Benefits Of The UK Skilled Worker Visa

What Is The UK Skilled Worker Visa?

The UK Skilled Worker Visa enables foreign nationals to live and work in the country. One of the key aims of the visa is to attract workers from overseas who have desirable skills and expertise to help boost the UK’s economy. 

Potential holders of the Skilled Worker Visa must fulfil set criteria to be granted permission to enter the UK and it can be challenging for many applicants to ensure they meet the required point threshold for the visa. 

UK-based employers play an important role in the Skilled Worker Visa process, as all applicants must have a genuine job offer and must be sponsored by an employer with the necessary permissions and licence.

If you are looking to benefit as a company from international recruitment, then reach out to IAS for advice on how to apply for a valid Sponsor Licence. 

What Are The Benefits Of The UK Skilled Worker Visa For Employers & Businesses?

Making use of Skilled Worker Visa holders brings a number of benefits to UK businesses and organisations. These benefits include:

• A larger potential workforce – because the visa allows employers to recruit from around the world, this means they can select from a much wider pool of workers who have the correct level of expertise and knowledge to find the “perfect” candidate. 
• Minimise skill shortages – it can be hard for some businesses to find appropriately skilled workers in the UK and therefore, being able to attract workers with those skills from overseas can have a positive impact on reducing skill shortages. 
• Enhance diversity – companies with workers from a diverse range of countries can help boost diversity in the workplace and benefit from a more multicultural environment. 
• Reliable workforce – it is important that Skilled Worker Visa holders comply with the conditions of their sponsorship otherwise they could have to leave the UK. This often means overseas workers are reliable and motivated in their roles. 

Although Skilled Workers have a number of positive benefits for a company, it is important to note that employers of overseas workers must ensure they comply with all legislation associated with sponsoring employees. 

The Home Office requires businesses employing migrant workers to hold a valid Sponsor Licence and they must issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to all foreign staff. There are also requirements to report any changes in a worker’s status and ensure all Right to Work checks are conducted correctly.

If an organisation is found to be failing to comply or knowingly hiring workers without the correct permissions, it can have significant consequences, including financial penalties and Sponsor Licence revokement. 

What Are the Benefits Of The UK Skilled Worker Visa For Workers?

There are multiple benefits for foreign nationals looking to come to the UK on a Skilled Worker Visa and start a new life. 

Skilled Worker Visa holders can benefit from the following:

• Greater employment opportunities – the UK has one of the world’s most diverse economies and there are jobs available in a wide variety of industries. This means that foreign workers can look for employment in various professions and sectors that may not be available in their home country. 
• Professional development – spending time overseas can have a positive impact on a worker’s career as it allows for growth and the opportunity to develop and learn skills. 
• Attractive salaries – due to the UK’s employment laws there are minimum wage requirements and the Skilled Worker Visa is subject to minimum salary thresholds. Therefore, workers can benefit from the country’s competitive salaries and other workplace benefits. 
• Family reunification – holders of the Skilled Worker Visa are able to bring family members, such as spouses, partners or dependent children to the UK. This means overseas workers do not need to be separated from their loved ones while benefiting from employment in the UK.
• Healthcare and education access – Skilled Worker Visa holders and dependents are able to access the National Health Service for medical treatment as well as the state education system. 
• Permanent Residency – time spent in the UK on a Skilled Worker Visa counts towards permanent residency in the country. After a set period and depending on individual circumstances, workers can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and eventually British citizenship. 

How Can IAS Help With The Skilled Work Visa?

Hiring workers from overseas or applying for a Skilled Worker Visa can be a challenging process, especially if you have limited knowledge of UK immigration laws. 

If you have questions regarding the criteria for becoming a Skilled Worker Visa holder or about how to apply for a Sponsor Licence then it is vital to seek advice before making an application otherwise you risk possible delays or refusal. 

Our team includes experienced immigration lawyers who have extensive knowledge of the UK immigration system and we have helped numerous individuals in overcoming and businesses overcome immigration challenges. 

For bespoke advice about the Skilled Worker Visa, including eligibility criteria, application procedures and how to hire staff reach out to IAS today on +44 (0)333 414 9244 or contact us online.