Skilled Worker Visa
Call us at 0330 1337 986 for immediate assistance with your case. Or fill out the contact form, and we will contact you.
We’re here to help you in person, via the phone, or online.
Skilled Worker Visa Applications
A skilled worker visa is a type of UK work visa designed for skilled workers who have been offered a job in the UK. This visa allows skilled workers to work and live in the UK for a maximum of 5 years and 14 days.
Page Contents
Types of roles allowed on a skilled worker visa
Requirements
Language requirements
Maintenance requirement
TB Testing
Application process
Frequently asked questions
What are the eligible occupations, and where can I find them?
The eligible occupations are listed in the Skilled Worker visa occupation list. The list is based on the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) system. The applicant can find their SOC code on the UK Visas and Immigration website.
What are the requirements for a skilled worker visa?
The requirements for a skilled worker visa are as follows:
Skilled Worker minimum salary requirement
English language requirement
Certificate of sponsorship requirement
Financial maintenance requirement
Criminal record requirement
TB test requirement
Maintenance requirement
English Language Requirement
The applicant must be able to prove their knowledge of English by passing an approved English language test.
Financial Maintenance Requirement
The applicant must have enough money to support themselves and any dependents without relying on public funds.
TB Test Requirement
The applicant must take a TB test if they are from a country where TB is common.
What roles are allowed in the Skilled Worker Visa Route?
The skilled worker visa route allows employers to hire skilled workers from outside the UK to fill jobs that cannot be filled by the resident workforce. Eligible job roles include jobs in healthcare, engineering, IT, finance, and many others.
What are the skilled worker visa requirements?
To be eligible for a skilled worker visa, the applicant must score 70 points in total. The points are awarded based on the job offer, the skill level of the job, knowledge of English, and salary.
How do you score points in the Skilled Worker Visa Route?
To score points on the skilled worker visa route, the applicant must meet the following requirements:
Job offer from an approved employer (20 points)
Job at the required skill level (20 points)
English language proficiency (10 points)
Salary requirement (20 points)
Skilled Worker Minimum Salary Requirement
The minimum salary requirement is determined by the highest of either £26,200 per year, £10.75 per hour, or the going rate for the job.
Certificate of Sponsorship Requirement
The approved employer must provide the applicant with a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to apply for the visa.
Criminal Record Requirement
The applicant must not have a criminal record in the UK or any other country.
How to Apply for a Skilled Worker Visa Step by Step
To apply for a skilled worker visa, the applicant must follow these steps:
Get a job offer from an approved employer
Get a Certificate of Sponsorship from the employer
Prepare supporting documents
Apply online
Pay the visa fee
Biometrics appointment
Wait for decision
Skilled Worker Visa Processing Times
The processing time for a skilled worker visa varies depending on the location of the applicant and the time of year. The standard processing time is 3 weeks.
What are the Skilled Worker Visa Requirements for Employers?
To sponsor a skilled worker visa, the employer must meet the following requirements:
Be an approved sponsor
Offer a genuine job that meets the skill level and minimum salary requirements
How Much Does a Skilled Worker Visa Cost?
The cost of a skilled worker visa varies depending on the type of application and the applicant's location. As of 2023, the cost for an individual applicant can range from £247 up to around £1500.
How Long is a Skilled Worker Visa?
The Skilled Worker visa lasts for up to 5 years and 14 days. After that, the applicant may be eligible to apply for settlement in the UK. The employer can opt for a shorter period of time, however, no less than 12 months.
FAQs
What is the difference between a Tier 2 visa and a skilled worker visa?
The Skilled Worker visa has replaced the Tier 2 (General) visa and allows individuals to work in the UK for an approved employer in an eligible job. The eligibility requirements for the Skilled Worker visa are similar to those of Tier 2 (General), but the application process and scoring system have changed.
Who can apply as a skilled worker?
Anyone can apply for a skilled worker visa, provided they have a job offer from an approved UK employer, meet the eligibility requirements for the visa, and obtain a certificate of sponsorship from their employer. Irish citizens and those who have already settled in the UK are exempt from applying for this visa.
Do EU nationals require skilled worker visas?
EU nationals who arrived in the UK before December 31, 2020, can apply for settled status or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme. Those who arrived after that date will need to apply for a skilled worker visa to work in the UK. However, EU nationals who have settled status or pre-settled status can continue to work in the UK without a visa.
What level of English do skilled worker visa applicants need, and where can they find information?
Skilled worker visa applicants need to prove their knowledge of English at a minimum level of B1 on the CEFR scale. This can be proved in several ways, including passing a Secure English Language Test (SELT) from an approved provider. You can find more information on the SELT and other approved qualifications on the official UK government website.
Where can skilled worker visa applicants find information about the TB test?
Skilled worker visa applicants from certain countries may need to take a tuberculosis (TB) test as part of their visa application. You can find more information on the official UK government website, including a list of countries where the TB test is required.
Can skilled worker visa applicants bring dependents with them?
Yes, skilled worker visa applicants are allowed to bring their dependents with them to the UK. Dependents include spouses or partners, children under 18, and adult children who are currently in the UK as dependents.
What are the requirements for skilled worker visa dependents?
Skilled worker visa dependents must apply for their own visa and meet certain requirements, including proof of their relationship to the main applicant, proof of financial support, and proof of English language proficiency (unless exempt). They are allowed to work in the UK, but they cannot access public funds. More information on the requirements for skilled worker visa dependents can be found on the official UK government website.
Our Clients & Partners
Blog & News
-
![]()
Civil Compliance Fines: Large Employer Fines for Illegal Working Breaches
The UK government has announced that the civil compliance penalties for employers who hire illegal workers has increased from £20,000 to £60,000 per worker from February 13, 2024. This is part of a series of measures to deter illegal working and protect the rights of legal workers. Employers who are found to have employed illegal workers will also face criminal prosecution, which could result in imprisonment for up to five years and an unlimited fine.
-
![]()
British Naturalisation Solicitor
Starting the process of obtaining British citizenship is a huge step that comes with its own set of hurdles. As your specialist naturalisation solicitors, we understand the complexity of the process and are devoted to guiding you through each step.
-
![]()
IHS Increase Delayed! Let us explain why
The UK government had announced an increase to the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) in October 2023, which was due to come into effect on January 16, 2024. However, the Parliamentary debate on January 10, 2024, has delayed the increase, and it can only be implemented 21 days after it becomes law. Therefore, the earliest the new rate will come into effect is January 31, 2024.
-
![]()
UK Immigration Lawyers
The notion of travelling and relocating is exciting, but the path to immigration can be complicated. We understand the difficulties you are facing at UVS Law, and we are committed to being your unflinching support as trusted UK immigration lawyers. Our skilled team is committed to assisting you through the complex immigration process, guaranteeing a smooth transition to your new life.
