Skilled Worker Visa: Application, Requirements, and Rules 2025

A Skilled Worker visa is the most popular long-term work visa that allows you to come to or stay in the UK to do an eligible job with an approved employer.

To apply for a UK Skilled Worker visa successfully, you must get a valid job offer from an approved UK employer and meet all the eligibility requirements.

If you need expert legal help with your UK Skilled Worker visa application, call our immigration solicitors at 0208 616 5535 or complete our online form.

Table of Contents

What Is the Skilled Worker Visa UK?

The Skilled Worker visa allows skilled foreign nationals to come to or stay in the UK to do an eligible job with a Home Office-approved employer. It replaced the Tier 2 (General) visa and plays a key role in the UK's points-based immigration system.

This visa route is open to people who want to either come to the UK from abroad or remain in the country by switching from another visa type.

This visa is a fantastic opportunity for qualified workers to take up UK employment opportunities across various industries, including healthcare, IT, engineering, finance, hospitality, and more.

To qualify, applicants must have a confirmed job offer from a UK employer who holds a Skilled Worker sponsor licence, and the job must meet specific salary and skill-level requirements. The visa not only enables you to work legally in the UK but also provides a route to settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain) after a certain period.

Who Is Eligible for a Skilled Worker Visa?

To be eligible for a Skilled Worker visa UK, you must be a skilled foreign national who has been offered a job by a UK employer approved by the Home Office.

It's not just about having a job offer, you also need to show that you have the right skills, a suitable salary, and the ability to support yourself.

To be eligible for a Skilled Worker visa, you need to:

• Have a job offer from a UK employer approved by the Home Office.
• Obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your employer.
• Work in a role listed on the UK government's eligible occupations list.
• Meet the minimum salary requirement, which varies by job type and CoS issue date.

Can I Apply for a Skilled Worker Visa without Sponsorship?

No, you typically can't apply for a Skilled Worker visa without sponsorship. You'll need a confirmed job offer from a UK employer who is licensed by the Home Office to sponsor overseas workers. Once they offer you the job, they will provide you with a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), a key document that is essential for your visa application. Without this, you will be unable to apply.

Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) for Skilled Workers

The Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is a vital part of the Skilled Worker visa process. It is an electronic document provided by the UK employer who has offered you a job.

Your CoS contains important details such as your job title, a description of your duties, and your salary. When applying for the visa, you will need to enter the unique reference number from your CoS as part of your application. Without this, your visa application will not be accepted.

UK Skilled Worker Visa Requirements

To qualify for a Skilled Worker visa, you must meet specific requirements, including having a valid job offer from an approved employer, meeting skill and salary thresholds, proving English language ability, and demonstrating you can support yourself financially.

You must meet the following UK Skilled Worker visa requirements:

• You need to be at least 18 years old.
• Valid job offer from a Home Office-approved UK employer.
• Valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your employer.
• The job is listed on the UK government's eligible occupations list.
• Job meets minimum skill level (RQF Level 3 or above).
• Salary meets minimum threshold (usually £38,700/year or ‘going rate').
• English language proficiency at B1 level (CEFR), unless exempt.
• At least £1,270 in savings to support yourself (unless employer covers costs).
• Suitable accommodation is arranged in the UK.
• Additional requirements depending on job role and your circumstances.

Minimum Qualifications for a UK Skilled Worker Visa

The job you're offered must meet the minimum skill level equivalent to a RQF level 3 qualification, which is the same level as A-levels in the UK. This means you'll need to prove that you have the right qualifications, training, or work experience to do the job you've been offered, and that the job itself is skilled enough to meet visa requirements.

Minimum Salary Requirement for a Skilled Worker Visa

To meet the minimum salary threshold for a Skilled Worker visa, you must be paid at least £38,700 gross a year or the "going rate" for your role, whichever is higher.

However, exceptions apply for shortage occupations, new entrants, healthcare roles, and certain public sector jobs. In these cases, a lower salary may still qualify you, but the job must meet other eligibility rules.

English Language Requirements for Skilled Worker Visa

To meet the Knowledge of English requirement, you must prove you can read, write, speak and understand English to at least level B1 on the CEFR scale.

You can meet the knowledge of English language requirements by:

• Passing an approved English language test at or above the B1 CEFR level.
• Being a national of a majority English-speaking country.
• Having an academic qualification, which is either a bachelor's or master's degree or PhD.

Unless you are exempt, you must prove your English language proficiency when applying for a UK Skilled Worker visa.

Money to Support Yourself on a Skilled Worker Visa

To support yourself when applying for a Skilled Worker visa in the UK, you usually need to show that you have at least £1,270 in your bank account.

Key points:

• This money must be available for at least 28 consecutive days before you apply.
• Day 28 must fall within 31 days of applying for your visa.
• This requirement proves you can support yourself without needing public funds when you first arrive in the UK.

Exceptions:

You won't need to show this money if:

• You've already been living in the UK for 12 months or more on a valid visa.
• Your UK employer agrees to cover your costs during your first month; this must be clearly stated on your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).

What Are the 70 Points for a Skilled Worker Visa?

To qualify for a Skilled Worker visa in the UK, you must score 70 points under the UK's points-based immigration system. These points are divided between mandatory and tradeable criteria based on your job offer, salary, qualifications, and other eligibility factors.

You must combine the mandatory 50 points with at least 20 tradeable points to meet the total of 70 points needed to be eligible for a Skilled Worker visa.

Changes to the Skilled Worker Visa Rules in 2025

In 2025, the UK government is making important updates to the Skilled Worker visa requirements. These changes are aimed at tightening the rules and focusing more on high-skilled roles. One of the key changes is that eligible jobs must now be at RQF Level 6 or higher, which means degree-level roles and above. The minimum salary threshold is also increasing, so applicants will need to meet higher earnings requirements to qualify.

Additionally, care providers in England will face new restrictions. Before they can hire care workers from abroad, they must first try to recruit people already in the UK who are on the Skilled Worker visa. These updates reflect the UK's shift towards a more selective immigration policy that prioritises highly skilled workers and domestic recruitment.

Documents Required for a UK Skilled Worker Visa

When you apply for a UK Skilled Worker visa, you'll need to provide:

• Your valid passport or travel document.
• Your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) reference number.
• Your job title, occupation code, and annual salary.
• Proof of your knowledge of English.
• Name of your employer and their sponsor licence number.
• Evidence that you have enough to support yourself.
• Tuberculosis (TB) test results (if applicable)
• References from the previous employer.
• Proof of your relationship with your partner or children if they're applying with you
• Additional documents, depending on your job role and circumstances.

Take a look at the full UK Skilled Worker visa documents checklist for 2025.

How to Apply for a Skilled Worker Visa from Outside the UK?

To apply for a Skilled Worker visa from outside the UK, you'll need to complete an online application, prove your identity, and pay the necessary fees. You must also submit key documents, including a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a UK-licensed employer. Depending on your situation, you may need to visit a visa centre for biometrics or use the UK Immigration: ID Check app to confirm your identity digitally.

Follow these steps to apply for a Skilled Worker visa from outside the UK:

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Check your eligibility carefully before applying for a Skilled Worker visa in the UK. You'll need an eligible job offer, earn at least the minimum salary (usually £38,700 or £29,000 for shortage roles), prove you can speak English, and show you can support yourself financially unless your employer is covering your costs.

 If unsure, contact Vanguard Solicitors at 0208 616 5535 for an eligibility assessment.

Step 2: Get Your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

Before you can apply, you must have a confirmed job offer from a UK employer who is approved by the Home Office. Your employer must assign you a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) before you can apply. This is a unique reference number needed for your visa application.

Step 3: Gather All Required Documents

You'll need various supporting documents to submit along with your Skilled Visa application. This typically includes your valid passport, your Certificate of Sponsorship, proof that you meet the English language requirement, and evidence of personal savings to support yourself.

Depending on your work visa type and your country of origin, you might also need to provide a tuberculosis (TB) test certificate and a criminal record check, especially for roles involving vulnerable people.

Step 4: Complete the Online Application

You must apply online for a Skilled Worker visa through the UK government website, ensuring you provide accurate and detailed information to avoid delays.

Visit the UK Government website and:

• Create a UKVI account (if you don't have one)
• Fill out the online application form
• Enter your CoS reference number
• Pay the visa application fee
• Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)

Step 5: Pay the Fees and IHS Surcharge

You'll need to pay the correct visa application fee along with the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), depending on how long you'll stay in the UK.

Step 6: Verify Identity and Biometric Data

Depending on your nationality, you'll either:

• Visit a visa application centre to give your biometrics (fingerprints and photo), or
• Use the “UK Immigration: ID Check” app to scan your ID and verify your identity digitally

You'll be told which option applies to you when you apply.

Step 7: Submit Your Documents

Upload your documents online or take them to your biometric appointment, depending on your location and instructions provided during your application.

Typically, you'll need to provide:

• Valid passport or travel document
• Your Certificate of Sponsorship
• Name of your employer and their sponsor licence number.
• English language test result (if applicable)
• Proof of funds (if required)
• TB test results (if you're from a listed country)
• Any other documents specific to your case

Step 8: Wait for a Decision

Most Skilled Worker visa applications from outside the UK are processed within 3 weeks. If approved, you'll receive a visa vignette (sticker in your passport) or a digital visa to travel and start your new job in the UK.

How Long Does a Skilled Worker Visa Application Take?

UK Skilled Worker visa applications are typically processed in about 3 weeks if you're applying from outside the UK and up to 8 weeks from within the UK. However, visa processing times vary depending on where you apply from. Priority services may be available for an extra fee, reducing wait times to as little as 24 hours.

How Much Does a Skilled Worker Visa Cost?

The Skilled Worker visa application fee ranges from £769 to £1,751, depending on whether you are applying inside or outside the UK and the length of your visa. Additionally, you'll need to pay the Health Surcharge, which is usually £1,035 per year.

You'll also need to have enough money to support yourself when you arrive in the UK. You'll usually need to have at least £1,270 available (unless you're exempt).

If your job appears on the UK's Immigration Salary List, you and your family can benefit from reduced visa application fees. This means you'll pay less when applying for the Skilled Worker visa compared to other job roles. Specifically, the fee is £590 per person for stays up to 3 years, and £1,160 if your visa is for more than 3 years.

This discounted fee applies whether you're applying from inside the UK or from abroad. It's a helpful cost-saving for those working in jobs that are in high demand on the Immigration Salary List.

Bringing Your Partner and Children to the UK as Skilled Worker Visa Dependants

Your spouse or partner and children might be able to join you or stay in the UK as dependants on your Skilled Worker visa, but they need to apply separately. You'll have to show you have enough money to support them during their stay. Your family members can live, work, and study in the UK while you are on a Skilled Worker visa.

A dependent partner or child includes the following family members:

• Your husband, wife, civil partner, or long-term unmarried partner
• Your child under 18 years old, even if they were born in the UK while you were living here
• Your child aged 18 or over, if they're already in the UK with valid permission to stay as your dependant

You'll need to show proof of your relationship with your dependant as part of your visa application.

Skilled Worker Visa Extension

If you're currently living and working in the UK on a Skilled Worker visa and your job is ongoing, you may be able to extend your visa to stay longer.

You should apply for a UK Skilled Worker visa extension before your current visa expires. The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) advises applying at least 28 days before your visa expires.

Applying for a Skilled Worker visa extension allows you to continue building your career in the UK without disruption. If you're not sure whether you're eligible or what documents you need, it's wise to get advice from a UK immigration solicitor.

Switching to a Skilled Worker Visa from Inside the UK

You may also be able to switch to a Skilled Worker visa from another visa type while already in the UK, such as a Student visa or Spouse visa, provided you meet the eligibility criteria.

To switch successfully, you must:

• Have a valid job offer from a UK employer that holds a sponsor licence
• Meet the Skilled Worker visa requirements (such as salary, skill level, and English language proficiency)

Not all visa types are eligible for switching. For instance, visitors, short-term students, and parents of child students generally cannot switch from their current visa to a Skilled Worker visa while in the UK.

Because immigration rules can change, it's highly recommended to speak with an experienced UK immigration solicitor to ensure you're applying under the correct route and with the right documentation.

Updating Your Skilled Worker Visa If You Change Jobs or Employers

If you're in the UK on a Skilled Worker visa (or the old Tier 2 General visa) and you're planning to change jobs or employers, it's important to know whether you'll need to update your visa.

You must apply to update your Skilled Worker visa if:

• You're changing employers, even if the new job is similar.
• You're moving into a different occupation code (unless you're on a graduate training programme).
• You're leaving a job that's on the Immigration Salary List for one that isn't.

If your job remains the same but it has been removed from the Immigration Salary List, you do not need to reapply.

Also, if you're staying with the same employer but moving to a different role, you only need to update your visa if the new job falls under a different occupation code.

If your partner or children are on dependent visas, they will also need to update their visas separately. They can apply at the same time as you, or before their current visa expires.

Keeping your visa updated ensures you remain compliant with UK immigration laws and continue working legally under the Skilled Worker route.

How We Assist with Skilled Worker Visa Applications

Navigating the Skilled Worker visa process can be complicated, but our experienced immigration solicitors are here to make it easier for you. Here's how we can support your application every step of the way:

• Assess Your Eligibility: We carefully review your circumstances and job offer to ensure you meet all visa requirements.
• Complete and Review Applications: We help you fill out your application accurately, avoiding common errors that could cause delays or refusals.
• Gather and Organise Documents: From your Certificate of Sponsorship to proof of English language skills, we guide you on exactly what's needed.
• Offer Expert Advice: If your case has complexities, such as previous refusals or unique financial situations, we provide tailored legal guidance.
• Communicate with UK Visas and Immigration: We handle correspondence on your behalf and respond to any additional requests promptly.
• Prepare You for Biometrics and Interviews: We explain what to expect and help you get ready for biometric appointments or interviews.
• Support with Appeals: If your visa is refused, we assist with appeals or alternative options to maximise your chances of success.
• Keep You Updated: Immigration rules change often, and we ensure your application complies with the latest regulations.

With our dedicated solicitors by your side, you can apply for your Skilled Worker visa with confidence and peace of mind.

Need Help with Your Skilled Worker Visa Application?

If you need legal assistance with your UK Skilled Worker visa application, call our expert immigration solicitors at 0208 616 5535 or fill in our online form.