A Skilled Worker visa allows you to come to or stay in the UK to do an eligible job with an approved employer. This visa replaced the Tier 2 (General) work visa and is designed for workers in roles that meet specific skill and salary requirements.
You must have a confirmed job offer before you apply for your visa. The role must be with a UK employer that holds a valid sponsor licence from the Home Office. Your employer will provide you with a certificate of sponsorship (CoS), a reference number that contains information about the role you've been offered.
Your visa can last for up to five years before you need to extend it. After living in the UK for five years and meeting other eligibility requirements, you can apply to settle permanently in the UK, also known as indefinite leave to remain.
Core Eligibility Requirements
Before applying for a Skilled Worker visa in the UK, you must meet several mandatory criteria set out by the Home Office.
Job Offer and Certificate of Sponsorship
You must have a confirmed job offer from a UK employer who is an approved sponsor. Your employer will assign you a certificate of sponsorship, which is a digital record containing details about your job, your personal information, and your sponsor's licence number. You'll need the CoS reference number to complete your visa application.
Your job must be on the list of eligible occupations. Each occupation is assigned a Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code, and your role must match one of the approved codes.
Skill Level Requirements
The skill level of your job determines whether you can apply for a Skilled Worker visa. As of 22 July 2025, the rules around medium-skilled jobs changed significantly.
If your occupation code is listed as 'higher skilled', you can apply for this visa. If your occupation code is listed as 'medium skilled', you can only apply if your job meets certain criteria, or if you're extending your visa and you got your first certificate of sponsorship before 22 July 2025.
This means new applications for medium-skilled roles are now restricted. If you already hold a Skilled Worker visa in a medium-skilled role and got your first CoS before that date, you can continue to extend your visa as long as you have continually held one or more Skilled Worker visas since receiving your first certificate.
English Language Requirement
You must be able to speak, read, write and understand English. You'll usually need to prove your knowledge of English when you apply. This can be done by passing an approved English language test, holding a degree taught in English, or being a national of a majority English-speaking country.
Current Salary Thresholds
Salary requirements are a critical component of Skilled Worker visa eligibility. The thresholds you must meet depend on the type of work you do, your skill level, and when you received your certificate of sponsorship.
Standard Salary Threshold
For higher-skilled jobs, you'll usually need to be paid the 'standard' salary rate of at least £41,700 per year, or the 'going rate' for your job, whichever is higher. The going rate is the typical salary for your specific occupation and is determined by the SOC code assigned to your role.
Your salary must be genuine and paid directly to you, not to an intermediary. It should be the gross salary before tax and excluding most allowances or benefits. For example, if you work fewer than the standard 37.5 hours per week, your salary will be pro-rated accordingly.
Alternative Salary Threshold
If you do not meet the usual salary requirements, and you do not work in healthcare or education, you might still be eligible if your salary will be at least £33,400 per year. This reduced threshold applies to applications submitted by 31 December 2026, if you are switching to this visa.
This transitional measure gives applicants more time to meet the standard threshold. If you're applying to switch from another visa category within the UK, such as a Student visa or Graduate visa, and you meet the £33,400 threshold, you may qualify under this route until the end of 2026.
Transitional Rules for Extensions
If you apply to extend before 1 December 2026, you will still need to meet the lower salary requirements, but your salary may also include allowances, such as London weighting. This transitional rule is important for existing visa holders who received their CoS under previous salary rules and are now extending their stay.
After 1 December 2026, the rules will fully align with the standard thresholds, and allowances may no longer count towards the minimum salary requirement. It's essential to check your exact position with your sponsor well in advance of your visa expiry date.
Documents You'll Need to Provide
When applying for a Skilled Worker visa in the UK, you must submit a range of documents to support your application. The exact documents depend on your personal circumstances and the nature of your job.
Essential Documents for All Applicants
Certificate of sponsorship reference number: Your employer will provide this digital reference, which you enter into your online application.
Valid passport or travel document: This is required to prove your identity and nationality.
Proof of English language ability: You may need a test certificate from an approved provider, evidence of a degree taught in English, or confirmation of nationality from a majority English-speaking country.
Tuberculosis test results: If you're from a country where you must take a tuberculosis test, you'll need to provide a valid certificate.
Additional Documents for Certain Roles
If your job involves working in education, healthcare, or social services, you may need to provide a criminal record certificate from any country you've lived in for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. This requirement is especially common for roles involving children or vulnerable adults.
You may also need to provide evidence of your professional qualifications if your job requires registration with a UK regulatory body, such as the General Medical Council or Nursing and Midwifery Council.
Financial Evidence
In most cases, you do not need to provide evidence of funds if your employer is an A-rated sponsor and has certified on your certificate of sponsorship that they will maintain and accommodate you for your first month in the UK. However, if this is not stated on your CoS, you'll need to show that you have held at least £1,270 in your bank account for a consecutive 28-day period, with the end date within 31 days of your application.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Process
Applying for a Skilled Worker visa in the UK is done entirely online. The process varies slightly depending on whether you're applying from outside the UK or switching from another visa category within the UK.
Step 1: Secure a Job Offer and Certificate of Sponsorship
Before you can apply, your prospective employer must assign you a certificate of sponsorship. This confirms that you have a genuine job offer with an approved sponsor and that the role meets the skill and salary requirements. Your employer will provide you with the CoS reference number, which is valid for three months from the date of issue.
Step 2: Complete the Online Application
You must complete the online application form on the GOV.UK website. You'll need to provide personal details, information about your job and employer, your CoS reference number, and details of any dependants applying with you.
You'll also need to pay the application fee and the immigration health surcharge as part of the online process. The immigration health surcharge gives you access to the National Health Service (NHS) during your stay.
Step 3: Prove Your Identity
As part of your application, you'll need to either use the 'UK Immigration: ID Check' app to scan your identity document, or have your fingerprints and photo (biometric information) taken at a visa application centre. The method available to you depends on your nationality and where you're applying from.
If you're applying from outside the UK, you'll usually attend an appointment at a visa application centre to provide your biometric information. If you're applying from within the UK, you may be able to use the ID Check app to scan your passport or biometric residence permit.
Step 4: Submit Supporting Documents
You'll upload or submit your supporting documents as instructed during the application process. This may include your passport, proof of English language ability, tuberculosis test certificate, criminal record certificate, and any other documents relevant to your circumstances.
Make sure all documents are in English or accompanied by a certified translation. Failure to provide the correct documents can lead to delays or refusal of your application.
Step 5: Wait for a Decision
You'll usually get a decision within eight weeks of your application date. Processing times can vary depending on where you apply from and the complexity of your case.
If your application is approved, you'll receive a decision letter and, if applying from outside the UK, a visa vignette in your passport that allows you to travel to the UK. Once in the UK, you'll collect your biometric residence permit, which is your official immigration status document.
Switching to a Skilled Worker Visa from Within the UK
If you're already in the UK on another type of visa, you may be able to switch to a Skilled Worker visa without leaving the country. This is a common route for international students, Graduate visa holders, and workers on other visa categories.
Eligibility to Switch
You can switch to a Skilled Worker visa if you're currently in the UK on an eligible visa category. Most visa types allow switching, including Student visas, Graduate visas, Skilled Worker visas (if changing employer or role), and various family and work visas.
If you're currently in the UK on a Student visa, you must also meet one of the following requirements: you have completed the course you were sponsored to study, your job start date is after your course has finished, or you're studying for a PhD full time and have been for at least 24 months.
Salary Thresholds for Switching
If you do not meet the usual salary requirements and you do not work in healthcare or education, you might still be eligible if your salary will be at least £33,400 per year. This reduced threshold applies to applications submitted by 31 December 2026, if you are switching to this visa.
This transitional arrangement is designed to help graduates and other visa holders transition into the Skilled Worker route without immediately needing to meet the higher £41,700 threshold. After 31 December 2026, all new applications will need to meet the standard salary requirements.
Application Process for Switching
The application process for switching is similar to applying from outside the UK, but you remain in the UK throughout. You'll complete an online application, provide your certificate of sponsorship reference number, pay the application fee and immigration health surcharge, and provide biometric information.
You can continue working in your current role until you receive a decision on your application, as long as you applied before your current visa expired. Once approved, your new Skilled Worker visa will start immediately.
Updating Your Visa If You Change Job or Employer
If you already hold a Skilled Worker visa and want to change your job, employer, or working hours, you'll usually need to update your visa. This ensures your visa remains valid and reflects your current employment situation.
When You Need to Update Your Visa
You must update your visa if you change employer, even if you remain in the same role or occupation. You'll need a new certificate of sponsorship from your new employer, and you must apply for an updated visa before you start working for them.
You must also update your visa if your job title, occupation code, or working hours change significantly, or if your salary changes in a way that affects your eligibility. Minor changes, such as a pay rise that keeps you above the minimum threshold, do not require an update.
Application Process for Updates
You'll apply online and provide your new certificate of sponsorship reference number. You'll pay a reduced application fee for updating your visa compared to applying for a new visa from scratch. You'll also need to pay the immigration health surcharge for the remaining period of your visa.
You can continue working for your current employer until you receive a decision on your update application. Once approved, you can start working in your new role or for your new employer.
Extending Your Skilled Worker Visa
You can extend your Skilled Worker visa if you want to stay in the UK beyond the expiry date of your current visa. Your visa can last for up to five years before you need to extend it, and you can extend it as many times as you need, provided you continue to meet the eligibility requirements.
Eligibility to Extend
To extend your visa, you must still have a job with an approved sponsor, meet the minimum skill and salary requirements, and continue to meet the English language requirement. You do not need to take a new English language test if you've already proven your ability in a previous application.
If your job is listed as 'medium skilled', you can extend your Skilled Worker visa if both of the following are true: you got your first certificate of sponsorship before 22 July 2025, and you have continually held one or more Skilled Worker visas since you got your first certificate of sponsorship. This transitional rule allows existing medium-skilled workers to continue extending their visas even though new applications for medium-skilled roles are now restricted.
Transitional Salary Rules for Extensions
If you apply to extend before 1 December 2026, you will still need to meet the lower salary requirements, but your salary may also include allowances, such as London weighting. This transitional provision is important for workers who received their initial CoS under previous salary rules.
After 1 December 2026, the salary requirements will fully align with the current thresholds, and allowances may no longer count towards the minimum. If you're approaching your visa expiry date, it's essential to check whether you meet the updated requirements well in advance.
Application Process for Extensions
You should apply to extend your visa before your current visa expires. You can apply up to three months before your visa expiry date. The application process is similar to your initial application: you'll complete an online form, provide a new certificate of sponsorship from your employer, pay the application fee and immigration health surcharge, and provide updated biometric information if required.
You can usually stay in the UK and continue working while your extension application is being processed, as long as you applied before your current visa expired. This is known as having '3C leave'.
Path to Settlement
One of the key benefits of the Skilled Worker visa is that it can lead to permanent settlement in the UK. You can apply to settle permanently in the UK, also known as indefinite leave to remain, if you've lived in the UK for five years and meet the other eligibility requirements.
Requirements for Settlement
To qualify for indefinite leave to remain, you must have spent five continuous years in the UK on a Skilled Worker visa or a combination of eligible work visas. You must still be working for an approved sponsor in an eligible job, and you must meet the minimum salary threshold at the time of your settlement application.
You'll also need to pass the Life in the UK Test, which assesses your knowledge of British traditions, history, and culture. You must meet the English language requirement at a higher level (B1 on the Common European Framework of Reference) if you haven't already demonstrated this ability.
Benefits of Settlement
Once you have indefinite leave to remain, you can live and work in the UK without immigration restrictions. You'll no longer need a sponsor or a certificate of sponsorship, and you can work in any job for any employer. You can also access public funds, including benefits and social housing, and you can apply for British citizenship after holding indefinite leave to remain for 12 months.
Special Considerations
Health and Care Worker Visa
If you're a doctor, nurse, or you work in health or adult social care, check if you're eligible to apply for the Health and Care Worker visa instead. It's cheaper to apply for and you do not need to pay the annual immigration health surcharge.
The Health and Care Worker visa has the same core requirements as the Skilled Worker visa but with reduced fees and exemptions from the health surcharge. If your job is eligible for both routes, the Health and Care Worker visa is usually the more cost-effective option.
Dependants
Your partner and children can apply to join you in the UK as your dependants. They'll need to apply separately and pay their own application fees and immigration health surcharge. Dependants can work and study in the UK without restrictions, and they can also apply for settlement after five years of continuous residence.
Criminal Record Certificates
If your job involves working with children or vulnerable adults, you'll need to provide a criminal record certificate from any country you've lived in for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. This applies to roles in education, healthcare, and social services.
You must obtain these certificates from the relevant authorities in each country and provide certified translations if they're not in English. Processing times for criminal record certificates vary by country, so it's important to start this process early.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applying Without a Certificate of Sponsorship
You cannot apply for a Skilled Worker visa without a valid certificate of sponsorship from an approved UK employer. The CoS reference number is mandatory for the application, and you cannot submit your application until your employer has assigned it to you.
Missing the CoS Expiry Date
Your certificate of sponsorship is valid for three months from the date of issue. If you do not apply for your visa within this time, your CoS will expire and your employer will need to assign you a new one. Missing this deadline can delay your application and your start date.
Failing to Meet the Salary Threshold
One of the most common reasons for visa refusal is not meeting the minimum salary requirement. Make sure your job offer meets the higher of the standard threshold (currently £41,700) or the going rate for your occupation. If you're applying under transitional rules, confirm that you qualify for the lower £33,400 threshold before submitting your application.
Not Proving English Language Ability
You must provide acceptable evidence of your English language ability unless you're exempt. This can be a test certificate, a degree taught in English, or proof of nationality from a majority English-speaking country. Failing to provide this evidence will result in refusal.
Applying Too Late
If you're extending your visa or updating it due to a job change, make sure you apply before your current visa expires or before you start your new job. Working without the correct visa or beyond your visa expiry date is a serious immigration breach that can affect future applications and your ability to settle in the UK.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a decision?
You'll usually get a decision within eight weeks of your application date. Priority and super-priority services are available for faster processing, though these come with additional fees.
Can I bring my family?
Yes, your partner and children can apply to join you in the UK as dependants. They'll need to apply separately, meet the relationship requirements, and pay their own fees and immigration health surcharge.
Can I work for multiple employers?
You can work for more than one employer, but each employer must be an approved sponsor and you must have a certificate of sponsorship from each employer. You'll need to update your visa to add each additional sponsor.
Can I start my own business?
Your Skilled Worker visa allows you to do supplementary employment for up to 20 hours per week, which can include self-employment. However, your main employment must remain with your sponsoring employer and you cannot work as a professional sportsperson in your supplementary employment.
What happens if I lose my job?
If your employment ends, your sponsor must notify the Home Office and your visa may be curtailed (shortened). You'll usually be given 60 days to find a new sponsor and apply to update your visa, or to leave the UK. If you find a new job with an approved sponsor within this time, you can apply to update your visa without leaving the UK.
