Find out about eligibility and fee structure.
30th December 2024
Spring 2024 Changes
On 4 December 2023, the UK government announced updates to the immigration system, which are now in effect.
Key points regarding the Skilled Worker Route include:
- The skilled worker salary threshold for new applications increased by 50% from £26,200 to £38,700 as of 4 April 2024.
- Individuals already on the Skilled Worker Route before these changes should be exempt from the new median salary levels when switching sponsors or applying for settlement. However, the Home Office expects pay progression comparable to resident workers. Applicants will need to meet the updated 25th percentiles based on the latest pay data when changing employment, extending their visa, or settling.
- When extending a visa, the new salary thresholds apply. However, extensions before 1 December 2026 may qualify for a lower salary threshold of £29,000.
- The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) has increased to £1,035.
- The Health and Care Visa now prohibits overseas care workers and senior care workers (SOC 6135 and SOC 6136) from bringing dependents to the UK. Other Health and Care Visa holders remain exempt from the higher salary threshold and the IHS increase.
- Care providers in England can sponsor migrant workers only if their activities are regulated by the Care Quality Commission.
- The new Immigration Salary List (ISL) has been implemented. Skilled worker occupations listed on the ISL can be paid a lower rate of either £30,960 or their occupation-specific threshold and 80% of the going rate, whichever is higher.
For guidance and NHS-specific scenarios about these changes, please refer to GOV.UK.
Overview
When applying for a sponsorship licence, you must provide an estimate of the number of Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) required for the coming year. This figure can be adjusted if necessary. Licences expiring after 6 April 2024 will be automatically extended by the Home Office for 10 years. Further information on sponsorship is available on GOV.UK.
Eligibility
A full list of eligible professions for the Skilled Worker Visa, including Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) codes, is available on GOV.UK. This was updated in April 2024 to align with 2020 SOC codes.
The Health and Care Visa is a subsection of the Skilled Worker Visa, applying to qualified doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, and other professionals in health or social care. The minimum skill level is RQF level 3 (A-level equivalent). Lower thresholds and exemptions are available for Health and Care Visa applicants.
Applicants must meet 70 points in total, including:
- Three fixed characteristics (50 points):
- A job offer from an approved sponsor (20 points).
- A job at RQF level 3 or above (20 points).
- English language proficiency (10 points).
- Tradable characteristics (20 points):
- Points awarded based on salary, education, or specific occupational criteria.
Refer to GOV.UK for the detailed point-based system and tradable criteria.
Fees
The application fee for the Skilled Worker Visa ranges from £719 to £1,639, depending on the location of application and visa length. Lower fees apply to Health and Care Visa applicants, their partners, and dependents.
Processing Time
Visa decisions are typically made within three weeks for applicants outside the UK. Priority and super-priority services are available at additional costs, offering decisions within five working days or by the end of the next working day.
Immigration Skills Charge
Employers may need to pay the Immigration Skills Charge when assigning a CoS to Skilled Worker applicants, with some exemptions based on job role or application date.
Switching to the Skilled Worker Visa
Migrants can switch to the Skilled Worker Visa from other visa routes without leaving the UK, supporting staff retention.
Contact Us
For expert advice on the Skilled Worker Route and immigration matters, contact:
Atwal Law
t. 07973 760075
