The eligibility requirements and application process for the UK Skilled Worker visa have been outlined for Pakistani applicants by the Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment (BEOE) .
Under the rules, applicants must have a valid job offer from an employer approved by the UK Home Office. They must also receive a Certificate of Sponsorship from their employer.
The applicant’s occupation must be on the relevant approved list. They must also meet the required minimum salary threshold and prove their English language skills.
The Skilled Worker visa can be issued for up to five years. Applicants can extend their visa if they continue to meet the eligibility requirements.
After completing five years in the UK, eligible applicants may apply for permanent settlement.
Family members can also apply
Skilled Worker visa holders may be able to bring their spouse or partner and children to the UK under current immigration rules.
How to apply
The visa application is submitted online. Applicants outside the UK can apply up to three months before their employment start date.
Processing time
Applications submitted from outside the UK are generally decided within three weeks. Applications made from inside the UK normally take around eight weeks.
Applicants may also be able to use priority services by paying an additional fee.
Rights and restrictions
The Skilled Worker visa allows holders to work legally in the UK. It also allows study, overseas travel and voluntary work, subject to the visa conditions.
However, visa holders generally cannot access most public funds. They also do not have access to the UK State Pension unless they meet the relevant requirements.
Applicants should check the latest requirements before applying. Immigration rules, salary thresholds and eligible occupations can change.
Further information is available through the UK government’s Skilled Worker visa guidance and the Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment.
