UK Visa Info
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◆April 2026 — Skilled Worker minimum salary rises to £41,700◆May 2025 White Paper — English language requirement B2 for new applicants◆Graduate Visa reduced to 18 months (3 years for PhD)◆Care Worker route (SOC 6135/6136) closed to new overseas recruits from 22 July 2025◆All visas issued as eVisas from 2026 — no more physical BRP cards◆ETA scheme rollout complete — £16 Electronic Travel Authorisation for visa-exempt nationals◆April 2026 — Skilled Worker minimum salary rises to £41,700◆May 2025 White Paper — English language requirement B2 for new applicants◆Graduate Visa reduced to 18 months (3 years for PhD)◆Care Worker route (SOC 6135/6136) closed to new overseas recruits from 22 July 2025◆All visas issued as eVisas from 2026 — no more physical BRP cards◆ETA scheme rollout complete — £16 Electronic Travel Authorisation for visa-exempt nationals
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Work visa · Updated April 2026

Skilled Worker Visa

Work in an eligible job with a UK Home Office licensed sponsor.

Fee
£827 – £1,636 (outside UK)
IHS
£1,035 / year
Duration
Up to 5 years, extendable; settlement after 10 years (from 2028 cohorts)
Processing
3 weeks

Overview

For 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.

Eligibility

  • 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)

Required documents

  • 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

How to apply

  1. 1
    Secure a qualifying job offer
    Accept an offer from a UK employer on the Home Office licensed sponsor register. Role must be RQF Level 6+.
  2. 2
    Receive Certificate of Sponsorship
    Employer assigns you a CoS reference number — valid for 3 months from assignment.
  3. 3
    Meet English & financial tests
    Pass approved B2 SELT or qualify by exemption; hold £1,270 savings for 28 days.
  4. 4
    Apply online on GOV.UK
    Complete the application, pay visa fee + IHS, and book a biometric appointment.
  5. 5
    Biometrics & decision
    Attend a Visa Application Centre. Standard decision within 3 weeks (outside UK).
  6. 6
    Receive eVisa
    From 2026, all visas are digital (eVisa) — no physical BRP issued.

Key notes

  • Immigration Skills Charge (paid by employer): £1,000/year (large sponsors) or £364/year (small/charitable).
  • Priority: 5 working days (+£500). Super Priority: next working day (+£1,000).
  • Shortage Occupation List replaced by Immigration Salary List — fewer roles qualify for discount.
  • Dependants: partner and children under 18 may apply.
Apply on gov.uk