Skilled Worker Visa UK | Requirements & Costs

Introduction

Finding a job in the UK is only one part of the process for an overseas worker. If you need immigration permission to take up the role, the skilled worker visa has several requirements that need to be checked before you apply. The route is based on sponsored employment, so the employer, job, salary and applicant’s circumstances all matter.

The skilled worker visa allows eligible workers to come to the UK or remain here to work for an approved sponsor. It can also provide a route towards settlement for people who later meet the relevant requirements.

What Is the Skilled Worker Visa?

The Skilled Worker route allows eligible overseas workers to take up qualifying jobs with UK employers approved by the Home Office.

It replaced the previous Tier 2 (General) route and now covers a wide range of occupations. However, not every job qualifies, and having an employer willing to sponsor you does not by itself guarantee eligibility.

The main requirements generally involve:

An eligible job
An approved UK employer
A valid Certificate of Sponsorship
The required salary
English language ability
The necessary supporting evidence
Financial maintenance requirements, where applicable

The visa can normally allow you to work, study, travel outside the UK and return, and bring eligible dependants. GOV.UK also confirms that the route can lead to indefinite leave to remain if the applicant satisfies the relevant five-year settlement requirements.

Who Can Apply for a Skilled Worker Visa?

The first thing to establish is whether the proposed job qualifies under the current Immigration Rules.

Your employer must hold an appropriate sponsor licence and the role must fall within an eligible occupation. The occupation is identified using a four-digit occupation code, so the actual duties of the job matter rather than just the title used in the employment contract.

You will generally need:

A confirmed job offer from an approved sponsor
A Certificate of Sponsorship
An eligible occupation code
The required salary
Evidence of English language ability
A valid passport or travel document
Financial evidence if the maintenance requirement applies

Checking these details before accepting a sponsored position can prevent a situation where the job sounds suitable but does not meet the immigration requirements.

Skilled Worker Visa Salary Requirements

Salary is one of the areas applicants need to check carefully.

Under the standard rules, you will usually need to be paid at least £41,700 a year or the going rate for your occupation, whichever is higher. Each occupation has its own going rate.

For example, imagine a job paying £43,000 a year. If the applicable going rate for that occupation is £46,000, the £43,000 salary would normally not meet the standard requirement.

There are exceptions and alternative salary rules for certain applicants. These can apply to some new entrants, relevant PhD holders, healthcare or education workers and eligible occupations on the Immigration Salary List.

The Immigration Salary List can also affect the salary and application fee applicable to an eligible role.

For this reason, applicants should check their occupation code and going rate rather than relying solely on the headline salary threshold.

English Language Requirement

Most new applicants need to demonstrate their knowledge of English.

The current standard for new Skilled Worker applications is generally B2 level on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

There are several accepted ways to meet the requirement. Depending on your circumstances, this may include an approved English language test or a qualifying academic qualification.

Not every applicant necessarily needs to take a new test. Previous immigration permission or an accepted qualification may provide another way of meeting the requirement.

Before booking a test, check whether you already have acceptable evidence.

Certificate of Sponsorship and Your Job

The Certificate of Sponsorship is an important part of the application.

Your sponsoring employer assigns a digital certificate containing information about the position. This includes details such as the job, salary and occupation code.

The information should accurately describe the work you will actually perform.

This is particularly important when the job title is broad. Two roles can have similar titles but fall under different occupation codes because their duties are different.

If your circumstances change after the visa is granted, you may need to update your immigration permission. GOV.UK states that Skilled Worker visa holders cannot simply change jobs or employers without applying to update their visa where required.

Documents You May Need

The documents required depend on your circumstances, but an application can involve:

Certificate of Sponsorship reference number
Valid passport
Evidence of English language ability
Job title and salary information
Occupation code
Employer and sponsor details
Bank statements or other financial evidence, where required
Tuberculosis test results, where applicable
Documents for eligible dependants

Your evidence should match the information provided in the application.

For example, differences between your passport, employment documents and application form may create questions. Take time to check names, dates, salary information and employment details before submitting everything.

How Much Does a Skilled Worker Visa Cost?

The cost depends on where you apply, how long you will stay and whether your job qualifies for a reduced fee.

For applications made from outside the UK, the current standard fee is £819 for up to three years and £1,618 for more than three years.

For applications made inside the UK to extend, switch or update the visa, the standard fee is £943 for up to three years and £1,865 for more than three years. Jobs on the Immigration Salary List have lower application fees.

The Immigration Health Surcharge is usually £1,035 per year. Most applicants also need to show that they have at least £1,270 available to support themselves, although exemptions can apply.

These costs mean it is worth calculating the full expense before starting the application.

What Can You Do on a Skilled Worker Visa?

The visa provides permission to work in the sponsored role, subject to the conditions attached to the route.

You can generally:

Work in your eligible job
Study
Take certain additional employment
Volunteer
Travel abroad and return to the UK
Bring eligible partners and children as dependants
Work towards settlement if you meet the requirements

There are restrictions as well. For example, changing employer or occupation normally requires an application to update your immigration permission.

Can a Skilled Worker Visa Lead to Settlement?

Yes, the Skilled Worker route is a potential route to settlement.

GOV.UK states that Skilled Workers may apply for indefinite leave to remain after living in the UK for five years, provided they meet the other requirements. Salary requirements can also apply when applying for settlement.

It is therefore useful to think beyond the initial visa application. Keep records of your employment, immigration permission and absences from the UK, as these may become relevant later.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

A few common errors can cause unnecessary delays or lead to an application failing to meet the requirements.

Watch out for:

Assuming every sponsored job qualifies
Using the wrong occupation code
Checking only the job title rather than the duties
Relying on an old salary threshold
Providing inconsistent documents
Forgetting the financial requirement
Failing to meet the English requirement
Changing employer without updating immigration permission
Leaving the application until the last minute

The Immigration Rules and Home Office guidance can change, so information from an older application should not automatically be treated as current.

Summary

The skilled worker visa is designed for eligible workers who have a qualifying job with a UK employer approved to sponsor them. Eligibility depends on several parts of the application working together, including the occupation, sponsor, salary, English language requirement and supporting evidence.

Before applying, check the occupation code and applicable going rate carefully. Also calculate the application fee, Immigration Health Surcharge and any other costs you may need to cover.

For applicants who need professional guidance with UK immigration matters, Solicitors in Birmingham can provide assistance based on the circumstances of the individual case.

FAQs

Can I apply for a Skilled Worker visa without sponsorship?

Generally, no. The route normally requires an eligible job with a UK employer that holds the appropriate sponsor licence and can issue a Certificate of Sponsorship.

What is the minimum salary for a Skilled Worker visa?

The standard requirement is generally £41,700 per year or the applicable going rate for the occupation, whichever is higher. Different salary rules can apply to specific applicants and occupations.

How much does a Skilled Worker visa cost?

For applications from outside the UK, the standard fee is currently £819 for up to three years and £1,618 for more than three years. In-country applications have different fees, and the Immigration Health Surcharge is usually payable separately.

Can I bring my family on a Skilled Worker visa?

Eligible partners and children can generally apply as dependants, provided they meet the relevant dependant requirements. The main applicant’s visa conditions and the dependant rules should both be checked before applying.

Skilled Worker Visa UK: Requirements, Costs and Application Guide