UK Immigration Guide

The UK uses a points-based system where visa applicants must score enough points based on criteria like job offer, salary, English language ability, and qualifications. For the Skilled Worker visa, mandatory requirements include a job from a licensed sponsor (20 points), appropriate skill level (20 points), and English language (10 points), plus salary-based tradeable points.

The main costs include: visa application fee (£719 for up to 3 years, £1,420 for longer), Immigration Health Surcharge (£1,035 per year), and potentially English language test fees. A 3-year visa typically costs around £3,800+ in total government fees alone. Employers also pay the Immigration Skills Charge (£1,000/year for large sponsors).

From April 2024, the general salary threshold is £38,700 per year. You must also meet the "going rate" for your specific occupation, which may be higher. Reduced thresholds apply for new entrants (under 26 or switching from student visa) at £30,960, and for certain shortage occupations.

Yes, after 5 continuous years on the Skilled Worker visa (or qualifying routes), you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). You'll need to pass the Life in the UK test, meet English language requirements, and continue meeting salary thresholds. After 12 months with ILR, you can apply for British citizenship.

A sponsor licence is permission granted to UK employers to hire workers from overseas. Employers must apply to UKVI and prove they're genuine, meet compliance duties, and can support sponsored workers. The Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is the electronic record your employer creates for your specific job, containing the role details, salary, and occupation code you need for your visa application.

The Graduate visa (also known as the post-study work visa) allows international students who have completed an eligible UK degree to stay and work for 2 years (or 3 years for PhD graduates). No employer sponsor, job offer, or minimum salary is required. You must apply from inside the UK while your Student visa is still valid, and your university must have confirmed your course completion to the Home Office. The visa costs £880 plus the Immigration Health Surcharge (£1,035/year). It cannot be extended, but you can switch to a Skilled Worker visa or other routes before it expires.