The Skill Tree: How Can You Guarantee a Successful Application?

The best method of finding a guaranteed solution is to go to the desert, enter a cavern shaped like a tiger, and find a lamp. Rub the lamp a few times and a genie should appear; from there you can guarantee your successful application for a Skilled Worker Visa.

On a more serious note, this is a joke. The reality is that there is no way of guaranteeing a successful application — but there are many steps you can take to ensure the probability of acceptance is higher than standard.

In this article Leena Chouhan, our expert immigration lawyer, discusses what steps you can take to give yourself the best chance of securing your Skilled Worker Visa.

Make Sure Your Occupation is Approved

You may think this is a relatively obvious step prior to submitting your application, and you would be correct in that assumption. When applying for your Skilled Worker Visa, it is paramount that you know exactly what role you will be working in, and that the profession of your dreams is recognised as adequate based on occupation code eligibility.

The second necessary step is ensuring that your employer is recognised by the UK Home Office as an approved sponsor. This can be done by contacting your employer directly and asking them to confirm their status. Alternatively, you can search for your employer on the published list of registered Worker and Temporary Worker licensed sponsors.

The register is available here: Register of Worker and Temporary Worker licensed sponsors — GOV.UK

Absolute Accuracy is Crucial

Not only do you need a recognised employer, you must also receive a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from that employer. This step is crucial, as any mistakes on the certificate can significantly affect the likelihood of acceptance.

Common mistakes on a CoS include mislabelled job titles and inaccurate salary details. These may seem trivial, but they can be a major factor in whether your application is approved or refused.

It is best to ensure that every document you submit, and every piece of information registered, is accurate to your profession. Do not make this easy mistake — it is an entirely unnecessary reason for refusal.

Speaking With a Professional

It will always be beneficial to instruct a professional when dealing with visa applications. It can be a stressful and challenging process, and many people feel they need expert support to succeed. An immigration lawyer can help significantly in organising all the necessary information, submitting it to the correct places, and ensuring that a normally stressful task is as streamlined and low-stress as possible.

At Taylor Hampton Solicitors we offer a range of immigration services designed to help you secure your Skilled Worker Visa with as little trouble as possible. We act in your best interests, and getting you into the United Kingdom as quickly as possible is the standard of service we strive to achieve.

Higher Demand, Higher Approval

With the emergence of new technology fields and increasingly technical roles in computer science and innovation, the Home Office has made it clear that having an in-demand occupation will improve your odds.

Sectors considered high demand include IT, healthcare, finance and engineering, all of which have seen continued growth in London and other cities across the UK. Although it can feel arbitrary on paper, this appetite for technical occupations makes sense as the government seeks to strengthen the United Kingdom's reputation on the global stage.

While the approval rate for most Skilled Worker Visas remains high, it is still worth recognising that certain fields enjoy better odds than others.

Timing is Key

The key deadline for a Skilled Worker Visa application is that it must be submitted within three months of your first day of employment. This is perfectly manageable for most applicants, but the time of year you apply can play a role in how quickly your application is received and reviewed.

Seasonal conditions are not a technical factor in deciding whether an application is approved, but the season does affect the volume of applications the Home Office receives. That, in turn, influences whether a decision comes quickly or takes considerably longer.

Typically, the peak period for the Home Office is September to November, driven by applicants seeking autumn work or planning for the New Year. The standard period runs from January to May, which has historically been the better time to apply, as many applicants tend to apply in the summer rather than the spring for future roles.

So What Now?

We at Taylor Hampton wish you the best of luck in your pursuit of a Skilled Worker Visa. Your presence in the United Kingdom is long awaited, and we cannot wait to see what you do.

Meeting the requirements, and making the decisions that either speed up a decision or avoid an outright refusal, will be crucial in determining your future in the country.

Where Can I Go for Help?

For more information or to ask for assistance, please see our contact page or contact Leena Chouhan on +44 203 143 0322.

Disclaimer: This article is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration and Home Office guidance change frequently and organisations should seek professional advice before acting.