Why Apply for a UK Skilled Worker Visa?

• World's 6th-largest economy with global job demand
• Home to top universities like Oxford & Cambridge
• Free NHS healthcare for visa holders and dependents
• Excellent quality of life and multicultural cities
• Over 1.3 million job vacancies across key sectors

Overview of UK Skilled Worker Visa

The UK Skilled Worker Visa allows overseas professionals to live and work in the UK in eligible skilled occupations. It is an employer-sponsored visa designed to address labour shortages in key sectors such as healthcare, IT, engineering, and education. It replaced Tier 2 (General) visas and offers a pathway to live and work in the UK with rights to extend your stay and eventually apply for settlement (ILR). 

*Want to apply for a UK Skilled worker visa? Sign up with Y-Axis to guide you with the steps.

 

 

Benefits of the Skilled Worker Visa

The UK Skilled Worker Visa offers several advantages that make it an attractive pathway for international professionals:

• Right to live and work in the UK
• Pathway to permanent residency after 5 years
• Access to the National Health Service (NHS)
• Opportunity to bring dependents (spouse and children)
• Work in an in-demand occupation with labour market shortages
• No cap on the number of Skilled Worker Visas issued annually
• Opportunity to switch employers or roles with visa update

 

 

New UK Immigration Rules 2025

The UK government has announced several key updates to the Skilled Worker visa route. These changes impact eligibility criteria, salary thresholds, and job level requirements:

• Jobs must be at RQF Level 6 or above for all new Skilled Worker visa applicants.
• New minimum salary thresholds:
• General Skilled Worker: £41,700
• PhD in a relevant field: £37,500
• STEM PhD / ISL role / New Entrant: £33,400
• Workers before 4 April 2024: £31,300
• PhD holders before 4 April 2024: £28,200
• Second jobs allowed only if:
• The role is listed on the Immigration Salary List (ISL), or
• The role is at RQF Level 6 or above
• Applicants who applied before July 22, 2025 can:
• Work in jobs below RQF Level 6 if listed in Appendix Skilled Occupations
• Continue to renew, switch employers, or change roles, if new salary thresholds are met

 

Popular ways to migrate to the UK

The United Kingdom offers a range of immigration routes tailored to skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, students, and family members. Whether you’re planning to work, study, reunite with loved ones, or settle permanently, the UK has well-defined visa pathways to suit various needs.

• Skilled Worker Visa: For individuals with a confirmed job offer in the UK in an eligible occupation from a licensed sponsor.
• Health and Care Worker Visa: For qualified doctors, nurses, and adult social care professionals offered roles within the NHS or care sector.
• Global Talent Visa: Designed for highly skilled individuals in fields such as science, digital technology, and arts, endorsed by a recognized body.
• Student Visa: For international students admitted to a licensed UK educational institution.
• Graduate Visa: For students who have completed a UK degree and want to stay and work for up to 18 months (reduced from 2 years as of 2025).
• Innovator Founder Visa: For entrepreneurs planning to set up and run an innovative business in the UK, endorsed by an approved body.
• Family Visa: For spouses, partners, children, or other eligible family members of UK citizens or residents.
• UK Ancestry Visa: For Commonwealth citizens with a UK-born grandparent, allowing them to live and work in the UK.
• Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS): A temporary visa for young adults (aged 18–30 or 35, depending on the country) from eligible countries to live and work in the UK for up to 2 years.

New UK Immigration Points-based Assessment System

The UK's Points-Based Immigration System (PBS) is designed to attract skilled workers who can contribute to the UK's economy. Applicants must accumulate a minimum of 70 points by meeting specific criteria related to job offers, salary levels, English language proficiency, and educational qualifications. This system applies to both EU and non-EU citizens.

You must score 70 points total, consisting of:

• 50 points for non-tradeable factors such as a valid job offer, correct skill level, and English ability.

• 20 tradeable points for salary level, going rate, or shortage occupation listing.

The table below has details of the points breakdown of the UK points-based system:

Factors	Mandatory/Tradeable	Points
Offer of job by approved sponsor	Mandatory	20
Job at appropriate skill level	Mandatory	20
Speaks English at required level	Mandatory	10
Salary of £20,480 to £23,039 or at least 80% of the going rate for the profession (whichever is higher)	Tradeable	0
Salary of £23,040 to £25,599 or at least 90% of the going rate for the profession (whichever is higher)	Tradeable	10
Salary of £25,600 or above or at least the going rate for the profession (whichever is higher)	Tradeable	20
Job in a shortage occupation as designated by the Migration Advisory Committee	Tradeable	20
Education qualification: PhD in a subject relevant to the job	Tradeable	10
Education qualification: PhD in a STEM subject relevant to the job	Tradeable	20

 

*Want to check your eligibility to the UK? Try out the FREE Y-Axis UK skilled immigration points calculator and get and instant score!

 

Eligibility Criteria for UK Skilled Worker Visa

You must fulfil the below eligibility criteria to apply for a UK Skilled Worker Visa:

• Job role at RQF Level 6 or above, or be listed on the Temporary Shortage List.
• Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a licensed sponsor.
• You must be at least 18 years old at the time of application.
• Minimum salary of £41,700 or the occupation’s going rate.
• At least B1 level English proficiency.
• Meet health and character requirements.
• You must have a confirmed job offer from a UK employer licensed by the Home Office.
• The job must be on the list of eligible occupations approved for the Skilled Worker route.
• You must have enough funds to support yourself, unless your employer agrees to cover your initial stay.

 

Requirements for UK Skilled Worker Visa

The list of requirements for a UK skilled worker visa is as follows:

• A valid job offer from a UK employer licensed by the Home Office
• A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your UK employer
• Proof that the job is on the list of eligible occupations
• Evidence of meeting the salary threshold (typically £26,200 per year or £10.75/hour)
• Proof of English language proficiency (e.g., IELTS or equivalent qualifications)
• A valid passport or other travel identification
• Proof of personal savings (£1,270), unless covered by your employer
• Tuberculosis (TB) test results (if applying from a listed country)
• Criminal record certificate (if working in certain job sectors like healthcare or education)

Steps to Apply for a UK Skilled Worker Visa

You can follow the below steps to apply for a UK Skilled worker visa: 

Step 1: Confirm your eligibility (skill, salary, English).

Step 2: Obtain a valid CoS from your employer.

Step 3: Complete the online visa application with required documents.

Step 4: Attend a biometric appointment (fingerprints and photo).

Step 5: Travel to the UK after approval and begin work.

 

UK Skilled Worker Visa fees

The table below has complete details of the UK Skilled Worker Visa fees:

Service	Fee
Skilled Worker Visa (outside UK, up to 3 years)	£719
Skilled Worker Visa (outside UK, more than 3 years)	£1,420
Skilled Worker Visa (inside UK, up to 3 years)	£827
Skilled Worker Visa (inside UK, more than 3 years)	£1,636
Jobs on Immigration Salary List (up to 3 years)	£551
Jobs on Immigration Salary List (more than 3 years)	£1,084
UK ENIC – Statement of Comparability (e-statement)	£69.60

 

UK Skilled Worker Visa Processing Time

Applicants typically receive a decision within 3 weeks when applying from outside the UK, and within 8 weeks when applying from inside the UK. These timelines reflect Home Office service standards for work visas. If you need a faster decision, Priority (5 working days) and Super Priority (next working day) services are available for an additional fee.

The table below has details of the processing time for a UK Skilled Worker Visa:

Application Location	Service Type	Processing Time
Outside the UK	Standard	3 weeks (15 working days)
Outside the UK	Priority	5 working days
Outside the UK	Super Priority	Next working day
Inside the UK	Standard	Up to 8 weeks
Inside the UK	Priority	5 working days
Inside the UK	Super Priority	Next working day

 

Jobs listed in the UK Immigration Salary List

You may be paid between 70% and 90% of the standard salary for your job if your salary is at least £30,960 per year and one of the following applies:

• Your job is listed on the Immigration Salary List.
• You are under 26, a student, a recent graduate, or in professional training.
• You hold a PhD in a STEM field (science, technology, engineering, or Maths) relevant to your job.
• You hold a PhD in a non-STEM field relevant to your job, and your salary is at least £26,100.
• You have a postdoctoral position in science or higher education.

Occupation code	Job types included on the immigration salary list	Areas of the UK which qualify	Standard rate	Lower rate
1212	Managers and proprietors in forestry, fishing, and related services – only “fishing boat masters.”	Scotland only	£30,960 (£15.88 per hour)	£27,000 (£13.85 per hour)
2111	Chemical scientists – only jobs in the nuclear industry	Scotland only	£35,200 (£18.05 per hour)	£29,600 (£15.18 per hour)
2112	Biological scientists – all jobs	UK wide	£41,900 (£21.49 per hour)	£32,100 (£16.46 per hour)
2115	Social and humanities scientists – only archaeologists	UK wide	£36,400 (£18.67 per hour)	£25,200 (£12.92 per hour)
2142	Graphic and multimedia designers – all jobs	UK wide	£30,960 (£15.88 per hour)	£35,800 (£18.36 per hour)
3111	Laboratory technicians – only jobs requiring 3 or more years’ related on-the-job experience. This experience must not have been gained through working illegally.	UK wide	£30,960 (£15.88 per hour)	£23,200 (£11.90 per hour)
3212	Pharmaceutical technicians – all jobs	UK wide	£30,960 (£15.88 per hour)	£23,400 (£12.00 per hour)
3411	Artists – all jobs	UK wide	£32,900 (£16.87 per hour)	£27,300 (£14.00 per hour)
3414	Dancers and choreographers – only skilled classical ballet dancers or skilled contemporary dancers who meet the standard required by internationally recognized UK ballet or contemporary dance companies. The company must be endorsed as being internationally recognized by a UK industry body such as the Arts Councils (of England, Scotland or Wales).	UK wide	£30,960 (£15.88 per hour)	£23,200 (£11.90 per hour)
3415	Musicians – only skilled orchestral musicians who are leaders, principals, sub-principals, or numbered string positions and who meet the standard required by internationally recognized UK orchestras. The orchestra must be a full member of the Association of British Orchestras.	UK wide	£32,900 (£16.87 per hour)	£27,300 (£14.00 per hour)
3416	Arts officers, producers, and directors – all jobs	UK wide	£37,500 (£19.23 per hour)	£31,300 (£16.05 per hour)
5119	Agriculture and fishing trades are not elsewhere classified – only jobs in the fishing industry	UK wide	£30,960 (£15.88 per hour)	£23,200 (£11.90 per hour)
5213	Welding trades – only high integrity pipe welders, where the job requires 3 or more years’ related on-the-job experience. This experience must not have been gained through working illegally.	UK wide	£31,700 (£16.26 per hour)	£26,400 (£13.54 per hour)
5235	Boat and ship builders and repairers – all jobs	Scotland only	£32,400 (£16.62 per hour)	£28,100 (£14.41 per hour)
5312	Stonemasons and related trades – all jobs	UK wide	£31,000 (£15.90 per hour)	£25,800 (£13.23 per hour)
5313	Bricklayers – all jobs	UK wide	£30,960 (£15.88 per hour)	£25,800 (£13.23 per hour)
5314	Roofers, roof tilers, and slaters – all jobs	UK wide	£31,000 (£15.90 per hour)	£25,800 (£13.23 per hour)
5316	Carpenters and joiners – all jobs	UK wide	£30,960 (£15.88 per hour)	£25,200 (£12.92 per hour)
5319	Construction and building trades not elsewhere classified – only retrofitters	UK wide	£30,960 (£15.88 per hour)	£25,500 (£13.08 per hour)
6135	Care workers and home carers – all jobs, except jobs with a working location in England are only eligible in this SOC 2020 occupation code where the sponsor holds registration with the Care Quality Commission and is currently carrying on a regulated activity. Private households or individuals (other than sole traders sponsoring someone to work for their business) cannot sponsor Skilled Worker applicants.	UK wide	£30,960 (£15.88 per hour)	£23,200 (£11.90 per hour)
6136	Senior care workers – all jobs, except jobs with a working location in England are only eligible in this SOC 2020 occupation code where the sponsor holds registration with the Care Quality Commission and is currently carrying on a regulated activity.	UK wide	£30,960 (£15.88 per hour)	£23,200 (£11.90 per hour)
6129	Animal care services occupations not elsewhere classified – only racing grooms, stallion handlers, stud grooms, stud hands, stud handlers and work riders	UK wide	£30,960 (£15.88 per hour)	£23,200 (£11.90 per hour)
9119	Fishing and other elementary agriculture occupations not elsewhere classified – only deckhands on large fishing vessels (9 meters and above) where the job requires the worker to have at least 3 years full-time experience in using their skills. This experience must not have been gained through working illegally.

 

*Looking to work in the UK? Talk to experts at Y-Axis for end-to-end assistance with the process.

 

Support from Employer (CoS, Sponsorship License)

Your UK employer must:

• Hold a valid Skilled Worker sponsor license.

• Issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) tied to your specific role.

• Ensure compliance with sponsorship duties. Role and salary must meet the new RQF and salary requirements.

 

Migrate through the student route

The UK Student Visa route offers international students the opportunity to pursue world-class education while opening doors to long-term career and migration prospects. Applicants must have an offer from a licensed UK education provider, demonstrate English language proficiency, and show proof of financial means. The visa permits full-time study at undergraduate, postgraduate, or doctoral levels, and also allows limited part-time work during term time.

After graduation, students can switch to a Graduate Visa, which enables them to stay and work in the UK for up to 18 months. This post-study option can lead to permanent residency through other skilled immigration routes. The student route is structured, flexible, and aligned with the UK's long-term talent strategy.

• January/February Intake:  Secondary intake for a range of postgraduate and some undergraduate programs.
• May/June Intake:  Smaller intake mainly for foundation, diploma, or short courses.
• September/October Intake:  Primary and largest intake with the widest range of courses and programs offered across all universities.

*Want to apply for a Student visa? Get in touch with experts at Y-Axis to guide you with the steps.

 

UK Family Visa

The UK Family Visa allows individuals to join their family members who are settled or living in the UK. This visa route supports family reunification by enabling partners, children, parents, and dependent relatives to live together in the UK under specific eligibility criteria.

You can migrate to the UK with a Family visa if you are a:

• Spouse or civil partner of a British citizen or settled person
• Fiancé(e) or proposed civil partner
• Unmarried partner (in a relationship for at least 2 years)
• Children under 18 joining a parent in the UK
• Parents of British or settled children
• Adult dependent relatives requiring long-term care from family in the UK

*Want to apply for a UK Dependent visa? Talk to experts at Y-Axis for complete assistance.

 

UK Investment Visa

The UK Investment Visa was designed for wealthy individuals who wished to live in the UK by making a substantial financial investment. It offered a flexible immigration route without requiring a job offer or sponsorship. Although closed to new applicants since February 2022, it remains ideal for former holders seeking to extend their stay or apply for permanent residency. This route is especially suitable for high-net-worth individuals and their families aiming for long-term settlement in the UK.

*Looking to invest in the UK? Let Y-Axis help you with the procedure.

 

How can Y-Axis help you?

Y-Axis is the leading immigration consultant for individuals looking to migrate to the UK. Our end-to-end support with the immigration process ensures that you make the right decision at every step. We guide you with:

• Free eligibility check with the UK Immigration Points Calculator
• Expert guidance for UK Immigration
• Coaching services to ace tests for the UK immigration
• Free career counselling
• Comprehensive guidance with the UK visa application process
• Job search services to secure a suitable job in the UK

Contact us to enhance your chances and make an informed decision with UK immigration.