UK Skilled Worker Visa: Navigate the Path to Work in the UK

Skilled Worker visas are usually granted for an initial period of either up to 3 years or up to 5 years.  This is usually in line with the work duration indicated on the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) assigned to you, in effect your UK work permit.

If your Skilled Worker sponsorship continues, it is possible to apply for UK work visa extensions from within the UK indefinitely.

It is possible to apply to switch visa category from within the UK into this visa type, if you are not currently in the UK holding one of the following visa types:

• Visitor visa
• Short-Term Student visa
• Parent of a Child visa
• Seasonal Worker visa
• Domestic Worker visa
• Any Discretionary visa

Please however note that you may still need to meet the requirement to have worked for your employer outside of the UK for the required period, unless exempt. 

Following 5 years continuous residence, you may qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK, effectively permanent residence providing all the requirements are met at that time.

Spouses or partners and children under the age of 18 may apply for visas to accompany you to the UK as your ‘dependants’.  Your spouse or partner should be permitted to work.

It is permitted to switch into the Skilled Worker visa type from within the UK if you were last granted a visa under certain visa categories. In all other circumstances, initial Skilled Worker visa applications must be from abroad, either from your country of nationality or legal residence.

UKVI aim to process visas as follows:

Visa applications submitted outside of the UK:

• Standard processing: 15 working days
• Priority Service processing: 5 working days

Visa applications submitted inside the UK:

• Standard processing: 8 weeks
• Priority Service processing: 5 working days

Important: UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) do not guarantee processing times and delays do occur. We advise that you do not book any non refundable travel until your visa has been approved and your work visa is in your possession.  Priority services can be suspended without notice and may not be available at the time of application.

The UKVI application fee is as follows:

Applying outside of the UK:

• Visa up to 3 years duration: £625; or
• Visa more than 3 years (max 5) duration: £1,235

If job is on the shortage occupation list:

• Visa up to 3 years duration: £479; or
• Visa more than 3 years (max 5) duration: £943

Applying inside of the UK:

• Visa up to 3 years duration: £719; or
• Visa more than 3 years (max 5) duration: £1,423

If job is on the shortage occupation list:

• Visa up to 3 years duration: £479; or
• Visa more than 3 years (max 5) duration: £943

In addition, you will need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) which is £624 per year of the visa duration.

Our professional fee will depend on the level of service you require. Please see the options below or contact us for further information.