Benefits of the new UK Skilled Worker Visa

At first sight, it seems like not much will be changing in terms of the rules. However, there are many new benefits to the new Skilled Worker Visa, that will benefit those dreaming of living and working in the UK, who were not able to qualify previously. 

What are new for skilled workers under the Skilled Worker Visa?

• From 1 January 2021, there will no longer be free movement of EU citizens unless they have of course registered under the EU Settlement Scheme. The Skilled Worker visa will thus apply to both EEA and non-EEA citizens, not only to non-EEA citizens like the current Tier 2 Skilled Worker route. 
• The skill threshold of the Skilled Worker visa is lower than the Tier 2 Skilled Worker route. The new Skilled Worker visa route will be open for sponsorship of RQF Level 3 job occupations. The effect of this is that more jobs will be able to qualify for sponsorship, relating to more job opportunities!
• The minimum salary requirement is lower. The baseline minimum salary is £25,600 or the going rate for the specific job, whichever is the higher. 
• Further good news is that persons younger than 26 years of age, jobs on the Shortage Occupation List and PhD degrees in STEM subjects (relevant to the job), will be eligible at lower minimum salaries. 
• The current Tier 2 Skilled Worker visa route has an annual cap, and the Home Office allocates the certificates of sponsorship monthly. Fortunately, the UK Government is abolishing this cap for the Skilled Worker route.  A visa will thus not be turned down because the annual or monthly cap has been reached. 
• The Resident Labour Market Test will no longer be required for jobs, not on the Shortage Occupation List. The Home Office has, however, indicated that it might still include some advertising requirements. Breytenbachs are still awaiting the final rules in this regard. 
• Finally, the new Skilled Worker visa will offer more flexibility to applicants. Certain characteristics will be tradeable. So, if you, for example, cannot fully meet one requirement, you can make up the requisite number of points from another requirement. As an example – if you cannot meet the Minimum Salary requirement, the points can be made up if the job is on the Shortage Occupation List etc. 

The new Skilled Worker visa will apart from the new benefits, also still have the advantages of the old Tier 2 route. Partners and dependants can apply to accompany the main visa holder. Of course, the best part, at the end of the successful completion of five years on this route, the applicant can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain. 

How Breytenbachs can help you

Are you looking to make a career move in 2021? 

Why not consider a career in the UK under the Skilled Worker visa route. Please fill out our free online assessment form, and find out whether you qualify at https://bic-immigration.com/uk-immigration-assessment/ 

Alternatively, visit our website at www.bic-immigration.com or email us at info@bic-immigration.com with your query. 

Please note that the information in this article does not constitute professional advice. It is provided for general information purposes, without giving any warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied.