the relevant authority in any country in which you have been present for 12 months or more (whether continuously or in total) in the 10 years before the date of application, whilst aged 18 or over.

Your sponsor should inform you of this requirement if is applicable. You can read more information on criminal record certificates on the Home Office website , and the list of relevant SOC 2020 occupation codes can be found in Appendix Skilled Worker , SW 16.1.

Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate (if applicable)

You may need to obtain Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) clearance as part of a Skilled Worker route application. Details on whether you may require ATAS are outlined in the Workers and Temporary Workers: guidance for sponsors part 2: sponsor a worker - general information , pp.45-47.

For further details about whether you will require ATAS, speak to your employer.

Studies sponsored by a government or scholarship agency (if applicable)

If you have had your living costs and tuition fees paid for a course of study in the UK by a government and/or an international scholarship agency within the 12 months prior to your Skilled Worker route application, you must provider a consent letter. This letter must be from your financial sponsor and it must state that they consent to your application under the Skilled Worker route.

The Immigration Rules do not require sponsor's consent to the application if you were only sponsored for fees alone, or living costs alone, but we have had reports that the application form does not make this distinction. You may wish to check with your sponsor employer how they would like you to answer the question.

Sponsor consent is not required at all if you are or were sponsored by a university, an international company or an independent school.

Starting work

The rules around when you are able to start work after making a valid Skilled Worker visa application are complex and interact with other parts of the immigration rules. We provide some information below, specifically for those applying from overseas and those applying to switch into the Skilled Worker route from the Student route.

The information is not exhaustive, so if you have any questions, please contact your sponsoring body.

If you are applying from overseas

If you are applying for a Skilled Worker visa from overseas, you must wait until your visa has been granted before you are able to travel to the UK and start working in your Skilled Worker job.

If you are switching to the Skilled Worker route from the Student route in the UK

If you are applying to switch to the Skilled Worker visa from your Student leave, when you are able to start working depends on when you make your Skilled Worker route application, what course you have been studying, and when your CoS starts. There is also interaction between the Skilled Worker rules and Student rules that you need to be aware of when discussing these options with your employer:

You submitted a Skilled Worker visa application before 17 July 2023:

You can start your job up to three months before your course end date

You submitted a Skilled Worker visa application after 17 July 2023:

If your course of study is complete , then you can start working in your Skilled Worker job immediately after a valid Skilled Worker visa application is submitted
If you are within 3 months of the course completion date on your CAS for your course of study , are studying at a higher education provider with a track record of compliance, and your CoS start date is after your course completion date, you can start working in your Skilled Worker job immediately after a valid Skilled Worker visa application is submitted
If you are studying a PhD at a higher education provider with a track record of compliance , your CoS start date is no earlier than 24 months after your course start date, and you are not within 3 months of your course completion date on your CAS, then you cannot start working in your Skilled Worker job until your Skilled Worker visa has been granted

The rules for starting work are very complicated, so it is important that you communicate with your employer at all times throughout the recruitment process. In all cases where you are unsure about this, check directly with your employer.

The Skilled Worker visa is subject to a wide range of conditions, although they are normally less restrictive than the Student route. It is important to understand the conditions of your visa and what you will need to comply with before making an application under this route.

Normally, work is restricted to the job that you are being sponsored for on the Skilled Worker route. Some supplementary employment is permitted, but subject to specific rules. Voluntary work is also permitted.

Study is not restricted under the Skilled Worker visa. This means you can do any level or mode of study on this visa. It is important however to check with your sponsor that they are comfortable with you studying at the same time as working.

Public funds

The Skilled Worker route does not provide any access to public funds. More details on what is considered a public fund can be found here .

Extending your stay

There is no limit on the amount of times you can extend your permission under the Skilled Worker route. The Skilled Worker route is also a route to settlement. To qualify, you must have spent a continuous period of 5 years in the UK under the Skilled Worker route ( other routes are included in this 5 year period, but not time spent on the Student route).

UKCISA are not experts on the Skilled Worker route, and do not provide advice about individual circumstances. It is important that you speak to your prospective Skilled Worker sponsor about any concerns, questions, or issues you may have in respect of the route and the visa application.

We have collated some resources that will hopefully give you further guidance on the Skilled Worker route to help you with these discussions.

Government resources

Skilled Worker visa information page

This is the Gov.UK main homepage for the Skilled Worker visa. It provides detailed information about the route and its costs, eligibility requirements, and further information about dependants.

Appendix Skilled Worker (Immigration rules)

These are the rules that govern the Skilled Worker route.

Appendix Skilled Occupations (Immigration rules)

This appendix to the immigration rules outlines all of the job roles that can be sponsored under the Skilled Worker route, the related salaries, and the occupation codes for employers to use when issuing CoS.

Skilled Worker visa: minimum salary (new entrants)

This guidance document outlines all of the eligible jobs under Option E (new entrant) and their respective minimum salaries.

Skilled Worker caseworker guidance

This guidance is intended for use for Home Office caseworkers, but does include helpful information to applicants and employers.

Skilled Worker eligibility tool

This tool will provide a set of basic questions to help you work out if you could be eligible for a Skilled Worker visa.

This is a list of all organisations in the UK that hold a licence to sponsor under work routes including Skilled Worker. It is updated daily.

Find an immigration adviser

If you need advice or representation during a Skilled Worker visa application, you should seek an immigration adviser that is registered with the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC). This tool provides a searchable list of OISC registered advisers that you can contact if you need support.

Other resources

UKCISA - International Student Employability Group

UKCISA chairs this group of sector bodies to conduct research into international student employability, engage with government and employers, and support education providers with international students and work. We have further resources here that may help you (and your employer) during your Skilled Worker route journey.

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Skilled Worker Arriving in the UK

Information for out-of-country applicants about arriving in the uk on a skilled worker visa..

When an out-of-country Skilled Worker visa application is granted a vignette (visa sticker) will be placed in the applicant's passport.

Those applying for a Skilled Worker visa for six months or more may receive a 90 day vignette which is used to enter the UK and are instructed when and where to collect their Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) after they arrive in the UK. The BRP is a plastic credit-card sized visa valid for the full length of their visa. While the vignette used to enter the UK is valid for 90 days if a visa holder's arrival and start in their role is delayed by more than 28 days their sponsorship must be cancelled, unless the delay was for a serious and unavoidable reason, and they would have to leave and apply again for a new visa from outside the UK.

Those applying for a Skilled Worker visa for less than six months may receive a vignette valid for the full length of their visa and are not given a BRP.

EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland nationals, who have a biometric passport and used the 'UK Immigration: ID Check' app will not receive a vignette or BRP and instead have a digital immigration status.

Moving to Oxford

Practical information on travel and moving to the UK, including accommodation, moving your possessions, school applications, bringing pets, and opening a UK bank account is provided by the Oxford University Welcome Service .

Travelling to the UK

The Home Office strongly recommends against booking travel to the UK before a visa is issued.

Skilled Worker visa holders must travel to the UK as soon as possible after the start date of their Skilled Worker vignette. Those issued a vignette valid for 90 days must travel to the UK within this period, as if they do not, they will have to apply, and pay, for a replacement vignette before entering the UK.

Travelling to the UK as a Visitor

Once an applicant has submitted their Skilled Worker visa application, or after their Skilled Worker visa has been granted, they must not enter the UK as a Visitor (e.g. as a tourist). If they do, their Skilled Worker visa will no longer be valid, and they will not be able to start their employment. Any travel plans should be discussed with the employing department/ faculty/ college and the Staff Immigration Team (SIT).

A Skilled Worker start date cannot be delayed more than 28 days (4 weeks)

If a Skilled Worker visa holder arrives more than 28 days late, unless there is some serious and unavoidable reason for the delay, their sponsorship would have to be withdrawn which would result in their Skilled Worker visa being cancelled. The 28 days are counted from either the Skilled Worker CoS start date or the date the Skilled Worker visa is issued, whichever is later.

If there are any concerns about meeting a Skilled Worker start date, please contact the Staff Immigration Team (SIT) as early as possible.

Entry to the UK

Skilled Worker visa holders and their family members will normally have their vignettes checked and date stamped by a Home Office Immigration Officer on arriving in the UK.

Nationals of An EU country, Australia , Canada, Iceland, Japan , Liechtenstein, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore , South Korea , Switzerland and the USA who have a biometric passport will instead be able to enter through 'eGates' without having to speak to an Immigration Officer. If travelling with children under 10 years old, however, they cannot use the 'eGates' and will need to see an Immigration Officer.

Those who enter through an 'eGate' will not receive a date stamp in their passport and will need to retain their boarding pass, travel itinerary, or other evidence of when they entered the UK.

Even those who have travelled to the UK before may find the government's Guide to faster travel through the UK border useful.

Required action after arrival

Collecting brps.

Those who have applied for a Skilled Worker visa for six months or more and have a vignette in their passport allowing them to arrive to the UK, must collect their Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) within 10 days after arriving, or before their vignette expires, whichever is sooner. The Home Office letter which confirmed their application had been granted will list when and from with Post Office they will need to collect their BRP.

Occasionally a BRP is not ready for collection on the stated date and the visa holder will need to return a day or two later to collect the BRP. If a BRP is still not available for collection the visa holder can report this to the Home Office to receive further instruction but should also inform their employing department/ faculty/ college and the Staff Immigration Team (SIT).

BRPs should be carefully checked when they are picked up as any errors in details or dates will need to be corrected. If there are errors on a BRP the visa holder should inform their employing department/ faculty/ college and SIT.

More detail on these issues is found in Home Office guidance on Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) .

Evidence Right to Work before any work starts

Skilled Worker visa holders will need to obtain a share code so that departments and colleges can complete an online check.

Vignette and BRP

If BRP collection is delayed, and a share code is unable to be obtained, the visa holder may be able to start work with a right to work check on their vignette but must provide a share code before their vignette expires to complete the check and fully establish their right to work in the UK.

The Home Office requires evidence of the date a Skilled Worker visa holder enters the UK to be kept as part of their record-keeping requirements. Usually, the vignette will be date stamped upon arrival. In the absence of an entry stamp – for example, if the Skilled Worker visa holder entered through Ireland or another part of the Common Travel Area, or through an 'eGate' – other evidence, such as the boarding card or travel itinerary will need to be presented to the employing department/ faculty/ college when the right to work check is being completed.

Digital Immigration Status

Visa holders who only have a digital immigration status, and do not receive a vignette and BRP, will need to provide a 'share code' to enable access to their visa information online. Detailed guidance is provided in our Online Right to Work check process .

Attending visa holder briefing session

The Staff Immigration team will send an invitation to attend a Visa holder briefing session via email to new employees who are Skilled Worker or Tier 5 visa holders.

Medical Sciences / Humanities / GLAM / UAS / Continuing Education

Angelina Pelova, Email: [email protected]

Paul Deeble, Email: [email protected]

MPLS / Social Sciences / Colleges

Lyn Davis, Email: [email protected]

Richard Birt, Email: [email protected]

43 countries you can travel VISA-FREE with UK visa [2024 edition]

Updated: March 21, 2024 533 Comments

One of the frequent questions I get is which countries can I visit with a UK visa. The short answer is the UK. The long answer is you can travel to 40 countries and territories VISA-FREE with UK visa.

I encourage you all to get a US visa or at least a Canada visa first. Both these visas are long-term visas. These visas offer VISA-FREE travel to quite a few countries. But if you happen to have a UK visa or applying for one, then it is still better than not having any visas at all. There are about 40 countries and territories you can visit with a UK visa.

UK tourist visas are mostly short-term (C-Type) visas valid for 6 months. The UK does issue long-term visas for 5/10 years but it would cost an arm and a leg.

The UK visa application is not the most difficult, but it can be stressful due to its lengthy processing times and lack of customer service.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER Visa requirements change constantly but we make every effort to keep the information accurate and up to date. We provide links to official sources wherever necessary, so you can conduct your own due diligence to verify the visa requirements before planning your trip. We shall not be held liable for any damages incurred as a result of using the information in this article. Refer to our full disclaimer for more information.

Which UK Visas are eligible?

Depending on the country, any of the below UK visas can be used.

UK Visitor Visa (Standard visitor and Short-term study)
UK Student Visa (Tier 4)
UK Work Visa (Tier 1, Tier 2 and Tier 5)
UK Transit Visa (DATV and Visitor in Transit)
UK Family Visa (Spouse)
UK Residence Permit (ILR and BRP)

Refer to each country below for permitted UK visa types. Some countries require the UK visa to be multiple-entry and have been used at least once to travel to the UK.

So, without further ado, let’s get started.

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North America

Travel Countries VISA-FREE with UK visa - Guanajuato Mexico

Eligible nationalities: All nationalities
Permitted visas: All used/unused multiple-entry UK visas
Permitted resident permits: All valid ILRs (permanent resident cards)
Entry granted: Up to 180 days
UK visa or residence permit must be valid during the entire stay in Mexico
Passport must be valid during the entire stay in Mexico
Official source: National Institute of Migration, Mexico

WARNING UK BRP cards are NOT ACCEPTED to enter Mexico. Only valid/unexpired UK visas (visa sticker in the passport) or UK ILR cards (permanent residency) are accepted. Also, if you are from the African continent (ex: Nigeria, Ghana, etc.), please check with Mexican authorities before planning your travel. I’m hearing a lot of stories of entry refusals and deportations at Mexican airports.

RELATED: 53 countries you can travel VISA-FREE with a US visa in 2024

Central America

Travel Countries VISA-FREE with UK visa - Panama City

02. Costa Rica

Permitted visas: All valid used/unused multiple-entry Tier 1, 2, 4 or 5 visas (student and work only)
Permitted residence permits: All valid ILR and BRPs
Entry granted: 30 days
IMPORTANT: UK standard visitor visas are NOT accepted
UK Tier 1, 2, 4, 5 visas or BRPs must be valid for at least 3 months from the day of arrival
Official source: Embassy of Costa Rica in Washington DC, USA
Permitted visas: All valid used multiple-entry UK visas
UK visa or residence permit must have been used at least once to enter the UK before
UK visa or residence permit must be valid for at least 6 months from the day of arrival
Must show proof of economic solvency for a minimum of 500 USD
Original sources: Embassy of Panama in the USA

RELATED: 38 countries you can travel VISA-FREE with Canada visa in 2024

Beach of Catalina Island in Dominican Republic

04. Anguilla (British Territory)

Permitted visas: All valid used/unused multiple-entry UK visas
Entry granted: 90 days
Official source: The Government of Anguilla

05. Antigua and Barbuda

Permitted residence permits: A valid ILR (permanent resident permit)
Visa is NOT EXEMPT, but are eligible to obtain Visa ON ARRIVAL (VOA)
VOA fee is 100 USD, valid for 30 days, single-entry only
UK Visa must be valid for at least 6 months from the day of arrival
Official source: Department of Immigration, Antigua and Barbuda
Permitted residence permits: All valid ILR and BRPs (applies to all nationalities)
Official source: Netherlands Worldwide

07. Bahamas

Permitted residence permits: A valid ILR (permanent resident card)
Official source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Bahamas

08. Bermuda (British Territory)

UK visa or residence permit must be valid for a minimum of 45 days beyond the date of departure from Bermuda
Passport must be valid for a minimum of 45 days beyond the date of departure from Bermuda
Official source: Government of Bermuda

09. Bonaire (Dutch Territory)

10. british virgin islands (british territory).

Permitted residence permits: None
Entry granted: 180 days
Entry rule: UK visa must be valid for at least 6 months from the day of arrival
Official source: Government of the Virgin Islands (British)

11. Cayman Islands (British Territory)

Entry rule: Must arrive in the Cayman Islands directly from the UK. Arriving from a third country is not permitted.
Official source: Cayman Islands Customs and Border Controls

12. Curaçao

13. dominican republic.

Permitted visas: All valid used/unused multiple-entry UK visas, except transit
Entry rule: If arriving by land or sea, must pay a departure tax of 20 USD before departing. If arriving by air, the departure tax is included in the airfare.
Official source: Embassy of the Dominican Republic in the UK

14. Jamaica

Bosnia and Herzegovina
Dominican Republic
Entry rules: UK visa must be valid for at least 30 days from the day of arrival
Official source: Immigration Department of Jamaica

15. Sint Maarten

16. turks and caicos (british territory).

Official source: Ministry of Border Control of Turks and Caicos

RELATED: 53 countries you can travel VISA-FREE with Schengen visa in 2024

South America

Official source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Peru

RELATED: 18 countries you can visit VISA-FREE with an Australian visa or PR in 2024

Holy Trinity Cathedral in Tbilisi, Georgia

18. Albania

Permitted visas: All valid USED multiple-entry UK visas
Entry rule: UK visa must have been used at least once to enter the UK
Official source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Albania

19. Armenia

Marshall Islands
Papua New Guinea
Philippines
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Saint Lucia
Saudi Arabia
Solomon Islands
Timor-Leste
Trinidad and Tobago
Turkmenistan
Entry granted: 21 or 120 days
Visa is NOT EXEMPT, but are eligible to obtain Visa ON ARRIVAL
VOA fee is 3,000 AMD, valid for 21 days, single-entry (OR) 15,000 AMD, valid for 120 days, single-entry
Visa must be a STICKER in the passport, E-Visa prints are not accepted
Official source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia

20. Georgia

UK visa must be valid on the day of arrival in Georgia
Total duration of consecutive stays must not exceed 90 days in any 180-day period
Official source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia

21. Gibraltar (British Territory)

UK visa must have been issued for at least 6 months or more
UK residence permit must have been issued for at least 12 months or more
Official source: Gibraltar Borders & Coastguards Agency

22. Ireland

North Macedonia
Permitted visas: A valid used multiple-entry UK short-stay standard visitor visa
Entry granted: 90 days or until the exit date on your UK entry stamp, whichever is shorter
Must enter the UK first before entering Ireland
Must enter and exit Ireland within the exit date on your UK entry stamp (this is different from the visa expiry date)
Can enter Ireland directly from the UK or elsewhere, but must enter Ireland within the exit date on the UK entry stamp
Official source: Department of Justice of Ireland

23. Moldova

Central African Republic
Equatorial Guinea
Guinea-Bissau
São Tomé and Príncipe
South Africa
Entry rule: The UK visa or BRP must be valid for the intended period of stay
Official source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Moldova

24. Montenegro

Entry rule: UK visa must be valid for the intended period of the stay
Official source: Government of Montenegro

25. North Macedonia

Entry granted: 15 days
UK visa must be valid for at least 5 days beyond the intended period of stay
Total duration of consecutive stays must not exceed 3 months in any 6 months period
Official source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Macedonia
UK visa must be valid for the entire duration of the stay
Official source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Serbia
Afghanistan
Algeria (those aged 15-18 and 35-65)
North Korea
Visa is NOT EXEMPT, but are eligible to apply for Turkey e-Visa online
eVisa fee is 43 USD, valid for 180 days, single-entry only
Official source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkey

If you hold a UK visa or BRP, you can follow this step-by-step guide to apply for Turkey e-Visa . This guide has step-by-step instructions and screenshots to help you fill out the application, pay the visa fee and download your approved e-Visa.

28. United Kingdom (Of course!)

Includes all parts of the United Kingdom: England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
Includes British Crown Dependencies: Isle of Man and the Channel Islands (Bailiwick of Jersey and Bailiwick of Guernsey)

RELATED: 5 ways to get proof of onward travel for your next trip

Middle East

29. Bahrain

Entry granted: 14 days or 30 days
Visa is NOT EXEMPT, but are eligible to obtain Visa ON ARRIVAL or Bahrain eVisa
Single-entry VOA fee is 5 BD, valid for 14 days, entry up to 14 days
Multiple-entry VOA fee is 12 BD, valid for 3 months, entry up to 30 days
Single-entry eVisa fee is 9 BD, valid for 14 days, entry up to 14 days
Multiple-entry eVisa fee is 16 BD, valid for 1 month, entry up to 14 days
For VOA, the UK visa must be valid for the entire stay in Bahrain
For eVisa, the UK visa must be valid for at least 6 months from the day of arrival
Official source: Bahrain eVisa Portal
Burkina Faso
Congo, Dem. Rep. Of
Congo, Rep. of
Cote d’Ivoire
Guinea Bissau
Sierra Leone
South Sudan
Permitted visas: None
Visa is NOT EXEMPT, but are eligible to apply for Jordan E-Visa
The ILR or BRP must be valid for at least 6 months from the day of arrival
Official source: Jordan E-Visa Portal
El Salvador
Entry granted: 10 or 30 days
Visa is NOT EXEMPT, but are eligible to obtain Oman 26M or 26N Tourist Visa online
26M eVIsa fee is 20 OMR, valid for 30 days, single-entry only
26N eVIsa fee is 5 OMR, valid for 10 days, single-entry only
Official source: Sultanate of Oman, Royal Oman Police
Visa is NOT EXEMPT, but are eligible to apply for A3 Visa online on the Hayya portal
A3 Visa fee is QAR 100, valid for 30 days, single-entry only
Must provide hotel booking for the entire stay reserved through the Discover Qatar website
UK visa or BRP/ILR must be valid on the day of the A3 Visa application
Official source: Qatar Tourism Board

33. Saudi Arabia

Permitted visas: Valid USED multiple-entry UK standard visitor visa (other visas not accepted)
Visa is NOT EXEMPT, but are eligible to obtain Visa ON ARRIVAL or Saudi Arabia eVisa
VOA or eVisa fee is 300 SAR, valid for 1 year, multiple-entry (plus service fee and insurance fee)
UK visa must have been used at least once to enter the UK
Official source: Saudi Arabia Tourism Authority

34. United Arab Emirates

Permitted residence permits: All valid ILR, BRP and spouse visas
Entry granted: 14 days
Visa is NOT EXEMPT, but are eligible to obtain Visa ON ARRIVAL at all UAE airports
VOA fee is 100 AED, valid for 14 days, single-entry only
UK residence permit must be valid for at least 6 months from the day of arrival
Official source: Embassy of UAE in London, UK

RELATED: How to turn your weak passport into a strong passport (with examples)

Visa is NOT EXEMPT, but are eligible to obtain Visa ON ARRIVAL at all international airports
VOA fee is $25 USD, valid for 30 days, single-entry only
UK visa must have been used to enter the UK at least once
Official source: Egypt Tourism Department

36. Morocco

Visa is NOT EXEMPT, but are eligible to apply for Morocco e-Visa
E-Visa fee is 770 MAD, valid for 180 days, single-entry only
UK visa or BPR/ILR must be valid for at least 90 days from the day of arrival
Official source: Morocco E-Visa Portal

RELATED: How to book flight tickets with 24 hour FREE cancellation on Expedia: A step-by-step guide

Travel Countries VISA-FREE with UK visa - Carabao Island in Philippines

Permitted visas: Valid multiple-entry UK RESIDENT visas such as student, work, etc.
Visa is NOT EXEMPT but are eligible to apply for Japan eVisa
eVisa fee is JPY 3,000, valid for 90 days, single-entry only
Must submit proof of residence to prove that you reside in the UK
Must show the visa issuance confirmation via the eVisa website on your phone at the immigration (Prints and PDFs are not accepted)
Must enter Japan by flight only
Official source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan

38. Kyrgyzstan

Permitted visas: All valid used/unused LONG-TERM multiple-entry UK visas, issued for at least for 3+ years
Entry granted: 7 days
UK visa must be a long-term visa issued for 3 or more years, visas issued for less than 3 years are not accepted
After entering Kyrgyzstan this way, you can only reenter Kyrgyzstan again after 21 days
Official source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan

39. Philippines

Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of departure
Official source: Embassy of the Philippines in India

40. Singapore

Entry granted: 96 hours (4 days)
Visa is NOT EXEMPT but are eligible to obtain Visa Free Transit Facility (VFTF) upon arrival
Must be traveling to or from the country of passport. Example: Must be traveling to a third country from India via Singapore or traveling to India from a third country via Singapore. An example itinerary would be India-Singapore-Bali or Bali-Singapore-India.
Both arriving and departing flights in Singapore must be on the same itinerary
UK visa or BPR/ILR must be valid for at least 1 month at the time of arrival
Official source: Singapore Immigration & Checkpoints Authority

41. South Korea

Eligible nationalities: All nationalities (except these 23 countries – Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Cameron, Cuba, Egypt, Gambia, Ghana, Iran, Iraq, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Myanmar, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Palestine, Senegal, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Uzbekistan and Yemen)
Entry rule: Must be traveling to/from the UK through South Korea
Official source: South Korea Embassy in Washington DC, USA
Permitted visas: All valid/expired used/unused single/multiple-entry UK visas, except transit
Permitted residence permits: All valid/expired ILR and BRPs
Visa is NOT EXEMPT but are eligible to apply for ROC Travel Authorization Certificate online
ROC Travel Authorization Certificate is free of charge, valid for 90 days, multiple-entry
If using an EXPIRED UK visa or residence permit, the visa or residence permit must have expired in the last 10 years
Official source: Bureau of Consular Affairs, Republic of China (Taiwan)

43. Thailand

Permitted residence permits: A valid ILR or BRP
Entry granted: 60 days
Visa is NOT EXEMPT, but are eligible to apply for Thailand e-Visa online
E-Visa fee is 40 USD, valid for 90 days or 180 days, single or multiple-entry
Must submit proof of residence in the UK such as driver’s license, utility bill, etc
Thai E-Visa Portal

So, there you have it! 43 countries and territories you can travel VISA-FREE with UK visa.

Do you know any other country (I haven’t listed here) where you can travel VISA-FREE with UK visa? Let me know in the comments below.

Change history: For those who are interested, here are the changes to this list.

WRITTEN BY THIRUMAL MOTATI

Thirumal Motati is an expert in tourist visa matters. He has been traveling the world on tourist visas for more than a decade. With his expertise, he has obtained several tourist visas, including the most strenuous ones such as the US, UK, Canada, and Schengen, some of which were granted multiple times. He has also set foot inside US consulates on numerous occasions. Mr. Motati has uncovered the secrets to successful visa applications. His guidance has enabled countless individuals to obtain their visas and fulfill their travel dreams. His statements have been mentioned in publications like Yahoo, BBC, The Hindu, and Travel Zoo.

PLAN YOUR TRAVEL WITH VISA TRAVELER

I highly recommend using these websites to plan your trip. I use these websites myself to apply for my visas, book my flights and hotels and purchase my travel insurance.

01. Apply for your visa

Get a verifiable flight itinerary for your visa application from DummyTicket247 . DummyTicket247 is a flight search engine to search and book flight itineraries for visas instantly. These flight itineraries are guaranteed to be valid for 2 weeks and work for all visa applications.

02. Book your fight

Find the cheapest flight tickets using Skyscanner . Skyscanner includes all budget airlines and you are guaranteed to find the cheapest flight to your destination.

03. Book your hotel

Book your hotel from Booking.com . Booking.com has pretty much every hotel, hostel and guesthouse from every destination.

04. Get your onward ticket

If traveling on a one-way ticket, use BestOnwardTicket to get proof of onward ticket for just $12, valid for 48 hours.

05. Purchase your insurance

Purchase travel medical insurance for your trip from SafetyWing . Insurance from SafetyWing covers COVID-19 and also comes with a visa letter which you can use for your visas.

Need more? Check out my travel resources page for the best websites to plan your trip.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER We are not affiliated with immigration, embassies or governments of any country. The content in this article is for educational and general informational purposes only, and shall not be understood or construed as, visa, immigration or legal advice. Your use of information provided in this article is solely at your own risk and you expressly agree not to rely upon any information contained in this article as a substitute for professional visa or immigration advice. Under no circumstance shall be held liable or responsible for any errors or omissions in this article or for any damage you may suffer in respect to any actions taken or not taken based on any or all of the information in this article. Please refer to our full disclaimer for further information.

AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please refer to our full disclosure for further information.

Can a US green card holder travel to UK without visa

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Can a skilled worker travel to the UK on the skilled worker visa or a business visa?

Posted on February 5, 2021

As UK immigration solicitors we can remember the time when all a business traveller to the UK needed was their passport and visa. Times have changed with the global COVID-19 pandemic. In this blog our Immigration solicitors look at whether skilled migrant workers can travel to the UK on a skilled worker visa or business visas as employers in the tech, digital and bio-tech sectors are asking the question whether their key sponsored employees can take up their sponsored Employment in the UK.

UK Immigration and Sponsor Licence solicitors

If you have questions about your business sponsoring employees under a sponsor licence on the skilled worker visa and the impact on your company of work and business visa COVID-19 related travel restrictions the friendly specialist immigration team at London based OTS Solicitors can help. Call OTS Solicitors on 0203 959 9123 or contact us online . Appointments are available by video call, Skype or telephone.

Is travel banned?

It wasn’t that long ago that the UK prime minister, Boris Johnston, was saying that the UK was open to business but many UK employers and those seeking to come to the UK on work visas and business visas are questioning whether business travel is banned. The short answer is that it isn’t for business and work travellers. That includes those who are:

British citizens
Those with settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme
Those with indefinite leave to remain in the UK
Those returning to the UK on valid work visas and business visas , such as the Tier 2 (General) visa or the sole representative of an overseas business visa
Those seeking to enter the UK for the first time, such as those with skilled worker visas or start-up visas .

Whilst the UK government has placed bans on international holiday travel the ban doesn’t cover business travel. However, the government-imposed travel restrictions do impact on business travel, meaning that if you have employed a skilled migrant worker on a skilled worker visa and agreed an Employment commencement date you may need to look at the date that they can realistically start their sponsored Employment .

Can you travel for business using travel corridors?

There was much talk about the use of travel corridors facilitating international travel despite COVID-19 but the current state of affairs is that all travel corridors between the UK and overseas countries are closed. The closure of travel corridors applies to all forms of travel to the UK including plane, boat and Eurotunnel. No re-open date for travel corridors has been suggested.

The closure of the travel free corridors means that those wanting to enter the UK from overseas (anywhere outside the UK, Isle of Man, Channel Islands or Ireland) need to:

Present a negative COVID-19 test obtained no more than 72 hours before their departure to the UK and
Complete an online passenger locater form - the form can be submitted up to 48 hours before arrival in the UK
Isolate for ten days on arrival. The ten-day isolation period can be reduced to five days if the test and release scheme is used. This test and release scheme can only be used if a COVID-19 approved test is booked in advance of travel and the traveller must isolate until the test result comes back negative.

The new COVID-19 travel measures are due to be reconsidered by the UK government on the 15 February 2021. The speculation is that travel corridors won't be reinstated but that the rules on isolation will be bolstered by a requirement for more travellers to have to isolate in an ‘isolation hotel’, rather than be allowed to self-isolate.

Immigration solicitors stress the importance of compliance with the COVID-19 travel related restrictions as non-compliance with the requirement to produce a valid negative COVID-19 test before travel, or failure to complete the passenger locator form, is a criminal offence. Non-compliance could result in:

Overseas nationals could be refused entry into the UK and this could impact on their Immigration record.

Is travel from some overseas countries to the UK banned?

In addition to the above travel restrictions the government has produced a ‘red list’ of countries where if you have been in or transited through one of the countries within ten days of your arrival in the UK you won't be allowed to enter the UK unless you are a British citizen, an Irish national or you have settled status or residence rights in the UK. If you fall within that limited category of travellers you can enter the UK but you need to isolate for ten days and you can't use the test and release scheme. The government intends to ramp up the isolation requirements though so you can no longer self-isolate in your own home but instead will need to isolate in specific accommodation.

The countries currently on this list are:

Democratic Republic of Congo
French Guiana
Portugal (including Madeira and the Azores)
South Africa

Are business travellers exempt from the need to self-isolate?

If you are planning to enter the UK for business or work purposes you may fall within a category of people who aren’t required to self-isolate. Immigration solicitors say that it is best to check and see if the rules have been updated before you travel as, for example, at one stage investors on investor visas and journalists didn’t need to self-isolate on arrival in the UK but that is no longer the case.

How can OTS Solicitors help?

Whether you are trying to enter the UK on a skilled worker visa or start-up visa or intra-company transfer visa it is a complex time to travel internationally, especially at a time of changes to UK Immigration rules and fast-moving changes to COVID-19 related travel restrictions. At OTS Solicitors our experienced business immigration lawyers are able to advise on business visa and work visa travel options so that UK employers and businesses can get the key staff they need into the UK as quickly as possible.

UK Immigration solicitors

OTS Solicitors are experts in immigration law and can help your business with its Immigration and employment law needs. The firm is recommended in two leading law directories, Legal 500 and Chambers Guide to the Legal Profession.

Our friendly specialist immigration solicitors can also answer all your work visa, business visa and skilled worker visa questions. For the best advice on sponsor licences and work visa options call OTS Solicitors on 0203 959 9123 or complete our online enquiry form . Appointments are available through video conference, Skype or by telephone appointment.

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OH dear OTS with Hans and his team are super. They assisted me greatly with my immigration documentations and i was so happy with the final result. Hans is so prompt with reverting with answers to queries. Hans shows a lot of professionalism in his job and he is very proactive in dealing with urgent issues which occurs during the process. He has a great legal knowledge pertaining to meeting our needs. The team is very proactive and efficient in processing immigration issues above all they show friendliness and their approach is welcoming when it comes to their services. We are ever ready to recommend their services to everybody and to anybody who might need their help Case Workers: Hans Sok Appadu

We have received an outstanding service from Nollienne who ensured that my husband’s settlement visa application is expedited to be able to travel to the UK on time for the birth of our baby girl. Many thanks to Nollienne and to the whole OTS Solicitors team. Case Workers: Nollienne Alparaque

I want to express my gratitude for the exceptional support provided by Sanae Sahebjalal, in my family extension visa application. Sanae demonstrated an impressive level of professionalism, making the intricate process seamless and stress-free. Her clear communication, attention to detail, and proactive approach ensured I was well-informed at every step. What truly sets Sanae apart is her genuine empathy and dedication. She not only understands the legal aspects but also cares deeply about the well-being of her clients and their families. A heartfelt thank you, Sanae, for your unwavering dedication and support. Case Workers: Sanae Sahebjalal

Hans is incredible - look nowhere else !! My parents experience has been sensational . They have asked me to leave this review on their behalf . They had a very difficult case and were concerned about their future and Hans assisted them with a positive outcome which we thought could take years to resolve . From start to finish he and his colleagues had a one to one zoom call with us and then provided their advice and next steps . The best thing about Hans is he is always in contact , even in the evenings but this isn’t the only reason why he’s amazing , it is how articulate and how much care and thought they have put into the case that they managed to secure success . Hans you’re an asset to the firm and keep going and changing peoples’ lives . We couldn’t have done it without you . Anyone seeking advice and comfort , this firm , especially Hans has such an incredible reputation and will not let you down . Thank you Case Workers: Hans Sok Appadu

I had several cases including Naturalization, Family resident visa and BRP. The cases had been mishandled by other lawyers at different times. Having dicovered OTS. My cases were assigned to Sanae Sahebjalal, who managed the cases very thouroghly to thier successful conclusions. I cannot commend Sanae enough on her proficiency. Case Workers: Sanae Sahebjalal

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Skilled worker visa uk: the fastest way to full residency in europe.

August 17, 2022

The skilled worker visa UK offers one of the fastest routes to full residency in Europe. The most attractive part of this proposition is the ease with which it can be obtained. While most work-related visas offered by other countries in Europe and even America require prospective applicants to take labor assessment tests, the opposite is the case for companies in the UK.

Related article: How to apply to study in the UK as an international student

Related article: UK charity work visa: The easiest way to move to the UK

Related article: Global talent visa UK: The easiest way to self sponsor your UK work visa

All that’s required of foreign nationals who seek to apply for open positions in companies located in the United Kingdom is proof of qualification which can be shown by using certification gotten while working for previous companies or results of professional exams taken in one’s line of work.

In this article, we will highlight all potential applicants need to know about the skilled visa for UK so as to get a favorable decision when an application for a visa is finally submitted to the UK embassy or high commission of the applicant’s country as well as how to use it to get full residency as fast as possible.

Skilled Worker Visa UK

A skilled worker visa affords beneficiaries the opportunity to migrant to and reside in the UK to do jobs that they are eligible for, which has to be with an approved employer. This visa category was formed as a direct replacement for the general tier 2 general work visa.

Skilled Worker Visa UK Exceptions

Applicants from EU member countries, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein are not required to apply for a visa to work in the UK. Infact individuals from the above zone who started living in the UK by 31 December 2020 may be eligible to apply for the free EU settlement scheme.

However, to apply for this scheme, they needed to have put in an application before the deadline date of 30 June 2021. Applications are still being received for applicants who are joining their partners or family members who themselves had been living in the UK by 31 December 2020

Applications could still be accepted from EU citizens and those from Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein, if they have reasonable grounds which can be used to stake a claim, such as the covid-19 pandemic or other forms of illness which might have prevented them from submitting an application before the due date or if they were victims of some form of domestic abuse during that period.

Members of this group who missed out on the deadline handed out by UKVIS will be required to apply for a visa to work in the UK.

Citizens of Ireland do not need a visa to work in the UK, neither do they need to apply for the EU settlement scheme

Public Sector Healthcare Workers

Healthcare workers such as doctors, nurses, or adult care givers might look to check their eligibility status for the health and care worker visa instead of a skilled work visa as it is more affordable to apply for. Also, there are no recurrent annual immigration healthcare surcharges.

Skilled Worker Visa UK Sponsor List

Individuals interested in working for UK employers will have to access the list of sponsors who are interested in hiring foreign workers. This are employers who are out to sponsor skilled worker visa UK applicants.

Applicants will have to find UK employers on the list of skilled worker visa UK sponsors , which are companies located in the United Kingdom and submit their resume’ as well as other support documents required to secure the position being applied for.

Skilled worker visa UK Eligibility

Not all individuals can apply for a skilled worker visa to the UK. To be able to apply, an applicant has to be eligible. To qualify for an application, a job must have been offered to the applicant by an employer who has been registered and recognized by the UK home office.

It is possible to check up an employer’s status with the home office to see whether they are registered or not. Thus, ensuring that no error is made from the start. It is quite easy to access a list of UK approved employers .

It is important to be mindful of positions being applied for in companies located in the UK. It has to be work on the eligible list of occupations accepted and recognized by the home office, otherwise work visa application submitted could be denied.

Certificate Of Sponsorship

An applicant is required to receive a certificate of sponsorship which should contain a sponsorship number and a clear detailed description of the new recruit’s role within the company. This is an official document that shows the applicant is ready to be awarded a visa to come to the UK.

After running a job application through human resource, all supporting documents related to competence will be vetted to make sure that foreign nationals seeking to work for the UK employer meets all eligibility requirement to work in the UK. Some of these requirements are handed out by the home office.

Candidates that pass this scrutiny are given an electronic record which contains a reference number known as certificate of sponsorship. This will be used to apply for a skilled work visa by the primary applicant and his accompanying family members.

As soon as a foreign national receives a certificate of sponsorship, he/she has approximately 3 months to apply for a work visa to the UK before this document becomes invalidated.

There might be other specific eligibility criteria, but this will depend on the job description highlighted in a visa application .

A confirmed job offer is mandatory before a work visa application can be submitted.

Minimum Salary To Be Eligible To Apply For A Skilled Worker Visa UK

As a foreign national with intentions of working for an employer in the UK, there is a minimum amount of salary that has to be earned to be eligible to apply for a skilled work visa. Falling short of this wage cap renders a potential applicant ineligible to apply.

The amount of salary or remuneration that would be received for working as a member of staff of a UK company depends on payroll policy as well as the nature of work done. However, skilled work visa applicants must show that they will receive a salary for such work when they arrive in the country.

Potential skilled worker visa applicants are required to have received a job offer for a position that pays;

£25,600 annually
£10 in hourly rates
The going rate for the position has to be at a competitive level

If the applicant’s expected monthly salary is £28,000, but the industry average is £35,000, then the foreign national falls below the salary requirement for this type of work and will not be granted a skilled worker visa when he/she applies. The applicant needs to be paid at the going rate.

Each occupation has going rates unique to that profession however, rates can be checked on the going rates table to ensure that the applicant meets the salary requirement.

Occupational Code

To know if an offered position is eligible to be granted a skilled worker visa UK, applicants are required to secure a 4-digit occupation code which will be cross referenced by running a search on the ONS Occupation Coding Tool .

Not all occupations are included, running a check on a similar title could yield optimum results. The occupation code could be requested from an employer after a job offer has been received.

It is paramount that an applicant’s job description matches what they will be doing for the employer in the UK. Certain jobs might be similar, but have varying status of eligibility. For instance, chefs and cooks are similar, but Chefs can be granted a skilled work visa to the UK and cooks are not eligible for this visa.

Occupational eligibility can be checked by looking up the table of eligible jobs, by simply using an occupation code to identify the presence of an applicant’s occupation on the eligible jobs table .

Eligibility For Healthcare And Education Jobs

The salary rules for healthcare and education jobs for foreigners are different. In this case, the going rate is based on a national pay scale. An applicant must receive a salary of £20,480 or more if the going rate for the city or region is higher.

When Being Paid Less Still Qualifies An Applicant For A Skilled Worker Visa UK

There are instances in which an applicant is scheduled to be paid below the going rate and not working in jobs related to healthcare or education. This set of individuals could still be eligible for a skilled worker visa UK if they will earn up to £20,480 or an hourly rate of £10.10 in salary when they start work in the UK.

They also are required to meet at least one of the eligibility criteria stated below to qualify as a less pay skilled work visa UK beneficiary;

The position offered by the UK employer has to be on the occupation shortage list to qualify as an accepted less pay job recipient
A student or recent graduate, who’s under 26 years of age. If not a student or graduate but at least undergoing professional training
Job beneficiaries who have advanced degree qualifications related to the work on offer such as engineering, math (STEM) PHD, technology or science degrees of relevance to the job
Applicants who are offered a science or higher education post-doctoral positions in the UK

Foreign nationals who have PHD qualifications in any other area different from that considered for the job will have to be earning at least £23,040 to be eligible for less pay.

Occupation Shortage List

This is a list of skilled jobs experiencing a shortage of workers in the UK. There are concessions that accrues to individuals who have been granted jobs that have been categorized as shortage occupations. They can;

Be paid at least 80% of the job’s usual going rate
Pay a lower fee when applying for their skilled work visa

Applicants are advised to look up the list of shortage occupations in other to know the amount they are required to be earn to be eligible.

A job might be experiencing shortage of workers in one part of the UK, but not in another. So foreign nationals looking to come to Northern Ireland, England, Wales and Scotland must endeavor to find out if there’s a shortage of professionals for that work in the region they will be traveling to.

Healthcare And Educational Jobs On the Occupation Shortage List

Beneficiaries who successfully receive work from a UK employer in the healthcare and educational sectors, are required to confirm that these jobs are listed on the occupation shortage list for the region they will be working in, before they apply for a skilled work visa UK.

Healthcare and educational jobs that are experiencing shortage, guarantees that successful applicants are eligible for subsidized application fees when it comes to applying for a visa. These candidates would also have to pay a healthcare surcharge and show proof that they are able to support themselves financially while in the UK. The summarized application fees are listed below;

For those staying for a period of up to 3 years the fee is £479
For those staying for a period of more than 3 years the fee is £943

The above fees are the same, irrespective of whether individuals are applying from outside or inside the UK.

Under 26, Student/Graduate Or In Professional Training

Foreigners can be paid less, meaning at least 70% of the industry going rate and still be eligible to apply for a skilled work visa;

If at the point of application, they are under 26 years of year
If studying in the UK for a bachelor’s degree and above while on a student visa. Also, individuals who have been living in the UK for a period of 2 years having entered the country recently with either a visitor or student visa
Foreign nationals presently in the United Kingdom on a graduate entrepreneur visa
Those working to obtain certification in a UK regulated profession
The work being sponsored would lead to full membership, registration or confer on the beneficiary a chartered status

If one of the above reasons was considered in granting a skilled worker visa to the applicant, then he/she cannot stay in the UK longer than 4 years. This is inclusive of time already spent on a general tier 2 work visa.

Relevance Of Qualification To Offered Job

Jobs offered might be eligible for a PhD salary discount, if this is the case, beneficiaries can be paid 80% to 90% of the occupation’s going rate this is dependent on the area of specialty in which the doctorate degree is based on.

Math (STEM), science, technology and engineering qualified beneficiaries can be paid at least 80% of the industry going rate as long as they will be paid an annual salary of £20,480.

Those with non-STEM qualification can be paid 90% of their occupations going rate, as long as they can be paid an annual salary of £23,040.

For the above listed scenarios, applicants are mandated;

To be UK PhD holders or be in possession of an equivalent degree in their home country. All applications will have to be made through Ecctis previously UK NARIC , this is to make sure that a foreign qualification is equivalent to a UK PhD
To prove their qualification is relevant to the job offered by the UK employer. The registered employer in the UK offering this work will have to confirm this

It is possible to check the list of jobs that qualify for a PhD salary discount to make sure the applicant’s job is included and to know how much he/she stands to make annually.

Academic or research leaders are eligible to apply for a global talent visa. The GTV has no minimum salary requirements

Beneficiaries Of Postdoctoral Positions In Science Or Higher Education

It is possible to get paid 70% of a job’s going rate for the region an applicant will be working in the UK, if the beneficiary will be working in postdoctoral positions related to science or higher education.

There are certain occupation codes designated by the UK home office for qualification under this salary discount requirement;

2111: chemical scientists
2112: biological scientists and biochemists
2113: physical scientists
2114: social and humanities scientists
2119: natural and social science professionals that are ‘not elsewhere classified’, such as research fellows and sports scientists
2311: higher education teaching professionals

Applicants that fall under the above occupation code would have to check the list of jobs to know the amount they will have to be earning to qualify under this salary discount scheme.

If one of the above reasons was considered in granting a tier 2 skilled worker visa to the postdoctoral job applicant, then he/she cannot stay in the UK longer than 4 years. This is inclusive of time already spent on a general tier 2 work visa.

English Language Required Proficiency

Depending on the country of origin of the applicant, there is a strict English language requirement that must be met before a skilled worker visa can be submitted. This varies across different countries. Some applicants might be required to show that English language was part of their educational curriculum at an advanced level.

Others might be required to take English proficiency test and will not be granted visa to the United Kingdom unless they can show that their participation in this test was indeed successful. There are countries that do not require proof of English proficiency to get a visa to the UK.

A proof of English proficiency is required for applicants to show that they can read, write and comprehend the English language at least to the B1 level on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL) scale .

How To Prove English Proficiency

There are different ways in which English language proficiency can be proven such as;

Registering, taking and passing a secured English language test with a provider who has to be approved
You will also have to present a GCSE, Scottish national qualification level 4 or 5, A level, Scottish higher or advanced higher in English which was obtained through study in a school located in the United Kingdom attended when the applicant was under 18 years of age
A degree level qualification that was completed in English could also be used as proof of English language proficiency. However, this has to be if the applicant studied abroad and application will have to be done through Ecctis (formerly called UK NARIC) , this is of course to confirm that the qualifications obtained are equivalent to varying standards of degrees obtainable in the UK

Countries That Do Not Need To Proof English Language Proficiency

There are countries whose citizens enjoy the added advantage of being accorded English language waivers, these people are not required to show proof of English proficiency. These countries are;

Antigua and Barbuda
the Bahamas
New Zealand
St Kitts and Nevis
St Vincent and the Grenadines
Trinidad and Tobago

Professions That Do Not Need To Prove English Language Proficiency

There are professions that enjoy English language proficiency waivers, members of these professions are not required to show evidence that they can speak English, this is because they had to have passed an English assessment test which was a requirement put in place by their regulating body.

These professions are;

Vets might be mandated to show that they had taken an English language assessment prepared by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. There are counties and districts in the UK where this requirement is waived for vets.

How Long Does A Skilled Worker Visa UK Afford A Beneficiary?

Skilled UK visa affords beneficiaries a period of stay in the country that could reach a maximum duration of 5 years depending on the type of job an individual holds within the company. Upon expiration of tenure of visa, an extension can be applied for.

A work visa in the UK must also be updated if a foreign national working in the country changes his/her job or switches employer. This is mandatory.

What If A Skilled Work Visa UK Beneficiary Wants To Stay Longer?

Beneficiaries of the skilled worker visa UK can stay as long as they want in the country in so far as they keep extending their work visa and meeting up with the stipulated eligibility criteria.

Indefinite Live To Remain

After legitimately living in the UK for 5 years, foreigners maybe eligible to apply to settle in the UK permanently, a procedure otherwise known as an indefinite live to remain. This confers on the individual the right of a regular UK citizen such as living, working and studying in the country as well as getting access to other benefits that this status qualifies the beneficiary for.

Skilled worker visa UK requirements

Before a skilled work visa can be applied for, there are mandatory documents that are to be made ready, it is important that applicants make these documents available so as not be denied visa when they apply. The documents required are;

A certificate of sponsorship reference number – which is contained in a certificate of sponsorship given by a UK employer
A proof of English knowledge
A valid travel document such as a passport or other document that shows applicant’s identity and nationality
Job title specification and stated annual salary
An applicant’s job occupation code
The name of an applicant’s UK employer and their sponsor licence number – this will be on the certificate of sponsorship

Depending on the prevailing circumstance, there are extra support documents that could be demanded by the UKVIS from applicants if more information is required to process a skilled work visa UK application . These are;

proof in the form of a bank statement or other applicable document that shows an applicant has enough personal funds to support staying in the UK (this can be waived if an applicant’s certificate of sponsorship shows the UK employer can support the individual’s stay in the UK)
proof of the applicant’s relationship with a partner and/or children if they’re applying with the primary applicant
A medical certificate that shows the applicant’s tuberculosis test results. This is for applicants from specified countries
Mandatory criminal record certificate for applicants traveling to the UK to take positions in certain UK companies
A valid academic technology approval scheme (ATAS) which might be requested from applicants who have been accepted into a research institution which involves researching a sensitive subject at PhD level or higher
A UK PhD certificate, or a unique Ecctis reference number (formerly unique UK NARIC reference number) if the applicant’s qualification was obtained from outside the UK – An application might have to be made through Ecctis

It is worthy of note that 2 blank pages must be available on a passport for the applicant’s visa. This is particularly for applicants located;

Outside the EU region or outside countries like Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein
In the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, but own passports without biometric chips in them

Support Documents In Foreign Languages

For support documents prepared in a foreign language, certified translated copies will have to be provided in English or Welsh to be admissible. This is mandatory and could cause a work visa rejection if not taken seriously.

Criminal Record Certificate

Applicants applying for a skilled work visa from outside the UK will need to submit a criminal record certificate when applying from outside the United Kingdom. Especially if they work in;

In the field of education as teachers, school inspectors, child minders, education advisers or teaching assistants
In the field of healthcare as doctors, nurses, paramedics, managers, dentists, pharmacists, dental nurses or ophthalmic opticians
The social services as social workers, managers, probation officers. Welfare and housing officers
Jobs that offer therapy such as psychologists, speech and language therapists or counsellors

Skilled Worker Visa UK Applicants Who Have Lived In More Than One Country

Visa applicants might be required to submit a criminal record certificate from individual countries they might have lived in the past. This of course depends on their age at the time and the duration of time spent in those countries.

Individuals under the age of 28 are required to submit a criminal record certificate for countries they have lived for a period of 12 months or more, from when they turned 18 years. For applicants over the age of 28, a criminal record certificate is required for every country stayed in over a period of the last 10 years.

Requirements For Partners And Children

Partners looking to travel with their significant other (primary applicant) have to prove their relationship by way of a certificate that shows legality of the union. They also have to show that they have been living together for a period of 2 years by the time they apply for their UK visa.

For dependents such as children over the age of 16, there need to be prove that they live with their supposed parents as well as being financially supported by them. They also must not be married or be in any civil relationships.

To show that the applicant’s children live in the same house or address with the applicant a proof is required, such as;

a bank statement
credit card bills
driver’s licence
NHS registration document
an official letter from their university or college

Anyone of the above support document can be used to prove relationship with a dependent minor.

Skilled Worker Visa UK Cost

To apply for a skilled worker visa, an applicant will have to be financially prepared. There are mandatory fees that must be paid before a work visa to the UK can be granted. These are;

An application fee will have to be paid, which depends on the circumstance, situation and category of work visa that is being applied for. This ranges from £624 to £1,423
A healthcare surcharge of £624 must be paid. This premium is paid annually
Show financial evidence to the tune of £1,270 which means the primary applicant can support himself/herself for the first couple of months when he/she arrive in the UK

individuals applying for a skilled work visa UK having been beneficiaries of jobs listed on the occupation shortage list are eligible to pay a reduced application fee

Skilled Worker Visa UK Application Fee For Applicants Outside The UK

Persons applying for a skilled worker visa UK from outside this region will need to pay an application fee which depends on the duration of time they will be staying in the UK for. Applicants staying for;

A duration of up to 3 years are required to pay an application fee of £625 per application
A duration of more than 3 years are required to pay an application fee of £1,235 per application

Skilled Worker Visa UK Extension, Switch Or Update Application Fee For Applicants Inside The UK

Individuals already in the UK, who seek to extend, switch or update their skilled worker visa UK will also be required to pay an application fee, which depends on the intended duration of stay in the UK. For applicants staying for;

A duration of up to 3 years are required to pay an application fee of £719 per application
A duration of up to 3 years are required to pay an application fee of £1,423 per application

Skilled Worker Visa UK Application Fee For The Occupation Shortage List

A primary applicant and his/her accompany family member will pay a reduced application fee if the primary applicant is a beneficiary of a job on the occupation shortage list . Even though the application fee paid is reduced, the final amount still depends on the applicant’s duration of stay in the country.

Applicants staying for;

A duration of up to 3 years are required to pay a reduced application fee of £479 per application
A duration of more than 3 years are required to pay a reduced application fee of £943 per application

This application fee applies for people inside and outside the UK, they both are required to pay the same rate.

Healthcare Surcharge For Beneficiaries Of The Occupation Shortage List

Beneficiaries of the occupation shortage list are required to pay a healthcare surcharge of £624 annually which remains the same for these applicants irrespective of whether the visa application fee was reduced or not.

UK Skilled Worker Visa Application

As soon as all required support documents are ready, an applicant can apply for a skilled worker visa UK. However, this depends on the location of the applicant and whether he/she is applying for a tenure extension or to update visa information.

All applications for the high skilled visa UK must be filled and submitted online. There is no paper based option as is applicable in other countries.

Each applicant might have a different reason as to why the UK visa portal is being accessed, for instance, the procedure to change a visa status from a student visa to a skilled work visa is different from applying for a fresh work visa from outside the country.

So how an application is made depends on the reason why that application has to be tendered in the first place. Whether it is to extend current visa status while inside the UK, apply for a fresh work visa from overseas or switch visas while still in the country.

The right visa application has to be filled and submitted or an applicant risk being denied. Also, if a work visa beneficiary is in the process of switching jobs or employers, he/she must apply to update their visa so as to maintain eligibility.

Proving Applicant Identity And Submitting Support Documents

Foreign nationals are required to prove their identity which is a part of the online application process. Travel document necessary to prove identity depends on the applicant’s country of origin. As part of the identity process;

The applicant will need to get a biometric residence permit by having a fingerprint and photograph taken at a visa application centre
International applicants could also scan their identity document by using the UK immigration ID check app. They are also required to create or login to their UK visa and immigration account

Upon login, each applicant will receive instructions on how to begin their online application process.

Once a skilled work visa UK online application is begun, progress can be saved and returned to at a later date, by using the link sent to the applicant’s email.

Skilled Worker Visa UK Dependent Application For Partners And Children Outside the UK

Partners and children of the primary applicant can be included in a work visa UK application, particularly if the applicant wants them to stay in the UK. However, family members must be eligible to be included in a visa application. Eligibility can be proven by submitting the required supporting documents.

Skilled worker dependent UK visa application for partners and their children has to be done online. Both visa applications will need to be submitted separately and application fee paid individually.

An application number is also mandatory, which can be obtained at the point of application. The application number is also known as a Global web form (GWF) or a Unique Application Number (UAN). This number can be gotten from correspondence such letters and emails from the home office relating to the application.

Partner And Children Proof Of Identity

Partners and their children are required to prove their identity as part of their application. This can be done through;

Getting a biometric residence permit by being fingerprinted and having applicant photographs taken at a visa application centre
Or scanning identity documents by using the UK immigration: ID check app. Using this method, partners and children applicant will be required to create and login to their UKVI account.

Information on what to do next will be made available when the application process begins.

What Happens If An Appointment Is Needed To Finish An Application?

Depending on the country of the applicant, an appointment might need to be made for a visa interview to finish the application process in other to get a decision. If this is the case, then the visa application centre may need to keep hold of the applicant’s passport and other support documents till after the appointment.

A visa application centre might not be close by, applicants will have to travel to the nearest VAC to meet up with the required obligation to attend an appointment. Sometimes, this could be in a different country.

This is also applicable to partner and children’s applications.

After Visa Application

When a skilled work visa application is submitted, it can be cancelled if the application hasn’t gotten to the stage of processing. If this is the case, a refund can be issued by the UKVI.

When a decision on a visa application is reached, an email will be received with instructions of what to do next.

UK Skilled Worker Visa Processing Time

An allowance has to be made between when a skilled worker visa UK is applied for and when an applicant is due to start work for an employer in the UK. Some visa applications could take as long as 3 to 4 weeks to get processed before a decision can be given.

On average, skilled work visa applications for the UK take 3 to 8 weeks to get finalized. 3 weeks for applicants outside the UK and 8 weeks for those submitting an application from inside the UK. After a completed application has been submitted and identity proven, a decision will be gotten in the above stated timeframe.

To make sure that applications are submitted at the right date, applicants will need to be mindful of when they are to start work in the UK. This date is usually contained in the certificate of sponsorship sent to them by their UK employer.

It is recommended that an allowance of 3 months be made from when a skilled work visa application is submitted online to when a new recruit is scheduled to start work in the UK. Applications would thus have to be submitted on time to avoid any inconvenience that might arise.

The waiting time for skilled worker visa UK for applicants applying from outside the country has been increased to 4 weeks so applicants have to plan accordingly

Partner And Children Processing

If partners and children can prove their identity after completing their online application and submitting their support documents. Then a decision is usually ready in 3 weeks.

If priority and super priority services apply to their country, partners and children could accelerate the time it takes to get a decision to just 5 working days or 24 hours.

Priority Service

It is possible to accelerate one’s skilled work visa application to get a decision in 5 working days, by taking advantage of the priority service afforded applicants by the United Kingdom visa and immigrations service.

The status of this service will have to be checked for the applicant’s country to find out if this is being offered. There are also different mechanisms to check for the availability of this service when a potential beneficiary is inside the UK.

Super Priority Service

A decision on a work visa application can be obtained in 24 hours of submitting an application . This is literally by the end of the second working day after applying.

To qualify for this service depends on whether an applicant will need to verify his/her identity or scan support documents using the UK immigration ID check app. Family visa applications do not qualify. However, applicants will need to find out their eligibility for priority service at the nearest visa application center.

Both the priority and super priority service does not apply for applicants who are citizens of the Gambia.

What Happens If A Visa Decision Is Delayed?

If a visa decision will be delayed, a notification is normally sent out to the applicant informing him/her that a delay is to be expected along with the reason for the delay. There could be a number of reasons as to why a decision might be delayed. This could range from;

Supporting documents needing to be verified
An interview that needs to be attended
To a criminal record that was discovered in an applicant’s security check

Partner And Children Visa Extension And Switch Application From Inside The UK

It is possible for partners and their children to apply for a visa extension or switch their visa at the same time the primary applicant is getting his/hers done. This can also be done before expiration of their current running visa.

This is applicable to children who turned 18 during the applicant’s stay in the UK.

It must be noted that partners and their children cannot switch to a skilled worker visa if they are already in the UK. This is especially applicable to partners and children on a;

Short-term student visa
Parent of a Child Student visa
Seasonal worker visa
Domestic worker in a private household visa
Immigration bail
Applicants on compassionate grounds, who were given permission to stay outside the immigration rules

Partners And Children Visa Extension & Switch Application

Visa extension and switch application for partners and their children to become dependents of a primary applicant under the skilled worker visa UK status has to be done online. Both applications will need to be submitted separately and application fee paid individually.

An application number is mandatory, which can be obtained at the point of application. The application number is also known as a Global web form (GWF) or a Unique Application Number (UAN). This number can be gotten from correspondence such letters and emails from the home office relating to the application.

Partner And Children Proof Of Identity For Visa Extension And Switch

Getting a biometric residence permit by being fingerprinted and having the photographs taken at a UK visa and citizenship application services (UKVCAS) point of service

Partners and children already in the UK and whose visa extension or status switch are being processed must not travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man until they get a decision. Their application will be withdrawn if they do.

When Can A Decision Be Expected?

If partners and children can prove their identity after completing their online application and submitting their support documents. Then a decision is usually ready in 8 weeks.

If priority and super priority services apply, partners and children could accelerate the time it takes to get a decision to just 5 working days or 24 hours. This service will have to be paid for.

Children Born In The UK To Parents On A Skilled Worker Visa

Children born to parents already on a skilled worker visa do not automatically become British citizens. They are mandated to fill a child dependent visa application and get approved to come and go in the UK as they please.

The application form to be filled depends on the baby’s location, whether he/she is already in the UK or outside the UK.

A full UK birth certificate that shows the names of both parents is a key requirement for each child. Also, a child dependent visa must be applied for by the parents before the child turns 18, if the parent wants their child to stay in the UK

Proof Of Financial Support For The Primary Applicant

A financial statement that shows a skilled worker visa UK applicant has the sum of £1,270 in a bank account or its equivalent in the his/her home country. Showing the ability of the individual to support his/her stay in the UK.

This amount must have been saved in an account for 28 days in a row. If the applicant plans to apply for a skilled work visa, then day 28 must fall within a 31-day period before they are eligible to provide this statement as a support document.

Financial Support For Partners And Children

Partners and children of the primary applicant, will also be mandated to show that they have the financial wherewithal to support their stay in the United Kingdom. According to the UK home office, the amount required for partners and children is;

£285 for your partner
£315 for your first dependent child
£200 for any other dependent child

This amount will have to be declared in a financial statement to show proof that the amount exist, which is of course in addition to the funds the primary applicant will need as the main applicant.

Just like with the primary applicant, the amount required for partners and children must be saved in an account for 28 days in a row. If partners and children plan to apply for their visa, then day 28 must fall within a 31-day period before they are eligible to provide this statement as a support document.

The funds must be readily available for withdrawal and legally acquired. They can also be held in;

current accounts
deposit accounts
savings accounts
pension savings
investment accounts

Applicants Using Their Own Money Has Proof Of Funds

Primary applicants using their own money to show proof of funds or funds from parent/partners are required to show that the funds are available in a designated account. The documents that can be submitted to proof this are;

Letter from bank or financial institution
Bank statements
Building society passbooks
Certificates of deposit

Whichever of the above document used, must show;

Fund balance in the designated account
Applicant’s name (or names of the parent/partner if they are the holders of the account)
The name of the bank or financial institution
And the date in which the document was issued

An electronic copy of any of the above document can be downloaded and submitted as proof of funds. It is not required to be stamped by the bank. However, the financial institution where funds are stored have to be regulated by a body located in the country of the applicant.

Financial records might be verified with applicant’s bank or financial institution.

Proof Of Funds Documents Not Accepted

There are proof of fund documents that are not accepted by the UKVIS (United Kingdom visa and immigration services). These are;

bitcoin savings
stocks and shares
bank accounts that are not regulated by the financial regulatory body in the country the applicant is applying from
bank accounts that don’t use electronic record keeping

When Skilled Worker Visa UK Applicants Do Not Need To Show A Proof Of Financial Support

There are special circumstances in which applicants for a skilled worker visa UK are not required to show a proof of funds to apply for this visa. This is usually when they are already in the UK with a valid visa and have stayed in the country for a period of 12 months.

The UK employer might have a relocation package that helps cover the foreign employee’s cost of living in the UK for the first month to the tune of £1,270. If this is the case, then the certificate of sponsorship sent to successful overseas recruits must carry this information.

The UK employer will also be required to fill out the section on the sponsorship certificate titled ‘sponsor certifies maintenance’. This can be found under additional data.

Status Of Limitation Afforded A Skilled Worker Visa UK Holder

Holders of skilled worker visa for UK have rights that accrue to them. These are privileges enjoyed by recipients of this visa category. Privileges such as;

Being eligible to be gainfully employed while living in the UK
Studying in any institution of choice while in the country
Working overtime or taking up extra paid work depending on the circumstances
Offering one’s services pro bono on a voluntary capacity
Freedom to travel in and out of the UK at will
Being eligible to apply to settle in the UK on an infinite basis having already spent 5 years working in the country

Just as there are privileges, there are also things that cannot be done by holders of this visa. Taking part in any one of these activities will be seen as violating the terms of stay in the country. They are;

Applying for a state pension or seeking to be a beneficiary of a public funding scheme
Seeking to change jobs or employers without updating the visa records

When an applicant successfully gets granted a skilled worker visa for UK, a comprehensive list of dos and don’t will be provided so as to help the beneficiary air on the side of caution.

Skilled Worker Visa UK Extension Requirements

It is possible to extend a skilled worker visa or a general tier 2 work visa if certain criteria are met. These are;

If the applicant is still under the employment of the employer under whose name the skilled work visa was granted in the first application for entry into the UK
If the applicant’s occupation code remained unchanged from the one used to make the first visa application used to enter the UK
If the applicant is still under the employment of the employer who issued the current certificate of sponsorship still in use

Visa extension applications for partners and children will have to be submitted separately. Partner and children extension application can be done at the same time or any time before current status of validity expires.

Primary applicants, their partners and children already in the UK and whose visa extension are being processed must not travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man until they get a decision. Their application will be withdrawn if they do.

Tier 2 General Work Visa Extension

Applicants on a tier 2 general work visa in the UK might be required to meet a different set of criteria to be eligible for a visa extension. These eligibility criteria depend on whether;

The applicant’s certificate of sponsorship for the first tier 2 work visa was obtained before or after the 24 November 2016
The foreign national submitted an application for a tier 2 work visa or skilled work visa before 6 April 2021
Your occupation code is still the same even though they all have different going rates

The above requirement will apply if the applicant has a tier 2 general work visa or if the applicant had a tier 2 work visa which was extended as a skilled work visa.

Certificate Of Sponsorship Issued Before 24 November 2016

For this category of applicants, work visa extension applied for before 24 March 2023 requires that the minimum salary of the foreign national be pecked at a lower rate. The applicant is required to be paid a minimal salary of £20,800 annually, this of course unless the going rate for the applicant’s job is higher.

Certificate Of Sponsorship Issued On Or Before 24 November 2016

This category of applicants with work visa extension application submitted before 1 December 2026 are mandated to meet the new salary requirement. However, their salary could also include allowances, this must be guaranteed for the length of an applicant’s stay in the company.

Tier 2 General Work Visa Or Skilled Worker Visa Applied For Before 6 April 2021

For these applicants, the going rate does not apply neither does the minimum salary requirement of £10.10.

Different Going Rates For Jobs Under The Skilled Worker Visa

The going rates for some jobs under the skilled worker visa are different. As can be seen in the table below.

Job Or Employer Change

Applicants who have changed jobs or employers are required to apply to update their visa before its expiration, particularly if they are going to seek to apply for an extension.

Application For Skilled Worker Visa UK Extension

Skilled worker visa UK extension must be done online before current status expires. As soon as an applicant begins an application for extension , he/she is free to save their progress as they go on, take a break and come back to complete it later.

To continue a paused application , an applicant will be required to sign into their account using the sign-up link sent to their email address.

Visa Extension Application Decision

A decision should be expected in 8 weeks from when a completed skilled worker visa UK extension application is submitted. If a decision is being delayed, the applicant will be contacted and given a reason as to why there is a hold up. This is usually caused as a result of one of 3 things;

Support documents that might need to be verified
An interview that might need to be attended to complete an application for extension
Due to a statute of limitation caused by a personal circumstance such as evidence of a criminal conviction

This process can be accelerated by paying the necessary fees to expedite processing of visa extension application.

After A Visa Extension Application Has Been Submitted

Errors made while filling an application for skilled worker visa UK extension can be corrected after an application has been submitted by reaching out to UK visas and immigration.

An applicant can also ask to cancel an application for visa extension. In this case a full refund will be disbursed only when the application hasn’t reached the stage of processing.

When a decision is reached after a visa extension has been processed, the applicant will get a notification via email, informing him/her of the next step.

Switching To A Skilled Worker Visa UK

Applicants on a different category of visa can switch to a skilled worker visa UK. Particularly if they are already in the UK. Partners and children of the primary applicant will need to apply separately if they intend on switching their visa.

Dependents of the primary applicant can either submit their application at the same time as the principal or hand in their application at a later date, which must be before it expires.

Eligibility Criteria To Switch Visa

Before an UK visa beneficiary can successfully switch his/her visa to a skilled worker visa UK, they are required to be employed in a job in the UK that is eligible as well as meet the salary expectations in line with the going rate for that sector and region.

Foreign nationals looking to apply to switch their current visas to a skilled worker visa UK are required to know how to speak, read, write and understand the English language to be eligible.

People Not Eligible To Apply For A Visa Switch

There are limitations to people who can switch from their current visa category to the skilled worker visa, this is specific to people who are already in the UK. Other visa categories that are not eligible for a switch to the skilled worker visa are;

People on a visit visa
Those on a short-term student visa
People on a seasonal worker visa
Domestic worker on a private household visa
People who due to compassionate grounds are given permission to stay outside the immigration rules

Individuals in any one of the above categories will have to leave the United Kingdom and submit an application for a skilled worker visa UK from abroad to be considered eligible for this visa.

Requirement To Switch To A Skilled Worker Visa UK

People who seek to switch current visa status in favor of a skilled worker visa in the UK are required to get a biometric capture which entails getting fingerprinted as well as photographed.

Applicants who have stayed in the UK for less than 1 year will have to show that they have enough funds to support their stay in the country.

Identity Proof And Support Documents To Switch

To apply to switch to a skilled worker visa, the applicant is required to prove his/her identity. The document required to do this depends on the type of passport held as well as the country the applicant might be from.

This can be done by obtaining a biometric residence permit, which is done by giving biometric information through fingerprinting and photographic capture at a UK visa and citizenship application services (UKVCAS) point of service.

Another way is scanning identity document using the UK immigration: ID check app. Then creating and signing into an account on the UK visas and immigration (UKVI) portal.

The next step will be communicated after the applicant’s identity is verified.

Application To Switch To A Skilled Worker Visa UK

An application to switch from a current visa to a skilled worker visa UK has to be done online before expiration of current status in the UK. Progress made in the application can be saved and returned to by following the sign-up link sent to the applicant’s email when the process was started.

Decision On An Application To Switch To A Skilled Worker Visa UK

A decision is usually sent out to the applicant in 8 weeks after a complete application is submitted. Some decisions might take longer due to challenges experienced such as support documents not being verified, a need for an interview or a criminal conviction found in an applicant’s record.

It is possible to get a decision made faster by paying for priority processing. Applicant’s can find out if they are eligible for this service from there visa application centres.

After A Skilled Worker Visa Switch Application Has Been Submitted

Errors made while filling an application for skilled worker visa UK switch can be corrected after an application has been submitted by reaching out to the UK visas and immigration services.

An applicant can also ask to cancel an application for a switch to a skilled work visa . In this case a full refund will be disbursed only when the application hasn’t reached the stage of processing.

When a decision is reached after a work visa switch has been processed, the applicant will get a notification via email, informing him/her of the next step.

Taking Up Additional Paid Work While Still On A Skilled Work Visa UK

A beneficiary of a skilled worker visa UK can take up additional paid work while in the UK. However, he/she has to still be employed by the UK employer who sponsored the work visa that brought the applicant into the country. Beneficiaries are eligible to do unpaid voluntary work.

While doing additional work, recipients of the skilled work visa for UK can work 20 hours a week if;

The additional work in question has the same occupation code and on the same level as the skilled worker visa beneficiary’s main job
Or if the additional work is on the list of shortage occupation

Special preference is given to additional work related to healthcare and education. There is also no limit to the number of hours skilled work visa recipients can put in as long as the individual is a NHS volunteer offering assistance due to the covid-19 pandemic.

Additional Work With More Than 20 Hours Weekly Commitment

If recipients of the skilled worker visa UK plan on working over 20 hours weekly in an additional job, they will need to apply to update their visa so that they get sponsored to do both jobs.

To be eligible to work over 20 hours weekly in a second job, applicants will need to;

Secure a certificate of sponsorship from the second employer
Include a letter of explanation stating the new terms in which the applicant wants highlighted to change their current stay in the country

The skilled worker visa for UK is a visa category that replaced the tier 2 general work visa for skilled professionals looking to ply their trade in the United Kingdom while working for an employer in the country. It offers beneficiaries the fastest route to full residency in the UK.

There are special requirements for applicants from different countries, however all potential recipients of this visa class are expected to receive a certificate of sponsorship from a UK employer which is suppose to highlight the terms of engagement in which the new recruit is going to work under.

The expected salary must meet the going rate for the industry as is obtainable for the region in which the skilled work visa applicant will be working in. Also, jobs sought in the UK have to be on the list of shortage occupations for applicants to stand a chance of being granted this visa.

Skilled worker visa UK dependent applicants who are partners and children of the primary applicant will be required to use the certificate of sponsorship reference number from the primary beneficiary to fill their visa application.

An application fee, healthcare surcharge will have to paid for skill work visa to the UK to be processed. There are also support documents that need to be submitted before applicants can get a favorable decision.

To accelerate the time taken to get a decision, whether it’s a skilled worker visa UK application, an extension or a switch of visa, potential recipients can take advantage of the priority and super priority services when they apply.

The cost of these services depends on availability and the country in which the applicants are from. Both services do not exist in some countries.

Beneficiaries of the skilled worker visa UK can take up additional work that meets the required limit of 20 hours work time per week. Those who want to work above 20 hours per week would have to request another certificate of sponsorship from the second UK employer that covers the new terms.

Do you qualify to be a skilled professional in the UK? Will you like to secure work with a UK employer?

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Visa Options If You Lose Your Job in the UK

Anne morris.

5 March 2023

IN THIS SECTION

If you’re currently working in the UK in a skilled job role, either under a Skilled Worker visa or the previous Tier 2 (General) work visa, and you are facing the possibility of losing your job, you will undoubtedly want to know what visa options are available to you to be able to remain in the UK.

In the guide, we explain the visa implications of losing your job, providing guidance on the steps you may be able to take to retain lawful status after termination of employment.

What will happen to your visa if you lose your job?

If you are currently working in the UK under either a Skilled Worker visa or its predecessor the Tier 2 visa, the validity of that visa will usually be dependent on you remaining employed by the same employer and continuing to work in the same role for which leave was granted.

As such, if your employment is terminated — regardless of whether you are made redundant, dismissed or resign from your job — this is likely to impact the validity of your visa and your permission to remain in the UK.

In most cases, this means that you will need to consider alternative visa options as a matter of urgency, otherwise you risk having to leave the UK.

How long will your visa last if you lose your job?

Losing your job essentially means that you will no longer be meeting the conditions of your visa under the Skilled Worker or Tier 2 route. This is because you must continue to be employed under either one of these routes to maintain lawful status in the UK. As such, even if you were given a visa for a number of years, this period could be significantly curtailed if you are made redundant, dismissed or resign from your sponsored job role.

However, for most overseas workers whose sponsored job role is terminated early, they will not immediately be at risk of being deported. This is because there is a 60-day period following cessation of employment to apply for a new visa or make arrangements to leave. This means that you will have 60 days, or until expiry of your visa, whichever is the shorter, to explore your options before you will be classed as overstaying and in the UK illegally.

If you lose your job, regardless of the reason for this, your employer – as a licensed sponsor – is required to report this to UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) within 10 working days. Specifically, they must inform UKVI that they have stopped sponsoring you and that your contract of employment has ended earlier than the date shown on your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) .

You should receive a letter from UKVI soon after, explaining your curtailment of leave . The 60-day period will then begin from receipt of this letter. In limited cases, UKVI have the power to curtail leave with immediate effect, although this is unlikely to apply where, for example, you have been laid off through no fault of your own.

Can you stay on the same visa if you lose your job?

If you lose your job as an overseas worker, either under a Skilled Worker visa or the Tier 2 (General) work visa, you may be able to remain in the UK on the same visa type, provided you can secure a qualifying new job role with a different employer licensed to sponsor skilled workers. Importantly, if you are an existing Tier 2 (General) worker, you can still apply for a change of employment under the Skilled Worker route.

However, under the Skilled Worker rules, if you change your job and your new job is with a different employer, even if that job meets the requisite skill and salary requirements for the same category of visa, you will still need to apply to UKVI to update your grant of leave. You will also need to provide a fresh CoS from your prospective employer to prove that your job meets the relevant requirements under the Skilled Worker route, together with other evidence, such as proof of your knowledge of English and proof of financial means to support yourself if you have been in the UK for less than one year when you apply.

You can work out any notice period in your current job while your new application is being assessed by UKVI, as long as you apply before your existing leave expires. However, you must not start your new job until your application has been approved. You must also not travel outside of the UK until you get a decision, otherwise risk your application being withdrawn. You will usually get a decision within 8 weeks of your visa application date.

Can you switch to a different visa if you lose your job?

If you are unable to secure alternative employment in a qualifying sponsored job role, you may need to consider switching to a different visa. There are a number of work visa options for those with the qualifications and experience to fill vital skills gaps in the UK’s domestic labour market. These include, among others:

The High Potential Individual (HPI) visa : a HPI visa will give you permission to stay in the UK for at least 2 years, or 3 years if you have a PhD or other doctoral qualification. To apply, you must have been awarded a qualification by an eligible university within the last 5 years. As an unsponsored route, you do not need a job offer to apply, where leave under the HPI route will give you the flexibility to work in most jobs, look for work and even work for yourself. Although you cannot extend an HPI visa, you may be able to switch to a different visa prior to its expiry, including re-applying for a Skilled Worker visa.
The Scale-Up Worker visa : this visa will allow you to undertake an eligible job role paying a minimum salary for a fast-growing UK business. As an initially sponsored route, an employer must be an eligible scale-up business and licensed to sponsor this category of worker, although your sponsorship will only last for 6 months. If successful, you will be granted a Scale-Up visa for a period of 2 years, giving you the flexibility to leave your sponsored job role after just 6 months to work in an unsponsored role for someone else, as long as any new job role continues to meet the minimum earnings requirement.
The Start-Up visa : this visa is if you are looking to set up an innovative new business in the UK, although your business idea must be endorsed by either a UK higher education provider or a business with a track record of supporting UK-based entrepreneurs. As a Start-Up visa holder, you will be able to work in another job in the UK at the same time as working for your own business, giving you the means to support yourself in the early stages. Like the HPI visa, the Start-Up visa cannot be extended, although you may be able to switch to the Innovator visa to enable you to further build your UK business.

You may also be eligible, for example, for a Partner visa , if you have a UK or UK-settled spouse or cohabiting partner, or even a Student visa , if you have the offer of a place on a course by a licensed student sponsor in the UK and can pay for that course.

Importantly, whichever visa option you choose, you must ensure that you are eligible to apply, and submit the correct documentation in support, to minimise the risk of your application being refused. You must also submit your application prior to expiry of your existing leave to remain. In this way, you will not be at risk of overstaying. This is because you will be permitted to stay in the UK until a decision has been made by UKVI, even if your leave expires whilst an application is pending, provided your application is in time.

Can you apply for indefinite leave to remain if you lose your job?

If you have been living in the UK continuously for a period of 5 years under either a Skilled Worker visa or the old Tier 2 (General) work visa under the previous rules, you may now be eligible to apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) . Your 5-year continuous residence can be a combination of time spent under Tier 2 (General) and the new Skilled Worker route, although you do not need to have switched from Tier 2 (General) to Skilled Worker before applying for settlement as a Skilled Worker. This is because the definition of Skilled Worker under the Immigration Rules includes those with permission in the Tier 2 (General) route.

However, to be eligible for ILR, also known as settlement, the rules require that you continue to be sponsored by a licensed employer, where the employer must confirm that they require you to work for them and that you will be paid at least the minimum salary for the foreseeable future. Although your sponsor does not need to assign a new sponsorship certificate for the purpose of you making an application for settlement, where an e-mail or letter should usually suffice, this may need to be verified with the sponsor if necessary.

Losing your job can therefore seriously impact your ability to apply to settle in the UK on a permanent basis, where you would need to find alternative employment that meets the requisite requirements under the Skilled Worker rules. You would also need to do so before your existing leave expires so as not to break your lawful continuous residence.

It is worth noting that UKVI caseworkers have the ability to quickly and easily check the status of your sponsorship using an online CoS checking system. As such, UKVI will be fully aware that you have recently lost your job, where your employer is under a duty to inform UKVI if the employment contract of a sponsored worker has been terminated. In these circumstances, your application would not only be refused, but using deception when applying for a visa can negatively impact any future applications. It could also result in your leave being curtailed with immediate effect, as well as deportation and a ban on re-entry.

What will happen if you lose your job and decide to leave the UK?

If you lose your job as a sponsored overseas worker, it is a matter for you as to whether to look for alternative employment or to make arrangements to leave the UK. You may have been reaching the end of your contract of employment in any event or, for various other reasons, feel like the time is right to return home or start the next chapter in your life.

However, you must either make an application to UKVI for further leave to remain or make arrangements to leave the UK within the period required, where any period of overstaying will put you at risk of being deported. This can also affect your ability to apply for a visa at a later date, even if an application is made from outside the UK. Overstaying in the UK may also lead to a ban on re-entry, even if you leave the UK voluntarily at your own expense.

Need assistance?

Seeking expert advice as soon as possible from a specialist in immigration law, tailored to your circumstances, can help to maximise your prospects of being able to stay in the UK after losing your job.

Contact DavidsonMorris’ UK immigration experts for specialist advice.

Visa termination of employment FAQs

What happens to your visa if you lose your job.

If you are an overseas worker in the UK and you are either made redundant, dismissed or resign from a sponsored job role, your employer is duty bound to report this to the Home Office who can cancel your visa.

What happens to my Tier 2 visa if I quit my job?

If you quit your job, your Tier 2 visa will be cut short. You may have to leave the UK unless you can secure a qualifying new sponsored job offer or you are eligible to apply for a different visa.

Can my employer cancel my Tier 2 visa?

The net effect of any dismissal or redundancy by your existing employer will be to curtail your Tier 2 visa. You will therefore need to apply to update your visa with a new employer or apply for a different visa.

When can I resign from Skilled Worker visa?

If you resign from your sponsored job role whilst living in the UK under a Skilled Worker visa, you will be at risk of having your leave curtailed and being deported. Expert legal advice should always be sought before resigning.

Last updated: 5 March 2023

Founder and Managing Director Anne Morris is a fully qualified solicitor and trusted adviser to large corporates through to SMEs, providing strategic immigration and global mobility advice to support employers with UK operations to meet their workforce needs through corporate immigration.

She is a recognised by Legal 500 and Chambers as a legal expert and delivers Board-level advice on business migration and compliance risk management as well as overseeing the firm’s development of new client propositions and delivery of cost and time efficient processing of applications.

Anne is an active public speaker, immigration commentator , and immigration policy contributor and regularly hosts training sessions for employers and HR professionals

Anne Morris https://www.davidsonmorris.com/author/anne/ Employment Case Law Update May 2024
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Anne Morris https://www.davidsonmorris.com/author/anne/ Switching from Pre Settled to Settled Status
Anne Morris https://www.davidsonmorris.com/author/anne/ EU Settled Status & Absences from UK

About DavidsonMorris

As employer solutions lawyers, DavidsonMorris offers a complete and cost-effective capability to meet employers’ needs across UK immigration and employment law, HR and global mobility .

Led by Anne Morris, one of the UK’s preeminent immigration lawyers, and with rankings in The Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners , we’re a multi-disciplinary team helping organisations to meet their people objectives, while reducing legal risk and nurturing workforce relations.

Legal Disclaimer

The matters contained in this article are intended to be for general information purposes only. This article does not constitute legal advice, nor is it a complete or authoritative statement of the law, and should not be treated as such. Whilst every effort is made to ensure that the information is correct at the time of writing, no warranty, express or implied, is given as to its accuracy and no liability is accepted for any error or omission. Before acting on any of the information contained herein, expert legal advice should be sought.

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Health and care worker visa applications down 76% this year

The government said the numbers show its plan to reduce migration is working.

Political reporter @alixculbertson

Wednesday 22 May 2024 11:31, UK

There has been a sharp fall in the number of overseas health and care workers applying for visas in the first few months of this year compared with the year before.

In contrast, there has been a steep rise in people applying for the skilled worker visa, as well as their dependents.

The government said the various drops in legal migration show their plan "is working".

Just 12,400 people applied for the Health and Care Worker visa from January to April this year, according to the latest statistics published by the government on Wednesday.

During the same period last year, 50,900 applications were made - 76% more than this year.

In March, the government announced social care workers would no longer be able to bring dependents on their visa.

In April, there was a 58% fall in health and care dependents applying compared with April 2023, in the first full month where statistics are available following the announcement.

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There was also a 12% reduction in people applying for the sponsored study visa, from 49,400 to 43,600. A sponsored study visa is where an international student or schoolchild is sponsored by an education provider such as an independent school or university.

Applications for dependents on the sponsored study visa dropped by a dramatic 79%, from 38,900 to 8,300.

That fall comes after the government announced last year that from 1 January this year, post-graduate students could not bring dependents unless they were studying for a PhD or other doctorate, or a research-based degree.

In contrast, the number of people applying for a "skilled worker" visa rose by 41%, with their dependents increasing by 62%.

On 4 April, the government increased the minimum salary for the skilled worker visa from £26,200 to £38,700, so there has not yet been a month of statistics following that announcement.

Home Secretary James Cleverly hailed the drop in health and care worker visa applications as he said it was evidence their plan to "deliver the largest-ever cut to legal migration in our country's history is working".

He added: "The British people deserve an immigration system that puts their interests first.

"Our approach is about control and fairness; to the highly skilled coming here who deserve a decent wage, to taxpayers who shouldn't be relied on to support them, and to British workers who shouldn't be undercut.

"We will continue to keep these measures under close review and if needed, we will not hesitate to go further."

Labour's shadow immigration minister, Stephen Kinnock, accused the government of "scrambling around, desperately trying to clean up the mess they made" as he pointed to the "record high" in applications to the Skilled Worker visa.

"Labour is clear that we will deliver a Skills and Growth levy to support local people into training, ensure no return to Tory rules that allowed employers to undercut British workers, and make sure migration and skills policy are joined up so we can support the aims of the UK economy," he added.

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International graduates’ plans derailed by skilled worker visa change

Career plans of former international students on UK graduate work visas have been derailed after the government increased the minimum salary workers need to secure a visa to stay in the country.

International graduates from UK universities are currently eligible to stay and work in the country for two years under the graduate route visa, introduced in 2021, which does not require employer sponsorship.

If they find a company to sponsor them during this time, they can then apply for the skilled worker visa and remain in the UK – something some international students plan for from the outset when deciding where to study and many of those currently on the graduate route may have been hoping for.

In December, the government increased the amount of money a foreign worker must earn in order to be eligible for a skilled worker visa from £26,200 to £38,000.

“A promise was made to the students currently on the grad route”

Tripti Maheshwari, director and co-founder of Student Circus, which helps international students find jobs in the UK, said she had received messages from hundreds of “worried students” who were concerned about how the new rules may impact their future plans.

“A certain expectation was set, and a promise was made to the students currently on the grad route,” she said.

“They chose the UK based on the rules at the time – these changes must keep in line with the career plans of students in-country.”

The changes will come into effect in Spring 2024, with more details of the policies expected to be announced in the coming months.

According to research from the Higher Education Statistics Agency, most graduates in the UK fell in the salary band of £24,000 – £26,999 approximately 15 months after completing their studies, when it last conducted its Graduate Outcomes research in 2020/21 .

Over 100,000 people were issued visas for the graduate route in the year ending September 2023, according to the Home Office.

For international students, securing a job in the UK can be more challenging due to a lack of understanding about the graduate route. Research from the Higher Education Policy Institute released earlier this year found only 3% of employers had used the route and more than half weren’t aware of its existence.

The government has also announced a review of the graduate route, set to be delivered in September 2024, focused on preventing “abuse” of the visa.

There are concerns that the new policies will undermine efforts to educate businesses about employing international graduates.

Sanam Arora, founder and chairperson of the National Indian Students and Alumni Union UK, said, “There’s a fair bit of concern as students are saying they’re already finding it difficult to land jobs on the graduate route.

“At a time when more needs to be done to educate employers to take on international graduates, we’re to the contrary adding further difficulties making it much harder for graduates to switch to this route.”

The Home Office has been contacted for comment.

As a reader,In my personal opinion as per existing rules of 22600 should b continued for the students already on the way to their graduation.New rules b noticed to the international students ,joining ear future.in this way they could decide, while at homes.applying new rules on the students on the way will may b discouraged. Thanks.

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A comprehensive list of 2024 tech layoffs

From major layoffs at tesla, amazon and microsoft to small fintech startups and apps.

Image of workers walking in and out of doors representing tech layoffs in 2023

The tech layoff wave is still going strong in 2024. Following significant workforce reductions in 2022 and 2023 , this year has already seen 60,000 job cuts across 254 companies, according to independent layoffs tracker Layoffs.fyi . Companies like Tesla , Amazon , Google , TikTok , Snap and Microsoft have conducted sizable layoffs in the first months of 2024. Smaller-sized startups have also seen a fair amount of cuts, and in some cases, have shut down operations altogether .

By tracking these layoffs, we’re able to understand the impact on innovation across companies large and small. We’re also able to see the potential impact of businesses embracing AI and automation for jobs that had previously been considered safe. It also serves as a reminder of the human impact of layoffs and what could be at stake in regards to increased innovation.

Below you’ll find a comprehensive list of all the known layoffs in tech that have occurred in 2024, to be updated regularly. If you have a tip on a layoff, contact us here . If you prefer to remain anonymous, you can contact us here .

January 2024: 19,350 employees laid off — see all January 2024 Tech Layoffs
February 2024: 15,589 employees laid off — see all February 2024 Tech Layoffs
March 2024: 7,403 employees laid off — see all March 2024 Tech Layoffs
April 2024: 22,153 employees laid off — see all April 2024 Tech Layoffs

Will reportedly cut 14% of its staff , impacting 175 employees, as the company shifts its focus from original Disney+ programming back to films.

Let go of 20% of its staff as the coding startup shifts its focus to enterprise sales.

Cut about 30% of its total workforce . The recruiting startup that uses AI to find candidates was last valued at over $1.2 billion in January 2022 .

Eliminated 6% of its staff in another round of layoffs as the fast-delivery startup attempts to become cash-flow positive by the end of 2024.

Plans to lay off 106 employees , according to a WARN notice filed in Texas.

Has shut down its operations . The number of employees affected is currently unknown.

Is cutting roughly 1,000 jobs, impacting 8% of the company’s headcount, CEO Chris Hyams wrote in a letter to staff .

Cut around 40% of its workforce, impacting about 550 employees, sources told TechCrunch . The company’s chief operating officer, Abe Ghabra, has also left the company.

Will eliminate 57 positions in San Francisco , according to a WARN notice filed in California.

Is eliminating 800 employees , accounting for 13% of its workforce, as part of a restructuring effort.

Told The Verge it has laid off most of its staff and is no longer selling its smart home controllers and light switches as it looks for a buyer.

Laid off roughly 170 workers , impacting a third of its total headcount, in an effort to cut back on annual operating costs.

Closed Arkane Austin, Tango Gameworks, and more game studios as part of cuts at Bethesda . It’s currently unclear how many employees will be impacted.

Is eliminating 230 employees, about 49% of its workforce, in a cost cutting measure laid out in documents filed with the U.S. SEC .

Is slashing its workforce by 20% . The cuts will affect around 140 employees, and the company is also cutting ties with “the majority” of its contract workers.

Has laid off about 3% of its workforce , impacting 116 people, the company confirmed to TechCrunch in a statement. The cuts come over a year after the company eliminated about 4% of its headcount .

Is laying off 15% of its workforce , affecting about 400 people, as part of a cost-cutting effort. The company’s CEO Barry McCarthy is also stepping down.

Has gutted its charging team in a new round of layoffs , CEO Elon Musk announced in an overnight email to executives.

Has laid off staff across key teams like Flutter, Dart and Python . It is currently unclear how many employees were let go.

Is laying off more employees to “preserve cash,” according to an internal email viewed by TechCrunch . The number of cuts is currently unknown.

Is shutting down operations in the U.S., the U.K. and Europe, impacting at least 6,000 jobs across the closing markets .

Is cutting about 180 jobs in a profitability push and has let go its chief executive Hemant Bakshi, a source familiar with the matter told TechCrunch.

True Anomaly

The space and defense startup laid off nearly 30 people, accounting for about 25% of its workforce, due to “duplication of roles and functions across the company,” TechCrunch exclusively reported.

Is expected to cut employees in its Austin office for the second time this year.

Plans to eliminate 740 employees at its Oregon headquarters this summer, according to a WARN Act notice.

Stability AI

Is eliminating 10% of its workforce following the exit of former CEO Emad Mostaque.

Is laying off workers as part of continued cost cutting measures . The number of employees affected was at the time unknown.

Is reducing its total workforce by 1% . It’s the second round of layoffs for the EV maker this year.

Is laying off 5% of its workforce , affecting around 579 employees. The GTA 6 publisher also announced the elimination of “several projects” in development.

Is eliminating about 20% of its 59 employees in a restructuring effort.

Is cutting “more than 10%” of its global workforce , per an internal email sent by CEO Elon Musk. That could impact more than 14,000 workers worldwide, as Tesla prepares itself “for our next phase of growth” amid a challenging EV market.

Is reducing its global workforce by nearly 4%, impacting up to 140 employees .

Is laying off 250 employees based in Ireland as it restructures its Training and Quality team.

Hinge Health

Cut approximately 10% of its workforce, TechCrunch exclusively learned , as the company prepares for an IPO and aims to reach profitability.

Has laid off 382 employees, amounting to 32% of its total workforce, TechCrunch exclusively learned . The background-screening platform was last valued at $5 billion in April of 2022.

Reportedly laid off a sizable part of its staff in a restructuring effort. The number of employees impacted is currently unknown, but sources told Inc42 that it could be “in the range of 70-100” workers.

Is laying off 614 employees in California after abandoning its electric car project , according to a WARN notice .

Agility Robotics

Has laid off a “small number” of employees as part of a company-wide focus on commercialization efforts.

Ghost Autonomy

Shut down operations. The company, which was backed by OpenAI, employed about 100 people .

Is shutting down Yummly , the recipe and cooking app it acquired in 2017.

Will cut hundreds of jobs across Sales, Marketing, Global Services and its Physical Stores Technology team.

Byju’s

Is laying off about 500 employees , accounting for 3% of its total workforce, as part of a restructuring effort.

Has laid off 20% of its staff after acquiring point-of-sale platform Cuboh. The company previously laid off 100 people in 2022.

Nintendo of America

Is restructuring its testing department, which is largely made up of contractors. A Nintendo spokesperson told Kotaku the changes will end some assignments but will lead to the creation of new full-time positions.

Cut its global workforce by about 6,000 jobs , according to a 10-K SEC filing . The filing reveals the company cut 13,000 jobs in the last year .

Has made cuts to its staff, the company confirmed to TechCrunch . A report in Fintech Business Weekly estimates that 17 people, or about 15% of the company, were impacted.

Is cutting 195 roles in an effort to become more sustainable, CEO Henry Chan wrote in a blog post . The layoffs impact nearly a quarter of its staff.

Reportedly eliminated 20% of its total workforce in its second restructuring effort in the past year.

Chipper Cash

Conducted another round of layoffs impacting 20 employees, CEO Ham Serunjogi announced in a blog post .

Has reportedly cut 16% of its staff in a strategic move to support its Textio Lift product.

Is reportedly laying off around 25% of its workforce . According to Axios, the cuts affect roughly 80 people.

Phantom Auto

Is shutting down after failing to secure new funding, TechCrunch has learned . The remote driving startup, which had cut staff last year, employed a little more than 100 people.

Is reportedly slashing its marketing and communications staff. The company previously announced a strategy to replace upwards of 8,000 jobs with AI.

Inscribe.ai

Cut just under 40% of its staff, equating to dozens of employees, the company confirmed to TechCrunch .

Laid off around 15 people earlier this year , following comments from CEO Chris Caren that the company would be able to reduce 20% of its headcount thanks to AI.

Laid off 13% of its staff based in its New York office as the web3 fantasy sports platform focuses on its Paris headquarters, a source familiar with the matter told TechCrunch .

Is eliminating roughly 7% of its workforce as part of organizational restructuring. The fintech unicorn last conducted layoffs in August 2022.

Is cutting about 13% of its workforce , affecting 40 employees. It’s the second round of layoffs for the battery startup in recent months.

Project Ronin

Is shutting down, resulting in a “permanent mass layoff” impacting around 150 employees.

February 2024

Plans to lay off 15% of its workforce and says it likely does not have enough cash on hand to survive the next 12 months.

Cut 5% of its workforce , impacting 670 employees, as it moves away from the “development of future licensed IP.”

Is letting go of about 350 employees, accounting for 30% of its workforce.

Is likely cutting hundreds of employees who worked on the company’s autonomous electric car project now that the effort has stopped, TechCrunch has learned.

Is laying off 900 employees from its PlayStation unit, affecting 8% of the division’s workforce. Insomniac Games, Naughty Dog, Guerrilla and Firesprite studios will also be impacted .

Will reportedly cut 1,500 roles in 2024 , primarily in its Product & Technology division, accounting for more than 8% of the company’s workforce.

Eliminated roughly 60 employees , or 17% of its workforce. It’s the financial startup’s third major layoff round in the past 12 months.

Is laying off 10% of its salaried workforce in a bid to cut costs in an increasingly tough market for EVs.

Meati Foods

Will lay off 13% of its workforce as it works to “build a financially sustainable business,” CEO Phil Graves told TechCrunch exclusively .

Announced it will eliminate 5% of its employees, impacting more than 4,000 people .

Will lay off about 550 workers in a move designed to promote “operating expense efficiency.”

Announced in an SEC filing that it will lay off roughly 250 employees as part of a restructuring effort.

Is scaling back its investment in a number of products, TechCrunch has learned, resulting in layoffs that will affect roughly 60 employees .

Is laying off 230 employees worldwide as part of the company’s efforts to advance its focus on “the AI-enabled workplace of the future.”

Is cutting 30% of its North American workforce as part of a restructuring.

Is reportedly cutting jobs in its healthcare businesses One Medical and Amazon Pharmacy. The number of impacted roles is currently unknown.

Announced plans to eliminate 6% of its workforce , largely impacting the company’s sales and marketing divisions.

Announced plans to cut 10% of its workforce , impacting roughly 500-plus employees, in an effort to “reduce hierarchy.”

Polygon Labs

Has laid off 60 employees , or about 19% of its staff, CEO Marc Boiron announced in a blog post .

Is laying off approximately 400 employees . The layoffs come almost exactly a year to the day after Okta announced plans to cut about 300 employees.

January 2024

Will lay off 95 workers in New York City, according to a filing with the New York Department of Labor.

Is laying off about 6% of its global workforce , or 280 employees, the company confirmed to TechCrunch.

Conducted another round of layoffs earlier this month, amounting to roughly 15% of its workforce, a source familiar with the situation told TechCrunch.

Is reportedly laying off around 1,000 people in the Cash App, foundational and Square arms of Block.

Has reportedly begun company-wide layoffs . While it is unclear how many people will be affected, one source told TechCrunch it was expected to be in the “thousands.”

Aurora Solar

Has laid off 20% of its staff of about 1,000 people, TechCrunch exclusively learned. The cuts to the software startup come despite record growth in the solar industry last year.

Is laying off 350 people , or one-third of its headcount, after Amazon’s bid to acquire the Roomba-maker shuttered. Longtime CEO Colin Angle has also stepped down.

Is reportedly laying off 700 workers , or around 1% of its staff. This comes after the company had a significant reduction of 10% of its workforce in 2023.

Is reportedly planning to cut around 20% of its staff in the next few weeks. The company announced similar cuts in October, when founder Ryan Petersen returned as CEO and slashed its workforce by 20%.

Is laying off 1,900 employees across its gaming divisions following its acquisition of Activision Blizzard. Blizzard president Mike Ybarra announced he will also be stepping down.

Is cutting about 400 jobs , 7% of its workforce, as the food delivery startup seeks to bring further improvements to its finances ahead of a planned IPO later this year.

Laid off dozens of workers , according to sources familiar with the decision. The autonomous vehicle technology company has since confirmed that about 3% of its workforce has been laid off.

Will lay off 9% of the company’s workforce , affecting about 1,000 full-time employees. In a blog post , the company also plans to cut contract roles in the coming months.

Announced it intends to offer voluntary buyouts or job changes to 8,000 employees amid restructuring.

Laid off 20% of its staff , affecting 282 workers. In a blog post , Co-CEO Pedro Franceschi said that the company is prioritizing “long-term thinking and ownership over short-term gains in our comp structure.”

Eliminated around 60 jobs across the U.S. in Los Angeles, New York, and Austin in addition to layoffs in international markets. The affected roles, according to NPR’s initial reporting, are largely in sales and advertising.

Is cutting 90% of its employees as it shuts down its online used car marketplace and shifts resources into two business units: one focused on auto financing and the other on AI-powered analytics.

Is laying off 11% of its workforce , affecting about 530 employees, as the company focuses on “fewer, high-impact projects.” The League of Legends maker is also sunsetting its five-year-old publishing group , Riot Forge.

Is eliminating 13% of its global workforce , affecting 1,650 employees, in a restructuring effort aimed at cutting layers of management.

Will eliminate 100 employees , a spokesperson confirmed to TechCrunch, as part of a restructuring effort in its creator management and operations teams.

Is laying off “hundreds” of employees in its advertising sales team, according to a leaked memo. The cuts come a week after the company did sweeping layoffs across its hardware teams. And more layoffs will come throughout the year, as CEO Sundar Pichai told the company in a memo obtained by the Verge .

Lost Boys Interactive

Reportedly laid off a “sizable” number of employees January 12. The game developer studio was acquired by Borderlands maker Gearbox in 2022.

Is going to lay off employees in 2024, TechCrunch exclusively learned , with the total impacted employees potentially reaching as high as 20% of the animation studio’s 1,300 person workforce. The cutbacks come as Disney looks to reduce the studio’s output as it struggles to achieve profitability in streaming.

Is laying off 5% of its workforce , citing an “increasingly challenging landscape,” according to a leaked memo obtained by Business Insider.

Is laying off 17% of its staff , impacting 170 people. In an internal memo obtained by the Verge , Discord CEO Jason Citron blamed the cuts on the company growing too quickly.

Laid off hundreds of employees across its Google Assistant division and the team that manages Pixel, Nest and Fitbit hardware. The company confirmed to TechCrunch that Fitbit co-founders James Park and Eric Friedman are also exiting.

Is laying off “several hundreds” of employees at Prime Video and MGM Studios, according to a memo obtained by TechCrunch. The cuts come days after the 500 layoffs at Amazon’s Twitch .

Is reportedly laying off 500 employees , 35% of its current staff, amid a continued struggle to achieve profitability in the face of rising costs and community backlash. The pending layoffs come after hundreds more employees were laid off in 2023.

Treasure Financial

Confirmed to TechCunch that layoffs, conducted in December, had impacted 14 employees, accounting for 60% to 70% of the company, according to multiple sources.

Confirmed it cut 10% of its contractor workforce at the end of 2023 as it turns to AI to streamline content production and translations previously handled by humans.

Rent the Runway

Will cut about 10% of corporate roles as it goes through a restructuring plan following Anushka Salinas’ planned resignation as operating chief and president at the end of January.

Is reducing its workforce by about 25% , or 1,800 people. The video game engine maker went through three rounds of layoffs in 2023.

Laid off two-thirds of its employees as the German startup, which built collaborative presentation software, looks to pursue a “completely different path.” CEO and co-founder Christian Reber also stepped down.

The AI and biomedical startup reportedly cut 17% of its workforce January 8, citing “shifts in the economic environment,” in a LinkedIn post announcing the layoffs.

Eliminated 38% of its staff January 8 as the online retail logistics company follows up after conducting layoffs in September 2023.

Announced January 8 it is laying off 28% of its staff , or 154 workers, as the small modular nuclear reactor company shifts its focus to “key strategic areas.”

Is reportedly laying off 15% of its workforce focused on computer vision for retailers.

Is shutting down at the end of 2024 after a 12 year run. The design collaboration startup was once valued at nearly $2B.

Is laying off nearly 20% of its workforce as it tries to maintain its battle with Nielsen over media measurement. CEO Ross McCray stepped down from the company.

Orca Security

Is laying off roughly 15% of its staff , totaling 60 employees. The Israel-based unicorn reportedly plans to move some impacted employees into other positions at the company.

Laid off its entire 200-person workforce January 2 after attempts to raise more capital failed, TechCrunch exclusively learned . The mass layoff comes just seven months after the startup acquired rival Zencity .

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Skilled Worker visa: Overview
Apply for a Skilled Worker visa (formerly a Tier 2 General work visa) if you've been offered a skilled job with a UK employer - eligibility, fees, documents, extend, switch or update, bring your ...
Travelling to the EU and Schengen area
To work out if your stay is within the 90 day limit, use the following steps. Check the date you plan to leave the Schengen area on your next trip. Count back 180 days from that date to get the ...
UK Skilled Worker Visa
Conditions of the UK Skilled Worker Visa. The conditions of the UK skilled worker visa are as follows: You can bring your dependents to the UK with you. Your spouse is allowed to work in the UK as your dependent. The number of visas issued is not limited. Minimum salary requirement has been reduced to £25,600 from £30,000.
I'm on a Skilled Worker visa. How long can I spend outside of the UK?
The Skilled Worker visa, which replaced the Tier 2 (General) visa in December 2020, allows employers who hold a Skilled Worker Sponsor licence to sponsor foreign skilled workers in the UK. As a Skilled Worker visa holder, you are permitted to travel outside the UK during your visa without restrictions, provided you have the permission of your ...
Travelling to the EU and Schengen Area from the UK
Citizens of the United Kingdom with a valid UK passport can travel to 29 European member countries of the Schengen Area for a maximum of 90 days without having to apply for or obtain a visa for short-term tourism or a business trip. For now, you only need your British passport, travel ticket or driving documents (if you are driving), enough ...
PDF Skilled worker caseworker guidance
settle in the UK under the Skilled Worker route. 'You' in this guidance means a caseworker. This guidance is designed to be used alongside Appendix Skilled Worker of the Immigration Rules. The rules explain the requirements an applicant must meet, and this guidance provides additional information on how to consider their application.
UKCISA
Skilled Worker visa: minimum salary (new entrants) This guidance document outlines all of the eligible jobs under Option E (new entrant) and their respective minimum salaries. Skilled Worker caseworker guidance. This guidance is intended for use for Home Office caseworkers, but does include helpful information to applicants and employers.
Schengen Visa: Travel to EU from UK
A list of those countries whose citizens need a Schengen visa to go to Europe, as well as who can travel visa-free, can be found online on the 'Schengen visa info' website. Although the UK is not a member of the Schengen Area, British citizens can travel visa-free across Europe for a maximum of 90 days. Further, as from 2014, all British ...
Applying for a Schengen Visa from the UK
You will have to apply for a Schengen visa when travelling from the UK to any member of the EU/Schengen zone if you are: A legal resident of the UK, but you hold a passport from a country that has not reached a visa liberalisation agreement with the EU. A UK citizen, but you were denied entry into the Schengen area without a visa.
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Collect the required documents for an employment visa. Schedule a visa interview. Attend the interview with all the required documents with you. Wait for you visa to be processed! Keep in mind that this is only the standard procedure to apply for an employment visa in Europe.
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Under this visa, migrant workers can stay in the country for up to 12 months, with the exception of Canadians who can remain for a period of up to 24 months. Ireland is considered one of the ...
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When you apply for a Skilled Worker visa, you'll need to have enough money to: 1. Pay the application fee -the standard fee ranges from £610 to £1,408 depending on your circumstances. You'll ...
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If you're an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen travelling to the UK for a short business trip, you may not need to apply for a visa. Under the UK's points-based immigration system, you can continue to visit the UK without applying for a visa. In most cases you can stay for up to six months. You may participate in a wide range of activities including ...
Skilled Worker Arriving in the UK
Skilled Worker visa holders must travel to the UK as soon as possible after the start date of their Skilled Worker vignette. Those issued a vignette valid for 90 days must travel to the UK within this period, as if they do not, they will have to apply, and pay, for a replacement vignette before entering the UK. Travelling to the UK as a Visitor
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I’m on a Skilled Worker visa. How long can I spend outside of the UK?

As one of the most popular visa routes, Skilled Worker visa holders must ensure that they understand the rules regarding the length of stay outside the UK, as it can affect their future immigration prospects.

How Gherson can assist

How to apply

Skilled Worker visa

Where, when, how to apply

Where to apply

When to apply

Applying from the UK

Mandatory points

Sponsorship (20 points)

Job at an appropriate skill level (20 points)

English language skills (10 points)

Tradeable points

Minimum salary

Option E ('new entrants')

Other requirements

Financial requirement (mandatory)

Genuineness requirement (mandatory)

Criminal record certificate (mandatory for certain entry clearance applications only)

Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate (if applicable)

Studies sponsored by a government or scholarship agency (if applicable)

Starting work

If you are applying from overseas

If you are switching to the Skilled Worker route from the Student route in the UK

Public funds

Extending your stay

Government resources

Other resources

Related content

About UKCISA

Useful links

Skilled Worker Arriving in the UK

Moving to Oxford

Travelling to the UK

Travelling to the UK as a Visitor

A Skilled Worker start date cannot be delayed more than 28 days (4 weeks)

Entry to the UK

Required action after arrival

Evidence Right to Work before any work starts

Vignette and BRP

Digital Immigration Status

Attending visa holder briefing session

Popular links

43 countries you can travel VISA-FREE with UK visa [2024 edition]

Table of Contents

Which UK Visas are eligible?

North America

Central America

02. Costa Rica

04. Anguilla (British Territory)

05. Antigua and Barbuda

07. Bahamas

08. Bermuda (British Territory)

09. Bonaire (Dutch Territory)

11. Cayman Islands (British Territory)

12. Curaçao

14. Jamaica

15. Sint Maarten

South America

18. Albania

19. Armenia

20. Georgia

21. Gibraltar (British Territory)

22. Ireland

23. Moldova

24. Montenegro

25. North Macedonia

28. United Kingdom (Of course!)

Middle East

29. Bahrain

33. Saudi Arabia

34. United Arab Emirates

36. Morocco

38. Kyrgyzstan

39. Philippines

40. Singapore

41. South Korea

43. Thailand

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