Before an international graduate can work in the UK, they need to change their visa from a student visa to a different kind that allows them to work full time. One visa that a graduate can obtain is the skilled worker visa.
What is a Skilled Worker Visa?
A Skilled Worker Visa is a type of visa that allows people to come to the UK to work and live for up to five years. The visa can then be extended as many times as you wish, or you can switch visas if you intend to remain in the UK indefinitely. Your partner can also be covered by your visa as well as your children as dependents, although they’ll have to apply separately.
A skilled worker visa does not allow you to receive benefits or a pension, and if you change jobs your visa must be updated.
Steps to get a Skilled Worker Visa in the UK
To qualify for a skilled worker visa, you need to work for an approved UK employer and get a sponsorship certificate with details of your employment. You can find the list of approved employers on the GOV.UK website.
You also have to do a job that is eligible for a skilled worker visa and earn a minimum salary. This salary is either £26,200 or £10.75 an hour, whichever is higher. If the usual salary for your job is higher than this, you will have to earn that salary to qualify for a skilled worker visa.
You also need to be good at speaking English. This will not be an issue for international students who studied at a university in the UK, but those who didn’t can prove their proficiency by taking a SELT (Secure English Language Test).
How to Apply for a Skilled Worker Visa
You apply for a skilled worker visa online, on the GOV.UK website. The application process will be slightly different depending on if you are applying from outside the UK, or if you already live in the UK on a different visa.
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