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UK Skilled Worker Visa

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UK Skilled Worker Visa – Eligibility, Process, Salary & Rules

The UK Skilled Worker Visa allows qualified professionals to live and work in the United Kingdom for an approved employer in an eligible occupation. It is a points-based visa that assesses applicants based on skills, qualifications, and salary level. The visa provides a clear pathway to permanent residence and allows eligible dependants to accompany or join the main applicant in the UK.

  • Work in the UK legally under a licensed sponsor for up to 5 years, renewable.
  • Salary threshold raised to £41,700; £33,400 for roles on the Immigration Salary List (ISL).
  • RQF 6+ skill level required, ensuring graduate-level opportunities.
  • Dependants allowed, with work and study rights.
  • Pathway to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 years of continuous residence.

What Is the UK Skilled Worker Visa?

The UK Skilled Worker Visa is a type of work visa that allows qualified foreign nationals to live and work in the United Kingdom for an approved employer who holds a valid sponsorship licence from the Home Office. It replaced the former Tier 2 (General) Visa and operates under the UK’s points-based immigration system.

The visa enables holders to work in eligible skilled occupations, reside in the UK with their dependants, and pursue further studies if desired. It also provides a pathway to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after completing five years of continuous residence.

However, the visa is specific to the sponsoring employer and role listed on the Certificate of Sponsorship. Holders are not permitted to access public funds and must comply with all visa conditions throughout their stay.

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Who Can Apply for the Skilled Worker Visa UK? – Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the UK Skilled Worker Visa, applicants must meet the following requirements:

  • Qualifying Job / Occupation:

Your job must be listed on the eligible occupation list under the official SOC codes and meet the RQF Level 6 or above skill level. You must have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a Home Office–licensed employer.

  • Salary Thresholds:

You must be paid at least the higher of the general salary threshold or the going rate for your occupation. Some roles on the Immigration Salary List (ISL) may qualify for a lower salary if they meet other eligibility conditions.

  • English Language Requirement:

You must prove your English proficiency at CEFR Level B1 or higher in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. This can be shown through an approved English test, a degree taught in English, or citizenship from an English-speaking country.

  • Maintenance / Financial Requirement:

Unless your employer certifies financial support, you must show proof of funds to support yourself and your dependants. The required balance must be maintained for at least 28 consecutive days before applying.

  • Other Suitability Criteria:

You must meet all general eligibility conditions, have no serious criminal record, and comply with UK immigration laws. Applicants in healthcare, education, or similar roles may need to provide an overseas criminal record certificate.

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

UK Skilled Worker Visa Salary Requirements & Occupation Codes 

The UK Skilled Worker Visa allows qualified foreign nationals to live and work in the United Kingdom with a valid job offer from a Home Office–licensed employer. To qualify, applicants must meet both salary and occupation eligibility requirements set by the UK Government.

As per the latest Home Office update (effective April 4, 2024), salary thresholds and eligible occupation codes under the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC 2020) have been revised to align with the UK’s new immigration framework.

Salary Requirements for the Skilled Worker Visa

According to the latest Immigration Rules:

  • The general salary threshold is £38,700 per year, or the “going rate” for your occupation — whichever is higher.
  • For certain shortage occupations, healthcare, or education roles, lower thresholds apply — typically between £23,200 and £30,960.
  • Employers must provide a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) confirming the job title, SOC code, and salary level before you apply.
  • You must also earn at least £15.88 per hour, the minimum hourly rate introduced in 2024.

Common SOC Codes and Minimum Salary Requirements

Occupation SOC Code (2020) Minimum Annual Salary (GBP) Shortage Occupation
Software Developer 2136 £49,400 Yes
Civil Engineer 2121 £45,900 Yes
Mechanical Engineer 2122 £44,000 Yes
Registered Nurse 2231 £30,960 Yes (Health & Care route)
Secondary School Teacher 2314 £33,000 No
Chef (Skilled) 5434 £30,960 Yes (Hospitality)
Financial Analyst 2423 £38,700 No
Marketing Specialist 3545 £38,700 No
IT Project Manager 2139 £49,400 No
Electrician 5241 £34,000 Yes (Construction)

Shortage Occupations and Salary Exemptions

Certain occupations listed on the UK Shortage Occupation List (SOL) qualify for reduced salary thresholds — around 80% of the standard going rate.
These jobs are critical to the UK economy and are eligible for lower visa fees and priority processing.

Top shortage occupation categories include:

  • Healthcare and Nursing: Registered nurses, care assistants, paramedics
  • Engineering: Civil, mechanical, and electrical engineers
  • Construction and Skilled Trades: Electricians, plumbers, welders, bricklayers
  • IT and Digital Technology: Software developers, systems analysts, cybersecurity specialists
  • Hospitality: Chefs and catering managers

If your job appears on the Shortage Occupation List, you can qualify even with a slightly lower salary offer — provided the employer meets all sponsorship requirements.

Regional Salary Weights

While salary thresholds apply nationally, actual pay can vary slightly by region:

  • Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland may have lower average pay rates, but employers must still meet the official “going rate” for sponsorship.
  • Public sector roles (like nurses and teachers) follow national pay bands determined by the UK Government.

Employers across all regions must ensure the offered salary meets or exceeds the relevant SOC code’s going rate published in Appendix Skilled Occupations.

Key Points to Remember

  • Minimum annual salary: £38,700 (or the going rate for your job)
  • Lower thresholds: £23,200 – £30,960 for shortage, education, and health roles
  • Minimum hourly rate: £15.88/hour
  • Must have a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a licensed UK employer
  • Job must appear in the eligible SOC code list

How to Apply for the UK Skilled Worker Visa?

Step 1 – Obtain a Sponsor / Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

  • Receive a genuine job offer from a Home Office–licensed employer in an eligible occupation.
  • The employer issues an electronic Certificate of Sponsorship confirming your job title, SOC code, and salary details.
  • The CoS reference number must be used in your visa application and must have been issued within 3 months before you apply.

Step 2 – Apply Online and Pay Fees

  • Complete the Skilled Worker Visa form on the UK government website.
  • Pay the application fee based on where you apply (inside / outside the UK) and the visa length.
  • Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) to access NHS services during your stay.

Step 3 – Provide Biometrics and Submit Documents

  • Book a biometric appointment at a visa application centre or use the UK Immigration ID Check app, if eligible.
  • Upload or submit your supporting documents, including your passport, CoS, proof of English, and financial evidence (if required).

Step 4 – Await Decision and Receive Visa

  • UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) processes most applications in about 3 weeks from outside the UK or 8 weeks from inside.
  • If approved, you’ll receive a visa vignette or digital status, allowing you to travel and begin work for your sponsor in the UK.

Switching to the UK Skilled Worker Visa from Another Visa

You can switch to the UK Skilled Worker Visa from within the UK if you already hold a valid visa that permits in-country switching. This route allows you to continue living and working in the UK without leaving the country, provided you meet the eligibility requirements.

Conditions and Eligibility for Switching

  • You must have a job offer from a Home Office–licensed sponsor for an eligible occupation at RQF Level 6 or above.
  • Your employer must issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) confirming your job details and salary.
  • The offered salary must meet or exceed the minimum salary threshold or the occupation’s going rate.
  • You must meet the English language and maintenance fund requirements.
  • You cannot switch to a Skilled Worker Visa if you are currently in the UK on a visit visa, short-term student visa, seasonal worker visa, or any immigration bail or temporary admission status.

Example Scenarios

  • A student visa holder who has completed their degree and secured a job offer from a licensed sponsor can switch to a Skilled Worker Visa before their student visa expires.
  • A healthcare professional on a Health and Care Worker Visa may switch to a Skilled Worker Visa when changing employers or roles outside the healthcare sector.
  • A graduate visa holder who receives a full-time skilled job offer with the required salary can switch to continue working in the UK long-term.

Note: This pathway enables eligible visa holders to remain in the UK and transition smoothly to long-term employment without leaving the country.

Changing Employers on a Skilled Worker Visa UK

If you hold a UK Skilled Worker Visa and wish to change your employer or job role, you must apply to update your visa before starting the new position. This is because the visa is tied to a specific employer, occupation, and Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) issued at the time of approval.

Rules for Changing Employers

  • You must obtain a new Certificate of Sponsorship from your new employer.
  • The new employer must hold a valid Home Office sponsorship licence authorised to hire Skilled Workers.
  • You must apply for a new Skilled Worker Visa before starting the new job, even if your previous visa is still valid.
  • The new job must meet the eligibility requirements, including being at RQF Level 6 or above and paying at least the minimum salary threshold or the going rate for the occupation.
  • You can continue working for your current sponsor while your new application is being processed, but you cannot begin working for the new employer until approval is granted.

Changing Roles with the Same Employer

If you are changing to a different occupation code or moving from a job on the Immigration Salary List (ISL) to a non-ISL role, you must also apply to update your visa, even if the employer remains the same.

Guidance and Best Practices

The Home Office advises Skilled Workers to check their new role and salary against the latest Appendix Skilled Occupations and Appendix Skilled Worker rules before submitting an application.

Independent immigration resources such as Free Movement also highlight that failing to apply for a new visa before starting work with a new employer may result in visa cancellation or breach of immigration conditions, affecting future applications.

Costs, Processing Time & Fees for UK Skilled Worker Visa

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

Rights & Conditions Under the Skilled Worker Visa UK

The UK Skilled Worker Visa grants holders the right to live and work in the United Kingdom for a licensed sponsor while enjoying a range of professional and personal benefits. However, visa holders must also comply with specific conditions to maintain their legal status.

Work Rights and Study

  • You can work full-time in the job described on your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) for your sponsoring employer.
  • You may take on supplementary employment of up to 20 hours per week in the same occupation or a related field, provided it meets Skilled Worker conditions.
  • You are allowed to study alongside your employment, as long as it does not interfere with your sponsored job.
  • You cannot access public funds such as Universal Credit or housing benefits.

Bringing Family Members

  • You can bring your partner and children to the UK as dependants.
  • Dependants are permitted to work and study during their stay, except as professional sportspersons or coaches.
  • Each dependant must meet the maintenance requirement and pay the applicable visa and health surcharge fees.

Conditions You Must Follow

  • You must only work for the employer and job role specified in your CoS.
  • If you change your job or employer, you must apply to update your visa before starting the new role.
  • Your salary and job title must remain consistent with the information approved by the Home Office.
  • You must maintain valid immigration permission at all times and comply with UK employment and tax laws.

Travel and Residency Requirements

  • Skilled Worker Visa holders can travel freely in and out of the UK during their visa validity.
  • To qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), you must complete 5 years of continuous residence, spending no more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period.

Renewal, Extension & Settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain) under Skilled Worker Visa UK

The UK Skilled Worker Visa can be extended or renewed if you continue to meet the eligibility requirements. It also provides a clear pathway to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), allowing you to settle permanently in the UK after a qualifying period.

When You Can Extend Your Skilled Worker Visa

You can apply to extend your visa before it expires if:

  • You continue to work for the same Home Office–licensed sponsor.
  • Your job remains on the eligible occupation list.
  • You continue to meet the minimum salary and English language requirements.
  • If you are changing employers or occupation codes, you must apply for a new visa rather than an extension.

When You Can Apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)

  • You may be eligible to apply for ILR after 5 years of continuous lawful residence in the UK under the Skilled Worker route.
  • You must not have spent more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period during those 5 years.
  • Time spent under certain other eligible visas, such as Tier 2 (General), may count towards your 5-year qualifying period.

Criteria for Settlement (ILR)

To qualify for ILR under the Skilled Worker route, you must:

  • Still be employed by a licensed sponsor and hold a valid job offer.
  • Be paid at least the ILR salary threshold or the occupation’s going rate, whichever is higher.
  • Demonstrate continued English language proficiency at CEFR Level B1 or above.
  • Pass the Life in the UK Test.
  • Have maintained continuous lawful residence and complied with all visa conditions.
  • Once ILR is granted, you can live and work in the UK without immigration restrictions and later apply for British citizenship, subject to eligibility.

Common Issues, Refusals & Appeals for Skilled Worker Visa UK

While the UK Skilled Worker Visa has a clear application process, refusals can occur if eligibility criteria are not fully met or if documentation is incomplete. Understanding the common issues and how to address them can improve your chances of approval.

Typical Grounds for Refusal

  • Incorrect or incomplete documentation, such as missing proof of English language ability or insufficient maintenance funds.
  • Invalid or expired Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) issued more than three months before the application.
  • Job not meeting eligibility rules, including incorrect SOC code, role below RQF Level 6, or salary below the required threshold.
  • Unsatisfactory genuineness assessment, where the Home Office doubts the authenticity of the job offer or sponsor.
  • Previous immigration breaches, criminal records, or overstaying on a previous visa.

How to Appeal or Request Reconsideration

  • Skilled Worker Visa refusals do not generally allow a full appeal but may qualify for an administrative review if you believe a decision error was made.
  • You must submit the review request within 28 days (if outside the UK) or 14 days (if inside the UK) of receiving the refusal notice.
  • The Home Office will reassess your application to check if a mistake occurred.
  • If the refusal was based on incorrect or missing information, you can submit a fresh application with complete documentation.

Common Mistakes Applicants Make

  • Selecting the wrong occupation code that does not match job duties or skill level.
  • Submitting expired or insufficient English test results.
  • Failing to meet the salary or maintenance requirement.
  • Not updating the visa after changing employer or job role.
  • Providing inconsistent information between the application form and supporting documents.

To avoid refusals, applicants should carefully review the Home Office guidance, ensure all evidence is up to date, and double-check eligibility before submitting their application.

Recent Changes & 2025 Updates for the UK Skilled Worker Visa

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

New UK Immigration Rules

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.

 

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I switch to a Skilled Worker Visa from within the UK?
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As a UK employer, how can I identify roles in my company that qualify for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship?
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