Skilled Worker Visa
What Are the Eligibility Criteria and Point-Based System Requirements?
Mandatory points (50 total):
- Job offer from an approved sponsor (20 points)
- Job at required skill level (20 points)
- English language proficiency at B1 level (10 points)
Tradeable points (20 points needed):
- Salary at/above general threshold of £38,700 and the job’s “going rate” (20 points), OR
- Job on Shortage Occupation List with salary at least £30,960 (20 points), OR
- PhD qualification relevant to the job (10-20 points), OR
- “New entrant” status (under 26 or recent graduate) with salary at least £30,960 (20 points)
What Is a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)?
A Certificate of Sponsorship is a digital reference number issued by your UK employer through the Home Office system. It’s not a physical document but contains details of your job offer that you’ll reference in your visa application.
Your employer must be on the approved sponsor list to issue a CoS. The reference confirms your job details, salary, and demonstrates the employer’s commitment to sponsoring you. Without a valid CoS, you cannot apply for a Skilled Worker Visa.
Which Jobs Are Eligible for the Skilled Worker Visa?
Only jobs deemed “skilled” under immigration rules qualify. Generally, roles at RQF Level 3 (A-level/High School equivalent) or above are eligible, including most professional, technical, and managerial jobs.
Examples include IT specialists, engineers, healthcare professionals, teachers, financial analysts, and skilled trades like chefs. Lower-skilled jobs like retail assistants or food service workers typically don’t qualify.
The Home Office maintains an official list of eligible occupation codes. Your employer will select the appropriate code for your role, which must appear on this list.
What Are the Salary Requirements?
Most applicants must earn at least £38,700 per year AND meet or exceed the “going rate” for their specific job – whichever is higher.
The “going rate” varies by occupation and represents the standard UK salary for that role. For example, if your job’s going rate is £45,000, earning only £39,000 would be insufficient despite exceeding £38,700.
Certain occupations (particularly in healthcare and education) may follow different pay scales rather than these general thresholds.
Can I Still Get a Visa if I Earn Less than the Minimum Salary?
Yes, you may qualify with a lower salary if you meet certain conditions:
- “New entrant” (under 26 or recent graduate): Minimum £30,960 and at least 70% of the job’s going rate
- Shortage Occupation List: Minimum £30,960
PhD relevant to the job: Non-STEM PhD (minimum £34,830 and 90% of going rate) or STEM PhD (minimum £30,960 and 80% of going rate) - Even with these reductions, most applicants still need to earn at least £30,960.
What Is the English Language Requirement?
Applicants must demonstrate English proficiency at a minimum CEFR Level B1 (intermediate level).
You can prove this by:
- Passing an approved Secure English Language Test (SELT). For Skilled Worker visas, applicants must pass tests in four different skills: speaking, writing, listening and reading.
- Having a degree taught in English (with ECCTIS confirmation if from abroad)
- Being a national of a majority English-speaking country (e.g., USA, Canada, Australia)
What Documents Do I Need to Apply?
Key documents include:
- Valid passport
- Certificate of Sponsorship reference number
- Documents showing experience in a related field
- Proof of English language ability
- Evidence of funds to support yourself (£1,270 held for 28 days, unless exempt)
- Tuberculosis (TB) test certificate (if applicable)
- Criminal record certificate (for certain roles)
- Proof of relationship documents (for dependants)
How Do I Apply for a Skilled Worker Visa?
From Outside the UK:
- Complete the online application on GOV.UK
- Pay the visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge
- Book and attend a biometrics appointment at a visa application centre
- Upload supporting documents
- Wait for a decision (typically within 3 weeks)
- If approved, receive a 90-day entry visa vignette
- Travel to the UK and collect your Biometric Residence Permit
From Inside the UK:
- Complete the online application before your current visa expires
- Pay the required fees
- Attend a UKVCAS appointment or use the ID Check app for biometrics
- Upload supporting documents
- Wait for a decision (typically within 8 weeks)
How Much Does a UK Skilled Worker Visa Cost?
Main costs include:
Application fees:
- Outside UK: £769 (up to 3 years) or £1,519 (over 3 years)
- Inside UK: £885 (up to 3 years) or £1,751 (over 3 years)
- Reduced fees apply for shortage occupations
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS):
- £1,035 per year
Optional Priority Services
- Priority (5 working days):
- Approximately £500
Super Priority (24 hours): Approximately £1,000
Each dependent pays the same fees as the main applicant, except the CoS fee. Also, children pay a £776 IHS fee instead of £1,035.
| Duration | CoS Cost (£) | Visa Fee | IHS Charge | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Year | £889 | £769 or £885 | £1,035 | £2,693 or £2,809 |
| 2 Years | £1,253 | £769 or £885 | £2,070 | £4,092 or £4,208 |
| 3 Years | £1,617 | £769 or £885 | £3,105 | £5,491 or £5,607 |
| 4 Years | £1,981 | £1,639 or £1,751 | £4,410 | £7,760 or £8,142 |
| 4 Years | £2,345 | £1,639 or £1,751 | £5,175 | £9,159 or £9,271 |
Can My Family Join Me on a Skilled Worker Visa?
Yes, your spouse/partner and children under 18 can apply as dependants. Each must submit their own application and pay the same fees. They’ll receive visas valid for the same period as yours.
Partners must prove a genuine relationship (marriage certificate or evidence of living together for at least 2 years). Children must be dependent on you.
Dependants can work and study in the UK but cannot access public funds.
How Long Can I Stay and Can I Extend My Visa?
Initial visas can be granted for up to 5 years, typically matching your employment contract length.
You can extend indefinitely as long as you continue to meet the requirements. Extensions require a new CoS and payment of fees again.
Changing employers requires a new visa application, but doesn’t reset your time toward settlement.
Can I Settle Permanently in the UK (ILR)?
After 5 years of continuous residence, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
Requirements include:
- Maintaining a qualifying job at the time of application
- Meeting the salary threshold (typically £38,700 or going rate)
- Not exceeding 180 days absence from the UK in any 12-month period
- Passing the Life in the UK Test
- Meeting English language requirements
- Paying the ILR application fee (currently £2,404)
- With ILR, you can live and work in the UK without immigration restrictions, and after 12 more months, you can apply for British citizenship.
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