UK Skilled Worker Visa Guide 2026

Section A: What is the Skilled Worker Visa?

The Skilled Worker visa, which replaced the Tier 2 (General) visa, is the main UK work visa for overseas nationals. It allows approved UK employers to sponsor non-UK nationals to work in eligible skilled roles.

Applicants must score 70 points by meeting requirements such as skill level, salary, English language ability and having a qualifying job offer from a licensed sponsor.

The route also allows eligible dependants, including spouses, partners and children, to apply. Skilled Worker permission can usually be granted for up to five years and may lead to settlement if the requirements are met.

Section B: Skilled Worker Visa Changes under the Immigration White Paper

Published in May 2025, the UK government’s Immigration White Paper outlined a number of proposed changes to the Skilled Worker route. Some proposals may still require formal implementation before they fully take effect.

Proposed Changes to the Skilled Worker Visa

Section C: Skilled Worker Visa Requirements

The main rules for this route are set out in Appendix Skilled Worker. Applicants must score 70 points. This includes mandatory points for sponsorship, skill level and English language, together with tradeable points mainly linked to salary and other qualifying factors.

1. Skilled Worker Visa Minimum Salary

Salary requirements vary depending on the applicant’s circumstances, the occupation code and whether any permitted salary discount applies. In addition to meeting the minimum threshold, the applicant must also usually meet the relevant going rate for the role.

a. Salary Threshold for New Skilled Worker Applicants

The standard salary threshold for many new applicants is £38,700. Lower thresholds may apply where a permitted salary discount can be used, such as for new entrants or applicants relying on a relevant PhD.

b. Salary Threshold for Existing Skilled Worker Applicants

Some applicants already in the Skilled Worker route may benefit from transitional salary arrangements, depending on when they were granted permission and the nature of the new application.

c. Salary Threshold for Health and Care Workers

Health and Care Worker applicants are assessed under a separate route with different fee and salary rules. The salary must still meet the required threshold and the going rate for the role, where applicable.

d. Skilled Worker Going Rates

Going rates are linked to the occupation code and must be checked carefully. The correct code and going rate should always be confirmed before applying.

2. Sponsored Role Requirement

The employer must hold a valid sponsor licence and assign a valid Certificate of Sponsorship for a genuine vacancy. The role must meet the route requirements and the sponsor must comply with sponsorship duties.

3. Certificate of Sponsorship Requirement

Before the worker applies, the sponsor must assign a valid Certificate of Sponsorship. This contains a reference number needed for the visa application and confirms the details of the role and sponsorship.

4. Skill Requirement

The role must be in an eligible occupation and meet the required skill level. Employers must use the correct occupation code and ensure the job description properly matches the role being sponsored.

5. English Language Requirement

Applicants generally need to prove English to at least CEFR level B1 unless an exemption applies. This can usually be shown through nationality, qualifications or an approved English language test.

6. Financial Maintenance Requirement

Applicants usually need to show at least £1,270 held for 28 consecutive days, unless they qualify for an exemption or the sponsor certifies maintenance on the Certificate of Sponsorship. Extra funds are required for dependants.

7. Background Check Requirement

Some applicants may need to provide a criminal record certificate depending on the job role and sector.

8. Healthcare Professionals

Applicants working in eligible healthcare and adult social care roles may instead qualify under the Health and Care Worker route, which has its own specific rules and benefits.

Section D: How to Apply for a Skilled Worker Visa

Applications are usually made online. The applicant must have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship, pay the required fees, submit supporting documents and complete identity checks or biometrics as required.

1. Skilled Worker Visa Supporting Documents

Applicants usually need documents proving identity, sponsorship, salary, English language ability and maintenance funds, together with any additional documents required for dependants or specific occupations.

2. Skilled Worker Visa Timeline

3. Application Tips

• Check that the sponsor licence is valid before applying.
• Make sure the occupation code and salary are correct.
• Keep all supporting documents clear, complete and consistent.
• Check whether maintenance funds are required in your case.
• Submit the application within the validity period of the Certificate of Sponsorship.

Section E: Skilled Worker Visa Fees & Processing Times

1. Visa Costs

The application fee depends on where the applicant is applying from, the visa length and whether the role qualifies for a lower fee category. Dependants generally pay the same application fee as the main applicant.

Processing times and optional priority services can vary depending on where the application is submitted.

Section F: Duration & Conditions

1. How long does a Skilled Worker visa last?

The Skilled Worker visa is usually granted for up to five years at a time. It can be extended if the applicant continues to meet the requirements.

2. Changing Jobs or Employer

If the visa holder changes sponsor or moves into a different qualifying role, a fresh application may be required before starting the new position.

3. Taking on Additional Work

Additional work may be permitted in some circumstances, but the rules are specific and should be checked carefully before the work starts.

4. Losing Your Sponsored Job

If sponsorship ends, the worker may be given a curtailed period of permission and should take advice quickly about next steps, including switching routes or leaving the UK if necessary.

Section G: Skilled Worker Visa Requirements for Employers

UK employers who want to sponsor overseas workers usually need a sponsor licence. They must be genuine organisations, have suitable HR systems, offer genuine vacancies and comply with sponsorship duties.

The Home Office may assess the business structure, trading presence, compliance history and suitability of key personnel before granting or maintaining a sponsor licence.

Section H: Switching to the Skilled Worker Visa

It may be possible to switch into the Skilled Worker route from inside the UK if the applicant meets the requirements and is not in a prohibited immigration category.

Some categories cannot switch from inside the UK, including visitors and certain short-term routes. Eligibility should always be checked carefully before applying.

Section I: Skilled Worker Dependants

Eligible partners and children may apply as dependants. Dependants must meet the relationship, identity and financial requirements that apply to their case.

Additional maintenance funds are generally required unless an exemption applies or the sponsor certifies support where permitted.

Section J: Skilled Worker Visa to ILR

Skilled Worker visa holders may become eligible for settlement if they complete the qualifying residence period and continue to meet the route requirements at the time of application.

Applicants must usually satisfy residence, salary, sponsorship and suitability requirements, and may also need to pass the Life in the UK Test and meet the English language requirement.

Section L: Skilled Worker Visa FAQs

Section M: Glossary