UK Skilled Worker Visa: Complete Application Guide

The Skilled Worker visa is the UK's main employment-based immigration route, replacing the old Tier 2 (General) visa. Whether you're a software engineer, nurse, accountant, or teacher, this visa provides a clear pathway from employment to permanent settlement and British citizenship.

This guide covers everything you need to know about the Skilled Worker visa application in 2026—from eligibility requirements to the settlement pathway.

For a complete overview of all UK immigration routes, see our Complete Guide to Moving to the UK.

Who Needs a Skilled Worker Visa?

The Skilled Worker visa is for non-UK nationals who:

• Have a confirmed job offer from a UK employer with a sponsor licence
• Will work in an eligible skilled occupation (RQF Level 3+)
• Meet the salary and English language requirements

You don't need this visa if:

• You're an Irish citizen (Common Travel Area rights)
• You have EU pre-settled or settled status
• You already have Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)

Not for self-employment: The Skilled Worker visa is for employed positions only. For self-employment, consider the Innovator Founder or Scale-up visa routes.

Key Requirements at a Glance

Before you begin, ensure you meet these core requirements:

1. Job offer from a UK employer with a valid sponsor licence
2. Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) assigned by your employer
3. Salary meeting the minimum threshold (£38,700/year or going rate)
4. Skill level of RQF Level 3+ (A-level equivalent)
5. English language at B1 CEFR level
6. Financial maintenance (£1,270 held for 28 days, unless sponsor certifies)

Let's examine each requirement in detail.

1. Sponsorship: Finding an Employer

The Sponsor Licence System

You cannot apply for a Skilled Worker visa without employer sponsorship. Your prospective employer must:

• Hold a valid Sponsor Licence from UK Visas and Immigration
• Be willing and able to assign you a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
• Comply with ongoing sponsorship duties

How to Find a Sponsoring Employer

1. Check the Register of Licensed Sponsors: The UK government publishes a list of all licensed sponsors. Search for companies in your field.

2. Job boards with sponsorship filters: Many UK job boards (Indeed, LinkedIn, Glassdoor) allow filtering for "visa sponsorship available."

3. Company websites: Large companies and those with international operations are more likely to sponsor. Check their careers pages.

4. Industries with high sponsorship rates:

   • Technology and IT
   • Healthcare (NHS and private)
   • Finance and accounting
   • Education
   • Engineering

What Employers Need to Do

Before you can apply, your employer must:

1. Have a sponsor licence (if they don't, it can take 8+ weeks to obtain one)
2. Conduct a Resident Labour Market Test (in some cases)
3. Assign you a Certificate of Sponsorship (costs them £239)
4. Pay the Immigration Skills Charge (£1,000/year for large employers, £364 for small/charities)

Pro tip: Ask potential employers if they've sponsored Skilled Workers before. First-time sponsors may face longer processing times.

2. Salary Requirements: Meeting the Threshold

The General Threshold

From April 2024, the standard salary threshold is:

• £38,700 per year (or £15.88 per hour)
• OR the going rate for your specific occupation code (whichever is higher)

The "going rate" is the typical salary for your occupation as set by the Home Office. For example:

| Occupation | Going Rate | |------------|-----------| | Software Developer | £42,400 | | Registered Nurse | £27,477 | | Secondary School Teacher | £32,000 | | Civil Engineer | £35,500 |

Always check the Skilled Occupations List for your specific occupation code.

Salary Discounts

Certain applicants qualify for reduced thresholds:

New Entrants (£30,960):

• Under 26 years old at application date
• Switching from Student or Graduate visa
• In a UK postgraduate doctorate programme
• Working toward a recognised professional qualification

PhD Discount:

• £34,830 for roles relevant to a PhD qualification
• £36,710 for STEM PhD roles

Immigration Salary List: Roles on the Immigration Salary List (formerly Shortage Occupation List) have lower thresholds. Current examples include:

• Care workers and senior care workers
• Certain healthcare roles
• Some construction trades

Healthcare Workers: Medical professionals on NHS national pay scales have separate arrangements.

What Counts as Salary?

Included:

• Basic gross salary
• Allowances that are guaranteed (London weighting, on-call allowances)
• Productivity and performance bonuses if guaranteed

Not Included:

• Discretionary bonuses
• Commission payments
• Overtime
• Benefits in kind (car, accommodation)
• One-off signing bonuses

Important: Your salary must be paid at least monthly.

3. English Language Requirement

You must prove English ability at B1 CEFR level (speaking and listening).

How to Prove English

Option 1: Approved Test

• IELTS for UKVI (not standard IELTS)
• PTE Academic UKVI
• LanguageCert International ESOL
• Trinity ISE

Typical scores needed for B1:

• IELTS: 4.0 in each component (speaking and listening)
• PTE: 43+

Option 2: Degree Taught in English

• UK degree (undergraduate or higher)
• Degree from a majority English-speaking country
• Degree taught in English (requires confirmation from ENIC)

Option 3: Nationality Exemption Nationals of these countries are exempt:

• Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Canada, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Malta, New Zealand, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, USA

Common Mistakes

• Taking IELTS Academic instead of IELTS for UKVI (wrong test!)
• Taking the test at a non-approved centre
• Expired test results (typically valid for 2 years)

4. The Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

The CoS is an electronic record (not a physical document) assigned by your employer. It contains:

• Your personal details
• Job title and occupation code
• Salary and working hours
• Start date
• Whether your employer is certifying maintenance

CoS Details You Need

When your employer assigns your CoS, they'll give you:

• CoS Reference Number: You'll enter this in your visa application
• Sponsorship Details: Verify all information is correct

Important CoS Rules

• Valid for 3 months from assignment—apply before it expires
• You can only apply using one CoS at a time
• If information is wrong, your employer must cancel and reissue

5. Financial Requirement

You must show you can support yourself when you first arrive.

The Requirement

£1,270 held in your bank account for 28 consecutive days ending no more than 31 days before your application date.

Exemptions

You don't need to show funds if:

• Your employer certifies maintenance on your CoS (most do)
• You've been in the UK with valid leave for 12+ months

Evidence Required (If Applicable)

• Bank statements or building society statements
• Must show: your name, account number, balance, financial institution
• Funds can be in any currency (converted at the published rate)

Complete Document Checklist

When you apply, you'll need:

Mandatory Documents

• [ ] Valid passport (6+ months validity recommended)
• [ ] Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) reference number
• [ ] English language evidence (test certificate, degree, or exemption)
• [ ] Financial evidence (if not sponsor-certified)
• [ ] Passport-size photographs (varies by application centre)

Conditional Documents

• [ ] TB test certificate: Required if applying from a listed country
• [ ] Criminal record certificate: For certain roles (healthcare, education, work with children)
• [ ] ATAS certificate: For sensitive research roles (check Appendix ATAS)
• [ ] Academic qualifications: If required for your role or claiming PhD discount
• [ ] ENIC-NARIC statement: For foreign qualifications

Optional but Helpful

• [ ] Detailed CV matching your job description
• [ ] Employment contract
• [ ] Reference letters from previous employers
• [ ] Payslips from current employment

Pro tip: Keep digital copies of everything. You may need to re-submit documents if issues arise.

Application Process: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Accept Job Offer

Agree terms with your employer, including salary, start date, and working arrangements.

Step 2: Employer Assigns CoS

Your employer creates your Certificate of Sponsorship through the Sponsor Management System. This typically takes 1-7 days.

Important: Verify all details on your CoS are correct before applying.

Step 3: Gather Documents

Collect all required documents. If you need a TB test, book this early as it must be done at an approved clinic.

Step 4: Complete Online Application

Apply online at gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa/apply:

1. Create an account
2. Enter your CoS reference number
3. Complete all sections (personal details, travel history, employment history)
4. Pay the visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge

Step 5: Pay Fees

| Fee Type | Amount | |----------|--------| | Visa (up to 3 years) | £719 | | Visa (3-5 years) | £1,420 | | Immigration Health Surcharge | £1,035/year |

Example for 5-year visa: £1,420 + (5 × £1,035) = £6,595 total

Step 6: Book and Attend Biometrics Appointment

Book an appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) to:

• Submit your passport
• Provide fingerprints
• Have your photograph taken

Processing options:

• Standard: 3 weeks from biometrics
• Priority: 5 working days (+£500)
• Super Priority: Next working day (+£1,000)

Not all options are available at all locations.

Step 7: Receive Decision

If approved, you'll receive:

• Your passport back with a 90-day entry vignette (sticker)
• Information about collecting your BRP

Step 8: Travel to the UK

Enter the UK within the vignette validity period (up to 90 days).

Step 9: Collect BRP

Within 10 days of arrival, collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) from the location specified in your decision letter (usually a Post Office).

Your BRP is your proof of immigration status and right to work.

Work Rights and Restrictions

What You Can Do

• Work for your sponsor in the role specified on your CoS
• Do supplementary work (up to 20 hours/week in a similar role, or at any hours in a different skilled occupation)
• Study (subject to any visa conditions)
• Access NHS healthcare (via IHS)
• Bring dependants (spouse/partner and children)

What You Cannot Do

• Work for a different employer without a new visa
• Claim most public funds (benefits)
• Work in a role different from your CoS without updating your visa

Changing Employers

If you want to change jobs, you must:

1. Get a new job offer from a licensed sponsor
2. Have them assign a new CoS
3. Apply for a new Skilled Worker visa (can do this from within the UK)
4. You can start working for the new employer once you've submitted your application (if you're already on Skilled Worker)

Your time on the previous Skilled Worker visa counts toward settlement.

Costs Breakdown: Full Picture

Government Fees

| Item | Amount | |------|--------| | Visa application (up to 3 years) | £719 | | Visa application (3-5 years) | £1,420 | | Immigration Health Surcharge | £1,035/year |

Employer Costs (Usually Not Passed to Employee)

| Item | Amount | |------|--------| | Certificate of Sponsorship | £239 | | Immigration Skills Charge (large employer) | £1,000/year | | Immigration Skills Charge (small/charity) | £364/year |

Your Potential Costs

| Item | Typical Cost | |------|-------------| | IELTS for UKVI | £210 | | TB test (if required) | £50-150 | | ENIC-NARIC statement (if needed) | £49.50 | | Document translations | Varies | | Priority processing | £500-1,000 |

Example: 3-Year Visa from India

| Item | Cost | |------|------| | Visa fee | £719 | | IHS (3 years) | £3,105 | | IELTS | £210 | | TB test | £100 | | Total | ~£4,134 |

Path to Settlement: Indefinite Leave to Remain

The Skilled Worker visa leads to permanent residence (ILR) after 5 years.

Requirements for ILR

1. 5 years continuous residence on an eligible route (Skilled Worker, old Tier 2)
2. Still employed by a licensed sponsor at ILR application
3. Meet current salary threshold (currently £38,700 or going rate)
4. Pass Life in the UK test (£50, 24 questions, 75% pass mark)
5. English at B1 level (same as visa requirement)
6. Absence limits: No more than 180 days outside UK in any 12-month period
7. Good character: No serious criminal convictions

ILR Costs

| Item | Cost | |------|------| | ILR application | £2,885 | | Life in the UK test | £50 |

British Citizenship

After holding ILR for 12 months, you may apply for British citizenship through naturalisation:

• Fee: ~£1,580
• Requirements: Residence, English, Life in UK test, good character
• Benefit: Full UK passport, vote, no immigration restrictions

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Salary Calculation Errors

Mistake: Including bonuses, overtime, or benefits that don't count toward the salary threshold.

Avoid: Only guaranteed basic salary and guaranteed allowances count. If your base is £35,000 plus bonuses, you don't meet the £38,700 threshold.

2. Wrong Occupation Code

Mistake: Employer selects an occupation code that doesn't match your actual job duties.

Avoid: The occupation code determines the going rate. If the wrong code is used, you may be rejected or face compliance issues later.

3. Wrong English Test

Mistake: Taking standard IELTS instead of IELTS for UKVI.

Avoid: Only specific "for UKVI" tests are accepted. Double-check before booking.

4. Expired CoS

Mistake: Waiting too long after receiving your CoS to apply.

Avoid: CoS is valid for 3 months only. Apply promptly after assignment.

5. Changing Jobs Without New Visa

Mistake: Assuming you can freely change employers once you have a Skilled Worker visa.

Avoid: Each employment requires its own sponsorship and visa application. You must apply before (or immediately after) starting the new job.

6. Exceeding Absence Limits

Mistake: Spending too much time outside the UK, jeopardising settlement eligibility.

Avoid: Track your absences carefully. No more than 180 days in any 12-month period, and no single absence over 6 months.

Switching From Other Visas

You can switch to Skilled Worker from within the UK if you're on:

• Student visa (in final year or completed)
• Graduate visa
• Youth Mobility Scheme (Tier 5)
• Global Talent visa
• Most other work visas

Cannot switch from:

• Visitor visa (must leave UK and apply from abroad)
• Short-term student visa
• Seasonal Worker visa
• Domestic Worker visa

New entrant discount: If switching from Student or Graduate visa, you qualify for the reduced £30,960 salary threshold.

Dependants: Bringing Family

Who Can Come

• Spouse or civil partner
• Unmarried partner (lived together 2+ years)
• Children under 18

Dependant Requirements

• Same visa fee as main applicant
• Same IHS rate (£1,035/year)
• Must prove genuine relationship
• Adequate maintenance (unless sponsor-certified)

Dependant Rights

• Can work in the UK (almost any job)
• Can study
• Access NHS via IHS
• Can apply for ILR after 5 years (in line with main applicant)

Next Steps

Ready to pursue a Skilled Worker visa?

1. Find a sponsoring employer: Search the Register of Licensed Sponsors
2. Review full route details: View complete Skilled Worker visa requirements
3. Verify with official sources: UK Government Skilled Worker guidance
4. Explore all UK routes: UK Immigration Guide
5. Consult an immigration solicitor: For complex situations, professional advice ensures success

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Disclaimer: This article provides general educational information based on publicly available sources. It is not legal advice. UK immigration requirements change frequently. Always verify current requirements with the UK government website and consult qualified immigration solicitors for advice specific to your situation.

Sources:

• UK Government - Skilled Worker Visa
• UK Government - Eligible Occupation Codes
• UK Government - English Language Requirements
• UK Government - Visa Fees
• UK Government - Register of Licensed Sponsors

Last updated: January 24, 2026