The UK skilled worker visa system allows applicants to come to or stay in the UK to do an eligible job with an approved employer. It replaced the Tier 2 (General) work visa and also allows work in UK waters.

Before applying for a UK skilled worker visa, you must have a confirmed job offer from a UK employer approved by the home office. Also, you must have a ‘certificate of sponsorship’ from your employer with information about the role you’ve been offered in the UK.

According to UK Home Office data, in the year ending June 2023, there were around 321,000 grants to main applicants on all work visas, 45% higher than in the previous year and almost two and a half times (+144%) the number in the year ending June 2019.

To be eligible for a skilled worker visa, an applicant will need to accrue a total of 70 points, which includes an offer of a job by an approved sponsor, a job at the appropriate skill level, and an English proficiency level.

Also, a skilled worker visa is issued for a maximum duration of five years, following which the individual may qualify to submit an application for UK Indefinite Leave to Remain.

There has been a rise in the number of people who have fallen victim to scams with promises of ‘non-existent’ jobs. Sky News, in a 2023 report, revealed that there’s a rise in the abuse of the skilled worker visa system, with middlemen getting paid huge sums for jobs or careers in the UK that don’t exist.

Here are ways to avoid scams

Know the criteria

It’s important to know the criteria used for skilled worker visa and also understand the point value system. You must understand the process and not get caught or be too desperate to leave the country. While it’s advisable to employ the services of an immigration lawyer, as an applicant, you must have some details about the visa type you intend to travel on.

Insist on formal job interview

As an applicant, you must insist on having a formal job interview with your potential worker to have an idea of the role and the salary range. You should also confirm the status of the employer as well as the number of hours you’re permitted to work in a week.

Certificate of Sponsorship

If you must go through an agent (which is very common), you must ensure that you see a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) before the agent submits your visa application.

Understand the dos and don’ts

With a skilled worker visa, there are things you’re eligible to do, such as work, study, travel abroad and return to the UK, and do voluntary work. However, you’re ineligible to apply for most benefits and change jobs (unless you apply to update your visa).

It’s also important to question every process you go through and not fall for cheap and unrealistic promises.

Vanguard News