How to move to the UK with a Skilled Worker visa

PTE Author
PTE Author
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Reading time: 5 minutes

Would you like to live and work in the UK? You’re not alone. The number of people who apply to work in the UK rises year after year. But if you’re planning to move to the UK, you’ll need a visa. There are lots of different types of visas available – and one of the most popular is the Skilled Worker visa.

Let’s take a look at the details of who can apply, the English language requirements, and the test you have to take in order to show you have the right level of English for the Skilled Worker visa.

1. What are the latest UK work immigration trends?

Apart from a pandemic-related dip in 2020, immigration to the UK has been steadily rising for the last decade. In 2021, there were 239,987 work-related visas granted – a 110% increase on the previous year, and a 25% increase on 2019. 

Of these 239,987 visas, 63% were Skilled Worker visas. This type of visa saw the largest growth from 2019 at an increase of 33%. That means that, of all the people moving to the UK to work, the majority of them (almost two thirds, in fact) apply for the Skilled Worker visa. 

India, the Philippines, Nigeria, the United States and Pakistan were the top five countries of origin for people who were granted Skilled Worker visas in 2021. 

2. What is the UK Skilled Worker visa?

The UK Skilled Worker visa is a visa that allows you to come to the UK and work for an approved company. You can live in the UK for up to five years before you need to renew your visa. You can apply for the visa up to three months from your starting date of work, and you should receive a decision in around three weeks if you’re outside the UK. The visa application fee is between £610 and £1,408, depending on your personal circumstances. 

If you work in healthcare – for example as a doctor or a nurse – you can apply for the Health and Care Worker visa instead, which is cheaper to apply for, and doesn’t require you to pay an annual immigration health surcharge. 

3. What kinds of workers can apply?

An extensive number of careers and professions are covered by the Skilled Worker visa, from architects to bakers, and hairdressers to chefs. You can see if your profession is eligible by checking the full list of occupations. 

In order to meet the requirements to be eligible for a Skilled Worker visa, you’ll need to make sure not only that your job is eligible for the visa, but also that your employer has been approved by the Home Office. 

You also need to ensure that you’ll be paid at least the minimum salary for the type of work you’ll be doing in the UK. You’ll be expected to earn:

  • £25,600 per year

  • £10.10 per hour

  • the ‘going rate’ for the type of work you’ll be doing

Whichever of these three options is the highest, that’s the information you’ll use for your visa form. 

However, if your job is on the list of Skilled Worker visa shortage occupations, you will only have to be paid 80% of the job’s usual going rate. 

4. What are the English requirements for the UK Skilled Worker visa?

In order to apply for the Skilled Worker visa, you’ll need to show that you have recently passed a secure English language test at the right level to be able to live and work in the UK. There is a list of countries that are exempt, but everyone else will need to show that they speak English to at least a B1 level on the CEFR scale. It’s a key requirement when it comes to a successful visa application! 

The only exemption is if you have a qualification at degree level in English (either a Bachelors, Masters or PhD); if you have a degree, you don’t need to sit an English test. 

5. What is PTE Academic UKVI?

PTE Academic UKVI is an English test which is approved by the UK Home Office for visa applications. It tests you on all four language skills: writing, speaking, reading, and listening. 

To sit the test, you will attend an official test center, where you will take PTE Academic UKVI on a computer. The entire test is computer-based, and takes around two hours. After sitting the test, you will typically receive your results within 48 hours. 

6. How can you get the score you need in PTE Academic UKVI?

In order to meet the requirements of the Skilled Worker visa, you will need to score a minimum of 43 on your PTE Academic UKVI test. The best way to make sure you get the score you need is to prepare as thoroughly as possible for the test: 

Get to know the test format

It’s really important to get to know the test format very well before you sit PTE Academic UKVI. The test content is exactly the same as PTE Academic. The test is split into three sections: Speaking and Writing, Reading, and Listening. There are 20 different types of questions across the three different sections. Each question type follows a specific structure. It’s important to learn about the different question types. You will need to use specific techniques for each question to make sure you get the highest possible score.  

Learn how the questions are scored

In the test, different questions are scored in different ways. On some questions, you’ll be marked on whether you’ve given a correct answer. But in others, your score will be affected by how closely you followed the instructions (i.e. did you go over the word limit) and the quality of your response, which is affected by things like pronunciation and oral fluency. You can find out how we score each question in our test format guide.

Study with official preparation materials

There are lots of different preparation materials for PTE Academic UKVI. You will be able to prepare using Scored Practice Tests which will allow you to sit a mock test and see what score you would receive. This will tell you what questions and skills you need to work on.

There’s also the Official Guide to PTE Academic, a textbook which offers an in-depth guide to the test and gives you detailed advice on the techniques and strategies you will need to get the right score. The PTE Academic Question Bank has over 300 questions for you to practice with. Explore our preparation materials in our preparation guide.

Take a preparation course

Lots of people prepare for PTE Academic UKVI on their own, but others find it helpful to do a preparation course. You could also do the six hour online speaking course run by Pearson partner Macquarie University. Or, look for a preparation course near you.

With the right preparation, you’ll be sure to get the score you need to apply for your UK Skilled Worker visa and achieve your dream of living and working in the UK!

Learn more about PTE Academic UKVI

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    You can still study abroad and stick to a budget. In fact, many of the cheapest countries to attend university are also some of the most beautiful places in the world.

    In this blog, we’ll explore 6 affordable international study destinations. And the great news is PTE Academic – our English language proficiency exam can help you achieve your study abroad dream at these amazing places. Let’s delve in:  

    1. Norway 

    Norway isn’t just picturesque. It’s also one of the cheapest countries to study in for international students. Most universities in Norway are publicly funded and don’t charge tuition fees – even for foreign learners. While some private universities do charge tuition – between €7000-€19,000 – international students aren’t required to pay more than Norwegians.  

    It is important to keep in mind, however, that the living costs in Norway are high. It can cost international students between €800 –€1400 per month to live in the country. But there are some grants and scholarships available to help students fund their time abroad. You can check them out here.  

    Overall, Norway offers world-class education and an excellent standard of living. Medical services are usually free for international students and many courses are taught in English, making it a great place to study abroad. 

    PTE Academic is accepted at top institutions in Norway including University of Oslo, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU). 

    Find out where else PTE Academic can take you in Norway.

     2. Malaysia 

    With high-ranked universities and the fastest growing regional economy in the world, Malaysia is also an excellent destination to consider. The country boasts more than 100 higher education institutions – including branches of universities like Monash University and the University of Nottingham.  

    A bachelor’s degree for international students (not studying medicine) costs about $10,000-$20,000 USD at a public institution, and significantly more at an international branch campus.  

    However, the thing that makes Malaysia attractive is its low cost of living. Kuala Lumpur, the country’s capital city, is ranked by QS Best Student Cities Rankings as the second most affordable student city in the world. Rent in a shared apartment in Malaysia can cost as little as $50-$250 USD per month.  

    To learn more about how much it costs to live in Malaysia, visit the government’s website here.  

    PTE Academic is accepted at top institutions in Malaysia including Universiti Malaya (UM), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM). Find out where else PTE Academic can take you in Malaysia. 

     3. Spain 

    Spain has a great climate, a relaxed lifestyle, and more than 70 universities to choose from. And yes, it also offers affordable tuition fees. Tuition for EU/EAA students at a public university can range from just €150-€3500.  Keep in mind though, if you’re coming from a country outside the EU/EAA, your tuition fees could be higher.  

    The cost of living for international students in Spain ranges from €700-€1,100 a month. Many courses here are also taught in English, making Spain a good choice if you’re interested in improving both your English and Spanish skills.  

    PTE Academic is accepted at top institutions in Spain including Universidad de Granada. Find out where else PTE Academic can take you in Spain.

     4. France 

    France is a surprisingly affordable place for international students to study. It’s also incredibly popular – more than 350,000 students enroll in the university there each year. France’s public universities charge just €170 per year for a bachelor’s degree for EU/EAA students. But like in Spain, if you’re a non-EU/EAA citizen, fees are likely to cost more.  

    The cost of living is more expensive in larger cities like Paris. But in smaller cities, you can expect to pay around €650 per month.  

    PTE Academic is accepted at top institutions in France including Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne. Find out where else PTE Academic can take you in France. 

    5. South Africa

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    Tuition for a bachelor’s degree in South Africa is reasonably inexpensive compared to locations and will cost international students between €6000–€7000 per year. Living costs are also only about €550 per month. 

    Find out how PTE Academic can help you to study at University of Cape Town. 

    6. Greece 

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    Greece also boasts low costs of living. Students can expect to pay between €450-€750 per month – and some students in financial need can live on campus for free. Better yet, between studies, international learners can soak up the sun while spending time on Greece’s beautiful beaches. What’s not to love?  

    Ready to kickstart your dream of studying abroad?

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    8 things to consider before moving abroad
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    There’s a lot to think about when moving overseas. Will you need health insurance? What identity documents will you need to apply for? And of course, where will you live and work?

    We’ve been there, and we get it! That’s why we’ve put together this list of 8 things to consider before moving abroad. Let’s take a look:  

    1. Understand visa requirements

    If you plan to move abroad for more than six months, you might need a visa to live, work or study. So before making any travel plans, you should visit your destination country’s immigration website to ensure you’re eligible for a visa – and understand all the requirements. Many governments, for example, require applicants to take an approved English language proficiency test like PTE Academic to study or work in the country.

    If you’re looking for visa support, you may also decide to hire a registered migration agent. These are immigration professionals and can complete your visa application for you, help prepare documents, and provide advice throughout the application process.

    You can more about specific visa requirements on these government websites:

    You might be interested in reading our article: Should you hire a migration agent to move to Australia?  

    2. Find out if you’re eligible to work 

    Just because you’ve been granted a visa to live in a country, doesn’t mean you have the right to work full-time.

    Many student visas put a cap on how many hours people can work. For example, in Australia students are allowed to work up to 40 hours every two weeks during the school term. In the UK, students are able to work 20 hours per week during the semester. And in Malaysia, students can also work up to 20 hours a week, but only during school breaks longer than eight days.

    If you’re not on a student visa, it is likely you’ll have permission to work full-time. However, many countries require you to apply for a social insurance number – or something similar – before you can.

    In Canada, for example, permanent and temporary residents need to apply for a social insurance number after they land in the country, and it can take about 20 days to arrive.

    3. Create a budget

    Before moving to a new country, you should have some savings. In some cases, depending on your visa type and the country you’re moving to, you might be required to show proof of savings with your visa application.

    Day-to-day living costs may also be more expensive abroad, and it could take you longer than anticipated to find a job – so it’s important to have money put away to help you settle in.

    If you’re a student planning to move to Canada or the UK, we’ve put together some detailed guides that outline the living costs in each country: 

    Many governments offer cost of living calculators online, which can be a great resource for new immigrants. Take a look at New Zealand’s cost of living tool, for example.

    When you arrive, you’ll also need to open a bank account. This can often be done online. Some banks even have accounts specifically designed for newcomers and offer credit cards to help build credit history. 

    4. Search for housing 

    Looking for accommodation can be one of the most exciting parts of moving abroad. Once you find a place to call home, you’re able to really imagine what your new life will be like – you get to explore Google Maps from afar, check out neighborhood restaurants online, and plan where you might socialize with friends.

    If you’re moving with a work visa, your new workplace might be able to help you find temporary accommodation. Likewise, if you’re moving abroad to study, your institution should offer housing options for international students – such as on-campus apartments or other homestay partnerships. It’s also a great idea to join local housing Facebook groups, where people post their apartments or houses for temporary or long-term rentals.

    You might be interested in: How to choose international student accommodation in the UK.

    5. Discover transportation options

    Once you know where you’ll live, you can figure out how you’ll get around. Is your apartment close to public transportation? Or have you opted to live outside a city center, and will need to get around by car?

    You could be able to drive with an international driver’s license right after landing abroad. But after a few months, lots of countries will require you to apply for a local driver’s license instead. If you’re moving to a country where it snows, it might also be a good idea to invest in driving lessons to learn how to drive safely on icy roads.

    6. Apply for healthcare or insurance

    You might not be automatically eligible for health coverage in your destination country, even if it offers universal healthcare to citizens.

    In Canada, for example, each province administers its own publicly-funded healthcare. That means, if you’re a student, your eligibility for healthcare will depend on where you study. If you’re not eligible, your university should offer you insurance.

    On the other hand, if you’re on a work visa or permanent resident visa, you may be able to apply for publicly-funded healthcare. But, there might be a waiting period before you’re able to have access – so it’s important to buy insurance to make sure you’re covered beforehand.

    Always check with the local government in your destination country to see what your rights are regarding healthcare. It’s also important to research the mental health services that may be available once you arrive. If you’re a student, your university may offer counseling services on campus.  

    7. Keep up to date with travel regulations

    Travel regulations change quickly, so it’s essential to keep up to date on what you’ll need to do before – and after – arriving at your destination country.

    Always consult the health authorities in the country you’re traveling to ensure you follow public health guidelines – and you’ll be allowed to enter the country. 

    8. Don’t forget about the little things 

    When moving abroad, we tend to focus on the big things – like housing, work, and healthcare. But there are lots of little things to think about, too! Remember to:

    • Close your utility accounts – like internet and hydro – before leaving home (and do it before the cut-off date, so you don’t get charged extra)

    • Unlock your mobile phone so you’ll be able to use a local SIM card, and get a power plug adapter for your charger if you need one.

    • Bring a few things that remind you of home and that you won’t be able to buy abroad. Something as simple as packing your favorite face wash or snack food can make a big difference when just starting to settle in.

    Overall, getting a head-start on your travel preparations will help you to reduce stress and hit the ground running when you arrive.

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    How are PTE and IELTS different? Here’s what you need to know
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    PTE Academic is a real-world English test. This means it uses authentic source materials and a range of accents to assess natural real-world English proficiency. The test format is clearly structured, but students still need to understand the tasks in each section and know what they have to do to succeed on test day. 

    The good news is that if you’re already used to preparing candidates for IELTS Academic, you’ll easily be able to adapt to help prepare them for their PTE Academic test. 

    Let’s have a look at the similarities and differences between both tests and explore how you can adapt your test preparation classes for success in PTE Academic. 

    The structure of the tests

    The structure of PTE Academic and IELTS Academic is broadly similar. Both tests assess students on all four language skills: speaking, writing, reading and listening. The biggest difference in structure is that for PTE Academic there is just one two-hour computed-based test for all four skills. Whereas with IELTS Academic you need to book a separate face-to-face speaking test. More on that below. The order that skills are tested in, and the way the tasks are timed and organized, is also different: