UK Skilled Worker Visa 2023 – How to qualify and apply

With an overall shortage of workers in a range of sectors, the UK continues to look overseas to fill a wide variety of jobs in locations in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Despite some anticipating that migration would decline following the end of visa-free work migration from the EU when the UK left the bloc in 2020, the number of people entering the country on working visas or as their dependents remains high.

With its history of immigration of people from around the world, well-established multicultural communities in all areas of the country, and English as the main language, the UK is an extremely attractive option for skilled workers looking for the opportunity to broaden their horizons and gain valuable  professional and life experience.

There are a range of visa options available to those who want to live and work in the UK. While specialist visas exist, such as those for individuals wanting to enter the UK Health and Social Care sector or as a Seasonal Worker, for many people intending to work in the UK the best UK visa for them will often be the Skilled Worker Visa.

If you would like personalised advice on which UK work visa is right for your specific plans and circumstances, book a consultation with our team today.

How to qualify for a UK Skilled Worker Visa in 2023

In order to be eligible to apply for a Skilled Worker Visa, you must have already received an offer of a job that is on the UK’s Shortage Occupations List. The job offer must come from a company which has been approved by the Home Office, which is responsible for migration and visa policy in the UK.

In addition to the job offer, you will need to show that you speak English to a sufficient level, usually at least B1 level (according to the CEFR scale). If you are from a country where English is commonly spoken, you may be exempt from this requirement.

The last major criteria applicants for UK Skilled Worker Visas will need to fulfil relates to the salary they will receive for the job they have been offered. For their application to be succesful, they will usually need to be paid either at least the ‘going rate’ for the type of work they have been offered or £26,200pa (equivalent to £10.75 per hour).

Skilled Worker Visa Changes in 2023

The Shortage Occupations List is kept under review by the UK’s Migration Advisory Committee, and types of occupation can be added or removed depending on the state of the UK job market. For example, builders, bricklayers, carpenters and fishers were added to the list in order to try to relieve worker shortages in the construction and fishing industries.