Overview

The Skilled Worker visa route is arguably the most popular business immigration route available in the UK to migrant workers. It forms part of the UK’s points-based immigration system, designed to attract individuals with the skills and expertise needed to support the country’s economy.

Whether you are applying from overseas or switching from within the UK, this route allows you to take up employment with an approved sponsor, provided you meet specific requirements relating to skill level, salary, and English language proficiency. It also offers a clear pathway to settlement, making it an attractive long-term option for both individuals and families.

This route replaced the Tier 2 (General) visa, although those in the UK as a Tier 2 visa holder can continue to apply for extensions, changes of employment and settlement under the Skilled Worker route.

The requirements

To qualify for a skilled worker visa, you must meet the following requirements:

• Be aged 18 or over
• Have a valid ‘certificate of sponsorship’ (CoS) from an approved employer
• There must be an eligible vacancy
• Be sponsored to work in an eligible occupation
• Be paid at least the minimum salary requirements
• Meet the English language threshold
• If applying from overseas, or if resident in the UK for less than 12 months, you must prove that you can financially support yourself and any dependents unless your employer confirms they will cover your maintenance

Additional requirements, such as a criminal record certificate or tuberculosis (TB) test, may apply depending on your role and country of residence.

Salary requirements

Applicants must meet both:

• The general salary threshold (currently £41,700), and
• The “going rate” for the specific occupation

You must be paid whichever of these is higher

There are some circumstances where a lower salary threshold may apply, such as where you:

• Are already in the UK under certain immigration routes
• Hold a relevant PhD
• Qualify as a new entrant

English language requirement

The English requirement can be met in several ways:

• Being a national of a majority English-speaking country
• Holding a recognised degree taught in English
• Passed a Secure English Language test (SELT) from an approved provider
• You have obtained a GCSE/A Level or Scottish Highers in English while at school in the UK

From 8 January 2026, new applicants (those applying to the route for the first time) must meet CEFR Level B2, while existing Skilled Workers may continue to rely on Level B1.

However, from 26^th March 2027, all those applying for indefinite leave to remain, regardless of when you joined the route, will need Level B2.

If applying for settlement before 26^th March 2027, the requirement is still level B1.

Example:

John entered as a skilled worker in January 2025. His visa was granted for three years. At the time he jointed the route, the English requirement was Level B1. In January 2028, he applies for an extension of his visa and is granted an additional two years. John was able to use his B1 qualification to meet the requirements.

In January 2030, John applies for indefinite leave to remain, he must now show he can meet Level B2.

Financial requirement

Unless exempt, you must show that you have held at least £1,270 in savings for 28 consecutive days before applying.

You may be exempt if:

• You have been in the UK for 12 months, or
• Your employer agrees to cover your maintenance costs

Length of stay and settlement

Skilled Worker visas can be granted for up to 5 years at a time.

After 5 years of continuous residence, you may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), provided you meet the relevant requirements, including:

• Continuous residence with limited absences
• Ongoing employment with a licensed sponsor
• Meeting salary thresholds
• Passing the Life in the UK Test

In November 2025, the UK Government announced that they intend to change the rules regarding settlement. This includes increasing the residency period from 5 years to 10. They also introduced a concept called ‘earned settlement’, where if a person met certain thresholds, they may be able to qualify earlier than the proposed 10 years. 

This is governed by four core pillars: Suitability (character), integration, contribution and residence.

1. To qualify within 10 years, you must meet the following criteria:

2. To qualify in less than 10 years, in addition to meeting the above, you must also meet any of the following:

These changes are expected to be implemented in Autumn 2026, with the above subject to change until the official announcement has been made.

Changing jobs or employers

If your role changes significantly, or you move to a new employer, you will usually need to submit a new visa application.

You must not start your new role until your application has been approved.

Supplementary and secondary work

Supplementary employment

In addition to working in the role as stated in the Certificate of sponsorship, a skilled worker is also able to work in supplementary employment provided that:

• The job itself is still an eligible role for a skilled worker
• Is no more than 20 hours a week
• Outside the working hours covered by the CoS

Supplementary employment is permitted without needing to submit a new application

Secondary employment

This is classed as employment that falls outside the parameters of supplementary employment. For instance, if it requires more than 20 hours a week.

The job itself must still be an eligible role for a skilled worker but will require a new skilled worker application to permit you to do both.

How much does it cost?

Costs for the application are split into two:

1. The cost for the application itself

There are several different factors which determine the cost for the application. This includes, your occupation code, the length of your visa, and whether you are applying from insider or outside the UK.

Unless you qualify for a reduced salary, those applying from outside the UK can expect current fees of £819 per person if applying for a visa for less than 3 years, or £1,618 if applying for more than 3 years.

For those applying from inside the UK, you can expect to be paying either £943 per person or £1,865 depending on your visa length.

If applying for indefinite leave to remain, the current fee is £3,336 per person.

Dependent family members will pay the same fees.

2. The Immigration Health Surcharge

Except for when applying for indefinite leave to remain, you will also need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge. This goes towards the NHS and will cover any medical treatment that you will need during the length of your visa.

You must pay this regardless of whether you will also have private healthcare insurance.

The fee for an adult is £1,035 per year, and for children (under 18), the fee is £776 per year.

It is therefore important to consider the costs of the application when determining how long you will be sponsored for.

How we can help

Applying for a Skilled Worker visa can be complex, particularly when navigating sponsorship, salary thresholds, and supporting documentation. Our experienced immigration team provides clear, tailored advice to ensure your application is accurate and compliant.

We can assist with:

• Eligibility assessments
• Sponsorship and compliance guidance
• Preparing and submitting applications
• Extensions, job changes, and settlement applications

Please call us on 0208 995 3556 to arrange a consultation.