Shabana Bukhari 
In this blog readers will gain a comprehensive guide to obtaining a UK Work Permit in Reading. Requirements, application process, and key considerations will all be explained for individuals seeking employment in the UK.
What is a UK Work Permit?
A UK Work Permit, officially known as a Skilled Worker Visa enables applicants to reside in the UK for the purpose of carrying out an approved job with an eligible employer. This permit enables a five-year stay in the UK and after this time period applicants have the option to apply for an extension.
Requirements
The eligibility requirements for a UK Work Permit are as follows:
- You must have attained at the age of at least 18 years old.
- You must meet the English language requirement which is at least level B1 CEFR.
- Your employer must be approved by the UK Home Office and you must have gained a certificate of sponsorship from them.
- The job you are planning to do in the UK must be on the list of approved occupations. To check whether your planned occupation is eligible visit the Home Office website to browse the list: Skilled Worker visa: Your job – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
- You will usually need to show that you will be paid the ‘standard’ salary which is a minimum of £38,700 annually. Or alternatively, if the ‘going rate’ for your job is higher then you must show that you are being paid that amount.
Application process
- Ensure that you meet the relevant eligibility requirements for the UK Work Permit discussed above.
- The application process varies depending on where you are applying from:
- If you are currently outside the UK apply online here: Skilled Worker visa: Apply from outside the UK – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
- If you are currently inside the UK and wish to extend your current permit, apply online here: Skilled Worker visa: Extend your visa – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
- If you are currently inside the UK and wish to switch your permit, apply online here: Skilled Worker visa: Switch to this visa – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
- Upload all the supporting evidence and documents you need to meet the eligibility requirements for such a permit.
- Pay the application fees which range from £719 to £1,639, in addition to the healthcare surcharge which is £1,035 annually. You must also prove that you can financially support yourself by showing you have a minimum £1,270 available. For more information on a closer prediction of your application fees visit the official UK Home Office website: Skilled Worker visa: How much it costs – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
- Await the decision on the success of your work permit application which the Home Office estimates will take around three weeks if you are currently outside the UK and around eight weeks if you are inside the UK.
Key considerations
Be aware that there are certain things you are barred from doing whilst on a UK Work Permit which includes the ability to apply for most state benefits. Also, if you wish to change either your job or employer whilst on the permit you must update this information immediately.
As a UK Work Permit allows persons to remain the UK for five years it is necessary to consider that after residing in the UK for five years persons can apply for indefinite leave to remain in the UK. This status allows persons to live, work and study in the UK for as long as you wish.
FAQs about UK Work Permit in Reading
What is a UK Work Permit?
A UK Work Permit enables applicants to reside in the UK for the purpose of carrying out an approved job with an eligible employer.
Must I have confirmed my job offer in the UK prior to making an application for the UK Work Permit?
Yes, you must have confirmed your job offer in the UK prior to making an application for the UK Work Permit.
What level of English must I prove to be eligible for the UK Work Permit?
The level of English that you must prove to be eligible for the UK Work Permit is at least level B1 CEFR.
How long does the UK Work Permit allow me to stay in the UK for?
The UK Work Permit allows applicants to stay in the UK for five years and after this period if you wish to stay for longer there is an option to extend the permit.
How long does it take to get a decision on my UK Work Permit?
The Home Office estimates that it takes around three weeks to get a decision on your UK Work Permit if you are outside the UK and around eight weeks if you are inside the UK.
Can I change my job or employer and how does this affect the validity of my UK Work Permit?
Yes, you can change your job or employer without affecting the validity of your UK Work Permit. However, you must update these changes by following this link: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa/update-your-visa-if-you-change-job-or-employer.
Does the UK Work Permit eventually lead to the ability to apply for indefinite leave to remain?
Yes, the UK Work Permit can eventually lead to the ability to apply for ILR after you have lived in the UK for five years.
What are the fees for making a UK Work Permit application?
Application fees usually range from £719 to £1,639, in addition to the healthcare surcharge which is £1,035 annually. You must also prove that you can financially support yourself by showing you have a minimum £1,270 available. Hence the fees for making am application for a UK Work Permit differ depending on whether you are making the application from inside or outside the UK. For more information on how much the fees differ follow this link: Skilled Worker visa: How much it costs – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
When applying for a UK Work Permit what do I need to think about specifically surrounding my job and prospective employer?
When applying for a UK Work Permit you must ensure that your employer is approved by the UK Home Office and that you have gained a certificate of sponsorship from them. Also, the job you are planning to do in the UK must be on the list of approved occupations.
Summary about UK Work Permit in Reading
In this blog readers have obtained a comprehensive guide to obtaining a UK Work Permit in Reading. Requirements, application process, and key considerations have all be explained for individuals seeking employment in the UK.
Please contact our expert team at Henleaze Law which have a wealth of experience in handling UK Work Permit applications on 0117 908 4625 or via email.
