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Since the end of free movement between the UK and the EU, the UK has implemented a points-based immigration system to attract global talent while controlling migration. The Skilled Worker visa is a core part of this system, replacing the previous Tier 2 (General) visa. It allows non-UK nationals to take up employment in a wide range of professions, provided certain conditions are met.

This visa not only facilitates legal employment but also opens pathways to permanent residency and British citizenship over time, making it a valuable option for professionals aiming to build a long-term future in the UK.

Navigating the Skilled Worker visa requirements can feel complex, but the rules exist to ensure that incoming workers have the right skills and qualifications to fill genuine job vacancies in the UK. Below are the main eligibility requirements every applicant must meet.

A fundamental requirement for the Skilled Worker visa is having a genuine job offer from a UK employer who holds a valid sponsor licence. The employer must issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), a digital record containing details of the role offered, including:

• Job title and description

• Annual salary

• Occupation code

• Sponsor licence number

The job itself must be listed on the eligible occupations list, which identifies roles suitable for skilled workers under the points-based system. This ensures that the visa is only granted for genuine vacancies requiring appropriate skill levels.

Employers take significant responsibilities when sponsoring foreign workers, including ensuring compliance with immigration laws and record-keeping requirements. As an applicant, it’s crucial to confirm that your prospective employer is an approved sponsor before proceeding.

The Skilled Worker visa aims to bring in talent for roles that require a certain level of qualification or experience. Therefore, the job offered must meet minimum skill and salary levels.

Skill Level

Jobs eligible under this route must be at RQF Level 3 or above (equivalent to A-levels in the UK). While this doesn’t mean you must hold an A-level qualification, the job must be assessed at that skill level or higher.

Salary Thresholds

As of 2025, the general salary threshold is:

• £38,700 per year (approximately £19.84 per hour based on a 37.5-hour work week), whichever is higher.

However, several exceptions exist:

• New Entrants: Individuals under 26, recent graduates, or those undergoing professional training may qualify under a lower salary threshold, usually starting at around £30,960. Precise figures depend on the occupation’s specific “going rate.”

• Jobs on the Immigration Salary List (ISL): Certain shortage occupations qualify for a 20% reduction from the standard going rate. However, the salary must still meet at least £30,960 or the applicable going rate, whichever is higher. This ensures that even in shortage roles, salaries remain fair and competitive.

• PhD Holders: Applicants with a relevant PhD in a STEM subject can benefit from up to a 20% salary discount. For non-STEM PhDs, the discount may be up to 10%. However, the final salary cannot fall below the applicable minimum salary threshold for the occupation.

Salaries must also be genuine, meaning employers cannot inflate salaries purely to meet visa requirements.

Proficiency in English is essential for living and working in the UK. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate English language skills at least at B1 level on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) scale. This can be proven by:

• Passing a Secure English Language Test (SELT) from a Home Office-approved provider.

• Holding a degree-level qualification taught in English.

• Being a national of a majority English-speaking country as defined by the Home Office (e.g. USA, Australia, Canada).

Meeting this requirement is critical, as poor language skills could impact not only visa approval but also future applications for settlement or citizenship.

To ensure new arrivals can support themselves, applicants must show they have at least £1,270 in their bank account, held for a minimum of 28 consecutive days before the application date. However:

• This requirement is waived if the sponsoring employer confirms financial support on the Certificate of Sponsorship.

• Applicants already living in the UK for at least 12 months may also be exempt from proving these funds.

This rule exists to reduce the risk of new migrants falling into financial hardship upon arrival.

Applying for a Skilled Worker visa involves several steps. It’s crucial to follow the process precisely to avoid delays or refusals.

The first step is for the employer to issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). This is not a physical document but a reference number with specific job details, which you’ll use in your visa application.

Employers must ensure that the role meets the eligibility criteria and that they fulfil their sponsorship obligations under UK law. Having an accurate and valid CoS is essential, as errors can result in visa refusal.

Once you have your CoS, you must submit an online visa application within three months of receiving it. The online form will require:

• Personal details

• Employment information

• Uploading supporting documents

• Payment of fees, including the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)

Depending on nationality and passport type, you might:

• Visit a visa application centre to provide biometric data (fingerprints and a photo), or

• Use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app if eligible (for certain biometric passport holders).

It’s crucial to complete the application accurately. Any errors or missing information could cause delays or refusals.

Processing times vary depending on where you apply:

• Outside the UK: Around 3 weeks

• Inside the UK: Around 8 weeks

Priority and super-priority services are often available for an additional fee, reducing decision times to as little as 1-5 working days in some cases. However, availability can fluctuate depending on global demand.

Submitting the right documents is crucial for a successful visa application. Typically, you’ll need:

• A valid passport or other travel document proving identity and nationality

• Certificate of Sponsorship reference number

• Job title, salary, and occupation code

• Employer’s name and sponsor licence number

• Proof of English language proficiency

• Bank statements or evidence of funds (if applicable)

• Tuberculosis test results (if applying from certain listed countries)

• Criminal record certificate for particular roles, especially those involving vulnerable groups

• ATAS certificate, if required (primarily for specific research or technology roles)

Always double-check document requirements based on your personal circumstances and job type.

While the Skilled Worker visa offers excellent opportunities, it comes with significant costs applicants must budget for.

As of 2025, fees depend on how long you intend to stay:

• Up to 3 years: £719

• More than 3 years: £1,423

Applicants applying for jobs on the Immigration Salary List (ISL) or those in the Health and Care Worker visa route may pay reduced fees.

In addition to the visa fee, applicants must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge, currently set at £1,035 per year. This gives access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) and is a mandatory requirement for most visa categories.

For example, a visa valid for 3 years would incur an IHS charge of £3,105 in addition to the visa application fee.

Note that IHS rates are periodically reviewed and may increase, so always check the latest fees before submitting your application.

One of the benefits of the Skilled Worker visa is that it allows applicants to bring family members with them, provided certain conditions are met.

Dependants include:

• A spouse, civil partner, or unmarried partner

• Children under 18

• Children over 18 if they are in the UK as dependants and not living an independent life

Each dependant must:

• Submit a separate visa application

• Pay the relevant visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge

• Provide evidence they can be financially supported without relying on public funds

However, significant policy changes now affect certain job categories:

From March 2024, care workers and senior care workers under SOC codes 6145 and 6146 are largely prohibited from bringing dependants unless employed by specific public-sector organisations like the NHS.

This measure is part of the UK government’s efforts to reduce overall migration and manage pressures on public services.

A major advantage of the Skilled Worker visa is that it can lead to permanent residency in the UK, known as Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).

Extensions

The Skilled Worker visa can be extended multiple times as long as you:

• Continue working for your sponsoring employer

• Remain in an eligible role

• Meet salary and other requirements

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)

As of July 2025, the rules still allow Skilled Worker visa holders to apply for ILR after 5 years of continuous lawful residence. ILR grants permanent settlement rights, enabling holders to:

• Live and work in the UK without further visa restrictions

• Access public funds (if eligible)

• Apply for British citizenship (subject to requirements)

However, the UK government has proposed increasing this residency period to 10 years for ILR eligibility. As of mid-2025, this change has not yet been implemented, but applicants should monitor developments closely in case the rules change in the coming months or years.

In the past few years, the UK government has introduced significant changes to the Skilled Worker visa to control migration levels and protect the domestic workforce. Key updates include:

• Increased Salary Threshold: From April 2024, the general salary threshold rose to £38,700, significantly higher than the previous £26,200. This change aims to ensure that only genuinely skilled roles attract overseas workers.

• Immigration Salary List (ISL): The former Shortage Occupation List was replaced with the ISL, introducing revised criteria and maintaining a minimum salary floor of £30,960 for many roles.

• Dependants Restrictions: As of March 2024, care workers and senior care workers in SOC codes 6145 and 6146 face tight restrictions on bringing dependants, except when employed by certain public-sector bodies like the NHS.

• Settlement Period Proposals: The government has proposed extending the ILR qualifying period from 5 to 10 years for new migrants. However, this change has not yet taken legal effect and remains under review.

These policy shifts reflect the government’s efforts to manage net migration while ensuring the UK remains open to genuinely skilled talent.

The Skilled Worker visa remains a vital route for talented professionals worldwide. Despite recent policy tightening, the visa provides significant opportunities for those wishing to contribute to the UK economy and build a future in the country.

Always consult the latest government guidance or a qualified immigration adviser to ensure you have the most up-to-date and tailored information for your circumstances.

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