To obtain a UK Skilled Worker Visa in 2024, applicants must meet several key requirements, as the process is part of the UK's points-based immigration system. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to navigate the process:

1. Eligibility Requirements

• Age: You must be at least 18 years old.
• Job Offer: You must have a job offer from a UK employer with a valid sponsor licence.
• Skill Level: The job should be at RQF Level 3 (equivalent to A-Level) or above.
• Salary: From April 2024, the minimum salary requirement is £38,700 annually or the "going rate" for the job's occupation code, whichever is higher. Lower salaries can be accepted if you qualify for tradable points (e.g., holding a relevant PhD or working in a shortage occupation).
• English Proficiency: You must demonstrate English proficiency at CEFR Level B1, which is intermediate level.

2. Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

Your UK employer needs to issue you a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). This certificate includes job details like salary, job title, and occupation code. It's crucial to ensure that the job offer is genuine and meets the UK's sponsorship criteria.

3. Points-Based Criteria

You need to accumulate at least 70 points:

• Mandatory Points (50 points): This includes points for having a job offer from an approved sponsor (20 points), a job at the appropriate skill level (20 points), and meeting the English language requirement (10 points).
• Tradeable Points (20 points): These can be earned through factors such as a higher salary, having a PhD relevant to the job, or working in a shortage occupation.

4. Financial Requirements

You must show that you have at least £1,270 in savings to support yourself when you arrive in the UK. This amount needs to have been in your account for at least 28 consecutive days before applying, though this can be waived if your sponsor agrees to cover your first month's expenses.

5. Additional Documents

You’ll also need to provide:

• A valid passport.
• Proof of your job offer, including the occupation code and salary.
• Proof of English proficiency.
• Criminal record certificate (if required).
• Tuberculosis test results (depending on your country of residence).

6. Application Costs

The application fee ranges from £610 to £1,423, depending on the length of stay and whether you’re applying from inside or outside the UK. Additionally, you’ll need to pay an annual healthcare surcharge of £1,035 per year.

7. Visa Duration and Extensions

The Skilled Worker Visa can last up to 5 years, and you can extend it as long as you continue to meet the eligibility requirements. After 5 years, you may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which allows you to stay in the UK permanently.

By meeting these requirements and carefully following the steps, you can successfully apply for a UK Skilled Worker Visa, allowing you to live and work in the UK.