Securing a Skilled Worker Visa is an essential step for professionals seeking employment opportunities in world-class economies. These visas allow individuals to live and work in countries that actively encourage foreign talent to contribute to their local growth. Expert Education and Visa Services provides comprehensive support for applicants pursuing this pathway, guiding you through eligibility assessments, documentation, sponsorship processes, and visa submission to ensure a seamless experience.
What does the Skilled Worker Visa have to offer?
The Skilled Worker Visa (such as the UK Skilled Worker Visa or Australia’s Skills in Demand Visa) is designed for those who have a firm job offer and the skills to fill local labor gaps. By choosing this route through Expert Education and Visa Services, you gain:
- Professional Stability: Move with a confirmed job role and a steady income already in place.
- Family Relocation: Most skilled streams allow you to bring your partner and children as dependents with full work and study rights.
- Direct Path to Residency: This visa is a prime gateway to Permanent Residency (PR) or Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after a specified period of employment.
- Legal protection under UK employment and immigration law: Working for a licensed sponsor provides a structured legal framework for your stay and career progression.
Eligibility criteria for obtaining a Skilled Worker Visa (2026 Standards)
To ensure a successful application, Expert Education and Visa Services conducts a thorough audit of your profile against 2026 migration standards:
- Approved Sponsorship: You must have a valid job offer and a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a licensed sponsored (employer).
- Skill Level Alignment: Your occupation must meet the minimum skill threshold (e.g., RQF Level 6 in the UK) and appear on the host country’s eligible occupation list.
- Salary Requirements: Your offered salary must meet or exceed the “going rate” for your specific job code and the national minimum threshold.
– General threshold of £38,700, or
– Reduced threshold if on the Immigration Salary List - English Proficiency: Proof of your ability to communicate effectively (usually through IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL results).
- Health and Character: Meeting mandatory medical examinations and providing police clearance certificates from countries you have resided in.
How to apply for a Skilled Worker Visa?
Expert Education and Visa Services has refined the application journey into five strategic steps:
- Initial Eligibility Assessment: We evaluate your qualifications and experience to ensure they align with the host country’s specific skilled worker requirements.
- Sponsorship Verification: Our team assists in verifying your employer’s eligibility and ensures all contracts and job descriptions comply with immigration laws.
- Document Compilation: We help you gather evidence of your qualifications, references, and professional licensure, reviewing every detail for accuracy.
- Application Management: We manage the online submission, fee payments (including healthcare surcharges), and appointment scheduling to avoid administrative errors.
- Post-Grant Guidance: Once your visa is approved, we provide a briefing on your rights, obligations, and the conditions tied to your employment.
What if you want to apply for a more extended stay?
The Skilled Worker Visa is typically granted for the duration of your job contract (often up to 5 years). Expert Education and Visa Services offers ongoing support to help you extend your stay or transition to Permanent Residency. If you change employers, we guide you through the “Update Visa” process to ensure your legal status remains intact throughout your career journey.
FAQ’s
Can I change my employer or job role while on a Skilled Worker Visa?
Yes, however, you must complete a “Change of Employment” application before starting your new position. Your new employer must be a licensed UK sponsor and issue you a new Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). You are required to wait for official approval from the Home Office before you physically begin working in the new role.
How long can I stay in the UK on a Skilled Worker Visa?
Your visa is typically granted for the duration of your job contract, up to a maximum of 5 years at a time. There is no limit on how many times you can extend your visa, provided you remain in an eligible job with a licensed sponsor. After completing 5 years of continuous residence, you may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
What happens if I want to work a second job while on a Skilled Worker Visa?
You are permitted to do “supplementary work” on a Skilled Worker Visa. This work must be in an eligible skilled profession or a role on the Immigration Salary List. You can work up to 20 hours per week in this second role, and it must be done outside the hours of the job you are sponsored for.