What Is the UK Skilled Worker Visa?
The Skilled Worker Visa is the primary route for non-UK nationals to live and work in the United Kingdom. It replaced the old Tier 2 (General) visa in December 2020 and is now the cornerstone of the UK's points-based immigration system. If you have a job offer from a UK employer who holds a sponsor licence, this is likely the visa route you'll need.
Do You Qualify? The Points-Based Criteria
To be eligible, you must score at least 70 points from a combination of mandatory and tradeable criteria. Here's how the points break down:
| Requirement | Points | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Job offer from an approved sponsor | 20 | Mandatory |
| Job at an eligible skill level (RQF3+) | 20 | Mandatory |
| English language proficiency | 10 | Mandatory |
| Salary meets general threshold | 20 | Tradeable |
| Job in a shortage occupation | 20 | Tradeable |
| PhD relevant to the job | 10–20 | Tradeable |
The general salary threshold was raised in April 2024 to £38,700 per year (or the going rate for your occupation, whichever is higher). Some roles in shortage occupations or those involving new entrants to the labour market have reduced thresholds — always check the latest Home Office guidance.
Finding an Approved Sponsor
Your employer must appear on the Register of Licensed Sponsors, which is publicly searchable on the UK government website (gov.uk). The employer is responsible for issuing you a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) — a unique reference number you'll need when making your visa application.
What If My Employer Isn't a Sponsor?
Some employers are willing to apply for a sponsor licence if they want to hire you. The process takes several weeks, so factor this into your timeline. You can alert your employer to the process on the gov.uk website.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply
- Receive your Certificate of Sponsorship from your employer.
- Check your eligibility using the gov.uk points calculator.
- Gather your documents — passport, CoS reference number, proof of English, financial evidence (if required).
- Apply online at gov.uk at least 3 months before your start date (or up to 6 months if applying from outside the UK).
- Pay the visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
- Attend a biometric appointment at a Visa Application Centre.
- Await a decision — standard processing is typically 3 weeks from outside the UK.
Visa Fees & the Immigration Health Surcharge
Costs depend on the length of your visa and whether you apply from inside or outside the UK. As of 2024:
- Application fee: from £719 (up to 3 years) to £1,420 (over 3 years) — fees vary by role.
- Immigration Health Surcharge: £1,035 per year per person (giving you access to the NHS).
- Priority service (optional): adds around £500 for faster processing.
Don't forget to budget for your dependants — each family member applying alongside you will incur similar fees.
How Long Can You Stay?
A Skilled Worker Visa is typically granted for up to 5 years. After 5 years of continuous residence, you may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) — the route to permanent UK residency.
Key Tips Before You Apply
- Always use the official gov.uk website — never pay third-party sites claiming to process applications.
- Check whether your occupation is on the shortage occupation list, as this can reduce the required salary threshold.
- Ensure your English language evidence meets the requirements (a degree taught in English or an approved test like IELTS).
- Keep copies of every document you submit.