SKILLED WORKER VISA
The Skilled Worker Visa UK allows skilled international workers to secure employment with licensed UK employers. Applicants must obtain a valid job offer, receive a Certificate of Sponsorship, satisfy salary and language requirements, and submit an online application. NEW RULES FOR THE UK SKILLED WORKER VISA From 4 April 2024, the minimum salary requirement for the Skilled Worker Visa increased to £38,700 per year or the job’s going rate, whichever is higher. The UK Government’s 2025 Immigration White Paper outlines several significant proposed changes to the Skilled Worker visa route. Requirement Current Rules Proposed Changes Skill Level Requirement RQF Level 3 (A-level equivalent) Raised to RQF Level 6 (Bachelor’s degree) Minimum Salary Threshold £26,200 per year (with discounts) Will increase (figures TBC) Immigration Salary List (ISL) Provides reduced thresholds Abolished Temporary Shortage List Not applicable Introduced Social Care Route Open overseas Closed to new overseas applicants English Language Requirement B1 (Intermediate) Increased to B2 (Upper-intermediate) ILR Qualifying Period 5 years Increased to 10 years WHAT IS THE SKILLED WORKER VISA? The UK Skilled Worker Visa allows international talent with eligible skills (RQF Level 3 and above) to live and work in the UK for licensed employers. This visa replaced the Tier 2 visa at the end of 2020. After five years, it offers a route to permanent settlement (ILR), provided all eligibility criteria are met. WHO CAN APPLY FOR THE SKILLED WORKER VISA UK? You can apply if you: Have a valid job offer from an approved UK employer. Receive a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). Meet the minimum salary requirements (£38,700 or the job’s going rate). Have sufficient English language skills (CEFR Level B1 or above). Have at least £1,270 to support yourself. Our experts ensure you meet all criteria before applying. SKILLED WORKER VISA REQUIREMENTS Applicants must satisfy these essential criteria: Job Offer: Valid employment offer from a licensed UK sponsor. Sponsorship: Employer listed as an A-rated licensed sponsor. Skill Level: At least RQF Level 3 (A-level equivalent). Salary: Minimum £38,700 annually or the going rate, whichever is higher. English: Proven language proficiency (B1 level minimum). Maintenance Funds: At least £1,270 in personal savings. REQUIRED DOCUMENTS FOR SKILLED WORKER VISA UK Your application must include: Valid passport (with blank page) Certificate of Sponsorship reference number Job details (title, salary, occupation code) Employer’s sponsor licence number Proof of sufficient funds (£1,270) English language proficiency evidence Relationship evidence (if bringing dependents) Criminal record certificate (specific roles only) TB test results (country-specific) We help ensure your documentation is complete, accurate, and compliant. HOW TO APPLY FOR A SKILLED WORKER VISA Follow these key steps: Confirm your eligibility and secure your UK job offer. Obtain your Certificate of Sponsorship from your employer. Gather required supporting documentation. Complete your application form online via the Home Office. Pay applicable fees (visa, biometrics, healthcare surcharge). Schedule and attend your biometric appointment. Receive your decision (usually within 3 weeks). VISA APPLICATION FEES Applying from outside the UK: Up to 3 years: £719 More than 3 years: £1,420 Applying from inside the UK (extensions or switching): Up to 3 years: £827 More than 3 years: £1,636 SKILLED WORKER VISA TO ILR After five years on the Skilled Worker Visa, you qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), provided: Continuous residence without gaps of over 180 days per year. Life in the UK test completion (ages 18-65). Continued employment with your licensed sponsor. Compliance with salary and language requirements. ILR is your pathway to permanent residency and eventually British citizenship . Talk to our team to strategise your route to ILR today. IF YOUR SKILLED WORKER VISA APPLICATION IS REFUSED If your Skilled Worker Visa application is refused, you have several options: Administrative Review – Request a review if you believe a mistake was made during processing. This must be done within 28 days (outside the UK) or 14 days (inside the UK) of receiving the refusal decision. Reapplication – Submit a new application addressing issues highlighted in your refusal. Legal Advice – Consult our immigration experts immediately to assess your case, guide you through the next steps, and significantly improve your chances of success.
Read more