UK Skilled Worker Visa For Skilled Trades:
The UK Skilled Worker visa for skilled trades, including eligibility criteria, application process, and specific requirements.
The UK Skilled Worker visa is part of the UK’s points-based immigration system, which was introduced following the UK’s exit from the European Union. This visa allows individuals with specific skills and qualifications to work in the UK in roles that meet the visa requirements
Skilled tradespeople, including electricians, plumbers, carpenters, and other specialists, are in high demand in the UK. The Skilled Worker visa is designed to attract these professionals to fill gaps in the labor market.
To get a detailed eBook on the UK skilled visa for skilled trades click here
Eligibility Requirements For Skilled Trades
To qualify for a UK Skilled Worker visa as a skilled tradesperson, applicants must meet several key eligibility criteria:
Job Offer From A Licensed Sponsor
Applicants must have a job offer from a UK employer who holds a valid Skilled Worker sponsorship license. This employer must be approved by the UK Home Office to sponsor skilled workers.
The job offer must include a Certificate of Sponsorship (COS), which is a unique reference number that confirms the job meets the visa requirements. Employers must apply for and be granted a sponsorship license before issuing a COS.
To get a detailed eBook on the UK skilled visa for skilled trades click here
Eligible Occupation Code
The job offer must be for a role that falls under an eligible occupation code listed by the UK government. For skilled trades, this includes roles such as:
Electricians (SOC code 5241)
Plumbers (SOC code 5241)
Carpenters and Joiners (SOC code 5311)
Bricklayers (SOC code 5311)
Painters and Decorators (SOC code 5312)
The job’s SOC code determines whether it qualifies under the Skilled Worker visa category, based on skill level and other criteria. To get a detailed eBook on the UK skilled visa for skilled trades click here
Minimum Skill Level
The job must meet the minimum skill level of RQF Level 3, which is equivalent to A-Level qualifications in the UK. Skilled trades roles typically meet this requirement due to the specialized skills and training involved.
Applicants must demonstrate that they have the necessary qualifications and experience to perform the job in the UK. This often involves proving relevant certifications, apprenticeships, or work experience.
Salary Threshold
The role must meet the minimum salary threshold set by the UK government. As of 2024, the general salary requirement is:
£26,200 per year or
£10.75 per hour
For roles on the Shortage Occupation List (SOL) such as some skilled trades, the salary threshold is lower. For these roles, the minimum salary is typically:
£20,960 per year, or
£10.75 per hour
Employers must ensure that the salary offered aligns with these thresholds to meet visa requirements. To get a detailed eBook on the UK skilled visa for skilled trades click here
Genuine Vacancy Requirement
The UK Home Office requires that the job being offered is a genuine vacancy. This means the role must:
Exist within the employer’s organization.
Require the skills and experience listed in the job description.
Be paid at a level consistent with the market rate for that role in the UK.
Employers cannot create a job solely to sponsor a foreign worker, and the job offer must reflect a real and necessary position within the organization.
English Language Proficiency
Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English. This can be achieved by:
Passing an approved English language test, such as the **International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
Holding a degree taught in English.
Being a national of a majority English-speaking country.
Meeting the English language requirement is crucial for visa approval and ensures that workers can effectively communicate in the UK workplace.
Application Process For Skilled Trades
The process for applying for a UK Skilled Worker visa as a skilled tradesperson involves several key steps:
Secure a Job Offer from a Licensed Sponsor: Obtain a job offer from a UK employer who holds a valid Skilled Worker sponsorship license. The employer will issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (COS).
Prepare Required Documents: Gather the necessary documents for the visa application, including proof of English language proficiency, evidence of qualifications and experience, and the COS.
Submit the Visa Application, Apply for the Skilled Worker visa online. The application will require details from the COS and evidence of meeting all eligibility requirements.
Pay Fees , Pay the visa application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). The visa application fee is dependent on the length of the visa, and the IHS is £624 per year for the main applicant and dependents.
Biometrics Appointment: Attend a biometrics appointment to provide fingerprints and a photograph. This is part of the visa application process.
Visa Decision, Wait for the visa decision. Processing times can vary, but most decisions are made within a few weeks
Travel to the UK: Once the visa is approved, travel to the UK to begin the new role. If required, complete any additional certification or registration processes upon arrival.
To get a detailed eBook on the UK skilled visa for skilled trades click here
Benefits Of The Skilled Worker Visa For Skilled Trades
The UK Skilled Worker visa offers several benefits for skilled tradespeople:
High Demand for Skills: Skilled trades are in high demand in the UK, providing job security and opportunities for career advancement.
Pathway to Settlement: After five years of continuous residence in the UK on a Skilled Worker visa, workers can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), granting permanent residency.
Family Inclusion: Skilled tradespeople can bring their immediate family members (spouse or partner and children) to the UK. Dependents can also work or study in the UK.
Health and Care Visa Benefits: For roles on the Shortage Occupation List, including some skilled trades, the visa application process is streamlined, with reduced fees and priority processing. To get a detailed eBook on the UK skilled visa for skilled trades click here
The UK Skilled Worker visa is a vital route for skilled tradespeople seeking to work in the UK. By meeting the eligibility requirements, securing a job offer from a licensed sponsor, and fulfilling the necessary documentation, skilled trades workers can benefit from the UK’s robust job market and career opportunities. The visa not only offers a pathway to employment but also provides a route to permanent residency and family inclusion, making it an attractive option for skilled professionals from around the world.
