Work and settle in the UK

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Why Apply for UK Tier-2 Visa?

  • Work in UK for 5 years.
  • Get a faster decision on your application.
  • Best route to migrate to UK.
  • Average annual gross salary is £35,000 TO £45,000 in the UK.

Work & Settle in the UK

In order to retain its competitive edge, the UK invites skilled professionals to work in the UK under the Tier 2 visa program. Under this program, workers whose occupations are listed on the Tier 2 Shortage Occupation List can apply to work in the UK on a long-term basis. Among the popular professions on the list are IT, finance, teaching, healthcare, and engineering. Y-Axis can help you take advantage of this talent shortage in the UK and position yourself to gain a work permit to the UK.

If skilled workers must come to the UK, they need to have a Skilled Worker visa, (formerly the Tier 2 visa). You can apply for this visa if you have been offered a skilled job in the UK. The salary requirement for this visa is £25,600, or the specific salary requirement for the occupation or the ‘going rate’.

Types of UK Work Visas

The UK work visas are classified into four main groups

  • Short-term work visas
  • Long-term work visas
  • Investor, business development, and talent visas
  • Other work visas

Let’s have a look at the Top in-demand occupations in the UK.

Top IT Skills in Demand in the UK

With the ever-changing tech world, the demand for IT and Tech skills has become invaluable to companies following the trends. Below is the list of top skills in demand in the UK.

Programming Languages

  • C++
  • Python
  • JavaScript
  • SQL
  • Java

Java Script is used for Front End Technologies. Many businesses use these languages to streamline processes across systems.

DevOps

It is one of the fastest-growing In-Demand digital skills in the UK.

Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning

This is also an In-Demand IT Skill in the UK. This skill includes jobs like:

  • Data Architect
  • Data Warehouse Developer
  • Data Analyst

Cloud Computing

Because of the need for data storage and computing power, the cloud computing market has become a popular business solution and a fast-growing industry in recent years.

Cybersecurity

The rise of cybersecurity attacks in the UK in recent years has made this IT skill one of the most in-demand digital skills in the UK.

CRM

The 14% increase in CRM skills since last year has made up more than 7.2 million professionals globally.

Top IT Designations in the UK
Job Title Average starting salary
Dev Ops Engineer £40,000
Software Engineer £35,000
Python Developer £35,000
Data Scientist £31,000
Software Developer £27,000
Cyber Security Specialist £25,000
Mobile Application Developer £20,000
Top Industry in the UK – Tier 2 Sponsor
Industry Count of Companies
Information Technology 4,074
Retail 2,714
Manufacturing 2,372
Management 2,362
Hospitality 2,064
HR & Admin 2,024
BFSI 1,505
Engineering (Construction) 807

List of UK Visa Sponsored Employers (Y-Directories) Tier – 2
Industry Count
IT 5,641
BFSI 2,651
Engineering 1,264
Healthcare 2,712
Hospitality 983
Sales & Marketing 1,247
Education 2,629
Automotive 435
Oil & Gas 488
FMCG 321
Accounting 510
Restaurants 1,411
Pharmaceuticals 415
Chemicals 159
Construction 1,141
Biotechnology 311
Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing 954
Telecommunications 250
Non-Profit/Volunteering 883
Machinery 655

 

Industry-Wise Jobs in the UK
Industry Designation Most Common Skills Top Hiring Locations Remote Jobs Availibility
Information Technology Machine Learning Engineer Deep Learning, TensorFlow, Machine Learning, Python London, Cambridge, Edinburgh 18.10%
Data Scientist
Software Engineer
Data Engineer
Site Reliability Engineer  Terraform, Kubernetes, Amazon Web Services (AWS) London, Edinburgh, Newcastle upon Tyne 41.30%
DevOps Consultant
System Administrator
Salesforce Administrator Salesforce.com Administration, Salesforce.com Implementation, Customer Relationship Management (CRM) London, Leeds, Sheffield 28.20%
Salesforce Consultant
Customer Relationship Management Analyst
Business Analyst
Computer Vision Engineer Computer Vision, OpenCV, Image Processing London, Edinburgh, Cambridge 26.50%
Software Engineer
Machine Learning Engineer
Data Engineer

Aache, Spark, Hadoop, Python

(Programming Language)

London, Edinburgh, Manchester 27.40%
Data Analyst
Business Intelligence Developer
Back End Developer Go (Programming Language), Git, Amazon Web Services (AWS) London, Manchester, Glasgow 43.80%
Full Stack Engineer
Web Developer
Procurement Import Specialist Freight Forwarding, Customs Regulations, International Logistics London, Felixstowe, Manchester, Dover 3.40%
Import Manager
Import Clerk
Freight Forwarder
Import Export Specialist
Sales & Marketing Business Development Representative Product Management, Product Strategy, Agile Methodologies London, Glasgow, Oxford 21.10%
Strategy Associate
Vice President of Products
Director of Product Management, Chief Product Officer, Vice President of Product Strategy, Head of Product, Product Team Manager
Human Resource Chief Human Resources Officer Succession Planning, Culture Change, Talent Management, Employee Engagement, London, Belfast, Manchester 13.70%
Talent Management, Chief People Officer, Vice President of Human Resources, Director of HR Operations
Diversity and Inclusion Manager
Talent Acquisition Specialist Recruiting, Sourcing, Interviewing Greater Manchester, Leeds 23.00%
Talent Acquisition Manager, Recruiter, Delivery Consultant, etc.
Education Career Counsellor Coaching, Career Development, Training Delivery London, Birmingham, Manchester 20.60%
Career Advisor
Writing/ Publishing & Media Communications Content Designer User Experience (UX), Content Strategy, Web Content Writing London, Edinburgh, Manchester 21.60%
Content Coordinator, Brand Designer
Copywriter, Editor, Content Manager
Pharma/ Healthcare Laboratory Operations Manager Life Sciences, Molecular Biology, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Glasgow, London, Manchester 2.00%
Laboratory Supervisor
Laboratory Assistant
Medical Laboratory Scientist
Laboratory Operations Manager
Environmental Science/ Health & Safety Sustainability Manager Sustainable Development, BREEAM, Sustainability Reporting, Environmental Awareness London, Manchester, Bristol 8.30%
Public Health Officer
Project Manager,
Public Health Specialist
Top 5 Industries in the UK (General)
Industry Employment number
Supermarkets in the UK 1,288,724
Hospitals in the UK 852,944
Charities in the UK 836,335
Temporary-Employment Placement Agencies in the UK 708,703
General Secondary Education in the UK 695,038
Top Companies in the UK (Fortune 500) 
RANK NAME REVENUES ($M)
1 Walmart $5,59,151
2 Amazon $3,86,064
3 Apple $2,74,515
4 CVS Health $2,68,706
5 UnitedHealth Group $2,57,141
6 Berkshire Hathaway $2,45,510
7 McKesson $2,31,051
8 Amerisource Bergen $1,89,893.90
9 Alphabet $1,82,527
10 Exxon Mobil $1,81,502

UK Skilled Worker Visa

The Skilled Worker visa allows skilled professionals to build their professional careers in the UK. The duration for stay as per the U.K. Skilled Worker is for a maximum period of 5 years. The Skilled Worker Visa is a points-based visa and applicants must score a minimum of 70 points for their application to be considered. The points are awarded based on:

  • Whether you have a Certificate of Sponsorship from an employer
  • Whether you are receiving an appropriate salary
  • Your English communication skills
  • The maintenance funds you hold

If you satisfy these parameters, you can then apply for the Skilled Worker Visa.

The Tier 2 visa is subdivided to allow for the following professionals:

  • Tier 2 General Visa: For workers who have a job offer in the UK and whose profession appears on the shortage occupation list. This has been replaced by the Skilled Worker visa. 
  • Tier 2 Intra-Company Transfer Visa: For workers of corporations transferring to the UK
  • Tier 2 Minister of Religion Visa: For ministers of religions within a religious organization
  • Tier 2 Sportsperson Visa: For coaches and sportspersons

If you have successfully received a Skilled Worker visa, you can:

Processing Time

You can apply for this visa three months before you begin working in the UK. The starting date will be mentioned in the certificate of sponsorship you will receive from your UK employer.

You will get the decision on your visa within three weeks of your application. With the UK government including more occupations in the Shortage Occupation List, the processing time is expected to be reduced for many applicants.

How Long Can One Stay on a Skilled Worker Visa?

You can stay for a maximum of 5 years on this visa. The duration of a work visa depends on the length of your job contract. If you have not exceeded the maximum duration for your visa type, you can extend your stay. You will need to apply for an extension, either online or at a premium service center for UK visas.

You can stay for a maximum of 5 years and 14 days on the Tier 2 visa or the duration mentioned on your certificate of sponsorship (plus 1 month) whichever duration is shorter.

Requirements to Apply for UK Tier-2 Visa

The documentation required for the UK Tier 2 Visa includes:

  • Having a valid Certificate of Sponsorship from an employer
  • Salary and financial details
  • Current passport and travel history
  • Certifications proving your English skills
  • Police verification certificate
  • Other supporting documents

Skilled Worker-Dependent Visa

The Skilled Worker dependent visa is for children and partners of those who have come to the country on a Skilled Worker visa or have applied for one. 

The following persons qualify for a Skilled Worker dependent visa:

  • Spouse
  • Unmarried or same-sex partner
  • Children under the age of 18 at the time of application
  • Children over the age of 18 who are dependents

The partnership between spouses and partners should be genuine and they should plan to live together for the duration of their stay in the country.

Maintenance funds: Skilled Worker dependents have no recourse to public funds as such; in their application, they must prove access to adequate financial means for the period of stay in the UK and if there are dependents, they must demonstrate an additional £ 630 available for each dependent.

Age: The principal applicant and dependent must be at least 18 on the date of arrival in the United Kingdom, or when the visa is issued.

Other requirements: You must not be a previous holder of a UK visa for students, or a short-term study visa on or after April 2015, or have been given leave on or after April 2015 as a parent of a Tier 4 student (child).

Furthermore, you will have to qualify for the general grounds for admission. You must have a clear history of immigration, with no case of overstaying. When your spouse or relative’s visa expires, you must have no intention to stay in the UK.

Application process:

  • Skilled Worker dependent visa applications may be made with the main Skilled Worker visa application either simultaneously or later.
  • Regardless of when the applications are submitted, successful applicants will be given leave in accordance with the time of leave of the principal visa applicant.
  • The approval process can vary according to where the approval for a Tier 2-based visa is made.

As a holder of Skilled Worker dependent visas, you can:

  • Remain in the UK for the same period as the main Skilled Worker visa holder
  • Work, with limited exceptions
  • Study or take a postgraduate course, under certain conditions
  • Apply to extend your visa in compliance with the principal applicant, provided that you continue to meet the eligibility conditions. When the key visa holder has left the UK, they will not be eligible to apply for an extension.

You cannot access public funds, work as a doctor in training, as a dentist, or as a sports instructor for professionals

Tier 2 visa applications are evaluated on the basis of the UK’s point-based system. One must have at least 70 points to qualify for the visa. You can score 30 points with a job offer with an employer sponsorship certificate. You can score another 30 points if your occupation finds a place in the Skills Shortage list. With these 60 points, it will be relatively easy to get the remaining points to qualify.

Finding a UK employer who can sponsor a Tier 2 visa

It will be easy to find one in the ‘Register of Sponsors Licensed Under the Points-based System’ which is available to the public. This contains a list of all the employers who have permission to sponsor international employees.

How Y-Axis Can Help You?
  • Job search services: Y-Axis has a deep knowledge of the UK work policies, which helps you with all  necessary inputs to increase your chances to work in the UK.
  • Eligibility check to work in the UK: Know your eligibility to work or migrate in the UK through the Y-Axis UK immigration points calculator.
  • LinkedIn marketing services: We will help you with every step to create a compelling LinkedIn profile through our LinkedIn marketing services which makes it the most appealing one among other profiles.
  • Expert counseling: Y-Axis assists you in job search services by providing expert guidance and counseling.
  • Y-Path: Y-Path is a tailored approach that assists in making a life-changing decision.
  • Jobs in UK: Check out the latest jobs in UK, with the help of Y-Axis professionals.
  • Resume writing services: Y-Axis Resume Writing Services, makes your profile stand out. You can rest assured that your resume checks all the below criteria:
    • ATS friendly
    • Adequate relevant industry keywords
    • Format in line with international standards
    • Appealing language that is relevant to your role
    • Well-structured to guide the recruiter
    • Showcasing your professional strengths
    • Proofread and quality checked to be error-free and well written
Highlights of Y-Axis Resume Writing Services
  • Resume Delivery within 4-5 business days
  • An Expert for consultation
  • CV written by 10+ Years of writers
  • ATS optimized and tested
  • Word and PDF document
  • Up to 2 document revisions
  • A Cover Letter that covers your professional summary
  • A LinkedIn makeover In line with the resume

Y-Axis, the perfect choice to unlock cross-border opportunities. Contact us right now!

Talk to us to learn how you can launch your career in the UK.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How to get a work permit in the UK?
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If skilled workers wish to move to the UK, they need to have the Skilled Worker visa. You can apply for this visa if you have been offered a skilled job in the UK. The salary requirements for this visa are  £25,600, or the specific salary requirement for the occupation or the ‘going rate’.  

You must also have been offered a COS-Certificate of Sponsorship from the licensed sponsor in the UK. The names of licensed sponsors will be in the Skilled Worker sponsor list. Your area of work must correspond with the work of your sponsoring organization. 

How long does it take to get a UK Skilled Worker Visa?
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You should receive a decision on your UK Skilled Worker Visa within 3 weeks if you apply from outside the UK. You can apply a maximum of 3 months prior to the date you are due to begin to work in the UK. The date will be specified on your Certificate of Sponsorship.

What is the minimum salary for Skilled Worker Visa?
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The salary requirements for this visa are  £25,600, or the specific salary requirement for the occupation or the ‘going rate’.

How do I apply for a Skilled Worker Visa?
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There are 3 major steps involved in submitting an application for UK Skilled Worker Visa:

Step # 1: Sponsorship licence

The employer undertakes the first stage. They will apply directly for a sponsorship licence to the UKVI – UK Visas and Immigration and will be accordingly assessed. 

Step # 2: Certificate of Sponsorship

The application for COS – Certificate of Sponsorship is filed by the approved sponsor for the occupation they would like to be filled by a non-resident worker. The immigrant can apply for the Work Visa once the COS is assigned.

Step # 3: Applying for the Skilled Worker Visa

The prospective employee will submit the Visa application in the final stage. This is with their unique COS number and evidence for fulfilling the requirements for Skilled Worker Visa.

How much does a Skilled Worker Visa cost?
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The application fee will depend on how many years you plan to work in the UK, and whether your job is on the skill shortage list.

  • Application Fees for stay up to 3 years – £610 per person
  • Application Fees for stay more than 3 years – £1,220 per person
  • Application Fees if your job is in the Shortage Occupation List for stay up to 3 years – £464 per person
  • Application Fees if your job is in the Shortage Occupation List and you wish to stay for more than three years – £928 per person
  • UK NARIC Fees 49.50 pounds

Apart from the application fees you will have to pay a health surcharge of £624 per year [for each year of your stay]. To be refunded in case your application is rejected.

Additionally, the applicant must have a minimum of £1,270 in their bank account to demonstrate that they can support themselves financially in the UK.

How do you get sponsorship for the Skilled Worker Visa?
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You must have an offer of employment from a licensed employer who can sponsor employees from outside the country.

The employer or sponsor will verify if you have the skills to do the job you will be hired for and if you are qualified for the visa. If they are satisfied, they will give you a certificate of sponsorship with which you can apply for the visa.

How can you get a faster decision on your UK Skilled Worker Visa?
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You can get your  visa decision within 5 days if you are willing to pay an extra amount of £500 for this priority service. You also have the option of paying £800 for the super priority service to get a decision.

What are the things you can do and cannot do with a Skilled Worker visa?
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You can:

  • Work in the position for your sponsor as described in the Certificate of Sponsorship
  • Work on a second job under certain circumstances. If you are working on your job for only 20 hours in a week, you can work on a job that is similar to your main job and at the same level. Or you can work on a job mentioned in the Skills Shortage List.
  • Do some voluntary work
  • Study along with working on your job if it does not interfere with your work hours
  • Travel to and from UK to other countries
  • Bring your family members to the UK

You cannot:

  • Apply for ownership of more than 10% of your sponsor’s share provided you are earning more than £159,600 a year
  • Apply for a second job before you start working for your sponsor
Is there any preference given for member of the European Union?
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With the introduction of the Skilled Worker visa, European Union (EU) citizens will be treated on par with citizens of other nations. As long as the UK was a member of the EU, those from EU countries had a right to work in the UK. With Brexit they will no longer have this right and will have to apply for a work visa just like others.

Is there any preference for candidates with Ph.D.?
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No preference will be given to PhD holders. However, every candidate must have a score of 70 points to qualify in the defined parameters like specific skills, qualifications, salaries and professions.

Is IELTS required for the Skilled Worker visa?
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IELTS is not mandatory. The English language requirements for the visa have to be meet by either IELTS for UKVI (General) with a minimum score of 4 bands in all the four modules or UK NARIC report for the Bachelor’s or Master’s qualification.   

Can the Dependent spouse of the visa holder eligible to work?
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Yes, the dependent spouse can work full time. 

Is education free for children of Skilled Worker visa holders?
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Yes, education will be free for children below 18 years of age just like UK citizens or PR holders. 

Is there free medical services for the visa holders?
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No, they have to pay the fees as per the NHS charges.

What is the duration of the visa?
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The visa can be applied for either 3 years or more than 3 years (up to a maximum of 5 years).

After 5 years they can apply for FLR and after another 2 years apply for ILR.

How does it help to have an occupation on the “shortage occupation list” for the UK Skilled Worker visa?
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If a candidate’s job is on the shortage occupation list – in that specific area of the UK – they can be paid 80% of the usual going rate of their job in order to qualify for the UK Skilled Worker visa.  

Education and healthcare sectors in the UK have a separate shortage occupations list.  

What if I don’t meet the minimum salary requirement for the Skilled Worker visa?
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Under specific situations, a candidate might still be eligible even if their salary is below £25,600 or the usual going rate for their job. 

A candidate might be paid between 70% to 90% of the usual going rate for their job and yet qualify for Skilled Worker visa. Provided their salary is at least £20,480 per year and – their job is in a shortage occupation, or they have a STEM PhD qualification relevant to their job etc.  

Can you work on another job or study on the Skilled Worker visa?
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Apart from working on the job you have been sponsored for you can take up a supplementary job. You can also study on the visa provided you have the appropriate permission from the government.

How much will the visa cost
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The application fee will depend on how many years you plan to work in the UK, and whether your job is on the skill shortage list.

· Application Fees for stay up to 3 years – 610 pounds

· Application Fees for stay more than 3 years -1,220 pounds

· Application Fees if your job is in Shortage Occupation List for stay up to 3 years – 464 pounds

· Application Fees if job in Shortage Occupation List and you wish to stay for more than three years -928 pounds

· UK NARIC Fees 49.50 pounds

Apart from the application fees you will have to pay a health surcharge of 624 pounds when you apply, which will be refunded if your application is rejected. You should also have proof that you have the funds to support yourself which is 1,270 pounds.