UK Skilled Worker Visa: The Complete Guide

It allows a person with a confirmed job offer from a licensed UK sponsor to live and work in the UK in an eligible occupation. It can lead to settlement after five years and permits dependants to join.

To qualify you generally need:

• A job offer from a Home Office-licensed sponsor
• A 'Certificate of Sponsorship' (CoS) for an eligible occupation at the required skill level (RQF 3 or above)
• A salary that meets both the general threshold and the specific 'going rate' for the role
• English at level B1

Points are awarded for these attributes under the points-based system.

You must usually be paid at least the general salary threshold — currently £38,700 per year for most applicants — or the occupation's going rate, whichever is higher. Lower thresholds can apply to new entrants, certain health and education roles, and where tradeable points apply. We check the exact figure for the specific job and SOC code.

You must be sponsored by an employer holding a valid sponsor licence. The employer assigns you a Certificate of Sponsorship before you apply. If you're an employer, we can secure your sponsor licence and keep you compliant — see our business immigration service.

Your partner and children under 18 can usually join you as dependants, with the right to work and study in the UK. We prepare dependant applications alongside the main application.

Many people already in the UK on another route (such as the Graduate or Student visa) can switch into the Skilled Worker route without leaving. The visa can be extended as long as you continue to meet the requirements and remain sponsored.

After five years' continuous residence on the route — meeting the salary requirement at settlement and passing the Life in the UK Test — you can usually apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain, and later British citizenship.