Hassle-free help from the UK's best Immigration solicitors.
Transparent pricing, from start to finishGet the support you need, when you need itTrusted lawyers, clear expectations
Transparent pricing, from start to finishGet the support you need, when you need itTrusted lawyers, clear expectations
Amazing experience
After placing an enquiry, I received a call 20 minutes later, and then 2 hours later, I had a solicitor assigned to me. They were absolutely incredible right from the word go - amazing and very prompt with replies, answering all my questions and keeping the process moving. We finally completed today and I am so unbelievably happy. I wouldn’t hesitate to use Lawhive again in the future if needed.
Lily
First class service
I initially made an online enquiry about a tricky conveyancing matter and received an immediate call back. They understood straight away what was needed and gave me a quote that was very reasonable. It was such a pleasure to find someone who was cheerful, professional and completely reassuring as I’d been getting quite anxious about the sale of my house. The service Lawhive has provided is absolutely first class and I cannot recommend them enough.
Charles
Empathetic, professional and efficient
I am an executor, selling my mother's home. I found the assistance I received from Lawhive first rate - empathetic, professional and efficient.
Mark
Great service from Lawhive
We used Lawhive for our conveyancing needs and our solicitor was very helpful, patient and informative. She helped us with our needs with prompt responses and provided a very efficient service.
Kelvin
Great service when you need clarity and calm
Our solicitor was warm, friendly and provided crystal clear communication. A lot of conveyancers assume customers know everything about the process already, so it was really appreciated to hear each stage included in the price given.
Em
Quick and efficient
We used Lawhive for a transfer of property and conveyancing. Our solicitor was so helpful and thorough with the whole process. He responded quickly and efficiently to any questions or requests that we had and explained some of the more complicated issues regarding the process clearly.
Geri
Fantastic service and experience with Lawhive
I had the pleasure of working with Lawhive doing a transfer of equity on a property. Our solicitor’s service was amazing, she responded quickly to any questions or concerns and kept me updated throughout the process. I can strongly recommend her for any conveyancing work that you may need. Fantastic service all round.
Jane
Amazing experience
After placing an enquiry, I received a call 20 minutes later, and then 2 hours later, I had a solicitor assigned to me. They were absolutely incredible right from the word go - amazing and very prompt with replies, answering all my questions and keeping the process moving. We finally completed today and I am so unbelievably happy. I wouldn’t hesitate to use Lawhive again in the future if needed.
Lily
First class service
I initially made an online enquiry about a tricky conveyancing matter and received an immediate call back. They understood straight away what was needed and gave me a quote that was very reasonable. It was such a pleasure to find someone who was cheerful, professional and completely reassuring as I’d been getting quite anxious about the sale of my house. The service Lawhive has provided is absolutely first class and I cannot recommend them enough.
Charles
Empathetic, professional and efficient
I am an executor, selling my mother's home. I found the assistance I received from Lawhive first rate - empathetic, professional and efficient.
Mark
Great service from Lawhive
We used Lawhive for our conveyancing needs and our solicitor was very helpful, patient and informative. She helped us with our needs with prompt responses and provided a very efficient service.
Kelvin
Great service when you need clarity and calm
Our solicitor was warm, friendly and provided crystal clear communication. A lot of conveyancers assume customers know everything about the process already, so it was really appreciated to hear each stage included in the price given.
Em
Quick and efficient
We used Lawhive for a transfer of property and conveyancing. Our solicitor was so helpful and thorough with the whole process. He responded quickly and efficiently to any questions or requests that we had and explained some of the more complicated issues regarding the process clearly.
Geri
Fantastic service and experience with Lawhive
I had the pleasure of working with Lawhive doing a transfer of equity on a property. Our solicitor’s service was amazing, she responded quickly to any questions or concerns and kept me updated throughout the process. I can strongly recommend her for any conveyancing work that you may need. Fantastic service all round.
Jane
It shouldn’t take a law degree to find the right legal service for you. With Lawhive, you can get legal help in just a couple of steps.
Answer a few questions on our site and instantly speak to a member of our team for a quote or request a callback at a time you choose.
We’re always open about our fees, so you’ll never pay more than you’re expecting.
Our lawyers are carefully selected for their expertise and experience, so you’re always in safe hands.
01 overview
The skilled worker visa is a popular immigration route for those looking to live and work in the UK. To qualify, individuals need a job offer from an employer who can sponsor them.
Skilled worker visas can often transition to family visas and settled status, allowing individuals to stay in the UK indefinitely.
To get this visa, you must be sponsored for a specific job meeting the required skill and salary levels.
At Lawhive, our experienced immigration lawyers can assist you with your UK skilled worker vis application for affordable fixed fees.
Contact us today for a free quote to find out more.
The skilled worker visa is an immigration option for non-UK nationals, allowing UK businesses to sponsor workers with sought-after skills.
To qualify for this visa, individuals must accumulate 50 points by meeting certain criteria.
Dependents can also accompany skilled workers to the UK on this visa, making it a popular choice for families looking to begin a new life in the UK.
Skilled worker visas have rules about what you can and can't do in the UK.
You usually have to stick to the job you were sponsored for, but you might be allowed to do some extra work or volunteer.
You're also allowed to study, but it's a good idea to check with your sponsor first.
With a skilled worker visa, you can't get public funds. To qualify, you need to be able to support yourself, which is why salary requirements are part of the criteria.
You also can't vote in UK elections.
To qualify for a skilled worker visa, you will need to meet the following criteria:
Your job must meet a minimum skill level to qualify for a skilled worker visa, which is at least RQF level 3, similar to an A-level qualification.
You don't necessarily need a formal academic degree to be eligible, but your sponsored job must meet this skill level requirement.
You can check a list of eligible jobs on the Home Office's Appendix to the Immigration Rules, where each job has a specific occupation code listed.
To apply for a skilled worker visa, you must have a job offer from an employer with a sponsorship license from the Home Office. This shows the Home Office authorises your employer to sponsor workers.
If you're interested in a job with an employer that isn't sponsored, they can apply for a sponsorship license if they meet the eligibility requirements.
Once you've secured a job offer from an employer with a sponsorship license, they will give you a certificate of sponsorship. This certificate includes information about your offered role, such as your position, salary, duties, and proposed start date.
It's an electronic document, so you won't receive a physical copy. Your certificate will have a reference number for your use.
Employers can get a certificate of sponsorship from the Sponsorship Management System.
Employers sponsoring workers in the UK must pay them a minimum salary of £26,200 per year or £10.75 per hour, depending on the industry's "going rate" for the role. This is subject to tradeable points for other skills.
A skilled worker visa is initially valid for 5 years and can be extended for another 5 years, with no limit on the number of extensions.
Moreover, after living in the UK for 5 years on a skilled worker visa, you may be eligible for indefinite leave to remain.
To qualify, you must have spent 5 continuous years in the UK, meaning you can't have been absent for more than 180 consecutive days in any 12 months during your visa.
You can apply for a skilled worker visa online through the Government website.
To do so, you'll need to prove your identity and provide supporting documents depending on where you're from and what type of passport you have.
As part of the process, you may also have to go to a visa application centre to have your fingerprints and photograph taken.
The earliest date you can apply for a skilled worker visa is three months before the start date of your job. You’ll find this date on your certificate of sponsorship.
Typically, skilled worker visa applications take 3-8 weeks to process.
If you apply online and provide your documents, you'll receive a decision within 3 weeks if you're in the UK and 8 weeks if you applied from outside. However, processing may take longer if you need an appointment to prove your identity and submit your documents.
You may be able to speed up your decision through Fastrack services, both from outside and inside the UK.
If you choose to apply with the assistance of an immigration solicitor, we can assign a solicitor to your case within 24 hours.
The timeframe for completion depends on factors such as the complexity of your case and the response times of other parties involved.
Contact us today for further information and a fixed-fee quote.
You will need to provide the following information:
The application fee for a skilled worker visa varies from £719 to £1,500, depending on your circumstances. If your job is on the shortage list, you may pay a lower fee.
Additionally, you'll need to pay the healthcare surcharge, which is £1,035 per year. Typically, you should have £1,270 available to support yourself financially, unless you're exempt. Your employer may cover these costs.
The fee for a licensed solicitor to assist with a skilled worker visa depends on factors such as case complexity and specific requirements. On average, it ranges from £675 to £900, but in some cases, it may reach £923.
The health and care worker visa is designed for those sponsored to work in the NHS, an NHS supplier, or adult social care. If you aim to work for the NHS, you must be sponsored through a health and care worker visa rather than a skilled worker visa.
If you work in health care but not within the NHS or adult social care, you might qualify for a skilled worker visa.
It depends on what type of work you wish to do and whether it is with the same employer.
You do not need to update your visa if:
You need to update your visa if:
If you meet the eligibility criteria, the UK Home Office allows individuals already in the UK on a different visa to switch to a skilled worker visa.
At Lawhive our network of dedicated immigration solicitors can help you with your application.
Whether it is filling in your application form correctly, or fast-tracking your application we can increase your chances of success and advise on the best type of visa for your circumstances.
Contact us for a free case assessment and start planning for your future in the UK.
With straightforward pricing - so you know exactly what to expect at every step.
