Moving to the UK on a dependent visa is hard enough, but being able to have personal independence at work is a game-changer. In case you are asking how to convert a dependent visa to a work visa in the UK? This blog explains the steps involved in changing the dependent visa into a Skilled Worker visa in the UK.
Why It’s Better to Apply for the Skilled Worker Visa?
Some benefits attached to changing from a dependent visa to a Skilled Worker visa are as follows: First, you become independent; days, when your existence is at the mercy of the main visa holder’s status, are gone. You get great job flexibility by working for any employer with a UK sponsor license. This also leads to long-term stay, whereby one can apply for indefinite leave to remain after five years and ultimately British citizenship. Now, let’s unravel, how to convert from a dependent visa.
Eligibility Requirements
Certain criteria must be met to switch from a dependent visa to a Skilled Worker visa.
Of course, the first of them is the offer to do an eligible occupation on the job and from the employer’s side, who has a valid UK sponsor license. An employer should grant you a Certificate of Sponsorship. Besides, your job must meet the minimum salary—the higher of £41,500 a year or the “going rate” for the job.
There are some exceptions to certain categories, such as recent graduates or individuals under 26 years old. Lastly, one must be able to demonstrate good English skills in one of three ways: citizen of an English-speaking country, acceptable English language test at a level enforced as B1 at the least, or being awarded a degree that was taught in English.
Required Documents
These will all be required for an application under the Skilled Worker Visa, including
• A passport or travel document valid for your planned stay,
• A certificate of sponsorship,
• Evidence of having enough funds to take care of living and other costs,
• Evidence of knowledge of the English language,
• A certificate of criminal record free from any sort of crime,
The Process
1. Firstly, the applicant is required to be fully enrolled in the Skilled Worker visa application form online by entering information regarding their job and personal background.
2. The second process is whereby one is required to make an application fee payment for all the required information; the charge applies to £719 for the visas that take up to three years, while those that go beyond three have a charge of £1,423, and one is further charged an annual healthcare surcharge of £1,035.
3. Then, book an appointment at any UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) so they can take your fingerprints and a photograph.
4. Finally, submit all requirements following the instructions of the Home Office. Normally, a decision is made within eight weeks, but if you would like an answer more quickly, then there is the possibility of using the Priority Processing Service, which costs £500, or the Super Priority Processing Service for £1,000.
Post-approval
Once you receive your visa for Skilled Worker, you will be free to stay in the UK for up to five years. You will be free to come and go through the UK throughout, and apply for the right to stay indefinitely after five years of residence. After one more year, you might apply for British citizenship.
Also Read : How to Apply for a Skilled Worker Visa in the UK
