United Kingdom Work Permit Visa

To retain its competitive edge, the UK invites skilled professionals to work in the UK under the Tier 2 visa program. Under this program, workers whose occupations are listed on the Tier 2 Shortage Occupation List can apply to work in the UK on a long-term basis. Among the popular professions on the list are IT, finance, teaching, healthcare, and engineering. Y-Axis can help you take advantage of this talent shortage in the UK and position yourself to gain a work permit in the UK.

If skilled workers must come to the UK, they need to have a Skilled Worker visa. (formerly the Tier 2 visa). You can apply for this visa if you have been offered a skilled job in the UK. The salary requirement for this visa is £25,600, or the specific salary requirement for the occupation or the ‘going rate’. 

UK Skilled Worker Visa Details

The Skilled Worker visa allows skilled professionals to build their professional careers in the UK. The duration for stay as per the U.K. Skilled Worker is for a maximum period of 5 years The Skilled Worker Visa is a points-based visa and applicants must score a minimum of 70 points for their application to be considered. The points are awarded based on:

• Whether you have a Certificate of Sponsorship from an employer
• Whether you are receiving an appropriate salary
• Your English communication skills
• The maintenance funds you hold

If you satisfy these parameters you can then apply for the Skilled Worker Visa.

The Tier 2 visa is subdivided to allow for the following professionals: 

• Tier 2 General Visa: For workers who have a job offer in the UK and whose profession appears on the shortage occupation list. This has been replaced by the Skilled Worker visa
• Tier 2 Intra-Company Transfer Visa: For workers of corporations transferring to the UK 
• Tier 2 Minister of Religion Visa: For ministers of religions within a religious organization 
• Tier 2 Sportsperson Visa: For coaches and sportspersons 

If you have successfully received a Skilled Worker visa you can: 

• Studying in the UK
• Bring family members to the UK
• Travel to and from the UK

PROCESSING TIME

You can apply for this visa three months before you begin working in the UK. The starting date will be mentioned in the certificate of sponsorship you will receive from your UK employer.

You will get the decision on your visa within three weeks of your application. With the UK government including more occupations in the Shortage Occupation List, the processing time is expected to be reduced for many applicants.

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED

The documentation required for the UK Tier 2 Visa includes:

• Having a valid Certificate of Sponsorship from an employer
• Salary and financial details
• Current passport and travel history
• Certifications proving your English skills
• Criminal record certificate
• Other supporting documents