Immigration and Asylum

Skilled Worker Visas

A Skilled Worker application depends on the job as well as the person applying. The employer must be an approved sponsor, and the role, salary and applicant must meet the relevant rules. SJS can help you check these requirements before applying, changing employer or planning an extension.

British passport
Immigration & Asylum SJS Solicitors, Balham

Understanding your next steps

How we can help

Check the sponsored role

The job description, occupation code, salary and certificate of sponsorship need to agree. Different salary provisions or transitional rules may apply depending on the circumstances. An offer letter alone is not enough to establish that the job can be sponsored.

Prepare the personal application

We review current immigration status, English language evidence and any financial or other documents required. Previous refusals or changes in circumstances should be raised early. For a family application, each dependant's eligibility must also be checked.

Plan changes and settlement

A change of job or employer can require an updated application before the new work starts. If you are looking ahead to settlement, residence, absences and continuing employment requirements should be considered in good time.

A clear way forward

What happens next

  1. Send the job and visa details

    Provide the offer, job description, salary, sponsor information and your current permission or previous refusal. Tell us the intended start date.

  2. Check the application requirements

    We review the route, the sponsorship information and the documents you need, then explain any points that should be resolved with the employer.

  3. Prepare and follow through

    We agree the work involved, prepare the application with you and explain the decision, conditions and any further action required.

Planning ahead

Fees and timescales

01 / Fees

Fees and costs

We will quote for the application and any dependant applications separately where appropriate. Home Office fees and the healthcare surcharge are distinct from legal fees. Employer sponsorship costs may also arise.

02 / Timescales

Timing and preparation

Allow time for the employer's sponsorship arrangements and your evidence. An application to change employer, extend or switch has its own timing rules. Tell us about any visa expiry before arranging a start date.

Read our published Price Guide, then contact us to confirm the work you need and the costs involved.

View Price Guide

Useful to know

Your questions, answered

Is this the old Tier 2 General visa?

Yes. Skilled Worker replaced Tier 2 General. Current applications must meet the rules applicable now, including any transitional provisions relevant to existing holders.

Do I need a job offer first?

Yes. This is a sponsored work route. You need an eligible job with an approved employer and the required sponsorship information before making the application.

Can I change employer while holding this visa?

Potentially, but a new sponsor and an updated visa application may be needed. Check the position before starting work for a different employer.

Can my partner and children join me?

This depends on your occupation, immigration history and the current dependant rules. We check their eligibility separately instead of assuming every Skilled Worker can bring dependants.

General information about UK immigration. Contact us for advice about your circumstances.

SJS Solicitors · Balham

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