UK Skilled Worker Visa for South Africans – Opportunities for Skilled Professionals

The UK Skilled Worker visa is a great opportunity for South African professionals who want to live and work in the UK. This visa category allows skilled workers to work in the UK for up to five years, with the option to extend and apply for permanent settlement. UK Visas for South Africans is here to help you understand the UK Skilled Worker visa and guide you through the application process.

Navigation:

  • What is the UK Skilled Worker visa?: We provide a comprehensive overview of the UK Skilled Worker visa, including the eligibility requirements, application process, and benefits of the visa. We explain the different ways to qualify for the visa, including the minimum salary requirement, job offer requirement, and English language requirement.

  • How can Move Up help?: Move Up’s team of experienced immigration consultants can assist with every step of the UK Skilled Worker visa application process. We can help you secure a job offer in the UK, advise you on the best visa route for your situation, and guide you through the application process to ensure the best chance of success.

  • What are the benefits of the UK Skilled Worker visa?: We highlight the benefits of the UK Skilled Worker visa, including the ability to work in the UK for up to five years, the option to extend and apply for permanent settlement, and the possibility of bringing family members to the UK.

  • What are the requirements for the UK Skilled Worker visa?: We provide detailed information on the eligibility requirements for the UK Skilled Worker visa, including the minimum salary requirement, job offer requirement, English language requirement, and other key factors.

The UK Skilled Worker visa is a great opportunity for South African professionals who want to live and work in the UK. UK Visas for South Africans is here to help you understand the UK Skilled Worker visa, guide you through the application process, and provide expert advice and support to ensure the best chance of success. With our help, you can pursue your career goals in the UK and build a new life in this vibrant and exciting country.

UK Skilled Worker Visa

The UK Skilled Worker visa provides a valuable opportunity for South African professionals to live and work in the UK for up to five years, with possibilities for extension and permanent settlement. UK Visas for South Africans offers comprehensive guidance on the visa’s requirements, application process, and benefits to help skilled workers from South Africa navigate this exciting path.

Navigating the Job Offer Requirement

To qualify for the UK Skilled Worker visa, you must have a confirmed job offer from a UK employer that has been approved by the Home Office to sponsor foreign workers. 

Your employer will need to provide you with a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) that includes information about the job you will be doing in the UK. 

The job must be on the list of eligible occupations and meet the minimum salary requirement, which is generally £38,700 per year as of April 4, 2024 or the “going rate” for the type of work, whichever is higher. 

If your employer is not currently an approved sponsor, they can apply for a sponsor licence, which typically takes around 8 weeks to process.

Understanding the Minimum Salary Threshold

The minimum salary threshold for the UK Skilled Worker visa has increased to £38,700 per year as of April 4, 2024, or the “going rate” for the specific occupation, whichever is higher. 

This means that most applicants will need to earn at least £38,700 annually, which equates to £15.88 per hour, to be eligible for the visa. 

However, lower salary thresholds may apply in certain circumstances, such as if the job is on the Immigration Salary List or if the applicant holds a relevant PhD. 

It’s important to note that existing Skilled Worker visa holders applying for an extension or change of employment will be subject to different salary requirements based on the 25th percentile of the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) data from 2023.

English Language Proficiency: Tests and Requirements

To apply for a UK Skilled Worker visa, applicants must demonstrate their English language proficiency by taking a Secure English Language Test (SELT) from a Home Office approved test provider. 

The specific test required depends on the type of visa application. For the Skilled Worker route, applicants need to take a comprehensive test that evaluates their reading, writing, speaking, and listening abilities at a minimum of CEFR level B1.

Approved SELT providers for applicants outside the UK include Pearson, PSI Services (UK) Ltd, IELTS SELT Consortium, and LanguageCert. 

Test results are valid for 2 years from the date the test is awarded. 

Some applicants may be exempt from taking a SELT, such as nationals of majority English-speaking countries or those with a degree taught in English. 

It’s crucial to ensure the test is taken at an approved test location and meets the Home Office requirements for the relevant immigration route.

For More Information