UK Skilled Worker Visa: requirements, process & 2026 changes
The Skilled Worker Visa is the primary route to live and work in the UK for most overseas professionals. This guide covers eligibility, salary thresholds, the sponsorship process, fees, and what changed in April 2026 — updated and verified against GOV.UK.
What is the Skilled Worker Visa?
The Skilled Worker Visa replaced the old Tier 2 (General) visa in December 2020 and is now the main route for overseas nationals who have a job offer from a UK employer. It is a points-based visa — applicants must score enough points across a set of mandatory and tradeable criteria to qualify.
Unlike some visa routes, the Skilled Worker Visa has no annual cap on numbers. Provided you meet all the requirements and your employer holds a valid sponsor licence, you can apply at any time of year. The visa can be granted for up to five years, after which you can apply to extend or — once you have five continuous years of lawful residence — apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
Who is eligible for a Skilled Worker Visa?
To qualify you must score 70 points. The first 50 are mandatory — no flexibility. The remaining 20 can be traded against each other.
Your employer must hold a valid UK Sponsor Licence and issue you a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). 20 points. Mandatory.
Your role must appear on the eligible occupations list at RQF Level 3 or above (equivalent to A-Level). 20 points. Mandatory.
At least £38,700/year (general threshold from April 2024), or the going rate for your occupation if higher. New entrants may qualify at 70% of the going rate. 20 points. Mandatory.
Must demonstrate B1 English ability (CEFR). From January 2026, B2 is required for some routes. Nationals of majority English-speaking countries are exempt. 10 points. Mandatory.
Tradeable points (20 points needed from the below)
If your salary falls below the general threshold, you may be able to trade points. For example, a PhD in a relevant subject earns 10 points and allows a lower salary. A job in a shortage occupation (on the Immigration Salary List) also allows a lower threshold.
| Tradeable criterion | Points | Salary allowable |
|---|---|---|
| Job on the Immigration Salary List | 20 | £30,960 or going rate × 80% |
| New entrant (under 26, recent graduate, switching) | 20 | £30,960 or going rate × 70% |
| PhD relevant to the job | 10 | £34,830 or going rate × 90% |
| PhD in STEM subject relevant to the job | 20 | £30,960 or going rate × 80% |
Salary thresholds correct as of April 2024. Always verify the current going rate for your specific occupation code on GOV.UK before applying.
Skilled Worker Visa salary requirements 2026
The general salary threshold increased significantly in April 2024 — from £26,200 to £38,700 per year. This was the largest single increase in the visa's history and affected thousands of applicants and sponsors.
| Applicant type | Minimum salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| General threshold | £38,700/year | Standard |
| New entrant rate | £30,960/year | Reduced |
| Immigration Salary List role | £30,960/year | Reduced |
| Health & Care Worker | NHS pay scales | Separate route |
What counts towards the salary threshold?
Only guaranteed basic salary counts. The following do not count toward the threshold: tips and gratuities, overtime (unless guaranteed), performance bonuses, commission, salary sacrifice arrangements, non-cash benefits such as accommodation or meals.
How to apply for a Skilled Worker Visa
The application process involves both you and your employer. Your employer must act first — they hold the sponsor licence and issue the Certificate of Sponsorship. You cannot begin your visa application until you have a valid CoS reference number.
Check the GOV.UK register of licensed sponsors. If your employer is not listed, they must apply for a sponsor licence before proceeding — this takes 8 weeks or more.
Your employer assigns you a CoS through the Sponsorship Management System. It contains a unique reference number, your job details, salary, and start date. You must apply for your visa within 3 months of the CoS being issued.
Use the GOV.UK points calculator to confirm you qualify. Documents typically needed: valid passport, CoS reference number, proof of English language, financial evidence (£1,270 in savings held for 28 days, unless your employer certifies maintenance).
Apply online at GOV.UK. Pay the visa application fee (from £719 for up to 3 years) and the Immigration Health Surcharge (£1,035/year). Total upfront cost for a 5-year visa typically exceeds £5,000 including IHS.
Book an appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) if applying from abroad, or a UKVCAS service point if switching in-country. Provide fingerprints and a photograph. Upload supporting documents via the online portal.
Standard processing is 3–8 weeks from outside the UK. Priority service (additional fee) typically 5 working days. You will receive an eVisa — a digital record of your immigration status linked to your UKVI account. No physical vignette sticker is issued for most applications from 2025 onwards.
Skilled Worker Visa fees 2026
The total cost of a Skilled Worker Visa is significantly more than the headline application fee. The Immigration Health Surcharge, paid upfront for the full visa duration, is often the largest single cost — particularly for longer grants.
| Fee | Up to 3 years | 3–5 years |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application fee | £719 | £1,420 |
| Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) | £3,105 | £5,175 |
| Priority service (optional) | +£500 | +£500 |
| Super Priority service (optional) | +£1,000 | +£1,000 |
IHS is calculated at £1,035 per adult per year. For a 5-year visa that is £5,175 per person — paid upfront. Dependants pay separately. Some employers cover all or part of these costs; worth negotiating before accepting a job offer.
Can I bring dependants on a Skilled Worker Visa?
Yes — most Skilled Worker Visa holders can bring eligible dependants to the UK. Each dependant must make a separate application, pay their own visa fee and IHS, and you must be able to demonstrate you can financially support them.
Who counts as a dependant?
- Your spouse, civil partner, or unmarried partner (if you have been in a relationship for at least 2 years)
- Your children under 18
- Children over 18 who were previously granted permission as your dependant
Important restriction — care workers
From March 2024, care workers in SOC codes 6145 (Care workers and home carers) and 6146 (Senior care workers) are generally unable to bring dependants unless employed directly by the NHS or certain other public sector bodies. This restriction does not apply to other Skilled Worker roles.
Dependant rights
Dependants granted leave alongside a Skilled Worker Visa holder have the right to work freely in the UK — in any job, without restriction. They can also study. Their visa is linked to yours; if your visa is curtailed or you leave the UK, their permission may also be affected.
Path to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
The Skilled Worker Visa leads to permanent settlement. After five continuous years of lawful residence in the UK on an eligible visa, you can apply for ILR — the right to live and work in the UK permanently without immigration conditions.
ILR eligibility requirements
- Five continuous years of lawful residence (on Skilled Worker or predecessor Tier 2 visa)
- No more than 180 days absence from the UK in any 12-month period during those five years
- Salary must still meet the threshold at time of ILR application
- Pass the Life in the UK Test
- English language requirement at B1 level (or B2 from March 2027 for settlement routes)
- No serious criminal record
After ILR — British citizenship
Once you hold ILR, you can apply for British citizenship by naturalisation after a further 12 months — giving a total of approximately 6 years from first arriving in the UK on a Skilled Worker Visa to becoming a British citizen, provided you meet all conditions.
Skilled Worker Visa — common questions
Yes. You can switch to a Skilled Worker Visa from most other visa categories without leaving the UK, provided you have a valid job offer and Certificate of Sponsorship, and your current visa has not expired. Common switching routes include switching from a Student Visa (or Graduate Route) and from the Skilled Worker Visa itself when changing employers. You cannot switch from a Visitor Visa.
Your Skilled Worker Visa is tied to your specific employer and role. If you change jobs — even to a similar role at a different company — you must apply for a new Skilled Worker Visa with your new employer as sponsor before you start working for them. You cannot use your current visa to work for a different employer. If your new employer is not a licensed sponsor, they must apply for a sponsor licence first.
There is no legal requirement for your employer to pay your visa fees or the IHS. In practice, many employers — particularly in healthcare, technology, and finance — cover some or all of these costs as part of a relocation package. It is worth negotiating upfront. Employers are legally required to pay the Immigration Skills Charge (£1,000/year for most businesses, £364/year for small businesses and charities) but this is their cost, not yours.
No. The Skilled Worker Visa only permits you to work for your licensed sponsor. You cannot take on secondary employment as a self-employed freelancer. You may, however, take on a second employed job (up to 20 hours per week) if it is in the same occupation code or a shortage occupation, subject to conditions. If you want to run your own business, the Innovator Founder Visa or Global Talent Visa may be more appropriate routes.
There is no fixed limit on time outside the UK while you hold a Skilled Worker Visa — you can travel freely. However, if you intend to apply for ILR, you must not have spent more than 180 days outside the UK in any rolling 12-month period during your qualifying five years. Excessive absences, even if permitted under your visa, can jeopardise your ILR eligibility.
The Immigration Skills Charge (ISC) is a levy paid by your employer — not you — when they assign you a Certificate of Sponsorship. The standard rate is £1,000 per year of sponsorship (£364/year for small businesses and charities). It is designed to fund skills training in the UK workforce. It cannot legally be passed on to the sponsored worker.
Disclaimer: This guide is for general information only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. UK immigration rules change frequently — always verify current requirements on GOV.UK or consult a regulated immigration adviser (OISC-registered) before making an application. Last reviewed March 2026.