Skilled Worker Visa
Work in an eligible job with a UK Home Office licensed sponsor.
Sourced from GOV.UK · Updated April 2026For individuals with a job offer from a UK employer holding a sponsor licence. Following the May 2025 White Paper, the minimum skill level returned to RQF Level 6 (graduate) and salary thresholds rose. English language requirement is now B2.
Who can apply
- Confirmed job offer from a Home Office licensed sponsor
- Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) issued within the last 3 months
- Role at RQF Level 6 (graduate-level) or above — raised from Level 3 in July 2025
- Salary at or above £41,700 OR the going rate for the occupation code (whichever is higher)
- English language B2 CEFR (raised from B1, effective 2026)
- £1,270 personal savings held for 28 consecutive days (unless sponsor certifies maintenance)
How to apply
- Secure a qualifying job offerAccept an offer from a UK employer on the Home Office licensed sponsor register. Role must be RQF Level 6+.
- Receive Certificate of SponsorshipEmployer assigns you a CoS reference number — valid for 3 months from assignment.
- Meet English & financial testsPass approved B2 SELT or qualify by exemption; hold £1,270 savings for 28 days.
- Apply online on GOV.UKComplete the application, pay visa fee + IHS, and book a biometric appointment.
- Biometrics & decisionAttend a Visa Application Centre. Standard decision within 3 weeks (outside UK).
- Receive eVisaFrom 2026, all visas are digital (eVisa) — no physical BRP issued.
Documents you’ll need
- Valid passport or travel document
- Certificate of Sponsorship reference number
- Proof of English language at B2 (SELT, degree taught in English, or majority-English-speaking national)
- Bank statements (28 consecutive days) if claiming maintenance yourself
- Tuberculosis (TB) test results if applying from a listed country
- Criminal record certificate (healthcare, education, social care roles)
- PhD certificate if claiming tradeable points
Good to know
Sub-routes
Standard rate
£41,700 floor · 100% of going rate
ViewNew entrant rate
£33,400 floor · 70% of going rate · max 4 years
ViewImmigration Salary List
£33,400 floor · 100% of going rate
ViewSTEM PhD
£33,400 floor · 80% of going rate
ViewNon-STEM PhD
£37,500 floor · 90% of going rate
ViewPostdoctoral researcher
70% of going rate · max 4 years
ViewCommon questions
Frequently asked questions
The general minimum is £41,700 per year. New entrants (under 26, recent graduates, or switching from Student/Graduate visas) qualify for £33,400. Roles on the Immigration Salary List have a £33,400 minimum. You must also meet your occupation's going rate and £15.88 per hour minimum, whichever is highest.
You can apply for up to 5 years initially, then extend. After 5 years of continuous lawful residence you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain. Most applicants choose 3-year initial visas to minimise upfront IHS, then extend at year 3.
Yes. Spouses, civil partners, unmarried partners (2+ years cohabitation) and children under 18 can apply as dependants. Each pays the application fee (£827–£1,636) and IHS (£1,035/year adult, £776/year child). Dependants can work in any job without sponsorship.
For a 3-year visa applied for outside the UK: £827 application fee + £3,105 IHS = £3,932 minimum. A 5-year visa costs around £6,811 including IHS. Many employers cover all or part of these costs. Optional priority service adds £500.
Yes, but you need a new Certificate of Sponsorship from the new employer and must submit a change-of-employment application. The new role must also meet salary and skill thresholds. You can start the new role only after the application is approved unless specific conditions apply.
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