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Last Updated: May 13, 2026
UK Skilled Worker Visa - Eligibility, Salary & How to Apply
The UK Skilled Worker Visa is the main sponsored work route for qualified professionals seeking employment in the UK across sectors including healthcare, IT, engineering, finance, and education. It requires a confirmed job offer from a Home Office licensed sponsor, a minimum salary of £41,700 per year, and an eligible occupation at RQF Level 6 or above, with a clear pathway to permanent settlement through Indefinite Leave to Remain.
Why Apply for a UK Skilled Worker Visa?
The UK Skilled Worker Visa gives skilled professionals access to one of Europe’s largest job markets with strong employment rights, competitive salaries, and a clear pathway to permanent settlement.
- Over 700,000 job vacancies across IT, engineering, healthcare, finance, and education
- Free NHS healthcare through IHS
- Minimum salary threshold of £41,700 per year for most roles
- Switch employers within the UK with a new Certificate of Sponsorship
- Bring your spouse and dependent children to the UK
- Pathway to permanent settlement and British citizenship after 5 years
*Want to work in the UK? Talk to a Y-Axis expert for free guidance.
What is the UK Skilled Worker Visa?
The UK Skilled Worker Visa is an employer-led points-based work visa that allows qualified professionals to live and work in the UK with a Home Office licensed sponsor. It replaced the Tier 2 (General) visa in December 2020 and is the main sponsored work route under the UK points-based immigration system. Unlike points-only routes such as Canada Express Entry or Australia PR, every application must be tied to a specific employer, occupation, and Certificate of Sponsorship.
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UK Points-Based Immigration System
The UK Skilled Worker Visa requires a minimum of 70 points to qualify. Points are awarded based on the job offer, skill level, English language ability, and salary. Applicants who hold a relevant PhD or work in an Immigration Salary List occupation can earn additional points.
| Criteria | Points |
|---|---|
| Job offer from a licensed UK sponsor | 20 |
| Job at the required skill level (RQF Level 6 or above) | 20 |
| English language requirement met at CEFR Level B2 | 10 |
| Salary meets the minimum threshold of £41,700 | 20 |
| Relevant PhD for the role | 10 |
| Role on the Immigration Salary List | 10–20 |
*Want to check your points? Use the free Y-Axis UK Immigration Points Calculator to check your eligibility.
Eligibility Criteria for a UK Skilled Worker Visa
To qualify for a UK Skilled Worker Visa, applicants must have a confirmed job offer from an A-rated Home Office licensed sponsor in an eligible occupation at RQF Level 6 or above, with the correct SOC code assigned on the Certificate of Sponsorship. B-rated sponsors cannot issue new Certificates of Sponsorship.
- Applicants must be at least 18 years old
- Your employer must hold a valid A-rated Home Office sponsor licence
- The occupation must be listed in Appendix Skilled Occupations at RQF Level 6 or above
- Salary must meet £41,700 per year or the going rate for your SOC code, whichever is higher
- You must meet the English language requirement at CEFR Level B2
- Proof of at least £1,270 in maintenance funds is required unless your sponsor certifies this on the CoS
- A criminal record certificate is required for roles in healthcare, education, and other eligible occupations
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Salary Requirements for a UK Skilled Worker Visa
The minimum salary for a UK Skilled Worker Visa is £41,700 per year or the going rate for your occupation's SOC code, whichever is higher. Roles on the Immigration Salary List and new entrants may qualify from £33,400 per year. The minimum hourly rate is £17.13.
| Salary Category | Minimum Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Standard threshold | £41,700 |
| Immigration Salary List (ISL) roles | £33,400 |
| New entrant threshold | £33,400 |
| STEM PhD relevant to the role | £33,400 |
| Relevant PhD (non-STEM) | £37,500 |
| Health and Care Worker route | £31,300 |
| Minimum hourly rate | £17.13 |
Every sponsored role also has an occupation-specific going rate set by the Home Office based on its SOC 2020 code. Your offered salary must meet whichever is higher - the general £41,700 threshold or the going rate for your specific occupation and SOC code.
| Occupation | SOC Code | Going Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Software Developer | 2134 | £49,400 |
| IT Project Manager | 2139 | £49,400 |
| Management Consultant | 2424 | £51,000 |
| Chartered Accountant | 2421 | £44,300 |
| HR Manager | 1135 | £44,100 |
| Civil Engineer | 2121 | £41,700 |
| Mechanical Engineer | 2122 | £41,700 |
| Secondary School Teacher | 2314 | £31,650 |
| Registered Nurse | 2231 | £31,049 |
| Electrician | 5241 | £34,000 |
Note: Where the going rate is below £41,700, the general threshold applies. Always verify the current going rate for your SOC code on gov.uk before applying.
UK Skilled Worker Visa Requirements
The UK Skilled Worker Visa application requires documents covering sponsorship, identity, English language ability, and finances. Whether applying from outside the UK or switching from within, all documents must be current, valid, and submitted with your online application.
- Valid passport or travel document with minimum 6 months validity
- Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) issued by a licensed UK employer
- Proof of English language proficiency at CEFR Level B2
- Bank statements showing at least £1,270 in maintenance funds
- TB test certificate, if applicable based on your country of residence
- Criminal record certificate for eligible healthcare and education roles
- Marriage and birth certificates for dependent applications
- Certified English translations for all non-English documents
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How to Apply for a UK Skilled Worker Visa?
The UK Skilled Worker Visa application involves securing a job offer, obtaining a Certificate of Sponsorship, and submitting your application online. The CoS must be issued within 3 months of your application date and you can apply up to 3 months before your start date.
Step 1: Secure a confirmed job offer from a UK Home Office licensed employer sponsor
Step 2: Receive your Certificate of Sponsorship reference number from your employer
Step 3: Prepare all required documents as listed in the requirements section above
Step 4: Submit your application online at gov.uk and pay the visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge
Step 5: Complete your biometrics at a visa application centre or via the UK Immigration ID Check app
Step 6: Wait for your decision - standard processing takes up to 3 weeks outside the UK and up to 8 weeks inside the UK
Step 7: Once approved, begin employment with your sponsoring employer on or after your visa start date
*Want to apply for a UK Skilled Worker Visa? Get expert guidance from Y-Axis today.
UK Skilled Worker Visa Processing Time
Processing times depend on whether you are applying from outside the UK or switching from within. Applicants inside the UK should allow up to 8 weeks for a standard decision and apply well in advance of their visa expiry to avoid any gap in their permission to work.
| Application Type | Standard | Priority | Super Priority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Outside the UK | Up to 3 weeks | 5 working days | 1 working day |
| Inside the UK (switching or extending) | Up to 8 weeks | 5 working days | 1 working day |
Note: Priority processing costs £500 and super priority costs £1,000.
UK Skilled Worker Visa Fees
The UK Skilled Worker Visa fee depends on whether you are applying from outside or inside the UK, the duration of the visa, and whether your occupation is on the Immigration Salary List. All applicants must also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge upfront for the full visa duration.
| Visa Category | Duration | Fee (GBP) |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Skilled Worker (outside UK) | Up to 3 years | £819 |
| Standard Skilled Worker (outside UK) | Over 3 years | £1,618 |
| Standard Skilled Worker (inside UK) | Up to 3 years | £943 |
| Standard Skilled Worker (inside UK) | Over 3 years | £1,865 |
| Immigration Salary List occupations | Up to 3 years | £628 |
| Immigration Salary List occupations | Over 3 years | £1,235 |
| Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) | Per year | £1,035 |
Note: Always verify current fees on gov.uk before applying.
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
The Immigration Health Surcharge gives Skilled Worker Visa holders and their dependants full access to NHS services throughout their stay. It is paid upfront at the time of application for the full visa duration.
- Current IHS rate is £1,035 per year for adults
- Children under 18 pay a reduced rate of £776 per year
- Each dependant must pay the IHS separately at the time of their application
- Health and Care Worker Visa holders and their dependants are fully exempt from IHS
- Some employers cover the IHS as part of their relocation package
Immigration Skills Charge (ISC)
The Immigration Skills Charge is a mandatory levy paid by UK employers when sponsoring an overseas worker. It cannot be passed on to the employee and must be paid upfront when the Certificate of Sponsorship is assigned.
- ISC is charged per sponsored worker for the full duration of the CoS
- Employers cannot legally recover the ISC from sponsored workers
- A small sponsor is an organisation with 50 or fewer employees, turnover of £10.2 million or less, or total assets of £5.1 million or less
| Sponsor Type | First 12 Months | Each Additional 6 Months |
|---|---|---|
| Small or charitable sponsors | £480 | £240 |
| Medium and large sponsors | £1,320 | £660 |
UK Employer Sponsorship Cost Breakdown
Sponsoring a Skilled Worker involves several mandatory costs for UK employers covering the sponsor licence, Certificate of Sponsorship, and Immigration Skills Charge. The table below shows who pays each cost.
| Cost Item | Who Pays | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Sponsor licence — small organisation | Employer | £611 |
| Sponsor licence — large organisation | Employer | £1,682 |
| Certificate of Sponsorship fee | Employer | £525 |
| Immigration Skills Charge — small per year | Employer | £480 |
| Immigration Skills Charge — large per year | Employer | £1,320 |
| Visa application fee — outside UK up to 3 years | Applicant | £819 |
| Visa application fee — inside UK up to 3 years | Applicant | £943 |
| Immigration Health Surcharge per year | Applicant | £1,035 |
| Priority processing | Applicant | £500 |
| Super priority processing | Applicant | £1,000 |
Many employers choose to cover the IHS and visa application fee as part of their relocation package. Sponsor licence fee, CoS fee, and ISC cannot legally be passed on to the sponsored worker.
UK Skilled Worker Visa Total Cost Comparison
The total cost varies depending on visa duration, application location, occupation type, and employer size.
| Cost Scenario | Applicant Cost | Employer Cost | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Outside UK, 3 years, standard, small sponsor | £3,924 | £1,965 | £5,889 |
| Inside UK, 3 years, standard, small sponsor | £4,048 | £1,965 | £6,013 |
| Outside UK, 3 years, ISL occupation, small sponsor | £3,733 | £1,965 | £5,698 |
| Outside UK, 3 years, standard, large sponsor | £3,924 | £4,485 | £8,409 |
Note: Applicant cost includes visa fee and IHS for 3 years. Employer cost includes CoS fee and ISC. Sponsor licence fee and dependant costs not included. All figures based on April 2026 rates.
UK Immigration Salary List (ISL)
The UK Immigration Salary List (ISL) replaced the old Shortage Occupation List in April 2024. It covers occupations experiencing genuine labour shortages, allowing eligible roles to qualify for a Skilled Worker Visa at lower salary thresholds than the standard £41,700 per year. Sectors covered include healthcare, social care, construction, engineering, and education.
- ISL roles qualify from £33,400 per year instead of the standard £41,700
- Each occupation has its own specific salary threshold based on its SOC code
- ISL roles benefit from a reduced visa application fee and reduced ISC rates for employers
- Check the current ISL on gov.uk before assigning a Certificate of Sponsorship
*Is your role on the Immigration Salary List? Get a free assessment from Y-Axis today.
How to Find a UK Employer Sponsor?
To apply for a UK Skilled Worker Visa, you need a confirmed job offer from an employer on the Home Office Register of Licensed Sponsors. Only A-rated sponsors can issue new Certificates of Sponsorship.
- Search the UK government Register of Licensed Sponsors on gov.uk
- Use job boards including LinkedIn, Reed, Indeed UK, and NHS Jobs filtering for roles offering visa sponsorship
- Target sectors with high sponsorship demand including IT, healthcare, engineering, finance, and education
- Verify your employer is A-rated and that your role matches the correct SOC code before accepting an offer
Switching to a UK Skilled Worker Visa
Professionals already in the UK on an eligible visa can switch to a Skilled Worker Visa without leaving the country. Apply before your current visa expires and avoid travelling outside the UK until a decision is received.
Eligible visas to switch from:
- Graduate Visa
- Student Visa - provided your course is completed or your job start date is after completion
- Health and Care Worker Visa
- Dependant Visa
- Youth Mobility Scheme Visa
- Scale-up Worker Visa
Your employer must hold a valid A-rated sponsor licence and issue a new Certificate of Sponsorship. Standard processing from inside the UK takes up to 8 weeks.
Changing Employers on a UK Skilled Worker Visa
The UK Skilled Worker Visa is tied to a specific employer and role. You must apply to update your visa before starting with a new employer - working for a new employer without updating your visa is a breach of your visa conditions.
- Your new employer must hold a valid A-rated Home Office sponsor licence
- A new Certificate of Sponsorship must be issued for the new role before you apply
- The new role must meet the required skill level and minimum salary threshold
- You can continue working for your current employer while your new application is processed
- Changing occupation codes with the same employer also requires a new application
Rights and Conditions Under the UK Skilled Worker Visa
The UK Skilled Worker Visa gives holders the right to live and work in the UK for a licensed sponsor with full employment rights.
- Work full time in the role listed on your Certificate of Sponsorship
- Take on supplementary employment of up to 20 hours per week in the same or related occupation
- Study part time alongside your sponsored employment
- Travel freely in and out of the UK during your visa validity
- Access public services including NHS through the IHS paid at application
- You cannot access public funds such as Universal Credit or housing benefits
UK Skilled Worker Visa Validity and Extension
The UK Skilled Worker Visa is granted for up to 5 years or the length of your Certificate of Sponsorship plus 14 days, whichever is shorter. You can extend before it expires if you continue working for the same licensed sponsor in an eligible occupation.
- Apply to extend online at gov.uk before your visa expiry date
- Standard processing for extensions from inside the UK takes up to 8 weeks
- Your salary must meet the required threshold at the time of your extension application
- English language requirement at CEFR Level B1 applies for extensions
- If changing employers or occupation codes, apply for a new visa rather than an extension
- You can continue working for your sponsor while your extension is being processed
*Need help extending your Skilled Worker Visa? Get expert guidance from Y-Axis today.
Dependants on a UK Skilled Worker Visa
Skilled Worker Visa holders can bring their spouse or partner and dependent children under 18 to the UK. Each dependant must apply separately and pay their own visa fee and IHS.
- Your spouse or partner can live and work in the UK without needing their own sponsor
- Dependent children can access free education in UK state schools
- Each dependant pays the same visa application fee as the main applicant
- IHS applies at £1,035 per year for adults and £776 per year for children under 18
- Dependants of workers in medium-skilled ISL roles may face restrictions on bringing family
- Dependants can apply before or after the main applicant - not necessarily at the same time
Health and Care Worker Visa
The Health and Care Worker Visa is a sub-route of the UK Skilled Worker Visa for qualified doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, and adult social care workers employed by NHS trusts, GP surgeries, and CQC-regulated providers. It offers significantly reduced fees and IHS exemption.
- Visa application fee starts from £284 - significantly lower than the standard £819
- Holders and their dependants are fully exempt from the IHS
- Salary thresholds follow NHS Agenda for Change pay scales and occupation-specific going rates
- Your employer must be an NHS trust, GP surgery, or a CQC-regulated social care provider
- Processing takes up to 3 weeks from outside the UK
- Overseas recruitment of social care workers from outside the UK ended from July 2025
- In-country switching to the Health and Care Worker Visa remains available for eligible applicants
Common Reasons for UK Skilled Worker Visa Refusal
Most refusals result from incorrect documentation, salary issues, or SOC code errors rather than fundamental ineligibility. Understanding these helps applicants and employers avoid costly mistakes.
- Incorrect SOC code: the occupation code on the CoS does not match the actual job duties
- Salary below threshold: the offered salary does not meet £41,700 or the going rate for the SOC code
- Invalid or expired CoS: the Certificate of Sponsorship was issued more than 3 months before the application
- Insufficient maintenance funds: £1,270 not held for 28 consecutive days unless employer certifies on CoS
- Genuineness concerns: the Home Office doubts the authenticity of the job offer or sponsor
- English language evidence: test results from a non-approved provider or expired certificate
If your application is refused, you may request an administrative review within 28 days from outside the UK or 14 days from inside the UK.
UK Skilled Worker Visa to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
The UK Skilled Worker Visa provides a clear pathway to permanent settlement through Indefinite Leave to Remain. Applicants can apply for ILR after completing 5 continuous years of qualifying employment in the UK.
To qualify for ILR through a UK Skilled Worker Visa:
- Complete 5 continuous years in the UK on a Skilled Worker Visa
- Maintain continuous residence with no more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period
- Meet the required salary threshold at the time of the ILR application
- Be employed by a licensed UK sponsor at the time of application
- Pass the Life in the UK Test
- Meet the English language requirement at CEFR Level B1
- Hold a valid Skilled Worker Visa at the time of application
After receiving ILR, applicants may become eligible to apply for British citizenship after 12 months.
*Want to migrate to UK? Let Y-Axis guide you through the entire process.
Latest UK Skilled Worker Visa Changes
The UK government introduced several significant updates to the Skilled Worker Visa in 2025 and 2026.
- Minimum salary threshold increased to £41,700 for most occupations from July 2025
- All eligible roles must now be at RQF Level 6 or above from July 2025
- English language requirement updated to CEFR Level B2 for new applicants from January 2026
- Immigration Skills Charge increased to £1,320 per year for large sponsors from December 2025
- Visa application fees increased across all categories from April 2026
- Salary must meet the required threshold in each individual pay period from April 2026
How Can Y-Axis help you?
Y-Axis is OISC regulated and provides end-to-end support for UK Skilled Worker Visa applications for both applicants and employers.
- Free eligibility check with the UK Immigration Points Calculator
- Expert guidance on SOC code selection and salary threshold compliance
- Complete document preparation and application support
- Sponsor licence guidance and employer compliance advice
- Job search support through established UK employer connections
- Family visa guidance and post-arrival settlement support
* Ready to start your UK journey? Book a free consultation with Y-Axis today.
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