Skill worker Visa

Government Authorised Exchange Visa

The Skilled Worker Visa is for those with job offers from UK employers. It replaced the Tier 2 (General) visa and allows work both on land and in UK waters. To qualify, you need an approved employer, a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), and a job from the eligible occupations list. English proficiency is required.

The Government Authorised Exchange Visa is for short-term work experiences, training, research, or fellowship through approved exchange schemes. It replaced the tier 5 visa and requires sponsorship from licensed sponsors. Work, training, or research must relate to the sponsor's organization. Applicants must demonstrate financial support and proficiency in English.

To qualify for the Skilled Worker Visa, you must have a job offer from a UK employer approved by the Home Office. Additionally, you need a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) specifying your role and meet the requirements of an eligible occupation. Proficiency in English is also mandatory.

For the Government Authorised Exchange or tier 5 Visa, applicants must intend to work, train, or conduct research in the UK through an approved exchange scheme. Sponsorship is required from various entities, including organizations running approved exchange schemes, higher education institutions, or government departments/agencies.

Sponsorship for the Skilled Worker Visa comes from the employer offering the job. The employer must be approved by the Home Office, and they provide the applicant with a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). The CoS contains details about the job and personal information.

For the T5 Visa, sponsorship can come from various entities, including organizations running approved exchange schemes, higher education institutions, or government departments/agencies. The sponsor must provide a certificate of sponsorship, confirming the applicant's job or research details.

The Skilled Worker Visa allows for a stay of up to 5 years initially, with the option to extend. Extensions are possible as long as the eligibility criteria are met. After 5 years, applicants may apply for ILR, granting permanent residency in the UK.

The Government Authorised Exchange Visa duration depends on the specific scheme, typically lasting up to 12 or 24 months. Applicants can enter the UK up to 14 days before the job starts and stay up to 14 days after it ends. Extensions are generally not available.

Applying for the Skilled Worker Visa is done online. The process varies based on whether you're outside the UK, inside and extending your current visa, or switching from a different visa. Applicants need to prove their identity and provide required documents.

Similarly, the application for the Government Authorised Exchange Visa is completed online. Applicants must apply up to 3 months before their intended start date, provide proof of identity, and submit necessary documents. Extra time may be needed for appointments.

Applicants for the Skilled Worker Visa must show they have sufficient funds to support themselves in the UK. This typically means having at least £1,270 in their bank account for 28 consecutive days. Alternatively, the employer can cover costs during the first month in the UK.

Similarly, applicants for the Government Authorised Exchange Visa need to demonstrate financial support. They must have at least £1,270 in their bank account for 28 consecutive days, unless the employer covers expenses during the initial month in the UK.

With the Skilled Worker Visa, individuals can work in their approved job, study, bring dependents, take on additional work under certain conditions, engage in voluntary work, travel abroad, and apply for settlement in the UK after living there for 5 years.

Under the Government Authorised Exchange Visa, individuals can work, study (with some courses requiring additional approval), bring dependents, and undertake a second job for up to 20 hours per week. However, permanent employment and public fund access are prohibited.

While the Skilled Worker Visa offers flexibility and long-term residency options, there are limitations. Holders cannot access most public funds or apply for the state pension. Changing jobs or employers requires updating the visa.

Similarly, the Government Authorised Exchange Visa has limitations. Holders cannot take permanent jobs or access public funds. The visa is designed for temporary work experiences, training, research, or fellowships through approved exchange schemes.