The UK Health and Care Worker Visa is open to qualified doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, and individuals working in the adult social care sector who wish to pursue an eligible health or social care role in the UK. It is a part of the Skilled Worker Visa.

The UK Health and Care Worker Visa provides the opportunity to establish residency in the UK following a five-year timeframe.

Most UK Health and Care Worker Visa applicants can bring their dependent partner and children with them. The UK has ceased to permit dependents of care workers and senior care workers (occupation codes 6145 and 6146) to enter or reside in the country.

UK Health and Care Worker Visa Requirements

In order to be eligible for a UK Health and Care Worker Visa, you must prove to UK Visas and Immigration that:

•    You are 18 years old or older
•    You are a licensed medical professional, nurse, allied health professional, or employed in the adult social care sector
•    You will be employed in an eligible health or social care position within specified Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) codes
•    You will be working for a UK health or care sector employer approved by the Home Office
•    You possess a valid Certificate of Sponsorship from your employer detailing the offered role
•    If your Certificate of Sponsorship is for occupation code "6145 - Care workers and home carers" or "6146 - Senior Care Workers," you will be working for a CQC regulated employer
•    You will receive a salary that meets or exceeds the general salary threshold and the 'going rate' for the applicable SOC 2020 occupation code
•    You are proficient in the English language at least to CEFR Level B1 (equivalent to IELTS 4.0)
•    The Immigration Skills Charge has been settled by your sponsor
•    You possess an ample amount of funds to sustain yourself without depending on government assistance.
•    You have provided a criminal record certificate if working with vulnerable individuals
•    A valid TB certificate is required if it is from a country that is listed.

The specific criteria you must meet will differ based on your individual situation. Seeking advice from an immigration solicitor could prove advantageous for obtaining expert assistance.

UK Health and Care Worker Visa Eligible Jobs

In order to qualify for a UK Health and Care Worker Visa, you will need to work in an eligible health or social care job, which falls within a list of specified Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) codes:

• 1171 Health services and public health managers and directors
• 1231 Health care practice managers
• 1232 Residential, day and domiciliary care managers and proprietors
• 2113 Biochemists and biomedical scientists
• 2114 Physical scientists
• 2211 Generalist medical practitioners
• 2212 Specialist medical practitioners
• 2221 Physiotherapists
• 2222 Occupational therapists
• 2223 Speech and language therapists
• 2224 Psychotherapists and cognitive behaviour therapists
• 2225 Clinical psychologists
• 2226 Other psychologists
• 2229 Therapy professionals not elsewhere classified
• 2231 Midwifery nurses
• 2232 Registered community nurses
• 2233 Registered specialist nurses
• 2234 Registered nurse practitioners
• 2235 Registered mental health nurses
• 2236 Registered children’s nurses
• 2237 Other registered nursing professionals
• 2251 Pharmacists
• 2252 Optometrists
• 2253 Dental practitioners
• 2254 Medical radiographers
• 2255 Paramedics
• 2256 Podiatrists
• 2259 Other health professionals not elsewhere classified
• 2461 Social workers
• 3111 Laboratory technicians
• 3211 Dispensing opticians
• 3212 Pharmaceutical technicians
• 3213 Medical and dental technicians
• 3219 Health associate professionals not elsewhere classified
• 6131 Nursing auxiliaries and assistants
• 6132 Ambulance staff (excluding paramedics)
• 6133 Dental nurses
• 6135 Care workers and home carers
• 6136 Senior care workers

This is an exhaustive list. You must be taking up a job in one of the above occupations to be eligible for a UK Health and Care Worker Visa. However, some roles may still be eligible within the general Skilled Worker category.

Authorized Employers within the UK Health and Care Sector

To be eligible for a UK Health and Care Worker Visa, you must be hired or contracted by a UK health and care sector employer that has received approval from the Home Office.

The Home Office has granted approval to a wide array of organizations to sponsor employees in the health and care sector via the UK Health and Care Worker Visa route.

•    NHS Foundation Trusts, NHS Trusts, and other healthcare-related agencies in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland;
•    Entities delivering regulated services in accordance with the Health and Social Care Act 2008, and certified by the Care Quality Commission.
•    Entities regulated under the Care Standards Act 2000 or the Regulation and Inspection of Social Care (Wales) Act 2016;
•    Signatories of medical or dental service agreements.
•    Providers of care services in Scotland, registered with Social Care and Social Work Improvement Scotland, or engaged in NHS-related services;
•    General Practitioner Federations and entities contracted by the Northern Ireland Regional Health and Social Care Board for Family Practitioner Services;
•    Bodies registered with or monitored/inspected by the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority;
•    The General Chiropractic Council, General Medical Council, and similar organizations are regulatory bodies.
•    Organizations registered with the CQC currently carrying out regulated activities.

In case you are uncertain about whether your employer qualifies as an approved employer for the UK Health and Care Worker Visa route, our team of immigration solicitors is available to provide you with additional guidance.

Requirement for Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) for UK Health and Care Worker Visa

In order to be eligible for a UK Health and Care Worker Visa, you are required to have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship that is directly linked to the particular role you plan to fulfill. It is important to note that this certificate exists in digital form, rather than as a tangible paper document.

Your Certificate of Sponsorship for the UK Health and Care Worker Visa should be granted by an employer authorized by the Home Office to sponsor positions under the Health and Care Worker route. While the NHS, medical service providers to the NHS, and adult social care organizations are common sponsors, various other entities can also be approved by the Home Office for this purpose. If an employer is not yet an approved sponsor, they can seek a Sponsor Licence if they meet the criteria.

The Certificate of Sponsorship must include a concise explanation from your employer detailing how you fulfill the eligibility criteria for the Health and Care Visa. For employers offering services commissioned by the NHS, proof of contractual agreements with the NHS may need to be provided.

Ensure that your Health and Care Worker Visa Certificate of Sponsorship is issued within 3 months prior to your visa application date.

The Certificate of Sponsorship is Required to Contain Specific Essential Details

•    Provide your full name, occupation, and annual income
•    Commencement date should be within 3 months of your Health and Care Worker visa application submission
•    Verify that the Certificate of Sponsorship has not been utilized in any prior successful, unsuccessful, withdrawn, or canceled applications.

Sponsorship for Care Worker and Senior Care Worker Positions

Care homes in England are now required to be overseen by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), the independent regulator of health and adult social care in England, in order to support migrants as care workers and home carers (6135) or senior care workers (6136) under the Health and Care Worker visa route.

Hence, individuals applying for a UK Health and Care Worker Visa to work in England with a Certificate of Sponsorship for occupation codes ‘6135 – Care workers and home carers’ or ‘6136 – Senior Care Workers’ are required to work for an employer registered with the CQC.

The sponsoring organization must be actively engaged in activities regulated by the CQC and should not be listed as ‘dormant’ on their register or have applied to be ‘dormant’. This condition does not pertain to candidates who will be working exclusively in Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland.

Care workers and senior care workers with a UK Health and Care Worker Visa issued before 11 March 2024 may seek an extension of their permission with the same sponsor and settle without the CQC regulation requirement being applicable to them.

UK Health and Care Worker Visa Salary Requirement

In order to qualify for a UK Health and Care Worker Visa, you will need to be paid a salary which equals or exceeds both a general salary threshold and the ‘going rate’ for the applicable SOC 2020 occupation code.

If you are being sponsored for one of the following national pay scale SOC 2020 occupation codes, you will need to be paid a salary of at least £23,200 per year or the ‘going rate’ for the job as set out in Table 3 of Appendix Skilled Occupations, whichever is higher:

• 2211 Generalist medical practitioners
• 2212 Specialist medical practitioners
• 2221 Physiotherapists
• 2222 Occupational therapists
• 2223 Speech and language therapists
• 2224 Psychotherapists and cognitive behaviour therapists
• 2225 Clinical psychologists
• 2226 Other psychologists
• 2229 Therapy professionals not elsewhere classified
• 2231 Midwifery nurses
• 2232 Registered community nurses
• 2233 Registered specialist nurses
• 2234 Registered nurse practitioners
• 2235 Registered mental health nurses
• 2236 Registered children’s nurses
• 2237 Other registered nursing professionals
• 2251 Pharmacists
• 2252 Optometrists
• 2253 Dental practitioners
• 2254 Medical radiographers
• 2255 Paramedics
• 2256 Podiatrists
• 2259 Other health professionals not elsewhere classified
• 2461 Social workers
• 3213 Medical and dental technicians
• 3219 Health associate professionals not elsewhere classified
• 6131 Nursing auxiliaries and assistants
• 6132 Ambulance staff (excluding paramedics)
• 6133 Dental nurses

You will need to meet a different salary requirement if you are being sponsored for one of the following Health and Care Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) jobs:

• 1171 Health services and public health managers and directors
• 1231 Health care practice managers
• 1232 Residential, day and domiciliary care managers and proprietors
• 2113 Biochemists and biomedical scientists
• 2114 Physical scientists
• 3111 Laboratory technicians
• 3211 Dispensing opticians
• 3212 Pharmaceutical technicians
• 6135 Care workers and home carers
• 6136 Senior care workers

Health and Care Worker Visa applicants who are being sponsored for one of the above-mentioned jobs may be paid a salary which equals or exceeds the following:

• The general salary threshold – for most jobs this is £29,000 per year, but may be £26,100 or £23,200 per year if the worker scores ‘tradable points’ (see below); and
• The applicable ‘going rate’ for the SOC 2020 occupation code in Appendix Skilled Occupations – or a percentage of the ‘going rate’ if the worker scores ‘tradable points’ (see below).

Some sponsored Health and Care Workers applying for a Health and Care Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) job may be paid less than £29,000 per year, where they are awarded additional so-called ‘tradable points’ for other attributes:  

• An applicant with a PhD qualification which is relevant to the job may be paid a salary which equals or exceeds both £26,100 per year and 90% of the going rate for the SOC 2020 occupation code;
• An applicant with a PhD qualification in a STEM subject which is relevant to the job may be paid a salary which equals or exceeds both £23,200 per year and 80% of the going rate for the SOC 2020 occupation code;
• An applicant with a job offer for a job on the Immigration Salary List may be paid a salary which equals or exceeds both £23,200 per year and the going rate for the SOC 2020 occupation code;
• An applicant who is a new entrant to the labour market at the start of their career may be paid a salary which equals or exceeds both £23,200 per year and 70% of the going rate for the SOC 2020 occupation code.

Immigration Salary List?

The Home Office has compiled a register of specialised positions that pose challenges for employers in finding a sufficient number of qualified workers to fill their job openings. 

Employers have the option to hire migrant workers for roles listed on the Immigration Salary List at a salary lower than the standard threshold. 

Roles that qualify for a UK Health and Care Worker Visa (excluding those on the national pay scale) and are included on the Immigration Salary List must receive a salary that meets or surpasses £23,200 annually as well as the prevailing rate for the SOC 2020 occupation code.

What defines an individual as a 'New Entrant to the Labour Market'?

New individuals entering the workforce encompass individuals who are under 26 years old at the time of application (or transitioning from a Student or Graduate Visa), individuals sponsored in designated postdoctoral research roles, and individuals pursuing professional qualifications, registration, or chartered status. 

If you meet the criteria as a new entrant to the labour market, the salary threshold requirement will be lowered.

An individual will not be considered a new entrant if approving their application would extend their cumulative permission period as a Skilled Worker, Tier 2 Migrant, and/or Graduate beyond 4 years in total.

English Language Requirement for a UK Health and Care Worker Visa must be met

To be eligible for a UK Health and Care Worker Visa, applicants must prove their English language proficiency on the Common European Framework of Reference scale (CEFR) in all four areas (reading, writing, speaking, and listening) at a minimum of level B1 (intermediate).

Prospective employees seeking entry clearance or permission to stay as a Health and Care Worker will meet the English language criteria if they:

•    Citizen of a predominantly English-speaking nation
•    Successfully completed a Secure English Language Test from an authorized provider
•    Attained an academic qualification at degree level that was instructed in English
•    Achieved a GCSE/A Level, Scottish National Qualification level 4 or 5, Scottish Highers or Advanced Higher in English while attending school in the UK
•    Previously demonstrated meeting the level B1 requirement in a prior successful application for entry clearance or permission to stay

If you receive sponsorship to practice as a doctor, dentist, nurse, or midwife, you do not need to show your English proficiency as long as you have passed an English language assessment recognized by the relevant professional regulatory body.

Requirement for Immigration Skills Charge

The employer is also required to have fully paid the Immigration Skills Charge. This payment is non-transferable to the applicant.

The Immigration Skills Charge applies to every foreign worker that a sponsoring employer wishes to hire. This charge must be settled whenever a sponsoring employer allocates a Certificate of Sponsorship to a migrant.

Financial Maintenance Requirement for UK Health and Care Worker Visa

You must have a minimum of £1,270 in cash funds available to demonstrate that you can financially support yourself in the UK, with the exception of the cases outlined below.

The funds must have been held for a continuous period of at least 28 days, ending no more than 31 days before the submission of your UK Health and Care Worker Visa application.

If you have lived in the UK legally for a period of 12 months or more when applying, you will meet the financial criteria without the need to show proof of funds.

Furthermore, you will qualify for an exemption if your employer is able to cover your expenses during your initial month in the UK, up to a minimum of £1,270 if necessary. Your sponsor must confirm this by completing the 'Sponsor certifies maintenance' section on your Certificate of Sponsorship.

Criminal Record Certificate Requirement for UK Health and Care Worker Visa

If you are seeking a UK Health and Care Worker Visa from abroad, you must obtain a criminal record certificate from the appropriate authority in any country where you have resided for 12 months or longer (whether continuously or in total) within the 10 years prior to the application date, and while you were 18 years old or older, unless your occupation falls under certain specified codes.

•    2113 Biochemists and biomedical scientists
•    2114 Physical scientists
•    3111 Laboratory technicians
•    6132 Ambulance staff (excluding paramedics)

Advantages of the Health and Care Worker Visa

Health and Care Worker Visa applicants in the UK receive distinct advantages in comparison to other Skilled Worker Visa applicants.

•    Reduced Visa Fee: Health and Care Worker Visa applicants are eligible for a discounted visa application fee. This reduction also extends to partners and dependents of those applying for the Health and Care Visa.
•    Priority Processing: UK Visas and Immigration gives priority to Health and Care Worker Visa applications, striving to process them within a timeframe of 3 weeks.
•    Exemption from IHS: Health and Care Worker Visa applicants, along with their dependent partners and children, are not required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge.

Transitioning to the UK Health and Care Worker Visa Route

If you currently have authorization to reside in a different immigration classification, you have the option to extend your stay by switching to the UK Health and Care Worker Visa pathway, except if you are currently a Visitor, Short-term student, Parent of a Child Student, Seasonal Worker, Domestic Worker in a Private Household, or have legal residency in the UK beyond the Immigration Rules.

If you have, or last had, permission as a Student, you will only be able to switch into the Health and Care Worker Visa route if you meet one of the following conditions:

•    You have effectively completed the course requirements linked to your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies.
•    The course concluded prior to the commencement date indicated on your CoS.
•    You have completed a minimum of 24 months of the course that was intended to result in a PhD qualification.

Is there a waiting period in the UK Health and Care Worker Visa Route?

Previously, individuals seeking entry clearance or a switch to the Tier 2 (General) route were required to not have been in the UK as a Tier 2 (General) migrant within the last 12 months. 

However, under the Skilled Worker route, including the Health and Care Worker Visa route, this 12-month 'cooling off period' has been eliminated. 

As a result, there are no limitations on when applications for the Health and Care Worker Visa route can be submitted.

Period of a Health and Care Worker Visa

Upon successful processing of your UK Health and Care Worker Visa application, you will receive authorization to enter the country or remain for a maximum of 14 days following the expiry of your Certificate of Sponsorship. 

The Certificate of Sponsorship can be valid for a duration of up to 5 years from the initial commencement date. The duration of sponsorship from your employer will be specified on your certificate of sponsorship.

You may apply for an extension of your Health and Care Worker visa if you continue to meet the salary criteria and:

•    Your current job is identical to the one you had when you were last authorized to enter or remain in the UK.
•    Your present employment aligns with the identical occupation code as the one you held during your most recent authorization to enter or stay in the United Kingdom.
•    You are working for the same employer who granted your current certificate of sponsorship.
 

Maximum Duration Allowed in the UK Health and Care Worker Visa Route

The former Tier 2 (General) pathway mandated that individuals applying for entry clearance or transitioning into the program must abide by a maximum six-year residency rule.

The previous limit of six years has been eliminated under the Health and Care Worker scheme. Now, individuals can receive up to 5 years of leave consecutively with no limitations on the duration of their stay.

Requirements for Living as a Health and Care Employee

Health and Care Worker Visa beneficiaries in the UK are allowed to perform duties in the capacity for which they have been sponsored. 

They are also allowed to take on additional employment as long as they maintain their sponsored job. 

If you wish to switch jobs to a different employer or occupation code, you must apply to update your Health and Care Worker Visa.

Working as a Health and Care Worker in a community

In order to qualify for Settlement as a Health and Care Worker, you are required to show UK Visas and Immigration that:

•    You have resided continuously in the UK for a period of 5 years.
•    The 5-year continuous period included time spent with permission on various routes such as Skilled Worker, Global Talent, Innovator, Innovator Founder, Tier 2 Minister of Religion, International Sportsperson, Representative of an Overseas Business, Tier 1 Migrant (excluding Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur), Scale-up.
•    You have not exceeded 180 days outside the UK in each year of the 5-year continuous period.
•    You have successfully passed the Life in the UK test, unless you are 65 years old or above.
•    The Home Office has confirmed that your sponsor continues to be an approved sponsor.
•    Your sponsor still requires your services for the foreseeable future.
•    You are currently being paid, and will continue to be paid, at least the general ILR salary threshold or the going rate requirement, whichever is higher, for the foreseeable future.

Application fees for Health and Care Worker Visa and Fee Reduction

Applicants for the UK Health and Care Worker Visa will benefit from lower application fees if their employer has verified their eligibility on the Certificate of Sponsorship.
 
This reduced fee also extends to family members. The reduction in fees will be automatically implemented when completing the online application.

The fees, effective from 10 April 2024, remain consistent for entry clearance applications from outside the UK and for leave to remain applications within the UK, including category switches.

•    The fee for a Certificate of Sponsorship issued for a stay in the UK for 3 years or less is £284.
•    For a Certificate of Sponsorship issued for a stay in the UK for over 3 years, the fee is £551. 

Exclusion from Immigration Health Surcharge

Health and Care Worker visa applicants, along with their dependents, are not obligated to pay the Immigration Health Charge.

Priority Entry and Rapid Visa Processing Times 

The Home Office has announced that UK Visas and Immigration will give priority to Health and Care Worker Visa applications. 

The aim is to complete the vast majority of applications within three weeks of the biometrics being taken, as outlined in the guidance.

Dependants of Health and Care Workers

Social care professionals (occupation codes 6145 and 6146) have been restricted from bringing dependents to the UK since March 11, 2024. 

However, care workers and senior care workers with a Health and Care Worker Visa issued before this date are allowed to have dependents accompany them, even if they switch to a sponsor meeting the CQC regulation requirement. 

The exemption from the Immigration Health Charge applies to partners and children applying as dependents of Health and Care Visa applicants, along with the reduced Health and Care Worker Visa fee.

 

The UK Intra-Company Transfer Visa is designed for multinational corporation employees who need to be transferred to a UK branch of their employer to carry out a specialized role in the United Kingdom.

If you will not be earning £73,900 or above in the UK, you must have worked for your employer abroad for at least 12 months.

Criteria for a UK Intra-Company Transfer Visa 

To be eligible for a UK Intra-Company Transfer Visa, you must demonstrate to UK Visas and Immigration that:

•    You must be 18 years of age or above.
•    You must be currently employed by an organization approved by the Home Office as a sponsor.
•    You must have worked for your sponsor, or a business connected to your sponsor through ownership, outside the UK for a minimum of 12 months, unless you will earn £73,900 or more in the UK.
•    You must possess a valid Certificate of Sponsorship issued by your sponsor for the intended job.
•    The job you are planning to undertake must be legitimate.
•    The job you are planning to undertake must be at an appropriate skill level.
•    You must receive a salary of at least £41,500 or the 'going rate' for your job, whichever is higher.
•    Your sponsor must have paid any necessary Immigration Skills Charge.
•    You must have enough financial resources to support yourself without depending on public funds.
•    You must have provided a valid TB certificate, if required.

The specific criteria you must meet may differ based on your individual situation. It is advisable to consult with a professional immigration solicitor for specialised guidance.
 

Requirement for Duration of Employment for UK Intra-Company Transfer Visa

To qualify for an Intra-Company Transfer Visa while earning less than £73,900 annually, you must currently work for your sponsor or a related business outside the UK for at least 12 months. 

The 12 months can be accumulated historically if you were continuously employed by the sponsor group, either in the UK or overseas, with breaks only for specific reasons like statutory leave or humanitarian activities. There is no specific employment period requirement if you earn £73,900 or more.

Requirement for Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) for UK Intra-Company Transfer Visa

To be eligible for a UK Intra-Company Transfer Visa, you must possess a valid Certificate of Sponsorship for the specific job you intend to undertake.

The Certificate of Sponsorship should be issued by an employer authorized by the Home Office to sponsor the job under the Intra-Company Transfer route.

Your sponsor must be classified as A-rated on the Home Office's register of licensed sponsors, unless you were previously granted permission under the Intra-Company routes and are seeking to continue working for the same sponsor.

The Certificate of Sponsorship is not to be issued more than 3 months prior to the date of your Intra-Company Transfer application and needs to include all essential information as mandated.

•    Personal information including full name, occupation, and income;
•    Verification of employment outside of the United Kingdom for a minimum of one year, unless classified as a high-income earner;
•    The commencement date should fall within three months from the date of submitting your Intra-Company Transfer Visa application.
•    Assurance that the Certificate of Sponsorship has not been utilized in any prior applications that were approved, denied, withdrawn by the sponsor, or cancelled by the Home Office.

Authentic Employment Prerequisite

To obtain a UK Intra-Company Transfer Visa, you must demonstrate to the Home Office that you are sponsored for a legitimate job.
 
If there are suspicions that the sponsored job is not genuine, or if it has been created solely for visa application purposes, your application will be rejected. 

The Home Office will also need assurance that you are not entering into an arrangement to fill a temporary or permanent position, or to provide ongoing services to a third party who is not your sponsor.

UK Intra-Company Transfer Visa Job Skill Level Criteria 

The UK Intra-Company Transfer Visa requires the sponsored job to be at or above a minimum skill level. The Home Office provides a list of eligible jobs, including occupation codes and related titles. 

Meeting the skill level requirement is likely if the job is on this list. However, the sponsor must select the correct occupation code. 

Neglecting to fulfill this condition may lead to the rejection of your visa request. The Home Office evaluates factors like genuine job need, applicant qualifications, and sponsor compliance when assessing the chosen occupation code.

Salary Requirement for UK Intra-Company Transfer Visa 

Employers looking to transfer an employee via the UK Intra-Company Transfer route must provide their skilled workers with a salary that meets or surpasses either a general salary threshold or the 'going rate' for the particular occupation, whichever is greater.

The general salary threshold for the UK Intra-Company Transfer route stands at £41,500 per annum. Consequently, most applicants for a UK Intra-Company Transfer Visa must receive a salary that is at least £41,500 per year and 100% of the going rate for their occupation, whichever sum is greater.

The evaluation of the salary is determined by the guaranteed basic gross pay (for up to 48 hours per week) in addition to any allowances that are assured to be paid throughout the employment in the UK, including mobility premiums or allowances to cover the extra cost of living in the UK.

The Home Office has published a list detailing the current rates for eligible Intra-Company Transfer occupation codes. The annual salaries listed are calculated based on a 39-hour work week and should be adjusted accordingly for other work schedules.

Requirement for Immigration Skills Charge

The sponsor is also required to have settled the Immigration Skills Charge in its entirety. This charge is applicable for every overseas worker that a sponsor wishes to hire. 

The Immigration Skills Charge must be paid when a sponsor assigns a Certificate of Sponsorship to a migrant.

Financial Requirement for UK Intra-Company Transfer Visa

Subject to the exceptions provided below, you must have available cash funds of at least £1,270.

You must have possessed the money for a minimum of 28 consecutive days, with the period ending no more than 31 days before the submission of your Intra-Company Transfer Visa application.

You will not be required to meet the financial requirement if your sponsor agrees to cover your maintenance expenses up to the end of the first month of your employment, with a minimum amount of £1,270, if necessary. The confirmation of this must be provided by your sponsor on your Certificate of Sponsorship.

If you are seeking permission to remain in the UK and have been legally present in the country for 12 months or more at the time of application, you will satisfy the financial requirement and will not need to demonstrate funds.

Transitioning to the UK Intra-Company Transfer Pathway

You can prolong your visit by switching to the UK Intra-Company Transfer pathway if you have been given permission to stay in the country under a different immigration classification. 

However, this option is not available to Visitors, Short-term students, Parents of Child Students, Seasonal Workers, Domestic Workers in Private Households, or individuals who do not comply with the Immigration Rules.

Period of validity for a UK Intra-Company Transfer Visa

If your UK Intra-Company Transfer Visa application is successful, you will receive entry clearance or leave to remain for the duration indicated on your Certificate of Sponsorship plus an additional 14 days, up to a maximum of 5 years, or until you reach the maximum allowable stay in the category, whichever is less.

Maximum Duration Allowed on the UK Intra-Company Transfer Route

If your UK Intra-Company Transfer Visa application is successful, you can prolong your stay in the UK for up to five years within a six-year period if your annual salary is below £73,900, you can apply for a mortgage for up to ten years. 

If your annual salary is £73,900 or higher, you can apply for a mortgage for up to nine years within a ten-year period.

In a previous iteration of the route, there was a cooling-off requirement that barred individuals from re-entering the UK on the Intra-Company Transfer route for 12 months after their departure. However, this cooling-off provision is no longer in effect.

Guidelines for Residing in the UK with an Intra-Company Transfer Visa

Intra-company transfer Visa holders are allowed to carry out the tasks outlined on their Certificate of Sponsorship for their sponsor. Moreover, they can work a second job for up to 20 hours per week, as long as it is in the same field and level as their primary job or is included in the Skilled Worker shortage occupation list. 

Furthermore, they have the option to enroll in an academic program. It is important to note that access to public funds is not permitted.

UK Intra-Company Transfer Route Settlement

Residence in the United Kingdom does not solely depend on the UK Intra-Company Transfer Visa. However, it is possible to switch to a different immigration route that allows for settlement. 

Moreover, you may qualify to prolong your stay until you fulfill the requirements for settlement based on longer residency.

Dependents of applicants for the UK Intra-Company Transfer Visa

Children who are under 18 years old and/or a partner who is over 18 years old and dependent may accompany or join individuals holding an Intra-Company Transfer Visa.

The UK Scale-Up route offers individuals the opportunity to secure permanent residency in the United Kingdom. Those applying for this route can choose to bring their partner and dependent children with them.

There are two options available for applying to the UK Scale-Up Visa route: the Sponsored Application route and the Unsponsored Application method. If you are applying for the UK Scale-Up route for the first time, you will need to submit a funded application. The Unsponsored Application approach is only open to individuals who have already been authorized as a UK Scale-Up Worker.

Criteria for a UK Scale-up Visa – Sponsored Application.

In order to qualify for a UK Scale-up Visa through a Sponsored Application, you are required to satisfy the following conditions as determined by UK Visas and Immigration:

•    Individuals must be a minimum of 18 years of age.
•    In order to pursue the desired job, you are required to hold a legitimate Certificate of Sponsorship granted by an eligible Scale-up sponsor.
•    The job you plan to engage in must be genuine.
•    The job you plan to engage in must be at an appropriate skill level, as indicated by a SOC 2020 occupation code listed in either Table 2 or Table 3 of Appendix Skilled Occupations, which are recognized as eligible for the Scale-up route.
•    Your salary must be equal to or exceed both £36,300 per year and the 'going rate' for the SOC 2020 occupation code.
•    Proficiency in the English language at a minimum of CEFR Level B1 is required, which corresponds to an IELTS score of 4.0.
•    You must have sufficient funds to support yourself without relying on public funds.
•    If required, you must provide a valid TB certificate.

Requirements for a UK Scale-up Visa – Unsponsored Application

In order to qualify for a UK Scale-up Visa via an Unsponsored Application, you will need to satisfy UK Visas and Immigration that:

• You are aged 18 or over;
• You have previously been granted permission as a Scale-up Worker;
• You had monthly PAYE earnings in the UK equivalent to at least £36,300 per year (or £34,600 per year if your most recent permission on the route was granted on the basis of a Certificate of Sponsorship assigned between 12 April 2023 and 3 April 2024 or £33,000 per year if your most recent permission on the route was granted on the basis of a Certificate of Sponsorship assigned on or before 11 April 2023) during at least 50% of your most recent grant of permission as a Scale-up Worker;
• You are competent in the English language to at least CEFR Level B1 (equivalent to IELTS 4.0);
• You have enough money to support yourself without relying on public funds;
• You have provided a valid TB certificate, if required.

Please note that the specific requirements may vary based on your individual circumstances. It is advisable to seek guidance from an immigration lawyer for personalized advice.

The UK Scale-up Visa necessitates the inclusion of a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) as a requirement for a sponsored application

In order to apply for the UK Scale-up Visa, it is essential to meet the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) requirement. This CoS serves as a crucial document for sponsored applications.

Conventional Route 

The Home Office will evaluate your employer's employment growth and/or turnover growth based on the data provided to HMRC by your company, following the traditional method. 

To be eligible, your employer must have maintained a minimum annual growth rate of 20% over the previous three years, in either turnover or staffing. Additionally, it is required that they had a minimum of 10 employees at the commencement of this three-year duration.

Route for Endorsing Organisation

The endorsing body pathway is designed for organizations that do not meet the criteria of the standard pathway due to a short HMRC history, but can show a strong potential or ability to do so within the next four years.

Under this pathway, a recognized endorsing body will validate your employer's suitability to apply for a UK Scale-up sponsor license.

Your employer must prove to the endorsing body that they fulfill a range of criteria.

General Requirements for Certificate of Sponsorship

Regardless of the pathway your sponsor used for registration, it is essential that your sponsor is listed as an A-rated sponsor on the Home Office's register. 

Upon receiving an A-rated license, a UK Scale-up Sponsor can grant a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) and support you for a 6-month period for a position in a SOC 2020 occupation code found in either Table 2 or Table 3 of Appendix Skilled Occupations. 

The job must qualify for the Scale-up route and offer a salary equal to or higher than £36,300 per annum, in addition to meeting the going rate for the SOC 2020 occupation code.
It is important to note that your Certificate of Sponsorship must have been issued within 3 months prior to the date of your UK Scale-up Visa Sponsored Application.

The Certificate of Sponsorship is required to include essential details like your name, job specifics, and salary. It must also indicate your commitment to work for the sponsor for at least half a year. 

The commencement date on the certificate should not exceed 3 months from the submission date of your UK Scale-up Worker Visa application. Furthermore, it needs to be verified that the Certificate of Sponsorship has not been utilized in any past applications that were approved or rejected, and that it has not been revoked by the sponsor or invalidated by the Home Office.

Authentic Job Criteria

To obtain a UK Scale-up Visa, it is essential to demonstrate to the Home Office that you have a legitimate job offer from a sponsoring entity.

If there are valid reasons to suspect that the job you are being sponsored for is non-existent, fraudulent, or solely created for the purpose of applying for a UK Scale-up Visa, your application will be rejected.

Furthermore, the Home Office will also assess whether you have entered into an agreement where you will be filling a temporary or permanent position with a third party who is not your sponsor, or if you will be engaged in contract work that involves performing an ongoing routine role or providing an ongoing routine service to a third party who is not your sponsor.

Skill Level Requirement for a Sponsored Application under the UK Scale-up Visa

To obtain a UK Scale-up Visa through a Sponsored Application, the job you are being sponsored for must meet certain criteria. It should be an eligible job that falls within a specific skill level.

You can be sponsored for a job that is listed in either Table 2 or Table 3 of Appendix Skilled Occupations, under the SOC 2020 occupation code. These tables provide a comprehensive list of job types and related titles that are eligible for the Scale-up route.

Typically, if the job you are being sponsored for is included in the list, it will meet the required skill level.

However, it is crucial for your sponsor to select the appropriate SOC 2020 occupation code. If the Home Office has reasonable grounds to believe that your sponsor has not made the correct choice, your application for a Scale-up Visa will be rejected.

When assessing whether the sponsor has chosen the most suitable SOC 2020 occupation code, the Home Office will consider various factors. 

These include whether there is a genuine need for the job as described, whether you possess the necessary skills, qualifications, and experience to perform the job, and the sponsor's compliance history with the immigration system.

Salary Requirement for a Sponsored Application under the UK Scale-up Visa

To acquire a UK Scale-up Visa through a Sponsored Application, the annual salary for the position you are being sponsored for must be at least £36,300, in addition to meeting the 'going rate' for the corresponding SOC 2020 occupation code.

Overall compensation expectation

The determination of salary is based solely on the guaranteed basic gross pay, which encompasses a maximum of 48 hours per week. It does not encompass any additional remuneration or benefits.

In the event that the applicant is sponsored to work a schedule where the regular hours vary from week to week, resulting in an uneven income, any hours worked beyond 48 hours in certain weeks can be taken into account when assessing the salary threshold of £36,300. 

However, this is only applicable if the average number of hours worked over a regular cycle, which can span up to 17 weeks, does not exceed 48 hours per week. Furthermore, any weeks without pay will be factored into the average calculation when determining if the salary thresholds have been met.

Requirement of Going rate

The rates provided in Table 2 of the Appendix for Skilled Occupations are calculated based on a standard 37.5-hour workweek and should be adjusted proportionally for different working schedules.

Unsponsored applications necessitate UK earnings as a prerequisite for individuals seeking employment as scale-up workers

To be eligible for a UK Scale-up Visa through an Unsponsored Application, you must have earned a minimum of £36,300 per year (or £34,600 per year if your most recent permission was based on a Certificate of Sponsorship assigned between 12 April 2023 and 3 April 2024, or £33,000 per year if your most recent permission was granted based on a Certificate of Sponsorship assigned on or before 11 April 2023) in monthly PAYE earnings in the UK for at least 50% of your time as a Scale-up Worker.

The Home Office will only consider your guaranteed basic gross pay recorded through UK-based PAYE. Any other sources of income, such as self-employment or earnings from outside the UK, will not be taken into account.

In the event of your absence from work due to statutory maternity leave, paternity leave, parental leave, shared parental leave, statutory adoption leave, or sick leave, these periods of absence will be treated as if you were receiving an annual salary of at least £36,300 (or £34,600 or £33,000 per year as applicable).

Authentic Income Prerequisite

To qualify for a UK Scale-up Visa, it is essential to demonstrate to the Home Office that your PAYE earnings are legitimate. 

If there are suspicions that your PAYE earnings are falsified, exaggerated, or not linked to real employment, your Scale-up Worker application will be rejected.

English Language Requirement for all Scale-up Applications in the UK

To be eligible for a UK Scale-up Visa, whether through a Sponsored or Unsponsored Application, it is necessary to demonstrate proficiency in the English language across all four components (reading, writing, speaking, and listening) at a minimum of level B1 (intermediate) on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

Individuals with exceptional skills who have received a job offer from a qualifying UK Scale-up business and are applying for entry clearance or leave to remain as a Scale-up migrant can fulfill the English language requirement if they meet any of the following criteria:

1. They are a citizen of a predominantly English-speaking country.
2.The Secure English Language Test has been successfully passed by them.
3. They have obtained a degree that was taught in English.
4. They have achieved a GCSE/A Level or Scottish Highers qualification in English while studying in the UK.
5. They have previously demonstrated their proficiency at level B1 or higher in a successful application for entry clearance or permission to stay.

Financial Requirement for all Scale-up Applications under the UK Scale-up Visa

In order to qualify for a UK Scale-up Visa, you need to have at least £1,270 in cash funds available.
 
These funds must have been maintained for a continuous period of 28 days, with the period ending no more than 31 days before your visa application date. 

However, if your sponsor agrees to cover your maintenance costs up to £1,270 until the end of your first month of employment, you will be exempt from this financial requirement. 

Your sponsor is required to verify this information on your Certificate of Sponsorship.
 
If you have been legally residing in the UK for 12 months or more at the time of applying for permission to stay, you will automatically satisfy the financial requirement and will not be required to demonstrate funds.

Requirement for Immigration Skills Charge

UK Scale-up Sponsors do not need to make payment for the Immigration Skills Charge.

Transitioning to the UK Scale-up Worker Route

If you are currently authorized to stay in the UK under a different immigration category, you have the option to extend your stay by switching to the UK Scale-up route, unless you were previously granted permission as a Visitor, Short-term student, Parent of a Child Student, Seasonal Worker, Domestic Worker in a Private Household, or outside the Immigration Rules.

The time frame of a UK Scale-up Visa

If you are approved for a UK Scale-up Visa through the Sponsored Application method, you will be given entrance clearance or permission to stay in the country for a duration of 2 years. 

Upon the expiration of the 2-year authorization, you will have the opportunity to submit an application without sponsorship.

If you are approved for a UK Scale-up Visa through the Unsponsored Application process, you will be given entrance clearance or permission to stay in the country for a duration of 3 years.

Terms and Conditions for Remaining on the UK Scale-up Visa Route

In the event that you receive a UK Scale-up Visa through the Sponsored Application pathway, you are required to be employed by the sponsoring employer for a period of at least 6 months at the outset. 

After this period, your immigration status will no longer be tied to the original sponsor, allowing you to work for any employer without needing sponsorship. 

Additionally, you are free to participate in extra activities like self-employment, voluntary work, and academic pursuits without requiring sponsorship. Public funds are not available to you.

If you are approved for a UK Scale-up Worker visa under the Unsponsored Application route, you will have immediate authorization to work without restrictions. 

This includes engaging in various activities such as employment, self-employment, and voluntary work without the need for a sponsoring employer. You will also have the freedom to pursue academic endeavors. Public funds will not be accessible to you.

Scale-up Worker’s Settlement

To be eligible for indefinite leave to remain as a UK Scale-up Worker, it is necessary to demonstrate to UK Visas and Immigration that:

•    You have resided continuously in the UK for a period of 5 years with valid leave.
•    The 5-year continuous period includes time spent in various routes such as Scale-up, Skilled Worker, Global Talent, Innovator, T2 Minister of Religion, International Sportsperson, Representative of an Overseas Business, and as a Tier 1 Migrant (excluding Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur).
•    You are currently employed in the UK and receive a salary of at least £36,300 per year (or £34,600 per year if your most recent permission was based on a Certificate of Sponsorship assigned between 12 April 2023 and 3 April 2024, or £33,000 per year if your most recent permission was based on a Certificate of Sponsorship assigned on or before 11 April 2023).
•    For at least 24 months within the last 3 years prior to the application date, you have earned monthly PAYE earnings in the UK equivalent to at least £36,300 per year (or £34,600 per year if your most recent permission was based on a Certificate of Sponsorship assigned between 12 April 2023 and 3 April 2024, or £33,000 per year if your most recent permission was based on a Certificate of Sponsorship assigned on or before 11 April 2023).
•    You fulfill the Knowledge of Life in the UK requirement, unless you are exempted.

Your guaranteed basic gross pay, as recorded through UK-based PAYE, will be taken into consideration by the Home Office. However, any other sources of income, such as earnings from self-employment or earnings from outside the UK, will not be taken into account.

During the past 3 years, any absences from work in the UK due to statutory maternity leave, paternity leave, parental leave, shared parental leave, statutory adoption leave, or sick leave will be considered as periods in which you received earnings equivalent to at least £36,300 per year. 

However, if your most recent permission on the route was granted based on a Certificate of Sponsorship assigned between 12 April 2023 and 3 April 2024, the equivalent earnings will be £34,600 per year. 

Similarly, if your most recent permission on the route was granted based on a Certificate of Sponsorship assigned on or before 11 April 2023, the equivalent earnings will be £33,000 per year.

Authentic Income Prerequisite

To qualify for settlement as a UK Scale-up Worker, it is essential to demonstrate to the Home Office the authenticity of your PAYE earnings. 

If there are suspicions that your PAYE earnings are falsified, exaggerated, or not linked to legitimate employment, your ILR application as a Scale-up Worker will be rejected.

Dependents of applicants for the UK Scale-up Visa

UK Scale-up Visa holders have the option to bring along a dependent partner who is over 18 years old, as well as any dependent children who are under 18 years old.

UK Skilled Worker Visa

The UK Skilled Worker Visa is open to individuals from any country who have been offered a qualifying skilled job in the UK by a sponsor approved by the Home Office. This route could lead to settlement, and applicants can bring their spouse or civil partner and children along with them.

A UK Skilled Worker Visa can be obtained by being sponsored by an employer licensed by the Home Office to fulfill specific job requirements and salary criteria. We have provided comprehensive guidance for UK employers considering the application for a Skilled Worker sponsor license.

If you are interested in establishing a new business or already own a business in the UK, you may be eligible for a Skilled Worker visa through self-sponsorship. A separate document has been prepared to address the self-sponsored Skilled Worker visa.

The Skilled Worker route does not impose any restrictions on the number of individuals allowed to enter the United Kingdom.

Eligibility Criteria for a UK Skilled Worker Visa

To be eligible for a UK Skilled Worker Visa, you must meet the requirements established by UK Visas and Immigration. 
•    You must be 18 years old or older.
•    You must possess a valid Certificate of Sponsorship for the specific job you intend to undertake.
•    The job offer you have received must be a legitimate vacancy.
•    Your job must require skills that are appropriate for your level of expertise.
•    Your salary must meet or exceed both the general salary threshold and the 'going rate' for the relevant SOC 2020 occupation code.
•    Your sponsor must have fulfilled any necessary payment obligations for the Immigration Skills Charge.
•    You must have a minimum English language proficiency of CEFR Level B1, which is equivalent to an IELTS score of 4.0.
•    You must have sufficient funds to support yourself financially without relying on public assistance.
•    If required, you must provide a criminal record certificate.
•    If required, you must provide a valid TB certificate.

The specific criteria that you must meet may differ based on your individual situation. It may be beneficial to consult with an immigration attorney to obtain professional guidance.

Requirement for Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

To obtain a UK Skilled Worker Visa, it is essential to possess a valid Certificate of Sponsorship for the specific job you intend to undertake. 

The Certificate of Sponsorship must be issued by an employer authorized by the Home Office to sponsor the particular job under the Skilled Worker route. For further information on applying for a Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence or to explore success stories related to the Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence, please refer to our resources.

It is crucial that your sponsor is listed as A-rated on the Home Office's register of licensed sponsors, unless you were previously granted permission as a Skilled Worker and are now seeking to continue working for the same sponsor.
Additionally, your Certificate of Sponsorship should have been issued within the last 3 months prior to your Skilled Worker application date.

The Certificate of Sponsorship is required to contain specific essential details, such as:

•    Provide your full name, occupation, and annual income details
•    Commencement date should not exceed 3 months from the submission date of your Skilled Worker visa application
•    Verify that the Certificate of Sponsorship has not been utilized in any prior successful, unsuccessful, withdrawn, or cancelled applications.

Requirement for Genuine Vacancy

To obtain a UK Skilled Worker Visa, it is essential to demonstrate to the Home Office that you have a legitimate job offer and possess the necessary skills for the assigned role stated in your Certificate of Sponsorship.

If there are valid reasons to suspect that the job you are being sponsored for is non-existent, fraudulent, or solely created to facilitate your application for a UK Skilled Worker Visa, your application will be rejected.

Furthermore, the Home Office will also assess whether you have entered into any agreements that involve filling a temporary or permanent position, engaging in contract work those entails performing an ongoing routine role, or providing continuous routine services to a third party who is not your sponsor.

Requirement for Immigration Skills Charge

The payment of the Immigration Skills Charge is mandatory for every sponsoring employer who wishes to hire foreign workers. 

It is required to be paid each time a sponsoring employer allocates a Certificate of Sponsorship to a migrant. Additionally, it is essential that your sponsor has fully settled any outstanding Immigration Skills Charge payments.

Suitable Skill Level Needed

To be eligible for a UK Skilled Worker Visa, the job you are being sponsored for must meet certain criteria. The role you are looking to fill must be skilled to at least RQF level 3, which is equivalent to A-levels. 

It is important to note that you do not need to possess a formal qualification to meet the skill level requirement. Instead, it is the skill level required for the job itself that determines whether you meet the threshold.

The Home Office provides a list of eligible jobs in Appendix Skilled Occupations and Appendix Immigration Salary List. Each job on this list is assigned a SOC 2020 occupation code. In order to qualify for the visa, you must be sponsored for a job that falls under an eligible SOC 2020 occupation code listed in either Appendix Skilled Occupations or Appendix Immigration Salary List. However, there are different rules for those extending as a care worker or home carer.

Your job's appropriate occupation code is the responsibility of your sponsor. In the event that the Home Office suspects that your sponsor has not chosen the most suitable occupation code, your application for a Skilled Worker Visa will be declined.

When assessing whether your sponsor has chosen the correct occupation code, the Home Office takes into account various factors. These include whether there is a genuine need for the job as described, whether you possess the necessary skills, qualifications, and experience required for the job, and your sponsor's compliance history with the immigration system.

English Language Prerequisite

To be eligible for a UK Skilled Worker Visa, individuals must prove their English language proficiency in all four areas (reading, writing, speaking, and listening) at a minimum of B1 level (intermediate) on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

Applicants seeking entry clearance or leave to remain as a Skilled Worker will meet the English language criteria if they:

•    Hold citizenship in a predominantly English-speaking nation
•    Successfully completed a Secure English Language Test
•    Attained a degree that was instructed in English
•    Achieved a GCSE/A Level or Scottish Higher in English while studying in the UK
•    Previously demonstrated meeting the B1 level requirement in a prior successful application for entry clearance or permission to stay

Minimum Salary Requirement for UK Skilled Worker Visa

Employers who wish to hire under the Skilled Worker route are required to pay their skilled workers a salary that meets or surpasses both a general salary threshold and the 'going rate' for the relevant SOC 2020 occupation code, provided they are able to trade points as outlined in the regulations.

The salary you will typically need to receive as a Skilled Worker should be equal to or higher than the following amount:

•    The standard salary requirement for most positions is £38,700 annually, but it may be £34,830 or £30,960 if the employee earns 'tradable points'.
o    Exceptions include individuals previously approved as Skilled Workers before 4 April 2024 and applying before 4 April 2030, with a salary threshold of £29,000, potentially reduced to £26,100 or £23,200 with 'tradable points'.
o    Workers sponsored for Health and Care ASHE salary roles have a general salary threshold of £29,000, which can be lowered to £26,100 or £23,200 with 'tradable points'.
o    Those sponsored in Health or Education SOC 2020 occupation codes with national pay scale-based rates have a salary threshold of £23,200.
•    The appropriate 'going rate' for the SOC 2020 occupation code in Appendix Skilled Occupations, or a percentage of it with 'tradable points', applies.

If the general salary threshold exceeds the going rate for the occupation, you must be compensated at least the general salary threshold. Conversely, if the general salary threshold is lower than the going rate for the occupation, you must be paid at least the going rate. 

The general salary threshold is determined by actual gross earnings, capped at 48 hours per week, unless the applicant is sponsored for irregular working patterns resulting in varying pay. In such cases, work exceeding 48 hours in certain weeks can contribute towards the salary thresholds, as long as the average over a regular cycle (not exceeding 17 weeks) does not exceed 48 hours per week. Unpaid rest weeks are factored into the average when assessing if the salary thresholds are met.

The standard rate is determined by a 37.5-hour workweek and should be adapted accordingly to the weekly working hours indicated on the certificate of sponsorship (CoS).

Points that can be exchanged or traded

Under the Skilled Worker route, certain sponsored skilled workers may receive a salary below £38,700 per annum. This is applicable when they are awarded additional 'tradable points' for possessing other desirable qualities.

•    A candidate who holds a relevant PhD qualification for the position may receive a salary equal to or higher than £34,830 per annum and 90% of the current rate for the SOC 2020 occupation code.
•    A candidate with a STEM PhD qualification that is relevant to the job may be offered a salary that is equal to or exceeds £30,960 per year and 80% of the going rate for the SOC 2020 occupation code.
•    An applicant who has received a job offer for a position listed on the Immigration Salary List may be compensated with a salary that is equal to or exceeds £30,960 per year and the going rate for the SOC 2020 occupation code.
•    A candidate who is starting their career may be granted a salary that is equal to or exceeds £30,960 per year and 70% of the going rate for the SOC 2020 occupation code.

Salary Expectations For Skilled Workers Approved Prior to April 4, 2024

Applicants who were granted permission as a Skilled Worker prior to 4 April 2024 and have maintained continuous permission as a Skilled Worker since then, and who apply for further leave before 4 April 2030, may be eligible for a salary that meets or exceeds the following criteria:

•    The general salary threshold, which is £29,000 per year for most jobs. However, it may be £26,100 or £23,200 per year if the worker scores 'tradable points' (see below).
•    The applicable 'going rate' for the SOC 2020 occupation code in Appendix Skilled Occupations, or a percentage of the 'going rate' if the worker scores 'tradable points' (see below).
•    Certain Skilled Workers who were granted permission as a Skilled Worker before 4 April 2024 may be paid less than £29,000 per year if they are awarded additional 'tradable points' for other attributes:
•    An applicant with a relevant PhD qualification for the job may be paid a salary that equals or exceeds both £26,100 per year and 90% of the going rate for the SOC 2020 occupation code.
•    An applicant with a relevant PhD qualification in a STEM subject for the job may be paid a salary that equals or exceeds both £23,200 per year and 80% of the going rate for the SOC 2020 occupation code.
•    An applicant with a job offer for a job on the Immigration Salary List may be paid a salary that equals or exceeds both £23,200 per year and the going rate for the SOC 2020 occupation code.
•    An applicant who is a new entrant to the labour market at the beginning of their career may be paid a salary that equals or exceeds both £23,200 per year and 70% of the going rate for the SOC 2020 occupation code.

Health and Care Visa Applicants must provide their salary requirements as per the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE).

Candidates supported for a Health and Care Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) position could be offered a salary that meets or exceeds the set criteria.

•    The standard salary threshold, which is £29,000 annually for most positions, but could be £26,100 or £23,200 per year if the worker accumulates 'tradable points';
•    The relevant 'going rate' for the SOC 2020 occupation code in Appendix Skilled Occupations - or a portion of the 'going rate' if the worker earns 'tradable points'.
Certain sponsored Health and Care Workers who apply for a Health and Care Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) position might be offered a salary lower than £29,000 per annum. However, they have the potential to increase their earnings through the utilization of 'tradable points' associated with specific qualifications.
•    An individual possessing an appropriate PhD credential could potentially receive an annual salary of £26,100 or more, amounting to 90% of the current rate for the SOC 2020 occupation code.
•    A candidate with a relevant PhD qualification in a STEM subject may earn a salary equal to or higher than £23,200 per year and 80% of the going rate for the SOC 2020 occupation code;
•    A candidate with a job offer on the Immigration Salary List may earn a salary equal to or higher than £23,200 per year and the going rate for the SOC 2020 occupation code;
•    A new entrant to the labour market at the beginning of their career may earn a salary equal to or higher than £23,200 per year and 70% of the going rate for the SOC 2020 occupation code.

Salary requirements for occupations in the Health and Education SOC 2020 codes, where the rates are determined by national pay scales, are as follows:

•    The minimum salary threshold is £23,200 per year.
•    The salary should also meet or exceed the 'going rate' specified for the specific SOC 2020 occupation code in Appendix Skilled Occupations.

Rates Per Hour

A majority of SOC 2020 occupation codes necessitate a minimum hourly rate of £15.88. This requirement will be enforced irrespective of whether you qualify for a discount on the going rate through tradable points. Furthermore, £15.88 exceeds 70%, 80%, or 90% of the indicated going rate.

If you were previously granted permission as a Skilled Worker before 4 April 2024 and are applying before 4 April 2030, or if you are a worker being sponsored for a Health and Care ASHE salary job, a minimum hourly rate of £11.90 will be required. This hourly rate requirement will be enforced regardless of whether you are eligible for a discount on the going rate based on tradable points. Additionally, £11.90 exceeds 70%, 80%, or 90% of the indicated going rate.

However, if you are being sponsored in a Health or Education SOC 2020 occupation code where going rates are determined by national pay schedules, you will not be obligated to meet an hourly rate requirement.

What does the 'Immigration Salary List'?

The Home Office has compiled a register of specialized positions that pose challenges for employers in finding enough workers with the required skills to fill their job openings. Employers are permitted to hire migrants for roles listed on the Immigration Salary List at a salary lower than the standard threshold. 

Skilled Worker eligible occupations on the Immigration Salary List can receive a salary that meets or exceeds the current rate for the SOC 2020 occupation code and £30,960 annually. 

Meanwhile, occupations eligible for a Health and Care Worker visa (excluding those on the national pay scale) listed on the Immigration Salary List may be remunerated at a rate equal to or higher than both £23,200 per year and the current rate for the SOC 2020 occupation code.

What defines an individual as a 'New Entrant to the Labour Market'?

Individuals who are under the age of 26 at the time of application, or who are transitioning from a student or Graduate Visa, are considered new entrants to the labour market. Additionally, those who are sponsored in specific postdoctoral research positions or are working towards professional qualifications, registration, or chartered status also fall under this category. 

It is important to note that the salary threshold requirement will be reduced for individuals who qualify as new entrants. However, it is crucial to mention that if an applicant's approval would result in a combined period of permission as a Skilled Worker, Tier 2 Migrant, and/or Graduate exceeding four years, they will not be eligible for new entrant status.

Financial Requirement for UK Skilled Worker Visa

You need to have at least £1,270 in currency available, except for the exemptions mentioned below. The money should have been held for a minimum of 28 consecutive days, with the last day not exceeding 31 days prior to your UK Skilled Worker Visa application date.

If you have a sponsor with an "A-rated" status who is willing to cover your maintenance costs up to a minimum of £1,270 until the end of your first month of employment, you will not need to meet the financial requirement. Your Certificate of Sponsorship requires confirmation of this information from your sponsor.

If you have been legally residing in the United Kingdom for 12 months or more at the time of your application and are applying to extend your stay, you will meet the financial requirement and will not have to provide financial evidence.

Requirement for Criminal Record Certificate.

If you are seeking entry clearance and have a sponsor for particular roles (typically in the fields of health, care, welfare, and education), you must provide a criminal record certificate from any country where you have resided for 12 months or longer (whether continuously or cumulatively) since turning 18 within the past 10 years prior to your application date, unless obtaining such a certificate is impractical.

Is it necessary for sponsors to conduct a Resident Labour Market Test?

Employers sponsoring skilled workers under the UK Skilled Worker Visa route are exempt from completing a Resident Labour Market Test (RLMT), unlike the previous route. However, sponsors are still obligated to actively seek out legitimate job openings.

Transitioning to the UK Skilled Worker Visa Route.

If you currently hold leave to remain in another immigration category, you have the option to extend your stay by switching to the Skilled Worker route. However, please note that this option is not available if you are classified as a Visitor, Short-term student, Parent of a Child Student, Seasonal Worker, Domestic Worker in a Private Household, or if you fall outside the Immigration Rules.

In case you have previously been granted permission to study, you can only transition to the Skilled Worker Visa route if you meet one of the following criteria:

•    You have successfully completed the course of study for which your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies was assigned.
•    The course you were enrolled in finished before the start date mentioned on your CoS.
•    The course you where pursuing was leading to a PhD award, and you have completed a minimum of 24 months of the course.

Is there a waiting period in the Skilled Worker Route?

Applicants who wish to obtain entry clearance or transition to the Tier 2 (General) route must ensure that they have not resided in the UK as a Tier 2 (General) migrant in the past year, as per the previous regulations. 

However, the Skilled Worker route has abolished the 12-month "cooling off period." Therefore, individuals applying for the UK Skilled Worker Visa are not restricted by any specific timing requirements for their applications.

UK Skilled Worker Visa Duration

If your application for a UK Skilled Worker Visa is approved, you will receive entry clearance or permission to stay for a duration that concludes 14 days after the expiration date of your Certificate of Sponsorship. The end date of your Certificate of Sponsorship can be a maximum of 5 years after its start date.

Is there a time limit for the UK Skilled Worker Route?

Individuals who were once subject to a six-year limit when applying for entry clearance or transitioning to the Tier 2 (General) route no longer face such restrictions. The recent modifications have eliminated the time constraint for staying in the Skilled Worker route, allowing individuals to remain in the route indefinitely.
 
The previous requirement of a maximum six-year stay in the Tier 2 (General) route or when applying for entry clearance has been lifted with recent changes. Individuals can now stay in the Skilled Worker route without any time restrictions.

Requirements for Residency as a UK Skilled Worker.

Skilled Worker Visa holders have the permission to seek out job opportunities that are sponsored. They are also allowed to take on additional employment as long as they remain in the sponsored position. 

Pursuing studies is also allowed, as long as an ATAS Certificate is provided when required. It is important to note that access to public funds is not permitted.

Skilled Worker Settlement

To be eligible for Settlement as a Skilled Worker, it is necessary to demonstrate to UK Visas and Immigration the following:

•    You have resided continuously in the UK for a period of 5 years.
•    The uninterrupted 5-year duration encompasses time authorized on any of the subsequent pathways, or a blend of them: Skilled Worker, Global Talent, Innovator Founder, T2 Minister of Religion, International 

Sportsperson, Representative of an Overseas Business, Tier 1 Migrant (excluding Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur) or Scale-up.

•    You have not exceeded 180 days outside the UK during each year of the 5-year continuous period.
•    You have successfully passed the Life in the UK test, unless you are 65 years of age or older.
•    Your sponsor remains an approved sponsor by the Home Office.
•    Your sponsor still requires your services for the foreseeable future.
•    You are currently being paid, and will continue to be paid, at least the general salary threshold or the going rate for settlement as a Skilled Worker, whichever is higher, for the foreseeable future.

Skilled Workers' Dependents.

Qualified employees can be accompanied by a dependent partner who is 18 years old or older, as well as a dependent child who is under 18 years old.

 

 

A UK Skilled Worker visa may be available to you through self-sponsorship, hwhich involves being sponsored by your own UK company, if you are interested in establishing a new business in the UK or own an existing business in the country. Before you can apply for a UK Skilled Worker visa through self-sponsorship, your UK business must obtain a UK Skilled Worker sponsor licence.

The Skilled Worker visa route that is self-sponsored has the potential to result in settlement in the United Kingdom. Dependent companions and children may accompany applicants.

Requirements for a Self-Sponsorship UK Skilled Worker Visa

To sponsor yourself for a UK Skilled Worker visa, you must meet the following criteria, as outlined by UK Visas and Immigration: IN order to sponsor oneself for a UK Skilled Worker visa, the following criteria must be met, as outlined by UK Visas and Immigration:

• You are aged 18 or over;
• There is an established UK company which is active and genuine;
• Your UK company has successfully applied for a Skilled Worker sponsor licence;
• Your UK company has assigned a valid Certificate of Sponsorship to you for the job you are planning to do;
• Your job offer is a genuine vacancy;
• Your job is at an appropriate skill level;
• You will be paid a salary which equals or exceeds both a general salary threshold and the ‘going rate’ for the applicable SOC 2020 occupation code;
• Your sponsor has paid any required Immigration Skills Charge;
• You are competent in the English language to at least CEFR Level B1 (equivalent to IELTS 4.0);
• You have enough money to support yourself without relying on public funds;
• You have provided a criminal record certificate, if required; and
• You have provided a valid TB certificate, if required.

The specific requirements that must be met in order to sponsor oneself for a UK Skilled Worker visa will differ based on the individual's circumstances. For expert guidance, it may be beneficial to consult with an immigration attorney.

How to Apply for a Self-Sponsorship UK Skilled Worker Visa

In order to sponsor yourself for a UK Skilled Worker visa, you will need to complete 4 steps:

1. Establish a UK company
2. Apply for a Skilled Worker sponsor licence
3. Assign a Certificate of Sponsorship
4. Apply for a Skilled Worker visa

Stage 1: Establish a UK Company

To qualify for a UK Skilled Worker visa through self-sponsorship, you must either register a new company in the UK or have already registered a company in the United Kingdom.

Is It Possible to Register a UK Company From Overseas?

There is a possibility of registering a UK company from abroad. A director of a UK company is not required to be a British citizen or a UK resident. Nevertheless, all directors of UK companies, including those who are not UK residents, are required to satisfy specific obligations and qualifications.

A UK-based representative may be appointed by a non-UK resident director in the event that they are unable to fulfil their responsibilities, such as signing official documents in person or attending board meetings themselves.

If you are not acquainted with the UK company registration process or UK laws and regulations, you may wish to retain the services of a professional company formation agent who can assist you in navigating the process and guarantee that all necessary requirements are fulfilled. Furthermore, it is imperative that you adhere to all pertinent laws and regulations in your country of origin with respect to the registration of an overseas company.

Stage 2: Apply for a UK Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence

Requirements for a UK Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence 

After registering a UK company, the subsequent step in the process of obtaining a UK Skilled Worker visa through self-sponsorship is for your UK business to submit for and be granted a Skilled Worker sponsor licence.

We have compiled a comprehensive guide for UK businesses that are contemplating the application for a UK Skilled Worker sponsor Licence. Nevertheless, the Home Office will require assurance that:

• Your UK business is a genuine business operating lawfully in the UK; and
• Your UK business is capable of carrying out its sponsor duties effectively; and
• Your UK business is offering genuine employment that meets the salary and skill level requirements of the Skilled Worker route.

Genuine Business Operating Lawfully in the UK

The Home Office requires that you submit a minimum of four specified documents, as outlined in Appendix A of the sponsor guidance, to demonstrate that your business is a legitimate entity operating lawfully in the United Kingdom.

Professional advice should always be obtained, as the specific documents that you will need to provide will vary depending on the circumstances of your application. Nevertheless, the following documents will typically be required to be included in a Skilled Worker sponsor licence application if a business has been functioning in the UK for less than 18 months and qualifies as a start-up business:

Mandatory document:

• Evidence that the business has a current, corporate bank account with a bank registered by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority in the UK;

Plus any three of the following documents:

• Proof that the business has registered with HMRC as an employer for PAYE and National Insurance; or
• Proof that the business has registered for VAT; or
• Proof that the business has employer’s liability insurance cover for at least £5m from an insurer authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority; or
• Proof of ownership or lease of business premises by the business; or
• Most recent annual accounts of the business.

Can a Non-UK Resident Open a UK Business Bank Account?

It is feasible for a non-UK resident to establish a business bank account in the United Kingdom; however, the prerequisites and procedures may differ contingent upon the bank and the individual's circumstances.

In order to establish a bank account in the United Kingdom as a non-resident, you will typically be required to submit identification documents, including a passport or national ID card, evidence of address (which may be more challenging to obtain as a non-resident), and proof of income or funding source.

Certain institutions may mandate that you possess a UK address or be a tax resident in the United Kingdom. Furthermore, certain banks may restrict the availability of specific classes of accounts to non-UK residents, such as basic bank accounts.

It is also crucial to consider that certain institutions may mandate that you visit a branch in person to establish an account, while others may permit you to do so online.

Researching the requirements of various banks for non-UK residents and contacting them directly to determine the necessary documents and information to establish a business bank account is advised. It may be beneficial to seek the advice of a professional who can provide a comprehensive explanation of your options and assist in guaranteeing that all of the bank's requirements are satisfied.

Does the UK Business Need to Be Trading in the UK?

In the majority of cases, your UK business will be required to register for PAYE/NI and VAT, have a UK business bank account, and be registered with Companies House. However, it is not necessary for your business to be actively trading or have generated any revenue in the UK.

Nevertheless, it is frequently simpler to demonstrate to the Home Office that your UK business is a legitimate organisation operating lawfully in the UK if, for instance, you have an existing overseas business that is actively trading and a legitimate business case can be made for establishing a branch of your overseas business in the UK, you have a detailed business plan for your UK business, you have a sufficient amount of investment funds to operate your UK business, particularly any staffing costs, and you have engaged in some early-stage business activities in the UK, such as establishing a functioning website, telephone number, and email address.

Our immigration solicitors at Richmond Chambers have obtained sponsor licences for both new UK businesses and those that are associated with an existing overseas business. Our immigration solicitors are qualified to provide you with guidance on the likelihood of success and your available options.

Business Is Capable of Carrying Out Its Sponsor Duties

Certain obligations must be fulfilled by all licenced sponsors. Your responsibilities as a licenced sponsor will encompass the following: compliance with UK immigration laws, record-keeping, and recording.

The Home Office will evaluate the capacity of your business to fulfil its sponsor responsibilities by examining its current recruitment and human resources systems and practices. For instance, it will inquire about the existence of systems that enable you to determine when a sponsored worker fails to report to work or when their current permission is about to expire. They may also conduct a compliance audit, either prior to or subsequent to the granting of your licence.

We furnish all of our clients with a comprehensive Human Resources policy and procedure bundle as part of our sponsor licence application service. This encompasses the following: a job description analysis, guidance on Right to Work Checks, a Sponsor Licence Policy guide, a record-keeping checklist and templates, and ongoing advice on HR systems and procedures.

Genuine Employment That Meets Salary and Skill Level Requirements

In addition to reviewing documentation about your company in the UK, the Home Office will want to be satisfied that:

• Your UK company will be offering employment which meets the skill level requirement of the Skilled Worker route (normally RQF Level 3 or above), The Home Office sets out eligible jobs in Appendix Skilled Occupations and Appendix Immigration Salary List. Each eligible job has a SOC 2020 occupation code; 
• Your UK company will be offering employment which meets the salary level requirement of the Skilled Worker route.  The salary you receive as a Skilled Worker will usually need to equal or exceed both the general salary threshold (normally at least £38,700 per year, but may be £34,830 or £30,960 per year if you, as the worker, score alternative ‘tradable points’) and the ‘going rate’ for the applicable SOC 2020 occupation code in Appendix Skilled Occupations – or a percentage of the ‘going rate’ if you score ‘tradable points’;
• The job you are looking to sponsor is genuine;
• There is a direct employer-employee relationship between the sponsoring business and the worker, although the worker can be employed overseas and self-employment is permitted in some circumstances;
• The business is not looking to sponsor a role which will involve hiring a worker to a third party to undertake an ongoing or routine role.

You can read more about the skill level requirement and the salary threshold requirement on our main Skilled Worker visa page.

As part of your company’s sponsor licence application, you will therefore additionally need to provide the Home Office with the following:

• An explanation as to why your company is applying for a Skilled Worker sponsor licence, the sector you operate in and your opening/operating hours;
• A current hierarchy chart detailing any owner, director and board members;
• A list of employees, including names and titles (if your business has 50 employees or less);
• Information about the jobs your company wishes to fill and for which it intends to assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), including the job title and occupation code, duties, where the job sits on the hierarchy chart, the minimum salary the company would guarantee if the job were vacant today and the skills, experience and qualifications required;
• If the role for which the business intends to assign a CoS has not been advertised but a person has already been identified for the role, details of how the person was identified as the most suitable person for the job and various personal details.

Appointing Key Personnel

Prior to submitting your application for a sponsor licence, you will need to appoint 3 Key Personnel:

• An Authorising Officer – to manage the sponsorship licence and be ultimately responsible for the licence, ensuring that your sponsor licence duties are met;
• A Key Contact – to act as the main contact between your business and the Home Office;
• At least one Level 1 User to carry out day-to-day sponsorship activities using the Sponsorship Management System (SMS).  

When considering self-sponsorship, the following specific key personnel requirements should be kept in mind:

• The Key Personnel roles can be filled by the same person or a combination of different people;  
• Each of the key personnel (or the key person, where all roles are filled by the same person) must be based in the UK at the date of appointment and throughout the period over which they will fill the role that they have been appointed to;
• The Authorising Officer and initial Level 1 User must be a paid director, employee or office holder (e.g. a company secretary) of the UK entity at the date of application;
• The Authorising Officer must have sufficient oversight over the UK business to fulfil his or her responsibilities; and
• The Level 1 User must be British or settled in the UK.

In practice, these requirements mean that in order to apply for a UK Skilled Worker visa via self-sponsorship you will need to have a trusted person based in the UK who is either British or settled and who you are willing to appoint as a paid director, employee or office holder of your UK business.  

If you are considering paying for the services of a third-party agent to act as a UK Director and Authorising Officer for a fee, you may wish to consider how the agent will satisfy the Home Office that they have sufficient involvement in and oversight over your UK business to fulfil their responsibilities.  You may also wish to keep in mind that the Home Office can, and regularly does, conduct unannounced compliance visits to the Authorising Officer’s business premises.

Stage 3: Assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

After the approval of your company's sponsor licence application, your business will be able to register for and subsequently assign a Defined Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).

Certificates of Sponsorship are electronic records that must be assigned to each migrant labourer you intend to employ. An applicant worker will be able to register for a self-sponsorship UK Skilled Worker visa with the assistance of a unique reference number assigned to each CoS.

Your Certificate of Sponsorship must have been issued no earlier than three months prior to the date of your UK Skilled Worker application.

Certain mandatory information must be included in your Certificate of Sponsorship, such as:

• Details of your name, job and salary;
• A start date which is no more than 3 months after the date your UK Skilled Worker visa application;
• Confirmation that the Certificate of Sponsorship has not been used in a previous application which was either granted or refused and has not been withdrawn by the sponsor or cancelled by the Home Office.

Stage 4: Apply for a Self-Sponsored UK Skilled Worker Visa

You will be able to register for a Skilled Worker visa through self-sponsorship once a Certificate of Sponsorship has been assigned.

In order to sponsor yourself for a UK Skilled Worker visa, your visa application must demonstrate that:

• Your Certificate of Sponsorship is valid;
• Your job offer is a genuine vacancy;
• Your job is at an appropriate skill level;
• You will be paid a salary which equals or exceeds both a general salary threshold and the ‘going rate’ for the applicable SOC 2020 occupation code;
• Your sponsor has paid any required Immigration Skills Charge;
• You are competent in the English language to at least CEFR Level B1 (equivalent to IELTS 4.0);
• You have enough money to support yourself without relying on public funds;
• You have provided a criminal record certificate, if required; and
• You have provided a valid TB certificate, if required.

Up to three months prior to your anticipated commencement of employment in the United Kingdom, you may submit an application for a UK Skilled Worker visa.

Typically, a decision on your self-sponsored Skilled Worker visa application should be received within three weeks if you are applying from abroad. The standard processing period for an application to switch into or extend a stay in the UK as a Skilled Worker is 8 weeks. Additionally, priority services may be accessible.

 

Prerequisites for the UK Innovator Founder Visa include the generation of the business idea or substantial contribution to its development. Additionally, innovator founders must intend to play a significant role in the development and day-to-day operations of the company.

At the conclusion of the three-year validity period, Innovator Founder visas may be converted directly into indefinite leave to remain in the United Kingdom. In the United Kingdom, applicants for an Innovator Founder Visa may bring their spouse and any children under the age of 18.

Those who own an existing UK business or are interested in establishing a new business in the country may also qualify for a Skilled Worker visa through self-sponsorship, which entails having your own UK company sponsor your application.

Requirements for a UK Innovator Founder Visa

In order to qualify for a UK Innovator Founder Visa, you will need to satisfy UK Visas and Immigration that:

• You are at least 18 years old.
• You have an endorsement letter from an approved UK endorsing body that confirms that:
  • You are a fit and proper person to receive endorsement under the Innovator Founder route.
  • The endorsing body has no concerns over the source of any funds invested into your business.
  • The endorsing body has no reason to believe that you or your business may be the beneficiary of illicit or unexplained wealth.
  • You have a business plan and you either generated or made a significant contribution to the ideas in that business plan.
  • You will have a day-to-day role in carrying out the business plan.
  • You will have at least two Contact point meetings with the endorsing body at regular intervals.
  • You are either the sole founder or an instrumental member of the founding team, and
  • You have an innovative, viable and scalable business venture. 
• Your endorsement letter was issued not more than 3 months before the date of your Innovator visa application.
• You are competent in the English language to at least CEFR Level B2 (equivalent to IELTS 5.5 in reading, writing, listening and speaking);
• If you are outside the UK or have been in the UK for less than 12 months, you have at least £1270 to support yourself, plus £285 for a dependent partner, £315 for a first child, and £200 for each additional child.
• Your application does not fall for refusal on general grounds;
• You have provided a TB test certificate, if required.

The exact requirements you will need to satisfy may vary depending on the circumstances of your case. You may want to speak to an immigration lawyer for expert advice.

Who is eligible to apply for the UK Innovator Founder Visa?

The UK Innovator Founder Visa is open to both aspiring start-up entrepreneurs and seasoned business professionals who wish to establish an innovative, viable, and scalable enterprise in the United Kingdom.

In general, applicants will present with a novel business concept for an unestablished company. Nevertheless, individuals may join a business that has already been registered with Companies House, so long as it has not commenced operations. In such cases, the Home Office will assess whether the applicant substantially contributed to the business plan and was not primarily incorporated into an existing business plan for the purpose of faking the application.

Innovator founders can work on their own as sole founders or together as part of a founding team, provided they are an instrumental member of the founding team.

Any industry may be the subject of the business idea as long as it is sufficiently novel, workable, and scalable and has a solid business plan behind it.

If you wish to join an already-trading business, then the skilled worker visa may be more appropriate.  If you are a senior manager or specialist employee of an overseas business looking to establish a commercial presence in the UK, then you may wish to consider the UK Expansion Worker visa instead.

Investment Funds Requirement for a UK Innovator Founder Visa

UK Innovator Founder Visa applicants do not need to show any specific amount of funds to invest in their proposed business.

However, the requirement to have a ‘viable’ and ‘scalable’ business idea means that, in practice, you will need to demonstrate that you have access to a level of investment funds that is sufficient to set up and grow your business. 

The investment fund requirement for a UK Innovator Founder Visa is, therefore, a flexible provision that is capable of being satisfied by anyone with a genuine proposal for an innovative business and an appropriate level of funds to deliver it, based on the specific financial needs of their business. 

Endorsement Criteria for a UK Innovator Founder Visa

New Business Endorsement Criteria

In order for your new business proposal to be endorsed by a Home Office-approved endorsing body and an Innovator Founder endorsement letter issued, the endorsing body will need to be satisfied that you meet various requirements:

UK Innovator Founder Visa General Requirements

• The endorsing body must verify that you possess the necessary qualities and integrity to be eligible for endorsement under the Innovator Founder route.
• The endorsing body does not have any reservations regarding the origin of any funds invested in your business.
• The endorsing body has no grounds to suspect that you or your business may be the recipient of illicit or unexplained wealth.

Business plan requirement for UK Innovator Founder Visa

To fulfil the Innovator Founder business plan requirement, you must possess a business plan and have either originated or made a substantial contribution to the ideas outlined in that plan.

In addition, you must provide evidence of your active involvement in implementing the business plan on a daily basis. Furthermore, you must ensure that you have a minimum of two scheduled meetings with your endorsing body at regular intervals throughout your authorised period.

In addition, it is necessary for you to either be the sole founder or play a crucial role as a member of the founding team.

Visa for UK Innovator Founders Business requirements that are innovative, viable, and scalable.

• To fulfil the criteria for an Innovator Founder Visa, your business idea must satisfy the requirements of being innovative, viable, and scalable.
• Innovation: You must possess an authentic and unique business strategy that addresses the demands of either new or established markets, and/or establishes a distinct competitive edge;
• Feasibility: Your business plan must be grounded in reality and attainable, taking into account the resources at your disposal. Additionally, you must possess or be actively acquiring the requisite skills, knowledge, experience, and market awareness to effectively operate your business.
• Scalability: The presence of well-organized planning and the potential for generating employment and expanding into domestic and global markets must be demonstrated.

Uniform Business Endorsement Criteria

If you have previously received an assessment from a Home Office-approved endorsing body while you were on the Innovator, Innovator Founder, Start-up, or Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) route, either for a previous endorsement application or at a contact point, you are eligible to apply for an additional endorsement as an Innovator Founder.

This option is suitable if you intend to transition into the UK Innovator Founder route from one of the mentioned routes or if you wish to apply for an extension of your stay as an Innovator Founder.

To be eligible for an endorsement based on operating the same business as in a previous endorsement application and to obtain an Innovator Founder endorsement letter, you must demonstrate to a Home Office-approved endorsing body that:

Your business is officially registered with Companies House and you are recorded as a director or member of the business.

Your business is currently operational, engaged in commercial activities, and capable of maintaining its operations over time.

You have achieved substantial advancements towards your business plan.

You are actively involved in the daily operations and growth of your business.

If you currently possess or previously possessed authorization as an Innovator or Innovator Founder, you must provide evidence that you attended a minimum of 2 Contact point meetings with your endorsing body (or equivalent checkpoints with a legacy endorsing body) at consistent intervals throughout your authorised period. Additionally, you must confirm that you will continue to have at least two Contact point meetings with the endorsing body at consistent intervals for the duration of your authorization.

List of Approved UK Innovator Founder Visa Endorsing Bodies

The following is a list of endorsement Bodies that have been approved by the Home Office to issue an endorsement letter in connection with an application under the UK Innovator Founder route:

• Envestors Limited
• UK Endorsement Services
• Innovator International
• The Global Entrepreneurs Programme (GEP) (GEP can only endorse applicants who have already been invited to participate on their programme)

Previous Endorsing Bodies, known as ‘Legacy Endorsing Bodies’, may continue to support those Innovators who were endorsed under the former Innovator Rules until they reach Indefinite Leave to Remain. 

If you were endorsed before 13 April 13, 2023, by a ‘Legacy Endorsing Body’ then you will be permitted to rely on your endorsement and do not need to apply to one of the currently approved endorsing bodies, provided that your endorsement letter is dated before 13, 2023.

Visa for UK Innovator Founders English language proficiency requirement

In order to be eligible for the Innovator Founder Visa, applicants must demonstrate proficiency in the English language across all four components (reading, writing, speaking, and listening) at a minimum level of B2 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, unless they qualify for an exemption.

Financial requirement for UK Innovator Founder Visa

To obtain entry clearance as an Innovator Founder, the applicant must demonstrate that they possess a minimum of £1,270 in personal funds, which must be maintained for a continuous period of 28 days leading up to the date of application.

Applying for a UK Innovator Founder Visa as a Member of a Team

It is not necessary for you to be the exclusive founder of your business; you can instead be a member of a team that establishes the business. However, if you are applying as a member of a founding team, it is essential that you play a crucial role in the team and each applicant must obtain their own individual endorsement from an approved endorsing body..  

Transitioning to the UK Innovator Founder Visa Category

UK Innovator Founder visa applications can be submitted from outside the UK. However, it is also feasible to transition into the Innovator Founder visa category from within the UK, as long as you do not currently hold or were not previously granted permission as a Visitor, Short-term Student, Parent of a Child Student, Seasonal Worker, Domestic Worker in a Private household, or outside the Immigration Rules.

Application fee for UK Innovator Founder Visa

The present fee for a UK Innovator Founder Visa application from outside the UK is £1,036, while the fee for switching into this category from within the UK is £1,292.

Applicants for the Innovator Founder Visa are required to pay a £1,000 (excluding VAT) fee to the endorsing body responsible for their application.

Duration of Validity for UK Innovator Founder Visa

The initial validity period for your UK Innovator Founder Visa will be 3 years. The UK Innovator Founder Visa can be renewed for consecutive 3-year periods, contingent upon obtaining re-endorsement on each occasion. There is no specified upper limit on the duration in the Innovator Founder category.

After completing a 3-year period in the Innovator Founder Visa category, you will have the opportunity to apply for indefinite leave to remain (settlement) as an Innovator Founder.

Visa for UK Innovator Founders Terms of Accommodation

As a holder of the Innovator Founder Visa, you are required to comply with several conditions of stay.

You will be required to work for the business or businesses that you have established. You are allowed to work in a job outside of your business as long as it is a skilled position, at least at the level of RQF Level 3.

Visa for UK Innovator Founders Meetings for the purpose of contact and communication.

As an Innovator Founder, it is necessary for you to schedule and attend a minimum of two contact point meetings with your endorsing body at regular intervals throughout your permission period. A contact point meeting is a scheduled evaluation between you and your endorsing body to gauge the progress made in accordance with your business plan.

The endorsing body must be convinced that you are actively working on your business venture and have made significant progress towards either your original or a new business idea that is both innovative and has the potential for growth and success.

If you do not attend a contact point meeting with your endorsing body, your UK Innovator Founder Visa may be revoked.

Grant of Indefinite Leave to Remain as an Innovator Founder

• To be eligible for indefinite leave to remain as an Innovator founder, you must meet the following criteria as determined by UK Visas & Immigration: - You must have received endorsement from an approved UK endorsing body that is convinced of your significant accomplishments based on the business plan evaluated during your previous endorsement. - You must be registered with Companies House as a Director or Member of your business. - Your business must be active, engaged in trading, and demonstrate sustainability for at least the next 12 months. - You must have played an active and crucial role in the day-to-day management and growth of the business. Additionally, you must fulfil at least two of the following conditions:
• A minimum of £50,000 has been allocated to the business and actively utilised to advance its progress.
• The business has generated a minimum of 5 full-time positions for permanent employees, each with an average annual salary of at least £25,000.
• The business has generated employment opportunities for at least 10 resident workers, without any specific average salary criteria.
• The customer base has experienced a minimum twofold increase in the past three years and currently exceeds the average number of customers for similar UK businesses offering comparable primary products or services.
• The company has conducted extensive research and development and has filed for intellectual property protection in the United Kingdom.
• The business has achieved a minimum annual gross revenue of £1 million in the most recent complete fiscal year as reported in its financial statements.
• The company has produced a minimum annual gross revenue of £500,000 in the most recent complete fiscal year, with at least £100,000 derived from international exports.
• You must not have exceeded 180 days outside the UK in any consecutive 12-month period within the 3 years leading up to the application date. Additionally, you must possess adequate proficiency in both the English language and knowledge of life in the UK.

The process of acquiring a UK Innovator Founder Visa involves several distinct stages.

Our service for the preparation and submission of UK Innovator Founder Visa applications is simple:

Fill out our UK Innovator Founder Visa enquiry questionnaire.

To obtain a complimentary initial evaluation of your eligibility for an Innovator Founder visa, please fill out our Innovator Founder Visa Enquiry Form (please request a form at info@hs-legal.co.uk). A solicitor will examine and evaluate your responses. Our goal is to provide a response within a 24-hour timeframe.

Ways in Which Our Immigration Solicitors Can Provide Assistance

Our team of immigration solicitor is skilled in supporting various categories of inventive entrepreneurs and their enterprises. Our solicitor specialise in immigration options for innovators and can assist both start-up entrepreneurs and established businesspeople. They possess extensive knowledge of the complex Home Office rules and policies and will provide expert guidance.

We take pride in our ability to be accessible and proactive in comprehending and fulfilling the requirements of our clients. We are a motivated team committed to delivering transparent and dependable immigration guidance to entrepreneurs and business professionals as part of a professional and amicable service.

 

Job Responsibilities:

• Recording financial transactions
• Handling accounts payable and receivable
• Managing profit and loss statements and balance sheets
• Paying regular bills for the company
• Maintaining company ledgers
• Handling client invoices by recording and approving or denying the payments
• Distributing money appropriately to various departments within the company
• Invoicing deliveries and paying vendors for their goods and services
• Maintaining office supplies by keeping an inventory and ordering new supplies as needed
• Preparing purchase orders in accordance with requests for materials
• Handling subsidiary accounts
• Filing historical records and retrieving necessary documents as needed for others
• Monitoring debt levels and ensuring compliance with debt covenants
• Recording cash receipts and handling bank deposits
• Maintaining petty cash
• Preparing information for auditors
• Keeping an annual company budget
• Providing administrative and clerical support as needed
• Liaising with external accountant for completion of VAT
• Profit & Loss account and balance sheet to up dated on a monthly basis with accurate information
• Inventory Management
• Bank reconciliation on a daily basis
• Monthly Payroll
• Additional bookkeeping duties as designated by management
• Skills Required:

Diploma in Accounting

Data Entry Skills

Knowledge of Regulatory Requirements

Multitasking

Attention to Detail

            Business Management Experience

Knowledge of accounting principles

Team Player

Eligible to work in UK

Office Timing - 09 AM to 05 PM

Salary: £26,800.00 per year