Skilled Worker Visa

The Skilled Worker visa (SWV) is part of the UK immigration Points-Based System and allows individuals to come to, or stay in, the UK if they have an eligible job with an approved employer.

Eligibility

The following are required to meet SWV eligibility:

A job, or job offer which:

is at an appropriate skill level; and
is with an approved employer; and
meets the minimum salary requirement.

Knowledge of the English language at CEFR level B2 or above

An applicant may also require Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) clearance before submitting their visa application.

Visa conditions

The only work the visa holder can do is:

The job described in the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), working for the designated sponsor for the hours per week stated on the CoS;
Outside those working hours, and for up to 20 hours per week, supplementary work;
Voluntary work.

They cannot:

apply for most benefits (public funds), or the State Pension
change job type or employer without applying for a new visa

Family members

Family members may come to, and stay in, the UK in some circumstances. Please see our dependant visas webpage for guidance.

Information for Departments

If you'd like to discuss whether a role is sponsorable, please contact the HR Compliance Team with the following information:

A copy of the job description
If you have someone you'd like to appoint:
- Whether they are a Skilled Worker visa holder already, even if they're employed elsewhere
  - If they are a current Skilled Worker visa holder and they are a University or College employee, their full name
  - If they are a current Skilled Worker visa holder and they are not a University or College employee, the date their first CoS was assigned to them (permission must be continuous)
  - If they are not a current Skilled Worker visa holder but live in the UK, what visa type they have, the date it was granted and the date it is due to expire
- Whether they have a STEM PhD which is relevant to the role
- Whether they have a non-STEM PhD which is relevant to the role

Sponsor duties

To hold a sponsor licence, the University must adhere to requirements set out by the UK government. Please see our Sponsor Duties webpage for full details.

Fees

A Skilled Worker Visa Certificate of Sponsorship costs £525. The Immigration Skills Charge may also apply (the University is a "small or charitable sponsor").