The UK Skilled Worker Visa requires a job offer from a UK licensed sponsor, Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), minimum salary of £38,700/year (or going rate for occupation, whichever higher), and English proficiency (B1 level). Visa fee: £719-1,500 depending on duration. Processing: 3 weeks. You can bring dependents and stay up to 5 years, leading to settlement (ILR).
Key Facts: UK Skilled Worker Visa
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Visa Fee | £719 (up to 3 years) / £1,420 (over 3 years) |
| IHS (per year) | £1,035 |
| Minimum Salary | £38,700/year (general threshold) |
| Processing Time | 3 weeks (standard) |
| Validity | Up to 5 years |
| Settlement Eligible | Yes (ILR after 5 years) |
Skilled Worker Visa Eligibility
To qualify, you must:
- Have a job offer from a UK licensed sponsor
- Have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
- Meet the minimum salary requirement
- Job must be at appropriate skill level (RQF 3+)
- Prove English language ability (B1 level)
- Have enough funds to support yourself
Salary Requirements (2025)
You must be paid the higher of:
- General threshold: £38,700/year, OR
- Going rate for your occupation (from SOC code)
Salary Discounts (Lower Thresholds)
- New entrants (under 26, recent graduates): £30,960
- Shortage occupations: £30,960
- Health/education roles: National pay scales apply
- PhD in relevant subject: £34,830
- PhD in STEM: £30,960
Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
Your UK employer must:
- Hold a valid Sponsor License
- Assign you a CoS with unique reference number
- CoS includes job title, salary, start date, and SOC code
CoS is not a document - it's a reference number you use in your visa application.
Points-Based System
You need 70 points to qualify:
| Requirement | Points |
|---|---|
| Job offer from licensed sponsor | 20 |
| Job at appropriate skill level | 20 |
| English language (B1 level) | 10 |
| Salary meets threshold | 20 |
| Total | 70 |
Documents Required
From Your Employer
- Certificate of Sponsorship - Reference number
- Job Description - Matching SOC code
Personal Documents
- Valid Passport
- Passport Photos
- TB Test Certificate - From approved clinic
Qualification Documents
- Academic Certificates - Degree, transcripts
- NARIC/ENIC Statement - If qualifications are from outside UK
English Proficiency
Prove B1 level through:
- IELTS for UKVI (4.0 in each component), OR
- Degree taught in English from majority English-speaking country, OR
- NARIC statement confirming degree was taught in English
Financial Proof
- £1,270 in bank for 28 consecutive days, OR
- Employer can certify maintenance on CoS (most do)
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Receive Job Offer from Licensed Sponsor
Employer must hold Sponsor License. Check register at gov.uk.
- Employer Assigns CoS
Employer assigns CoS through Sponsorship Management System. You receive reference number.
- Prepare English Proof
Take IELTS for UKVI or get NARIC statement if degree was in English.
- Get TB Test
Mandatory for applicants from India. Book at approved clinic.
- Complete Online Application
Apply at gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa. Enter CoS number and personal details.
- Pay Fees
Visa fee (£719-1,420) + IHS (£1,035/year x visa length).
- Book VFS Appointment
Schedule biometrics appointment at VFS center.
- Attend Appointment
Submit documents, provide biometrics. Keep receipt.
- Wait for Decision
Standard: 3 weeks. Priority: 5 days (£500). Super Priority: 24 hours (£1,000).
- Travel to UK
Collect passport with vignette. Collect BRP within 10 days of arrival.
UK Skilled Worker Visa Fees (2025)
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Visa (up to 3 years) | £719 |
| Visa (over 3 years) | £1,420 |
| IHS (per year) | £1,035 |
| Priority (5 days) | +£500 |
| Super Priority (24 hours) | +£1,000 |
| TB Test | ₹3,500 |
Path to Settlement (ILR)
After 5 years on Skilled Worker visa, you can apply for ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain):
- Meet salary threshold throughout
- Pass Life in the UK test
- Meet English requirement (B1)
- No excessive absences from UK
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change jobs on Skilled Worker visa?
Yes, but you need new CoS from new employer and must apply to update your visa before starting new job.
Can I bring my family?
Yes, spouse/partner and children under 18 can apply as dependents. They can work and study in UK.
What if I lose my job?
You have 60 days (or until visa expiry, whichever is sooner) to find new sponsor or leave UK.
Is Skilled Worker visa same as Tier 2?
Skilled Worker replaced Tier 2 (General) in December 2020. Similar purpose, updated rules.
Can I apply without a job offer?
No, you must have a job offer with CoS from a licensed sponsor. Cannot apply speculatively.