UK Skilled Worker Visa
Get expert guidance on UK Skilled Worker Visa eligibility, requirements, salary and applications from experienced UK immigration solicitors.
Who Can Apply for Skilled Worker Visa UK?
The Skilled Worker Visa UK route is available to eligible workers who have a qualifying job with an employer authorised by the Home Office to sponsor workers.
The role must also satisfy the applicable skill-level and occupation requirements under the UK immigration rules. Depending on the occupation and your circumstances, you may be able to apply from outside the UK or switch to the route from inside the UK.
What is a Skilled Worker Visa?
A Skilled Worker Visa allows eligible workers to live and work in the UK in an eligible occupation for an employer approved by the Home Office. You must apply within three months of receiving your CoS.
To qualify, you need a genuine job offer from a sponsoring uk employer, a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), an eligible occupation, the required salary and the English language ability. Your employer must hold the appropriate sponsor licence and the role must meet the requirements of the Skilled Worker route.
Depending on your circumstances, the route may allow eligible dependants to accompany you and can provide a potential pathway to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). The exact requirements depend on your occupation, salary, sponsor and immigration history.
What Is the Skilled Worker Visa Salary Requirement?
You must meet the salary requirement for skilled worker visa route. For many applications, the general salary threshold for skilled worker visa is £41,700 per year, although the amount you need to earn can vary according to your occupation and the salary option that applies to you.
Your skilled worker visa minimum salary threshold can depend on your occupation, its going rate, your working pattern and whether you qualify for a permitted salary reduction.
Common salary provisions include:
- Standard requirement: Minimum salary for skilled worker visa UK is £41,700 per year or the applicable going rate, whichever is higher
- Relevant PhD: A lower general threshold may apply where the qualification is relevant to the job
- Relevant STEM PhD: A further reduction may apply where the relevant qualification is in a STEM subject
- New entrant: Eligible new entrants may qualify under a reduced general threshold and reduced going-rate percentage
- Immigration Salary List: Some listed occupations may qualify under a reduced general salary threshold
The going rate is linked to the relevant SOC 2020 occupation code. Your Certificate of Sponsorship should accurately state the role, salary and employment details.
Skilled Worker Visa Conditions and Recent Rules
The UK immigration system for sponsored workers has changed significantly since July 2025, including changes to skill levels, salary thresholds and eligible occupations.
Key changes include:
- Higher skill level: Most new roles must meet the applicable RQF Level 6 skill requirement, although specific exceptions and transitional provisions apply.
- Salary thresholds: The standard general salary threshold is now £41,700, with specific lower thresholds available under certain salary options.
- Temporary Shortage List: Certain occupations below the usual skill level may qualify under the Temporary Shortage List, subject to the applicable conditions and time limits.
- Care and social care: The rules governing new overseas applications for care worker and senior care worker roles changed from 22 July 2025, with transitional arrangements for some people already in the UK.
- Dependants: Eligibility for dependants depends on the sponsored occupation and the provisions applying to the main applicant, including transitional rules for some existing Skilled Worker holders.
- Sponsorship compliance: Employers must continue to meet their sponsor duties and report relevant changes to the Home Office.
The Immigration Rules can change, and occupation lists, salary requirements and transitional provisions may be updated. Applicants should therefore check the rules that apply to their particular circumstances before submitting an application.
Overview of the Skilled Worker Route
The UK Skilled Worker Visa allows eligible workers to live and work in the UK in an eligible occupation for an approved sponsor. The route can also allow eligible family members to join you, subject to the dependant rules that apply to your occupation and circumstances.
The route is also a settlement route. If you later meet the relevant settlement requirements, time spent on the route may contribute towards an application for Indefinite Leave to Remain.
- Eligibility is assessed by examining both the applicant’s background and the nature of the sponsored role.
Skilled Worker Visa Eligibility Requirements
The Skilled Worker visa is part of the UK’s points-based immigration system. To qualify for a Skilled Worker visa, applicants must accumulate points based on specified criteria where applicants must earn a total of 70 points.
Important skilled worker visa uk requirements are:
Skill Level Requirement
Most new Skilled Worker roles must meet the required RQF Level 6 skill level.
The skill requirement relates to the occupation and duties of the sponsored role, rather than simply the qualifications held by the applicant. Some occupations may qualify under specific exceptions or transitional provisions.
Roles at lower skill levels may qualify in limited circumstances, including where the occupation is covered by the Temporary Shortage List or where transitional rules apply.
Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is required for a Skilled Worker application. It is an electronic record assigned by an employer that holds the appropriate sponsor licence.
The CoS contains important information about your sponsored employment, including your occupation code, job details, salary and employment dates. The information should accurately reflect the work you will carry out.
Your application must use the correct CoS reference and must be submitted within the relevant validity period.
Related: Certificate of Sponsorship UK Guide →
English Language Requirement
Most applicants must demonstrate English language ability at the required level unless an exemption or alternative permitted method of proving English applies.
For the current Skilled Worker route, the required standard is generally CEFR B2 across reading, writing, speaking and listening.
You may be able to meet the requirement through an approved English language test, a qualifying academic qualification taught in English or another permitted route. The evidence you need will depend on your circumstances.
Financial Maintenance Requirement
Unless an exemption applies, you may need to show that you have sufficient funds to support yourself in the UK.
The standard maintenance amount is £1,270, which normally needs to have been held for at least 28 consecutive days. The end of that 28-day period must fall within the required period before the date of application. The minimum hourly rate is £17.13 for most roles and salary thresholds are based on a 37.5-hour work week.
You may not need to provide separate evidence if you have been lawfully in the UK for at least 12 months or your sponsor certifies the required maintenance on your Certificate of Sponsorship.
Criminal Record and TB Requirements
Additional documentary requirements may apply depending on your occupation, nationality and personal circumstances.
Applicants in certain health, education and social care occupations may need to provide a criminal record certificate where the Immigration Rules require one. Applicants from countries subject to tuberculosis screening may also need to provide a valid TB certificate.
You should check whether either requirement applies to you before submitting your application.
Job Requirements Under the Skilled Worker Route
Meeting the applicant requirements alone is not enough. The job itself must qualify under the Skilled Worker route.
The role must be genuine and must meet the applicable requirements for the occupation, skill level, salary and sponsorship. The duties described by the sponsor should accurately reflect the work you will actually undertake.
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) Code
The appropriate SOC 2020 code must be assigned to the sponsored role.
The code should reflect the actual duties and responsibilities of the job. It is important because occupation eligibility, going rates and other immigration requirements can depend on the relevant occupation code.
Employers should therefore avoid selecting a code simply because its requirements appear more favourable. The role, duties and sponsorship information should be consistent.
Eligible Occupations
Your proposed role must fall within an occupation eligible for the Skilled Worker Visa under the Immigration Rules.
Eligibility is determined by the occupation, its applicable skill level and any specific conditions attached to that occupation. Some roles are subject to transitional rules, salary-list provisions or other restrictions.
Before applying, you should confirm that the role is eligible and that the correct SOC 2020 code has been selected.
Approved UK Sponsor
You normally need a job offer from a UK employer that is authorised to sponsor Skilled Worker applicants.
Your employer must hold the appropriate sponsor licence and comply with its ongoing duties to the Home Office. The sponsor assigns your Certificate of Sponsorship and is responsible for keeping sponsorship records accurate and reporting relevant changes.
Related: UK Sponsor Licence Guide →
Documents Required for Skilled Worker Visa UK
The documents required will depend on your circumstances, occupation and the requirements of your application. UK skilled worker visa documents may include:
- valid passport or other travel document
- Certificate of Sponsorship reference
- evidence of English language ability
- financial evidence, where required
- TB certificate, where applicable
- criminal record certificate, where applicable
You may also need documents relating to your qualifications, professional registration or other circumstances. Documents for skilled worker visa not in English or Welsh may require an appropriate certified translation.
Salary Requirements (2026 Thresholds)
The salary you need for a Skilled Worker Visa depends on the salary option that applies to your circumstances and the occupation you are being sponsored for.
- Standard option: £41,700 per year or the full going rate for the occupation, whichever is higher.
- Relevant PhD: £37,500 per year or 90% of the applicable going rate, whichever is higher.
- Relevant STEM PhD: £33,400 per year or 80% of the applicable going rate, whichever is higher.
- Immigration Salary List: £33,400 per year or the applicable going rate, whichever is higher.
- New entrant: £33,400 per year and at least 70% of the applicable going rate, subject to the new entrant conditions.
- Transitional provisions: Certain existing Skilled Worker applicants may benefit from lower thresholds under transitional rules.
The going rate is determined by the relevant occupation code and may be pro-rated for the sponsored working pattern. Healthcare and education occupations can also be subject to specific national pay-scale rules.
The salary option that applies should be considered together with the occupation code, job duties and your immigration history.
Important: Meeting the general salary threshold alone does not necessarily make a role eligible. The applicable going rate and any other relevant salary conditions must also be satisfied.
Related: Skilled Worker Visa Salary Requirements →
UK Skilled Worker Visa Fees and Costs (2026)
The total cost of Skilled Worker Visa UK depends on where you apply, the length of your visa and whether your role qualifies for a reduced application fee. You may also need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge along with a skilled worker visa fee, while your sponsor may have separate sponsorship costs.
| No | Cost Category | Amount (2026) | Payable By |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Skilled Worker Visa from outside the UK, up to 3 years | £819 | Applicant |
| 02 | Skilled Worker Visa from outside the UK, over 3 years | £1,618 | Applicant |
| 03 | Skilled Worker Visa from inside the UK, up to 3 years | £943 | Applicant |
| 04 | Skilled Worker Visa from inside the UK, over 3 years | £1,865 | Applicant |
| 05 | Immigration Salary List role, up to 3 years | £628 | Applicant |
| 06 | Immigration Salary List role, over 3 years | £1,235 | Applicant |
| 07 | Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) | £1,035 per year | Applicant |
| 08 | Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) fee | £525 | Sponsor |
| 09 | Immigration Skills Charge, small/charitable sponsor | £480 for first 12 months; £240 per additional 6 months | Sponsor |
| 10 | Immigration Skills Charge, medium/large sponsor | £1,320 for first 12 months; £660 per additional 6 months | Sponsor |
| 11 | Priority service, where available | £500 | Applicant |
| 12 | Super Priority service, where available | £1,000 | Applicant |
The Immigration Health Surcharge is usually charged for each year of immigration permission. Immigration Skills Charge liability depends on the sponsor and the period of sponsorship.
Government fees can change, so the exact amount payable should always be checked when you apply for skilled worker visa UK.
Related: Skilled Worker Visa Fees and Costs →
Temporary Shortage List (TSL)
The Temporary Shortage List (TSL) provides a route for sponsorship in certain occupations that do not meet the standard skill-level position but are included under the current rules.
TSL eligibility is subject to specific conditions, including the relevant occupation, sponsorship date and any restrictions attached to the role. The list can also change, so applicants should not rely on an occupation being eligible indefinitely.
Some roles covered by the TSL have restrictions concerning dependants and other immigration rights. Your occupation and individual circumstances should therefore be checked before you apply.
How to Apply for a Skilled Worker Visa in UK
The UK skilled worker visa process involves sponsorship, an eligible job and the correct supporting documents.
- Get a job offer from a UK employer that is approved to sponsor workers.
- Ask your employer to issue your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
- Complete your online skilled worker visa application and upload the required documents.
- Pay the relevant visa fee, Immigration Health Surcharge and any optional priority service fee.
- Submit your biometrics and wait for a decision. The process is similar for a skilled worker visa outside UK, although you will complete your identity checks overseas.
The UK skilled worker visa processing time is usually 3 weeks for applications made outside the UK and 8 weeks for applications made inside the UK. For longer stays, also consider the overall uk skilled worker visa fees for 5 years, including the visa fee and IHS.
Financial Evidence and Common Refusal Reasons
Where financial evidence is required, applicants must provide evidence that satisfies the applicable Immigration Rules.
Common issues can include:
- insufficient funds or an incorrect holding period
- incomplete or inconsistent supporting documents
- errors in the Certificate of Sponsorship or application
- problems with the sponsored role, occupation code or salary
- failure to meet English language or other mandatory requirements
Careful checking of the application and supporting evidence can help reduce avoidable errors.
Extending a Skilled Worker Visa
A Skilled Worker Visa can generally be extended if you continue to meet the relevant requirements and have appropriate sponsorship.
An extension may require a new Certificate of Sponsorship, continued eligibility for the sponsored role and compliance with the salary rules that apply at the time of application.
There is no fixed maximum number of extensions where you continue to qualify. You should check your immigration permission, sponsorship and application timing before submitting an extension application.
Related: Skilled Worker Visa Extension →
Switching Employers or Roles
If you want to change employer or make a change to your sponsored employment that affects your immigration permission, you may need to make a new Skilled Worker Visa application.
The new role must satisfy the relevant requirements, and your new employer will normally need to hold the appropriate sponsor licence. A new Certificate of Sponsorship may also be required.
You should not begin a new sponsored role until you have confirmed that you have the necessary immigration permission to do so.
Pathway to Settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain)
Time spent on the Skilled Worker route may count towards Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) where you satisfy the relevant settlement requirements.
Settlement rules can include requirements relating to qualifying residence, continuous residence, salary, knowledge of language and life in the UK and other conditions applicable when you apply. ILR applications cost £3,226 as of 2026.
The route is capable of leading to settlement, but holding a Skilled Worker Visa for five years does not by itself guarantee ILR. You should check the current settlement requirements before applying.
Related: Skilled Worker Visa to ILR →
How to Bring Family Members on a Skilled Worker Visa?
Eligible Skilled Worker Visa holders may be able to bring their partner and dependent children to the UK, subject to the requirements and restrictions applying to the route. Dependants can apply for ILR after five years with the main applicant.
Eligible family members can include:
- Partner: A spouse, civil partner or qualifying unmarried partner who meets the relevant relationship requirements.
- Children: Dependent children who satisfy the applicable age and dependency conditions. Children must not be leading an independent life to qualify.
- Evidence: Marriage, civil partnership, birth or other relationship evidence may be required.
- Occupation restrictions: Some sponsored occupations have restrictions on dependant applications, while transitional provisions can apply to certain existing holders.
- Separate applications: Dependants normally need to complete their own visa applications and meet the separate financial requirements.
- Visa conditions: Successful dependants can generally live, work or study in the UK subject to their immigration conditions.
The dependant rules depend on the main applicant’s occupation, immigration history and individual circumstances. The current Immigration Rules should be checked before making an application.
Step-by-Step Application Process for Skilled Worker Visa
1. Confirm Skilled Worker Visa Eligibility
- Check that your job is eligible under the current Skilled Worker Visa rules.
- Confirm your employer is authorised to sponsor Skilled Worker applicants.
- Review the required skill level, salary, English language and maintenance criteria.
2. Obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship
- Your approved UK sponsor must assign a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
- Check that the occupation code, job title, salary and employment dates are accurate.
- Keep your CoS reference for the Skilled Worker Visa application form.
3. Complete the Skilled Worker Visa Application
- Apply online through the official UK Government website.
- Provide accurate personal, employment and immigration history details.
- Upload supporting evidence and check the application before submission.
4. Pay Skilled Worker Visa Fees and IHS
- Pay the applicable Skilled Worker Visa application fee.
- Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) where required.
- Select and pay for a priority service if available and appropriate.
5. Submit Biometrics and Receive a Decision
- Upload required documents and certified translations where applicable.
- Prove your identity and provide biometric information when requested.
- Respond promptly to UKVI requests and follow the decision instructions.
Immigration Health Surcharge for Skilled Worker Visa
1. Purpose of the Immigration Health Surcharge
- The IHS contributes towards NHS healthcare access during your UK stay.
- The surcharge is separate from the Skilled Worker Visa application fee.
- Some NHS services, including prescriptions and dental treatment, may cost extra.
2. Skilled Worker Visa IHS Rate
- The standard adult IHS rate is currently £1,035 per year.
- The total amount depends on the length of your immigration permission.
- The online application calculates the exact Immigration Health Surcharge payable.
3. Who Must Pay the Skilled Worker Visa IHS
- The main Skilled Worker Visa applicant may need to pay the IHS.
- Eligible dependant partners may have a separate IHS liability.
- Eligible dependant children may also need to pay the applicable surcharge.
4. IHS Exemptions and Refunds
- Some applicants and immigration routes are exempt from paying the IHS.
- Health and Care Worker Visa applicants may qualify for an IHS exemption.
- Refund eligibility depends on why your immigration permission changes or ends.
5. Paying the Immigration Health Surcharge
- The IHS is normally calculated during the online Skilled Worker Visa application.
- Pay the required surcharge before completing the relevant application stage.
- Keep your IHS payment confirmation with your immigration documents.
Why Clients Trust Us for Skilled Worker Visas?
Axis Solicitors provides skilled worker visa guidance to individuals and businesses dealing with UK immigration and sponsorship matters. Our SRA-regulated solicitors can assist with eligibility, sponsorship, applications, document preparation and settlement planning.
- In-depth knowledge of UK immigration law
- Guidance on UK skilled worker visa requirements
- Legal Support tailored to your circumstances
- Expert solicitors in London, Birmingham and Manchester
Need help with your Skilled Worker Visa application? Contact us for professional immigration advice.
In-depth knowledge of UK immigration law
Contact us today for expert guidance on your UK Skilled Worker visa application.
Simplify Your Skilled Worker Visa Process
Applying for a UK Skilled Worker Visa can involve sponsorship, occupation eligibility, salary requirements, supporting documents and several stages of the application process.
At Axis Solicitors, we can assess your circumstances and explain the requirements that apply to your case before you apply. Our immigration solicitors can assist skilled worker visa applicants with eligibility checks, Certificate of Sponsorship matters, application preparation, supporting documents and immigration planning.
Skilled Worker Guidance by Axis Solicitors
We provide professional Skilled Worker Visa advice to individuals and businesses navigating the UK immigration process. Our solicitors can help you understand the requirements that apply to your circumstances and prepare your application carefully.
- Assess your circumstances to identify the relevant eligibility and sponsorship requirements.
- Review your proposed employment and occupation to identify potential immigration issues.
- Check your supporting evidence and explain the documents required for your application.
- Assist with application preparation and review the information for accuracy and consistency.
- Advise on complex immigration matters, including changes of employer, extensions and settlement planning.
- Explain your options clearly so you can make informed decisions about your immigration application.
Speak to a skilled worker visa solicitor now to get dedicated application support.
FAQs: Skilled Worker Visa UK
You generally need an eligible job with an approved UK sponsor, a valid Certificate of Sponsorship, the required skill level, the necessary salary and the required English language ability. You must also meet any applicable financial, suitability and documentary requirements.
A Skilled Worker visa is normally granted for the period covered by your sponsorship, subject to the Immigration Rules. Eligible applicants may be able to extend their permission if they continue to meet the relevant requirements.
Changing employer or making certain changes to your sponsored role may require a new application to update your immigration permission. Your new role and sponsor must meet the relevant requirements.
The application fee depends on where you apply and how long you intend to stay. The standard fee currently ranges from £819 to £1,865 depending on the application, in addition to the Immigration Health Surcharge where applicable.
Once you have submitted the application, proved your identity and provided the required documents, a decision is usually made within 3 weeks when applying from outside the UK and within 8 weeks when applying from inside the UK. Faster services may be available in some cases.