The United Kingdom is a popular destination for skilled professionals from around the world, offering a wealth of opportunities in various sectors. One of the ways to work in the UK is through the UK Senior/Specialist Worker Visa. This visa category is designed for individuals who have been offered a skilled job in the UK by a licensed sponsor. However, obtaining this visa involves meeting certain key requirements and following specific sponsor guidance. This article will provide an in-depth look at the UK Senior/Specialist Worker Visa, its key requirements, and sponsor guidance.
Understanding the UK Senior/Specialist Worker Visa
The UK Senior/Specialist Worker Visa, formerly known as the Tier 2 (General) visa, is for skilled workers from outside the European Economic Area and Switzerland. It allows individuals to live and work in the UK for up to five years, with the possibility of extension. The visa is job-specific, meaning it is tied to a specific job with a specific employer who is a licensed sponsor.
Key Requirements for the UK Senior/Specialist Worker Visa
There are several key requirements that applicants must meet to be eligible for the UK Senior/Specialist Worker Visa. These include:
- Job offer: The applicant must have a job offer from a UK employer who holds a valid Tier 2 sponsorship license.
- Appropriate salary: The job must pay an appropriate salary. This usually means at least £30,000 per year or the ‘going rate’ for the job type, whichever is higher.
- Certificate of Sponsorship: The employer must provide a Certificate of Sponsorship reference number.
- English language proficiency: The applicant must prove their knowledge of English by passing an approved English language test or having an academic qualification that was taught in English and is recognised by UK NARIC as being equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree.
- Maintenance funds: The applicant must have enough money to support themselves without needing public funds.
Sponsor Guidance for the UK Senior/Specialist Worker Visa
Employers who wish to sponsor a foreign worker for a UK Senior/Specialist Worker Visa must follow specific guidance. This includes:
- Obtaining a sponsorship license: The employer must first apply for and obtain a sponsorship license from the UK government.
- Issuing a Certificate of Sponsorship: Once the license is obtained, the employer can issue a Certificate of Sponsorship to the prospective employee. This is not a physical document but a unique reference number that the employee uses when applying for their visa.
- Record keeping and reporting duties: Sponsors have certain responsibilities, including keeping copies of the worker’s passport and right to work documents, tracking and reporting worker attendance, and reporting any changes in the worker’s circumstances to the Home Office.
Application Process for the UK Senior/Specialist Worker Visa
The application process for the UK Senior/Specialist Worker Visa is straightforward but requires careful attention to detail. The steps are as follows:
- Obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship from your employer.
- Apply online for the visa. This can be done up to 3 months before the start date of the job, and the decision is usually made within 3 weeks.
- Pay the visa fee and the healthcare surcharge as part of the application.
- Provide the necessary supporting documents, including passport, bank statements, proof of English language proficiency, and the Certificate of Sponsorship reference number.
- Attend a visa application centre to provide biometric information (fingerprints and a photo).
Conclusion
The UK Senior/Specialist Worker Visa is a valuable opportunity for skilled professionals to work in the UK. However, it requires careful preparation and adherence to both the key requirements and sponsor guidance. By understanding these elements and following the application process meticulously, applicants can increase their chances of successfully obtaining this visa and starting their new job in the UK.
