This week we received the exciting news that our client (“the Applicant”) had been granted entry clearance as a Skilled Worker. The Applicant submitted his application using the standard service and received a decision on his application within 1 month of attending the VFS Global centre to give his biometrics. Our business immigration team regularly prepare successful Skilled Worker Visa applications and are happy to arrange a consultation in order to assess your circumstances and the UK’s immigration rules in more detail.
The case for Entry Clearance Skilled Worker Visa
The Applicant was a Chinese national born in Taiwan who had received a provisional job offer from a UK based company who holds a Sponsor Licence. We had previously assisted the company with their Sponsor Licence application and were instructed to prepare the Skilled Worker application shortly after the company had assigned the Certificate of Sponsorship (“CoS”).
Along with the CoS, we requested specified documents from the Applicant in relation to the job role and his qualifications and we were able to prepare our legal representations in support of the application. We uploaded the Applicant’s supporting documents following the submission of the online application form so that he only needed to take his passport and biometric appointment confirmation with him to his appointment. The initial duration of his employment is 3 years, so we applied for a 3 year visa. The Applicant can apply for extend his visa should he and the company wish to extend his employment.
What is a skilled worker visa?
The Skilled Worker Visa replaced the Tier 2 (General) visa route and is a sponsored work route for skilled migrants to come to the UK. As a points based system application, Applicants are required to obtain a certain number of points in order for the application to be successful.
There are 50 mandatory points and 20 tradeable points available:
- 20 mandatory points will be awarded where the migrant has obtained a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS);
- 20 mandatory points will be awarded if the job is in an eligible occupation code; and
- 10 mandatory points will be awarded for English language proficiency (level B1 CEFR or higher).
There are also 20 tradable points for salary and job level.
Applicants will also need to demonstrate they can maintain and accommodate themselves in the UK either through a specified level of funds in their bank account or through the sponsor certifying their maintenance on the CoS.
How much is a skilled worker visa?
The fees for a Skilled Worker Visa vary depending on a number of different circumstances such as the length of the visa, the Applicant’s nationality, whether it be an in-country or entry clearance application and whether the job is on the Shortage Occupation List.
For example, an entry clearance visa of up to 3 years will cost £610 per Applicant or £1,220 for more than 3 years. Shortage Occupation List professions are £464 for up to 3 years of £928 for more than 3 years. Applicants from certain EU countries will have the application fee reduced by £55 regardless if the job is on the Shortage Occupation List or not.
All Applicants will also have to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (“IHS”) which is currently £624 per each year of the visa.
Using our Immigration Solicitors in London to apply for an Entry Clearance Skilled Worker Visa
Legal representatives, such as our specialist immigration and visa law firm, are qualified to advise you on immigration law and your immigration status. It is possible to instruct an immigration and visa legal representative to make a new Points Based System application under the Immigration Rules.
Caseworkers at the Home Office are trained to reject UK Visa applications which are improperly prepared, for example by failing to provide the correct supporting evidence. In order to ensure your Entry Clearance Skilled Worker Visa application succeeds, all necessary documents must be provided.
This can be a significant administrative task and you will need to submit the correct documentary evidence. The UK Immigration Rules are complex and a legal representative can help ensure that your application meets the Immigration Rules.
Successful Entry Clearance Skilled Worker Visa Application with our Immigration Solicitors in London
Our team of solicitors and barristers are specialist immigration lawyers who act in your best interest. We offer a client-tailored approach from the outset. From the very first meeting, we will be able to advise you in respect of your immigration status and the merit of your Skilled Worker Visa application before your matter even reaches the Home Office UK Visa & Immigration department. We can assist you with the preparation of your Entry Clearance Skilled Worker Visa applications and ensure that you meet all the requirements of the relevant rules.
We are based in the legal epicentre of London, just across the road from the Royal Courts of Justice in order to ensure we get the best results for our clients. We are minutes away from the Immigration and Asylum Tribunal, the Royal Courts of Justice and other central London courts.
Preparation is the key to successful Skilled Worker Visa applications. Our UK immigration and visa solicitors are here to guide you through the complex immigration rules and requirements. If you wish to meet one of our lawyers, please call our Business Immigration Team so we can assess possible UK Visa routes and arrange your legal consultation.
Contact our London immigration solicitors on 02030110276 or complete our contact form.