UK Skilled Worker Visa: Complete Guide for Immigrants (2026)
What is the Skilled Worker Visa?
The Skilled Worker visa replaced the old Tier 2 General visa in December 2020 as part of the post-Brexit points-based immigration system. It is now the primary work visa to the UK for all nationalities, including EU citizens.
Unlike points-based systems where you apply from a pool (like Canada’s Express Entry), the UK Skilled Worker is employer-led. You need a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a licensed UK employer before you can apply. The points-tested part is built into the eligibility check — salary, job level, and English all contribute points.
Your visa can be granted for up to 5 years at a time and is renewable indefinitely while you remain employed by a licensed sponsor. After 5 continuous years in the UK on this visa, you qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain.
Who qualifies
You must hit a minimum of 70 points across the required and tradeable categories. The 50 required points are non-negotiable; the other 20 come from salary, shortage occupation status, or PhD qualifications.
✅ Eligibility checklist
- Job offer: From a Home Office licensed sponsor with a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) — 20 points.
- Skill level: Job must be at RQF Level 3 or above (roughly equivalent to A-level or skilled trade qualification) — 20 points.
- English language: B1 CEFR level in reading, writing, speaking, listening. Either via SELT test (IELTS UKVI, PTE, etc.) or via degree taught in English — 10 points.
- Salary: At or above £38,700 OR the “going rate” for your occupation, whichever is higher. Lower thresholds apply for shortage occupations (£30,960), new entrants (£30,960), and PhD-level roles.
- Financial requirement: At least £1,270 in your bank account for 28 consecutive days before applying (waived if sponsor certifies maintenance).
- Genuine vacancy: The job must be genuine, not created just to sponsor you. Home Office can investigate.
- Criminality: Clean criminal record; overseas police certificate required for certain regulated roles (healthcare, education, social work).
Required documents
Most documents are submitted online via the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) portal. Originals may be requested for biometric appointment.
📄 Document checklist
- Valid passport with at least one blank page
- Certificate of Sponsorship reference number from employer
- Proof of English language (SELT, degree certificate with NARIC/UK ENIC equivalence, or nationality from exempt country)
- Bank statements proving £1,270 held for 28 consecutive days (or sponsor maintenance certification)
- TB test certificate (required from certain countries)
- Criminal record certificate from any country lived in for 12+ months in past 10 years (for certain roles)
- Marriage certificate and children’s birth certificates (for dependents)
- Proof of any previous UK immigration status
- Passport-style digital photo
- Biometric appointment confirmation (after online application)
Step-by-step application process
- Secure a job offer with a licensed sponsor. Check the Home Office public register of licensed sponsors before accepting. Unlicensed employers cannot sponsor you.
- Receive Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). Your employer assigns a unique CoS reference number via their sponsor management system. It is valid for 3 months.
- Take the English test. IELTS UKVI or PTE Academic UKVI. Book early — slots can be weeks out. Only Home Office approved tests count. Waived if you are from a majority-English country or have a recognised English-taught degree.
- Apply online via gov.uk. Complete the Skilled Worker application. Pay the visa fee and NHS surcharge (£1,035/year per person) upfront.
- Attend biometric appointment. Book with VFS or TLScontact in your country. Provides fingerprints and a passport-style photo.
- Submit supporting documents. Upload or hand over at biometric appointment depending on country.
- Receive decision. Standard processing: 3 weeks outside UK, 8 weeks inside UK. Priority service (£500 extra) reduces to 5 working days; Super Priority (£1,000 extra) next working day.
- Collect your BRP and travel. If outside UK, you receive a 90-day vignette in your passport. Travel to UK within that window and collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) at a post office within 10 days of arrival.
Cost breakdown
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application fee (up to 3 years) | £827 | Outside UK; £719 for shortage occupation |
| Visa application fee (3+ years) | £1,636 | Outside UK; £1,423 for shortage occupation |
| NHS Immigration Health Surcharge | £1,035/year | Per person. Upfront for visa duration |
| English language test | £150–£210 | IELTS UKVI / PTE Academic UKVI |
| TB test (if required) | £80–£150 | Depends on country |
| Criminal record certificate | £30–£150 | Per country of residence |
| Biometric appointment fees | £0–£100 | Varies by location |
| Priority processing (optional) | £500 | For 5 working day decision |
| Total (3-year visa, single) | £4,100–£5,200 | Without priority processing |
Timeline from start to arrival
- Week 0: Job offer secured; sponsor assigns CoS
- Week 1–2: English test booked and taken
- Week 2–3: Bank statements prepared (28-day rule)
- Week 3: Online application submitted
- Week 3–4: Biometric appointment
- Week 4–7: UKVI decision (3 weeks standard, 5 working days priority)
- Week 7–10: Travel to UK; collect BRP at post office
End-to-end timeline: 7–10 weeks from job offer to UK arrival with standard processing. Priority service can compress this to 4–5 weeks.
Do I need a lawyer?
Skilled Worker applications are typically handled directly by the applicant or with modest guidance from the employer’s HR team. The process is procedural if you meet the criteria.
You might want a licensed immigration professional in these cases:
- Your role borderline on the skill level or salary threshold
- You have any previous UK refusals, overstays, or deception findings
- Your employer is new to sponsoring or wants you to help them get a sponsor licence
- You are switching from another UK visa with complex timing
- You have family members with separate immigration histories
- You are in a regulated profession requiring NARIC or professional body approval
UK immigration advice is regulated. Only use solicitors regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) or advisers registered with the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC). Unregulated advice is illegal and common scam vector.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum salary for Skilled Worker?
As of April 2024, £38,700 per year or the “going rate” for the occupation, whichever is higher. Shortage occupations and new entrants (within 4 years of graduation) pay a lower £30,960 threshold. PhD-level roles get further discounts.
Can my family join me?
Yes. Spouse/partner and children under 18 can apply as dependants. They pay the same visa fee and NHS surcharge. Spouse can work in any job (not limited to licensed sponsors).
Can I switch jobs on a Skilled Worker visa?
Yes, but the new employer must be a licensed sponsor and you need a new CoS. You file a “Change of Employment” application. You cannot start the new job before the application is granted unless very specific conditions apply.
What happens if I lose my job?
Your visa is tied to your sponsor. You have 60 days (or the remainder of your visa, whichever is shorter) to find a new sponsor, switch to another visa category, or leave the UK. The Home Office will typically shorten your visa to this grace period.
How do I get ILR after Skilled Worker?
After 5 continuous years in the UK on the Skilled Worker visa, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain. You must meet the salary threshold at the time of ILR (currently £38,700 unless shortage occupation or new entrant). You also need to pass the Life in the UK test and demonstrate B1 English.
Can I apply from inside the UK?
Yes, if you are switching from another valid UK visa (for example, Student, Graduate, or another work visa). Applications from inside the UK are called “in-country” and take up to 8 weeks to process.
Is the Skilled Worker visa the same as the old Tier 2 General?
It replaced Tier 2 in December 2020. Requirements are similar but with key differences: no Resident Labour Market Test, no annual cap, and the salary and skill thresholds have been updated multiple times since.
What is the NHS Immigration Health Surcharge?
A per-year charge that gives you access to the National Health Service. Currently £1,035/year per person. Paid upfront for the entire visa period — a 5-year visa means £5,175 per person upfront. Non-refundable.
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