If you have a job offer from an employer with a sponsorship licence, we can apply for you to come to the UK or extend your leave in the UK, as a skilled worker.
If an employer does not hold a licence we can also assist the employer in obtaining a licence.
Successful applicants will get a three or five year visa dependant on the sponsorship. Family members may be able to join you.
Individuals with a skilled worker visa and their family members can qualify for settlement (indefinite leave to remain) after completion of a set number of years, and by meeting other requirements, making it a very desirable route to settle in the UK.
Skilled worker visa
Employing individuals through the skilled worker visa scheme is a complex process, involving numerous procedures and applications, which must be followed precisely in order to comply with the immigration rules.
To apply for a skilled worker visa, you must meet certain requirements:
- You must have a certificate of sponsorship from an employer who holds a sponsorship licence.
- Your job must be eligible for this visa and have a standard occupational classification (SOC) code.
- You must earn the appropriate salary for the type of work you will do.
- You must have adequate personal savings so that you can support yourself when you arrive in the UK.
- You must have the required level of English.
The skilled worker route provides for applicants who have a job offer, to make an application to take up such employment in the UK. It is possible to switch in the UK to this type of visa in certain categories or otherwise the application can be made from abroad. You cannot come to the UK as a visitor and switch to a work visa.
Health and care worker visa
The health and care visa is designed for healthcare professionals to come and work in the healthcare sector, which is a sub-category of the skilled worker visa. You still need to have a confirmed job offer from an employer with a valid sponsor licence who is registered by the Care Quality Commission.
The health and care visa is subject to frequent change and is now closed to new care worker roles. There are transitional arrangements in place until July 2028. If you have been sponsored as a care worker for at least three months and need to make a new health care visa application, you may be able to apply for an extension or switch until July 2028. The requirements for the health and care worker visa are similar to the skilled worker visa, but the appropriate salary will depend on what role you work in.
Your family
The family members of skilled workers can also apply as dependants and if successful, their visa will end on the same date as yours.
Since 11 March 2024 health care workers can no longer sponsor family members.
Eligible dependants are:
- Your spouse, civil partner or unmarried partner
- Your children under 18
- Your children over 18 if they are already in the UK as your dependant.
They must meet their own eligibility requirements and can be eligible for settlement after a set number of years as your dependant.
Can we help you find a job offer?
No, unfortunately we can only assist you if you have a job offer from an employer who holds a licence or is willing to apply for a licence first.
We can assist with applying for a licence where applicable, with your certificate of sponsorship and the skilled worker visa process.
Do we offer legal aid?
We do not offer legal aid, but can represent you on a fee paying basis if you do not qualify for legal aid.
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