How long can you stay out of the UK on Skilled Worker visa?

It is crucial for Skilled Worker visa holders to understand the rules and limitations regarding how long they can stay outside the UK without affecting their future immigration prospects.

The Skilled Worker visa category is one of the most popular routes for individuals seeking to work and live in the United Kingdom.

As a Skilled Worker visa holder, you are permitted to travel outside the UK during your visa without restrictions, provided you have the permission of your employer (for example through annual leave entitlement).

However, if you plan to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) as a Skilled Worker in the future, it is important to note that this brings with it a ‘continuous residence requirement’. Under the Skilled Worker visa route, this means that you must not have been absent for more than 180 days in any 12-month period. For this reason, it is important to ensure that you keep records of your travel history whilst on the Skilled Worker visa, if you are intending to settle in the UK at a later date.

If you have excessive absences from the UK, or have any specific concerns about meeting the continuous residence requirement, it is advisable to seek professional immigration advice.

How Gherson can assist

Gherson’s Immigration Team are highly experienced in advising on UK visa matters. If you have any questions arising from this blog, please do not hesitate to contact us for advice, send us an e-mail, or, alternatively, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn to stay-up-to-date.

The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please do not hesitate to contact Gherson. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.

©Gherson 2023