Top ten UK skilled worker visas: foreign workers needed for occupation shortages (2023)

The UK government has a list of shortage occupations that are in high demand and for which there are not enough resident workers to fill the vacancies. These shortage occupations are eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route. However, the list is not specific to any one country or region, including Africa.

That being said, here are some examples of occupations that are currently on the UK government’s shortage occupation list:

1. Engineers (mechanical, electrical, civil)
2. IT business analysts, architects and systems designers
3. Programmers and software development professionals
4. Medical practitioners (consultants in clinical radiology, emergency medicine, old age psychiatry, etc.)
5. Nurses (adults, children, mental health)
6. Paramedics
7. Architects
8. Social workers
9. Veterinarians
10. Speech and language therapists

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list and the shortage occupation list is updated regularly.

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To receive a UK work visa as a skilled worker, you need to follow the below steps:

1. Check if you meet the eligibility criteria: You must meet certain eligibility criteria to obtain a UK work visa, including having a job offer from a UK employer, possessing a required skill level, and meeting the English language requirements.
2. Find a UK employer who is willing to sponsor you: You need a job offer from a UK employer who is willing to sponsor your visa application. The employer must have a valid Tier 2 Sponsorship License.
3. Apply for a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): The employer must apply for a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) on your behalf. The CoS is a unique reference number that you need in order to apply for a UK work visa.
4. Apply for the visa: Once you have the CoS, you can apply for the visa online. You will need to provide your personal details, evidence of your qualifications, and proof of your job offer and salary.
5. Attend a biometric appointment: You will need to attend a biometric appointment at a UK visa application center in your home country. At the appointment, your fingerprints and photograph will be taken.
6. Wait for a decision: After you have submitted your application and attended the biometric appointment, you will need to wait for a decision on your visa application. The processing time varies depending on the type of visa you have applied for and your country of residence.

If your visa application is approved, you will be granted entry to the UK for the duration of your visa.

If you are a foreign national looking to work in the UK construction industry, you may need to apply for a UK construction work visa. Here are the general steps to follow:

1. Check if you need a visa: Depending on your nationality, you may need to apply for a visa before you can work in the UK. You can check if you need a visa by visiting the UK government’s visa and immigration website.
2. Choose the right visa type: There are several visa types available for people coming to the UK to work in the construction industry, including the Tier 2 (General) visa, the Tier 5 (Temporary Worker) visa, and the Skilled Worker visa. You will need to choose the right visa type based on your qualifications and the length of time you plan to work in the UK.
3. Meet the eligibility requirements: Each visa type has its own eligibility requirements, but you will generally need to have a job offer from a UK employer, be sponsored by that employer, and meet minimum salary and language proficiency requirements.
4. Apply for the visa: Once you have chosen the right visa type and gathered all the necessary documents, you can apply for the visa online through the UK government’s visa and immigration website. You will need to pay a fee and attend a biometric appointment at a visa application center.
5. Wait for a decision: Processing times for UK construction work visas can vary, but you should receive a decision on your application within a few weeks. If your application is successful, you will receive a visa vignette in your passport that will allow you to enter the UK and work in the construction industry.

It is important to note that the application process for UK construction work visas can be complex and may require the assistance of an immigration lawyer or specialist. It is recommended that you seek professional advice before applying for a visa.

Written by: Arnold Mutamiri

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