According to recent estimated reports of the Office for National Statistics(ONS), in 2022, the net migration in the UK hit around 606,000. This one is one of the highest figures recorded so far. It’s found that most people from non-EU countries are coming to the UK to work, study or join their families.
No matter which reason brings you here, you should have a clear idea of the current visa rules of the UK to ease your visa immigration process. In today’s blog, we are going to talk about the visa rules for economic migrants who are looking to come to the UK to work, the Points-based System(PBS).
If you are in the same boat, this blog will be helpful in your case. Read on!
What is a Points-based System (PBS), and How Does It Work?
As mentioned, most people from non-EU countries are coming to the UK to work, considered economic migrants. Being on the same page, you can apply for UK visa immigration through this points-based system(PBS).
If we take a look at the history, the UK Labour government first adopted this point system for migrants from non-EU countries in 2008. But this system was overhauled after the Brexit vote by the Conservatives. Now, at the end of 2020, the points-based system(PBS) was launched again for EU and non-EU economic migrants.
According to the current visa application rules, one needs to get at least 70 points to qualify for a skilled worker visa. In short, you will get selected based on your skill from the pool of talent across the world. Here’s how 70 points are calculated:
- Job offer by an approved sponsor- 20
- Appropriate skill level-20
- Ability to speak English as much as required- 10
- Education qualification: PhD in a STEM subject (job related)- 20
- Salary: Points vary depending on the salary range
- Shortage occupation- 20
You need to score 70 to qualify for the skilled worker visa application. Make sure you identify that your job meets the required skill level.
Well, there’s another part of this point-based system(PBS)- Shortage Occupation List. It’s for the skilled workers filing specific roles that are in shortage, including:
- Nurses
- Care workers
- Vets
- Graphic designers
Here, the application fees and the salary requirements for skilled worker visas are lower. Yet, it’s easy for the applicants to get 70 points to apply for the visa. The government updates this list depending on the advice of the independent Migration Advisory Committee, which suggests the skilled jobs identified as national shortage and required to be filled through immigration.
Now, your question may be ” What about seasonal workers?” In this case, the UK has allowed seasonal worker visas for temporary work, such as fruit picking. According to recent reports, around 45,000 visas are available for seasonal workers in 2023, and the number can be increased further if required.
Is It Possible to Extend a Skilled Worker Visa?
Once you have gained this number of points and get your skilled workwear visa. The next concern is probably how often you can extend it. Well, like any other visa, you can increase your stay in the UK for a maximum of 5 years.
But, the advantage is that there is no limit for this UK visa extension. Hence, you can apply for extending your skilled worker visa as many times as you need. Or, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain(ILR) in the UK. However, while changing the sponsors of employers, make sure you apply for a new visa.
Best Visa Solicitors to Connect With
We hope this guide will be helpful for you if you are looking to apply for a UK skilled worker visa. But, if you find the process complicated, we suggest consulting with the best visa lawyers nearby, like Intime Immigration Limited(Intime Solicitors). We are experts at handling different UK settlement and visa applications.
Stop waiting! Consult our best attorneys for skilled worker visa requirements today! Schedule a FREE call now!
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