In an attempt to attract more skilled workers to the United Kingdom (UK) labour market, the UK Government has repackaged some of its immigration routes. One of these previously very popular routes amongst South African migrants was the Tier 2 Skilled Worker Visa. The Skilled Worker Visa route has replaced this immigration route on 1 January 2021. The good news is that it is now easier for South Africans to qualify under the Skilled Worker Visa route’s new requirements.

What is different under the new Skilled Worker Visa route?

• Brexit has now taken place. European Union (EU) citizens not settled in the UK by 31 December 2020 now also have to apply under a route such as the Skilled Worker Visa to live and work in the UK. This development means a level playground for all applicants. Thus, UK employers will no longer prefer to employ EU citizens because it is easier to employ them immigration wise.
• The skills threshold of the Skilled Worker Visa route is lower than that of the old Tier 2 route. The new route is open for sponsorship of RQF Level 3 job occupations (equivalent to a matric certificate). This lower skills threshold means that more jobs will qualify for sponsorship, meaning more job opportunities. Some examples of occupations that will henceforth qualify as skilled worker positions include, amongst others, butchers, upholsterers, plumbers, draughtspersons and graphic designers.
• The minimum base salary is £25 600, or the specific job’s going rate, whichever is the higher. This minimum salary is lower than it was under the Tier 2 Skilled Worker route. The lower minimum salary also means that more jobs should qualify.
• Persons 26 years and younger, jobs on the Shortage Occupation List and PhD degrees in STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering and mathematics ) will be eligible at lower minimum salaries.
• There is no annual cap on the Skilled Worker Visa route. The old Tier 2 route had a yearly cap. Thus, the UK Government will not turn down a skilled worker visa because the annual or monthly cap has been reached.
• The Resident Labour Market Test is no longer required for jobs, even if they are not on the Shortage Occupation List. There are some exceptions to this rule that your Breytenbachs consultant will be able to explain.
• The Skilled Worker Visa offers more flexibility to applicants. Certain characteristics will be tradeable. If you cannot fully meet one requirement, you can make up the requisite number of points from another requirement. E.g., if you cannot meet the minimum salary requirement, the points can be made up if the job is on the Shortage Occupation List.

What stays the same under the new Skilled Worker Visa?

Fortunately, all the advantages of the old Tier 2 Skilled Worker route remain the same.

Partners and dependants can still apply to accompany the main visa holder. After completing five years on this route, the applicant can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain.

How Breytenbachs can help you

If you are interested in finding out more about the Skilled Worker Visa route or wish to apply, you are welcome to contact Breytenbachs. We have a dedicated team of OISC Registered consultants who deal exclusively with this route, sponsorship licensing and Certificates of Sponsorship. We assist both employees and employers. Contact us at info@bic-immigration.com or visit our website at www.bic-immigration.com.