If you have a job offer from a UK employer, the Skilled Worker visa may be the immigration route for you. Our experienced immigration lawyers can help you navigate the complex rules and requirements to get you on the path for a successful visa outcome.
Get Your UK Skilled Worker Visa
We understand that the visa application process can be stressful, so our immigration experts work closely with you to ensure that your application is well-prepared and submitted in a timely manner. We will also provide you with ongoing support and advice to ensure that you comply with your visa conditions and meet any reporting requirements.
How We Can Support Your Skilled Worker Visa Application?
The Skilled Worker visa has replaced the old Tier 2 (General) visa and allows eligible individuals to come to work in the UK for an approved sponsor organisation. As well as having a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), applicants must speak English to a minimum of B2 level and the job offered must be at a skill level of at least RQF6 (equivalent to degree level).
COS Certification
We can help you to obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your UK employer.
Eligibility Checks
We will ensure you comply with all of the visa requirements and will take the stress out of preparing and submitting a strong visa application.
Expert Lawyers
If your visa is unfortunately refused, we can advise on the best next steps and can represent you in case of appeals.
Key Requirements for a UK Skilled Worker Visa
1. English Language Requirement
New applicants from 8 January 2026 must demonstrate CEFR Level B2 (equivalent to IELTS 5.5 – 6.5) in reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
Existing Skilled Worker visa holders who already proved their English language skills to the CEFR Level B1 (equivalent to IELTS 4.0 – 5.0) will remain subject to this level when extending their visa.
2. Skill Level Requirement
From 22 July 2025, the skill level requirement increased to RQF Level 6 (degree level equivalent). This means your job role must be skilled to at least degree level. This does not mean you personally must hold a degree – it is the job itself that must meet this skill level.
Your role must be listed in the government’s official Skilled Worker visa: eligible occupations documentation.
3. Salary Requirements
The salary requirements vary depending on the type of role and your circumstances. The general salary threshold from 22 July 2025 is £41,700 per year, although lower thresholds may apply if you meet certain criteria such as:
- Being under 26 years old (new entrant)
- Recent graduate switching from Student visa
- Having a relevant PhD qualification
- Working in an occupation on the Immigration Salary List
- Working in specified health or education roles
You must be paid at least the higher of:
- The general salary threshold, OR
- The ‘going rate’ for your occupation code as specified in government guidelines
4. Immigration Salary List (ISL)
Jobs on the Immigration Salary List may benefit from reduced salary thresholds. Some roles have been moved to the new Temporary Shortage List (TSL).
with all codes under this list to be removed by 31 December 2026 at the latest. You can find the current Immigration Salary List in the government’s Appendix Immigration Salary List.
5. Temporary Shortage List
The new Temporary Shortage List applies to a limited number of roles at RQF levels 3-5 (below degree level). This list operates under strict, time-limited conditions and is subject to review by the Migration Advisory Committee.
Check the government’s Temporary Shortage List for current eligible occupations.
6. Certificate of Sponsorship
You must have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship from a UK employer licensed to sponsor Skilled Worker migrants. The CoS must include details of your job, salary, start date, and PAYE information.
7. Financial Requirement
You must show you have at least £1,270 in available funds, held for a minimum of 28 consecutive days ending within 31 days of your application. This requirement is waived if your sponsor certifies they will cover your maintenance costs or if you have been lawfully resident in the UK for 12 months or more.
Application Costs
The costs for a Skilled Worker visa application vary depending on several factors:
Standard Skilled Worker Visa Fees
Applying from outside the UK:
- Up to 3 years: £769
- More than 3 years: £1,519
Applying from inside the UK (switching or extending):
- Up to 3 years: £885
- More than 3 years: £1,751
Immigration Salary List roles (both in-country and out-of-country):
- Up to 3 years: £590
- More than 3 years: £1,160
Immigration Health Surcharge
Most applicants must also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge, which costs £1,035 per year. This is payable upfront for the full duration of your visa. For example, a three-year visa would incur an IHS cost of £3,105.
Health and Care Worker visa applicants are exempt from paying the IHS.
Dependant Costs
The same fees apply to any dependants (partner and children) applying with you. Additional financial evidence is also required:
- Partner: £285
- First child: £315
- Each additional child: £200
Certificate of Sponsorship Fee
Your employer must pay £525 to assign your Certificate of Sponsorship.
Immigration Skills Charge
Your employer must also pay the Immigration Skills Charge (where applicable):
Medium and large sponsors:
- £1,320 for first 12 months
- £660 for each additional 6-month period
Small or charitable sponsors:
- £480 for first 12 months
- £240 for each additional 6-month period
Processing Times
Applications from outside the UK: Up to 3 weeks
Applications from inside the UK: Up to 8 weeks
Priority and super priority services may be available for faster processing, subject to additional fees and availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to apply for a Skilled Worker visa?
There are several costs to consider. The visa application fee ranges from £590 to £1,751 depending on your location, the length of your visa, and whether your role is on the Immigration Salary List. Most applicants must also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge of £1,035 per year.
How long can I stay in the UK on this visa?
The initial Skilled Worker visa will be issued for up to five years, depending on the length of the Certificate of Sponsorship. When the visa is due to expire, you can apply to extend. There is no limit to the number of times you can extend the Skilled Worker visa as long as you and your job role remain eligible.
This visa is also a viable route to UK indefinite leave to remain, so you may want to consider this option when your Skilled Worker visa expires.
When should I apply and when will I get my visa?
You need to have been issued a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) before you can apply. Once you’ve received your CoS, you will have three months to apply for your Skilled Worker visa. The CoS will also note your intended employment start date; the earliest you can apply for your visa is three months prior to this date.
In most cases, if you apply for the Skilled Worker Visa from within the UK the process takes up to 8 weeks, or up to 3 weeks if applying from overseas.
Understanding SOC Codes and Occupation Levels
The UK uses Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) 2020 codes to categorize jobs. Each eligible Skilled Worker role is assigned a specific SOC code, which determines:
- Whether the job is eligible for sponsorship
- The skill level (RQF) of the role
- The ‘going rate’ salary for that occupation
- Whether the role appears on the Immigration Salary List or Temporary Shortage List
Your sponsor must select the correct SOC code that accurately reflects your actual job duties. Using an incorrect or inflated code can result in visa refusal.
You can search for SOC codes using the ONS CASCOT occupation coding tool.
The government’s eligible occupations list shows which SOC codes are eligible and at what skill level.
Understanding Salary Thresholds and Going Rates
The Skilled Worker salary rules can be complex. Here’s what you need to know:
General Threshold
For most roles, you must be paid at least £41,700 per year (from 22 July 2025).
Going Rates
Each SOC code has a specific ‘going rate’ set by the government based on labour market data. You must be paid at least the going rate for your occupation OR the general threshold, whichever is higher.
Going rates are listed for each occupation code in Appendix Skilled Occupations.
Reduced Thresholds
You may be eligible for reduced salary thresholds (£37,500, £33,400, £31,300, £28,200, or £25,000) depending on your circumstances:
- PhD holders: 90% of going rate, minimum £37,500
- STEM PhD holders: 80% of going rate, minimum £33,400
- Immigration Salary List roles: 100% of going rate, minimum £33,400
- New entrants (under 26, recent graduates, postdoctoral positions, working towards professional qualification): 70% of going rate, minimum £33,400
- Health and Care roles: Various thresholds from £25,000 to £31,300
- Listed health/education roles with national pay scales: £25,000 minimum
Hourly Rate Floor
For most occupations, you must also be paid at least £17.13 per hour (calculated on maximum 48 hours per week). Lower hourly minimums apply for some health and care roles.
Pathway to Settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain)
After five years of continuous residence as a Skilled Worker, you may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). Requirements include:
- Five years continuous lawful residence in the UK in an eligible route
- Not more than 180 days absence in any 12-month period
- Passing the Life in the UK Test
- Meeting English language requirement (B1 level for settlement)
- Employer still requires you for the foreseeable future
- Salary meets the settlement threshold requirements
- Meeting all other ILR requirements
Get Expert Help with Your Skilled Worker Visa Application
The Skilled Worker visa rules have become increasingly complex, with frequent changes to salary thresholds, skill levels, and English language requirements. Our immigration law experts can guide you through every step of the process, from securing your Certificate of Sponsorship to submitting a complete and compliant application.
Contact us today to discuss your Skilled Worker visa application.
