There are a few ways to potentially save money on a UK skilled worker visa, including:

1. Research and compare fees: The cost of a UK skilled worker visa can vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for, your age, and the length of time that you will be staying in the UK. Research different types of visas to see which one is the most cost-effective for your situation, and compare fees from different providers to see if you can find a better deal.
2. Gather all required documents: Before applying for a visa, make sure that you have all of the required documents. If your application is incomplete, you may have to pay additional fees to have it reviewed again.
3. Avoid using expedited services: Some providers may offer expedited services for an additional fee. If you don't need your visa processed quickly, you can avoid this fee by opting for regular processing.
4. Avoid using unnecessary services: Some providers may offer extra services that you don't need, such as translation services or assistance with the application process. If you can handle the application process on your own, you can avoid paying for these services.
5. Use a Sponsor Company: If you are able to find a sponsor company, they will be covering the cost of the visa application, it is a good idea to check with the companies that you are interested in working with if they are able to sponsor a Tier 2 visa application
6. Apply well in advance: Make sure you apply well in advance of your intended travel date, this will help you to avoid the last-minute rush and potentially lower fees associated with expedited processing.

It is worth noting that while you may be able to save money by following these tips, it is also important to make sure that you are submitting a complete and accurate visa application. It is always a good idea to check with UKVI and/or immigration solicitors if you have any doubt, this will help you to avoid any unnecessary expense or delay in the process.

Skilled Worker visa: When you can be paid less

In some cases, it may be possible to be paid less than the minimum salary requirement for a UK skilled worker visa if the job is on the Shortage Occupation List or if you are able to meet the requirements of the codes of practice for the specific occupation.

The Shortage Occupation List (SOL) is a list of occupations that are in shortage in the UK and have been identified as eligible for Tier 2 Visa by the UK government. If the role for which you have been offered a job is on the SOL, you may be able to be paid less than the minimum salary requirement for a Tier 2 visa. The SOL is updated regularly, so it is important to check the latest version of the list when you apply.

In addition, the job you are offered may also be eligible for a lower salary if it is on the codes of practice for specific occupation, these are occupation-specific salary levels, they are set by the UKVI and are lower than the general minimum salary threshold.

It is worth noting that the SOL and codes of practice are subject to change, and the minimum salary threshold can be lowered only if the employer is able to provide evidence that they are unable to recruit a suitable candidate at the standard rate.

It's always a good idea to consult an immigration lawyer or your employer's human resources department to make sure that your job qualifies for an exception to the minimum salary requirement for a UK skilled worker visa.

How much does it cost to sponsor a Skilled Worker in the UK?

The cost of sponsoring a skilled worker in the UK can vary depending on the type of visa they are applying for and the length of time they will be staying in the UK.

For a Tier 2 (General) visa, the UK employer will have to pay an Immigration Skills Charge (ISC) for each worker they sponsor. The ISC is currently £1,000 per year for small or charitable sponsors and £1,500 per year for other sponsors, this fee will apply for the length of the worker's stay in the UK.

For a Tier 2 (Intra-company Transfer) visa, the employer will have to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which is a fee that allows the worker to access the UK's National Health Service. The current fee is £624 per year per worker.

In addition to these fees, the employer may also incur additional costs associated with obtaining a Tier 2 sponsor licence and maintaining it. This can include the cost of legal advice and representation, as well as the cost of training and administration.

It's worth noting that these figures are subject to change, so it's always a good idea to check the most up-to-date information on the UKVI website and consult a UK immigration solicitor when you are applying to sponsor a skilled worker in the UK.

Additionally, sponsoring a skilled worker can have additional benefits to a company in terms of filling skills gaps or specialized roles, and it can be an investment in the long-term growth of the company.

How Can We Help You

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