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).
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The UK Skilled Worker Visa offers several advantages that make it an attractive pathway for international professionals:
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:
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.
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!
You must fulfil the below eligibility criteria to apply for a UK Skilled Worker Visa:
The list of requirements for a UK skilled worker visa is as follows:
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.
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 |
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 |
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:
| 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. |
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*Looking to work in the UK? Talk to experts at Y-Axis for end-to-end assistance with the process.
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.
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.
*Want to apply for a Student visa? Get in touch with experts at Y-Axis to guide you with the steps.
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:
*Want to apply for a UK Dependent visa? Talk to experts at Y-Axis for complete assistance.
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.
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:
Contact us to enhance your chances and make an informed decision with UK immigration.
Yes. You may switch to a Skilled Worker visa from within the UK if your current visa allows it (e.g., Student, Graduate, or Dependant visa) and you meet all eligibility criteria (valid Certificate of Sponsorship, salary, English), however, some short-term visas (e.g., Visitor) do not allow switching in-country.
If your employment ends, your sponsor must notify UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). You will then have a short grace period (typically 60 days or until your visa expiry date) to either secure a new sponsor and apply for a visa switch, or leave the UK.
Yes, Skilled Worker visa holders are permitted to take a second job, provided certain conditions are met. The additional job must either be in the same occupation code and at the same level as the primary sponsored role, or fall within the Shortage Occupation List. In some cases, you may need to update your visa or obtain a new Certificate of Sponsorship if the second job exceeds 20 hours per week. It is essential to ensure that the second role complies with UKVI regulations to avoid breaching visa conditions.
You must demonstrate B1 level proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Accepted qualifications include a Secure English Language Test (SELT) from approved providers (e.g., IELTS SELT, LanguageCert), or having a degree taught in English. Nationals of majority-English-speaking countries may also be exempt.
To be eligible for a UK Skilled worker visa, you must:
Step 1: Secure a job offer from a UK employer licensed to sponsor Skilled Worker visa applicants.
Step 2: Obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your employer for an eligible occupation.
Step 3: Ensure you meet the required salary threshold, English language proficiency, and financial maintenance criteria.
Step 4: Submit your visa application online and provide biometric information at a visa application centre.
Step 5: Wait for a decision from UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), based on standard or priority processing timelines.
The processing time for a UK Skilled Worker visa depends on where you apply from. If you are applying from outside the UK, you will usually receive a decision within 3 weeks of submitting your biometric information. If you are applying from within the UK, the standard processing time is up to 8 weeks. For faster decisions, the UK Home Office offers Priority Service (within 5 working days) and Super Priority Service (by the end of the next working day), subject to availability and additional fees.
Approval depends on meeting strict eligibility criteria. Applicants often face challenges with sponsor licensing, salary thresholds, or documentation, and processing times may increase if more evidence is requested. Meeting all official requirements improves success rates.
The general minimum salary is £26,200 per year or £10.75 per hour. Higher thresholds may apply depending on the job’s going rate. Lower exemptions exist for certain roles (e.g. new entrants, shortage occupations) but must meet specific salary criteria.
Yes, provided you meet the Skilled Worker visa rules: you must be within three months of finishing your course (or less), have a valid job offer from a licensed UK sponsor, and ensure the job meets skill and salary thresholds. As a “new entrant”, you may be eligible for lower salary requirements. You do not need to show bank funds if you've lived in the UK on a Student visa for at least 12 months. You must apply before your current visa expires.
Yes, dependents (spouse and children) are permitted if you're applying for a Skilled Worker visa in a role at RQF Level 6 or higher. However, from 22 July 2025, dependents are not allowed for roles on the Temporary Shortage List, even if you're sponsored for such occupations. Always check your Certificate of Sponsorship to ensure your job qualifies for dependent sponsorship.
Following the reforms effective in mid-2025, the qualifying residency period for Skilled Worker routes is extended to 10 years before you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). After granted ILR, applicants must still satisfy requirements, such as residency absence limits, language skills, and good conduct, to become British citizens. The government has signalled a potential fast-track for “high contributors,” but specific details are pending.
