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Skilled Worker Visa - Complete Immigration Plan

Category: work sponsored

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Not Legal Advice— This is informational guidance only

Overview

The Skilled Worker visa is the main employer-sponsored work route to the United Kingdom. It allows non-UK nationals to live and work in the UK for a licensed sponsor employer in an eligible skilled occupation. This route is the backbone of the UK labour migration system and typically serves as the starting point for permanent settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain) and eventual British citizenship.

Typical Profile: Professionals with a confirmed job offer from a UK employer holding a valid sponsor licence, in a role that meets the skill level and salary requirements. Common applicants include technology specialists, healthcare workers, engineers, finance professionals, educators, and those switching from Student or Graduate visas to long-term employment.

Detailed Eligibility Requirements

Hard Requirements (Mandatory)

Nationality:

Non-UK nationals who are not settled in the UK. Irish citizens do not need a visa. EU/EEA/Swiss nationals without pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme require this visa for work.

Age Limits:

Minimum: 18 years

Income Threshold:

€38,700 GBP_per_year

From April 2024, the general salary threshold is £38,700 per year (or £15.88 per hour). You must also meet the 'going rate' for your specific occupation code, which may be higher. Discounted thresholds apply for: new entrants (£30,960), shortage occupation roles, PhD-relevant roles, and certain healthcare/education roles. Part-time salaries are calculated pro-rata but must still meet thresholds.

Work Allowed:

Yes

Must have a genuine job offer from a UK employer with a valid sponsor licence. The role must be listed in the eligible occupations for Skilled Worker visa (Appendix Skilled Occupations). Role must be at RQF Level 3 or above (A-level equivalent or higher). Employment must be for at least the minimum salary threshold or going rate, whichever is higher.

Accommodation:

Not required

No formal accommodation requirement for visa application. However, practical housing arrangements should be considered for living in the UK.

Health Insurance:

Not required

No private insurance required. Applicants pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) which grants access to the National Health Service (NHS) on the same basis as UK residents.

Sponsor Required

employer

Additional Considerations (Discretionary)

Common Exceptions:

New entrant discounts apply to: applicants under 26, those switching from Student/Graduate visa, those in professional training programmes. PhD holders in jobs relevant to their qualification may qualify for lower threshold (£34,830 for PhD, £36,710 for STEM PhD). Healthcare workers on national pay scales have separate arrangements.

Discretionary Factors:

Genuineness of job offer may be assessed. Sponsor's compliance history affects application scrutiny. Applicant's immigration history, including previous refusals or overstays. Consistency between stated role and applicant's experience/qualifications.

Alternative Proofs:

English language can be proven through: approved Secure English Language Test (SELT), UK degree, degree taught in English from majority English-speaking country, or nationality from listed English-speaking countries. Financial requirement can be certified by sponsor instead of personal bank statements.

Common Edge Cases:

Switching from Visitor visa (not normally permitted). Applicants with gaps in employment history. Those with previous visa refusals. Self-sponsorship through own company (permitted but heavily scrutinised). Applicants whose salary includes significant variable components (commission, bonuses generally do not count).

Complete Document Checklist

Mandatory Documents (7)

  • Valid Passport or Travel Document

    Current passport with at least one blank page for the visa vignette. Must be valid for the duration of intended stay.

    If passport expires during planned stay, visa will be issued until passport expiry date

    Official source →

  • Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) Reference Number

    Unique reference number provided by your sponsor employer. Contains details of job, salary, occupation code, and start date.

    CoS is an electronic record, not a physical document. Your employer assigns this through the Sponsor Management System (SMS). CoS is valid for 3 months from assignment date.

    Official source →

  • English Language Evidence

    Proof of English ability at B1 CEFR level (speaking and listening) through approved test, degree, or nationality.

    Accepted evidence: IELTS for UKVI, Trinity ISE, LanguageCert, PTE Academic UKVI, or equivalent. UK degree or degree taught in English from approved country also accepted. Nationals of majority English-speaking countries exempt.

    Official source →

  • Proof of Financial Maintenance

    Bank statements or building society statements showing £1,270 held for 28 consecutive days ending no more than 31 days before application date.

    Not required if: sponsor certifies maintenance on CoS, or you have been in UK with valid visa for 12+ months at application date. Statements must clearly show: name, account number, date, financial institution details, balance.

    Official source →

  • Tuberculosis (TB) Test Certificate

    Certificate from approved clinic showing you are free from infectious TB.

    Required only if applying from or resident in a listed country. Valid for 6 months from issue date. List of countries requiring TB test available on gov.uk.

    Official source →

  • Criminal Record Certificate

    Police certificate from any country where you have lived for 12 months or more in the last 10 years (since age 18).

    Required for certain occupations only: healthcare, teaching, social work, work with children or vulnerable adults. Check Appendix FL for full list.

    Official source →

  • ATAS Certificate

    Academic Technology Approval Scheme certificate for certain science/technology research roles.

    Required only for specific occupation codes in sensitive research areas. Check Appendix ATAS for listed roles. Processing typically takes 15-20 working days.

    Official source →

Conditional Documents (7)

  • Academic Qualifications

    Required if: Required if occupation code specifies mandatory qualifications or if claiming PhD salary discount

    Include degree certificates, transcripts. Foreign qualifications may need ENIC-NARIC statement of comparability. Degree certificates should be originals or certified copies.

    Official source →

  • Professional Registration

    Required if: Required for regulated professions (doctors, nurses, teachers, engineers, lawyers, etc.)

    Must provide evidence of registration or license to practice from relevant UK professional body. Some registrations may be applied for after arrival but must be obtained to work.

  • ENIC-NARIC Statement of Comparability

    Required if: Required if your qualifications are from outside the UK and the role requires specific educational levels

    Shows how your overseas qualification compares to UK qualifications framework. Apply through UK ENIC website.

    Official source →

  • Previous Immigration Documents

    Required if: Required if switching from another visa category within the UK

    Include current BRP (Biometric Residence Permit), previous visa grant letters. Useful for demonstrating continuous residence.

  • Evidence of Employer Legitimacy

    Required if: May be requested if sponsor is newly licensed or application triggers compliance checks

    Job description, employment contract, company details. Usually not required as CoS contains most information, but may be requested.

  • Marriage or Civil Partnership Certificate

    Required if: Required if applying with a partner as dependant

    Must prove relationship of 2+ years if unmarried partners. Documents may need translation and certification.

  • Birth Certificates for Children

    Required if: Required for child dependants

    Proves relationship to main applicant. May need translation if not in English.

Optional Documents (4)

These documents may strengthen your application

  • Curriculum Vitae / Resume

    Detailed CV showing career history, education, and skills relevant to sponsored role. Helpful if questions arise about suitability for position.

  • Employer Reference Letters

    Letters from current/previous employers confirming job titles, responsibilities, and dates of employment.

  • Recent Payslips

    From current employment, useful to show earnings history especially if switching within UK.

  • Employment Contract

    While not strictly required (CoS contains key details), a full contract may support your application.

Step-by-Step Process

Before Arrival in the UK (7 steps)

  1. 1

    Employer Obtains or Holds Sponsor Licence

    Your prospective employer must have a valid sponsor licence from UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). If they don't have one, they must apply (which can take 8 weeks or more). Check the Register of Licensed Sponsors to verify.

    UK (employer action)
    Official source →
  2. 2

    Employer Assigns Certificate of Sponsorship

    Once you have accepted the job offer and agreed terms, your employer assigns a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) through the Sponsor Management System. The CoS contains your job details, salary, occupation code, and start date.

    1 week£239.00UK (employer action)
    Official source →
  3. 3

    Gather Required Documents

    Collect all required documentation: passport, English language evidence, financial evidence (if sponsor not certifying), TB test certificate (if applicable), criminal record certificates (if required for role), and any qualifications or professional registrations.

    2 weeksHome country
  4. 4

    Complete Online Application

    Submit your visa application online through the UK government website. You will need your CoS reference number, personal details, travel history, and details of any dependants. Pay the visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) online.

    1 dayOnline
    Official source →
  5. 5

    Attend Biometrics Appointment

    Book and attend an appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) to provide biometrics (fingerprints and photograph). Bring your passport and supporting documents. Some locations offer super priority or priority services for faster processing.

    2 weeksAppointment requiredVisa Application Centre (VAC)
  6. 6

    Wait for Decision

    Standard processing time is 3 weeks from biometrics appointment. Priority service (where available) is 5 working days; super priority is next working day. You may be contacted for additional documents or an interview.

    3 weeksHome country
    Official source →
  7. 7

    Receive Decision and Collect Passport

    If approved, you receive a vignette (sticker) in your passport valid for 90 days to enter the UK. Your full Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) will be collected after arrival in the UK.

    5 daysVisa Application Centre

After Arrival in the UK (5 steps)

  1. 1

    Enter the UK

    Travel to the UK within the 90-day validity period of your entry vignette. You can start work as soon as you enter, from the start date on your CoS.

    UK
  2. 2

    Collect Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)

    Collect your BRP from the Post Office or ACL location specified in your decision letter within 10 days of arrival (or your BRP 'singed' by date). The BRP shows your immigration status and right to work.

    1 weekPost Office or ACL (UK)
    Official source →
  3. 3

    Begin Employment

    Start work with your sponsor employer. Your employer must conduct a right-to-work check. Keep your BRP safe as proof of your status.

    UK
  4. 4

    Register for National Insurance Number

    Apply for a National Insurance (NI) number, which is required for working and paying taxes in the UK. You can start work before receiving it, but you need to apply.

    4 weeksUK (online/phone)
    Official source →
  5. 5

    Register with GP (General Practitioner)

    Register with a local GP surgery to access NHS healthcare. Your IHS payment entitles you to NHS services on the same basis as UK residents.

    2 weeksUK

Timeline & Validity

Typical Processing Time:

21 days

Standard processing is approximately 3 weeks from biometrics appointment. Priority service (5 working days) and super priority service (next working day) available at additional cost in most locations. Complex cases or those requiring additional verification may take longer.

Recommended Lead Time:

90 days

Start your application this early before planned travel

Permit Validity:

60 months

Duration of your initial permit

Renewal Possible:

Yes

Extensions possible while continuing eligible employment. Must still meet salary and occupation requirements at time of extension. No maximum period on Skilled Worker route. After 5 years, may apply for settlement (ILR) instead of extending.

Regional Variations:

Processing times vary by Visa Application Centre location. Some high-volume VACs may have longer appointment wait times. UK-based switching applications processed by UKVI Sheffield.

Common Bottlenecks:

VAC appointment availability (especially post-pandemic). Employer obtaining sponsor licence if not already held (8+ weeks). Document verification for qualifications or professional registrations. Additional checks for certain nationalities or sensitive roles.

Fees & Costs Breakdown

Estimated Total Cost

£6,172.5

Government fees and mandatory costs only

Government Fees

  • Visa Application Fee (up to 3 years)

    For visas granted for up to 3 years. Applies to most initial applications.

    £719.00
  • Visa Application Fee (over 3 years)

    For visas granted for more than 3 years. Maximum initial grant is 5 years.

    £1,420.00
  • Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)

    Per year of visa duration. Paid upfront for entire visa period. Grants access to NHS healthcare. Reduced rate (£776/year) for students and certain Youth Mobility applicants. Total for 3-year visa: £3,105; for 5-year visa: £5,175.

    £1,035.00
  • Certificate of Sponsorship Fee

    Paid by employer when assigning CoS. Usually absorbed by employer, sometimes passed to employee depending on agreement.

    £239.00
  • Immigration Skills Charge

    Paid by employer. £1,000 per year for large sponsors (or £364 per year for small/charitable sponsors). Paid for full visa duration upfront. Typically not passed to employee.

    £1,000.00

Service Fees (Optional)

  • Priority Processing (5 working days)

    Optional faster processing. Availability varies by location.

    £500.00
  • Super Priority Processing (next working day)

    Optional fastest processing. Limited availability.

    £1,000.00
  • VAC Premium Lounge Services

    Optional premium services at VACs (dedicated counters, assistance). Prices vary by location.

    £0.00
  • ENIC-NARIC Statement of Comparability

    If foreign qualifications need UK equivalency confirmation. Standard service; faster options available.

    £49.50
  • TB Test

    Cost varies by country and clinic (typically £50-150 equivalent). Required for applicants from listed countries.

    Varies
  • English Language Test (IELTS for UKVI)

    Approximate cost. Required if not exempt through nationality or degree. Other approved tests may have different costs.

    £210.00

Other Mandatory Costs:

Document translation and certification costs (if applicable). Courier/postage for passport return. Travel costs to Visa Application Centre. Potential legal/immigration advice fees. Employer may cover some costs depending on company policy.

Common Risks & Pitfalls

Common Rejections:

Salary below threshold or going rate for occupation code. Incorrect occupation code selection (job duties don't match SOC code). Employer sponsor licence issues (suspended, revoked, or downgraded). English language requirement not properly evidenced. Insufficient maintenance funds (if not sponsor-certified). Previous immigration violations or overstays.

Frequent Errors:

Incorrect salary calculation (including non-qualifying allowances). Misunderstanding new entrant eligibility criteria. Applying with expired CoS (valid only 3 months). English test taken at wrong level or from unapproved provider. Gaps in 28-day financial evidence period. Not declaring criminal convictions. Wrong occupation code selected by employer.

Documents Often Requested Later:

Detailed breakdown of salary components. Evidence that role genuinely requires stated skill level. Proof of English language test authenticity. Additional financial statements. Explanation of employment gaps. Evidence of qualifications' authenticity.

Red Flags:

Job salary significantly below market rate for role. Sponsor is newly licensed with limited track record. Applicant's experience doesn't match role requirements. Multiple previous visa refusals. Salary includes high proportion of variable pay (commissions, bonuses). Self-sponsorship through own company. Role appears designed for visa purposes rather than genuine business need.

Consulate-Specific Notes:

Applications from certain countries face additional scrutiny. TB test required for residents of listed countries. Some VACs have limited priority service availability. UK-based switching applications have different process (no VAC visit required, submit BRP). Certain sensitive research roles require ATAS clearance before applying.

Official Sources & References

Government Links

Law References

Official Documents

Important Notice

This plan is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration laws and requirements can change frequently. Always verify current requirements with official sources and consult with a qualified immigration attorney for your specific situation.

Generated on February 15, 2026