The UK has welcomed
newcomers for centuries. It is a mixture
of diverse ethnic groups, each with
their own distinct culture and sometimes
their own language or religion.Migrants
bring a diversity of skills to the UK
labor market, providing skills and
expertise which complement the existing
work force.
UK has various visas designed for
various purposes. These visas are
divided under Immigration category or
'Settlement Visas' and 'Non Settlement
Visas. While Settlement Visas (like HSMP
or Innovator Visa) allow you long period
of stay leading to Permanent Resident or
Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK,
non settlement visas are for shorter
periods and do not lead to Permanent
Resident status. There are other Visas
available, apart from HSMP scheme, which
allow you to come to the UK for
different purposes.
One of the most
popular forms of immigration to the UK
is the Skilled Worker Category. This
allows you to enter the UK before
finding a job and means that you do not
need a UK employer to sponsor your work
permit. One of the biggest advantages
offered by the Skilled Worker category
is that it is effectively a UK work
permit that allows you to work in the UK
for any employer.
What is the highly
skilled worker category?
The highly skilled worker category is
designed to allow highly skilled people
to come to the United Kingdom to look
for work or self-employment
opportunities.
Who can apply as a
highly skilled worker?
Unlike work permits you do not need a
job offer to apply under the highly
skilled worker category. When you apply
you are awarded points based on your
qualifications, previous earnings,
United Kingdom experience, age, English
language skills, and available
maintenance (funds).
You can apply under the highly
skilled worker category now if you are:
•in the United Kingdom with permission
to stay (known as 'leave to remain') in
an immigration category that allows you
to switch into the highly skilled worker
category;
•already in the United Kingdom as a
highly skilled worker and want to extend
your permission to stay within your
existing category;
•already in the United Kingdom under the
Highly Skilled Migrant Programme, want
to extend your permission to stay and
are eligible to switch into the highly
skilled worker category;
•applying for permission to enter the
United Kingdom (known as 'entry
clearance') under the highly skilled
worker category.
What points you have to score to apply
as a highly skilled worker
To apply under our points-based system
and be accepted into the highly skilled
worker category, you must pass a
points-based assessment.
You must score:
•75 points for your attributes (age,
qualifications, previous earnings, and
experience in the United Kingdom); and
•10 points for English language; and
•10 points for available maintenance
(funds).
If you do not score a minimum of 75
points for your attributes and 10 points
for English language and 10 points for
available maintenance (funds), your
application will be refused.
What categories points are awarded
for
Points are awarded for the following
categories:
