Skilled Worker Visa UK

When and Why did it Replace the Tier 2 (General) Visa? 

The UK government introduced a skilled worker visa on 1 December 2020.  As part of the UK’s post-Brexit immigration reforms, it replaced the Tier 2 (General) visa.   

This was aimed at revamping the immigration process by:   

• Bringing down the required skill level from RQF Level 6 to Level 3   

• Removing obsolete hurdles like the Resident Labour Market Test   

• Making the system points-based, guaranteeing more transparency and workability  

• Extending the eligibility to all nationalities 

This transformation made it easier for UK employers to access global talent and for skilled professionals to build a career in the UK. 

Key Benefits of Skilled Worker Visa

Indefinite Leave to Remain 

After five continuous years of lawful residence under this route (or a combination of eligible visas), applicants may qualify to settle permanently in the UK. However, there are certain conditions they must meet like residency, salary, and integration requirements such as passing the Life in the UK Test.   

Bring Family Members 

Skilled Workers can bring their dependent partners and children to the UK. Those dependants are allowed to study, work, and eventually apply for ILR alongside the main applicant, guaranteeing that the family stays together. 

No Cap on Visa Numbers 

There is no yearly cap on the number of Skilled Worker visas issued, unlike the old tier 2 general visa. This has resulted in faster processing and wider access for global applicants, irrespective of nationality or job type. 

No Resident Labour Market Test 

The Resident Labour Market Test (RLMT)—a requirement for employers to advertise roles to UK residents before hiring migrants—was abolished under the Skilled Worker visa. This change has considerably lowered the processing burden for employers and has thus resulted in rapid hiring. 

Open to All Nationalities 

Individuals from any nationality can apply for the Skilled Worker visa. It forms the core of the UK’s global immigration system and treats all applicants equally under a points-based framework. 

 UK Skilled Worker Visa Changes 2025 

From 4 April 2024, the UK implemented significant changes to the Skilled Worker visa system, affecting applications throughout 2025: 

• Increased Salary Threshold: The general minimum salary requirement has risen to £38,700 per year or £15.88 per hour, whichever is higher. This excludes those qualifying under tradable points.  

• Revised Tradable Points Categories: Applicants can still qualify with lower salaries in specific cases—such as PhD holders, new entrants, and roles listed on the Immigration Salary List (formerly Shortage Occupation List). Minimum salaries for these groups start from £23,200.  

• Updated Occupation Codes: The visa now follows the updated SOC 2020 codes, requiring employers to ensure that job roles match the correct classification and skill level (RQF Level 3 or above).  

• Changes for Existing Skilled Workers: Transitional salary thresholds apply to those who hold Skilled Worker status before April 2024. These remain lower (from £29,000) and will phase out by April 2030.  

• No Cap & No Cooling-Off Period: There is no annual cap on visa numbers and no mandatory waiting period for reapplication after a previous stay.  

• Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR): Eligibility remains after 5 continuous years, subject to updated salary and residence requirements.  

• Health and Care Worker Visa Pathway: Remains available with reduced salary thresholds and exemption from the Immigration Health Surcharge. However, applicants who apply after April 2024 would not be able to bring their dependants from the UK.  The applicants who are applying from within the UK, having dependants on their last visa, may be able to continue to sponsor their dependants if their dependants include minor children.     

These updates aim to balance labour market needs with tighter control over immigration routes. Sponsors and applicants must ensure full compliance with the revised criteria to avoid delays or refusals. 

 Eligibility Criteria (2025) 

There are certain requirements set by the Home Office that need to be met to be considered eligible.    

• Job Offer from a UK-Based Sponsor: Before applying, you must have a confirmed job offer from an A-rated UK employer.    

• Age Requirement: Applicants must be 18 years or older at the time of application.   

• Valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): A CoS is a digital certificate issued by your sponsor. It must be issued no more than 3 months before application and include job details, salary, start date, and occupation code. Moreover, it must be from a sponsor licensed to hire under the Skilled Worker route.   

• Job Must Be on the Eligible Occupation List: Your job must show up on the eligible occupations list of the Home Office.    

• RQF Level: You must be skilled to at least RQF Level 3 or above, equivalent to UK A-levels.   

• Meet English Language Requirement: You must prove your English proficiency at CEFR Level B in all four elements: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. To prove this, you should either have SELT, a degree taught in English, GCSE/A-Level, or citizenship of an English-speaking country.   

• Financial Maintenance Requirement: The applicant must have £1,270 in personal savings (held for 28 consecutive days). This can be exempt if you have been living in the UK for over 12 months or your employer certifies maintenance on your CoS. Additional funds are required for dependants: £285 for a partner, £315 for the first child, and £200 each for additional children.   
• Criminal Record & TB Certificate: You may need to provide a criminal record certificate in case you’re applying for jobs involving healthcare, education, or vulnerable people. If you are applying from the UK listed countries, you will need to provide a TB test certificate as well. 

Meet Minimum Salary Thresholds

The minimum salary must be £38,700/year, or the current rate for the job, whichever is higher. However, the applicant may qualify for lower pay in the following cases. 

One thing you need to keep in mind is that the minimum hourly rate is £15.88.   

 Salary Requirements for Skilled Worker Visa UK

Applicants must meet both the general salary requirement and the going rate for their job, which is different for each occupation. However, there is a thing called tradable points, which are basically discounts. You can only avail them if you meet certain conditions.    

Standard Minimum: £38,700/year or Job’s  

For most of the skilled worker visa applicants the usual salary threshold is £38,700 per year. Moreover, the applicants must be paid at least the going rate for their occupation based on the 2020 SOC code.    

Typically, the going rate is calculated on the basis of a 37.5-hour workweek and, in particular, for the occupation.  

In case the going rate for their job is higher than the salary threshold of £38,700, the applicant must be paid at least the higher going rate.    

Tradable Points Discounts 

You can achieve tradable discount points to lower the required salary threshold if you meet the following criteria:   

PhD in Relevant Subjects   

• £34,830/year + ≥90% of the job’s going rate   

• Applies to non-STEM PhDs relevant to the job.   

PhD in STEM Subjects   

• £30,960/year + ≥80% of the job’s going rate   

• STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering, maths) that directly relate to the job.   

Jobs on the Immigration Salary List   

• £30,960/year + 100% of the going rate   

• These are roles the UK government identifies as having national shortages.   

• Examples: Certain engineering, IT, and health/social care positions.   

New Entrants (e.g. under 26 or recent graduates)   

• £30,960/year + ≥70% of going rate   

• This applies to applicants under 26, those switching from Student or Graduate Visas, those in postdoctoral roles or those working toward qualifications. 

 Health/Education Roles (Special Thresholds) 

Lower salary thresholds apply for national pay scale jobs, for example, nurses, teachers, and healthcare workers.   

• General salary threshold: £23,200/year   

• Special going rates are applicable per NHS band   

• No hourly rate is requisite for these positions   

Health and Care Worker Visa roles:   

• Typically, £29,000 per year.   

• They must still fulfil going job rates or relevant percentages (70–90%). 

 Salary Conditions & Thresholds 

 Hourly Rate Requirements 

• £15.88/hour is the general minimum hourly rate applicable to most jobs, regardless of salary discounts.   

• £11.90/hour applies if:  

1. 1. The applicant was granted Skilled Worker status before 4 April 2024 and applied before 4 April 2030.   
   2. The role is under a Health and Care ASHE job.   

• No hourly rate applies for health/education roles with national pay scales. 

 Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) 

The Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is a fundamental condition in the application process for the Skilled Worker visa UK. It is a form an official validation from a licensed UK employer that this worker has been offered a qualifying job in the UK. 

Role of CoS in Application 

The CoS includes crucial details about the role offered, for example:   

• Job title and occupation code (SOC 2020)   

• Yearly salary and working hours   

• Start date (must be within 3 months of CoS issue)   

• Statement that the job is genuine and meets the skill level   

A valid CoS is a must for applicants to proceed with a Skilled Worker visa application. The Home Office uses the information mentioned in the CoS to confirm the eligibility and credibility of the job offer. 

Defined vs Undefined CoS 

There are two types of Certificates of Sponsorship, and it is vital to apply for the correct one based on where the applicant is applying from:  

Defined CoS:  

• For applicants outside the UK   

• Must be specifically requested from UKVI by the sponsor with full job and salary details   

• Approved on a case-by-case basis by the UKVI  

Undefined CoS:  

• For individuals already inside the UK switching from another visa route   

• UKVI allocates sponsors a yearly quota   

• Can be assigned directly by the sponsor without additional approval from the UKVI  

Each CoS is valid for only one use and must be assigned within 3 months prior to the visa application date. 

Validity & Required Info in CoS 

A valid CoS must contain:  

• Applicant’s full name   

• Start date (must be no more than 3 months from assignment)   

• Job title, duties, SOC code   

• Salary details (must meet applicable thresholds)   

• Confirmation of payment of the Immigration Skills Charge (if required)   

• Sponsor declaration about financial maintenance (if supporting the applicant’s funds)  

Additionally, the sponsor must ensure that:  

• The job is genuine   

• The role meets the appropriate skill level (RQF 3 or above)   

• All CoS data aligns with what is provided in the visa application   

Any inconsistencies or expired certificates may lead to visa refusal. 

Sponsor Rating 

Only A-rated sponsors listed on the Home Office register are allowed to issue CoS:   

• A-rating is the highest rating, indicating full compliance with sponsor duties   

• If a sponsor is downgraded to a B-rating, they may lose the ability to issue CoS until improvements are made   

A-rated sponsors are also permitted to certify maintenance, meaning they can declare financial support for the migrant’s first month in the UK, exempting the worker from showing personal savings. 

Sponsor Must Pay Immigration Skills Charge 

Sponsors are required to pay the Immigration Skills Charge (ISC) when assigning a CoS:  

• This is a levy imposed per sponsored worker   

• Payable upfront and calculated based on the following:   

1. 1. Company size (small or large sponsor)   
   2. Duration of sponsorship (per year)   

Exemptions may apply for some health and care worker roles or if the worker is switching within the same sponsor.   

The charge aims to incentivise investment in the UK workforce and fund skill development. 

English Language Requirements 

The applicants need to show their English proficiency to qualify for a Skilled Worker visa. There are 5 unique UK Home Office-approved sources to meet this criterion: 

 Secure English Language Test (SELT) – CEFR Level B1 

Applicants can take a SELT accepted by the Home Office UK. The test assesses all four elements of the language:  

• Reading  

• Writing

• Speaking  

• Listening  

The test must be held at an approved centre. the applicant must get at least B1 or above level under the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Some of the renowned SELT providers include IELTS for UKVI and Trinity College London.     

English-Taught Degree 

If you have an English-taught degree, you meet the English language criteria for a UK skilled worker visa.    

This applies if:   

• The degree was taught in English in the UK or   

• It was taught in another country but has been verified by Ecctis (formerly UK NARIC) as equivalent and English-taught. 

UK Qualifications (GCSE/A-Level) 

Another method to fulfil the English language criteria is to demonstrate your UK qualifications. If the applicant has completed GCSE, A-Level, Scottish National Qualifications, or Scottish Highers in English while studying at a UK school, this is considered valid proof of English proficiency.   

This method is especially beneficial for long-term UK residents or international students switching to work visas. 

Exempt Countries 

Applicants from the majority English speaking countries are exempt from providing their proficiency proof. The exempt nations are:   

• Dominica, Bahamas, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, Belize, USA, Antigua and Barbuda, St Kitts and Nevis, Malta, Jamaica, Australia, St Lucia, Barbados, Canada (except for medical professionals), Grenada, New Zealand, St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Previous Proof Carries Over  

If the applicant has previously demonstrated their B1 level proficiency for their previous UK visa application, they don’t need to provide their proficiency proof again.     

Documents Required 

To initiate the application process, you need to submit certain documents. Here is the list of the documents.    

• Valid Passport/Travel Document: A current passport or travel document is required with at least one blank page for the visa vignette. Also, include any previous passports if they show relevant travel or visa history.   

• CoS: You must have a CoS reference number issued by a UK-licensed sponsor within three months of the application.    

• Job Details: Provide documentation that clearly tells your job title, the salary offered, the standard occupation classification (SOC) code, and confirmation that your sponsoring employer is Home Office-approved.   

• English Language Proficiency: The applicant must prove at least a B1 level across all four components: reading, writing, speaking, and listening.    

• Financial Evidence: Providing financial evidence is essential to demonstrate that you can support yourself upon arrival in the UK.    

• TB Test: Applicants from certain countries are required to submit tuberculosis (TB) test results as part of their visa application.    

• Criminal Record Certificate: For certain roles, especially those involving work with vulnerable individuals in healthcare, education, or social care, a criminal record certificate is mandatory. This document must cover any country where the applicant has lived for 12 months or more in the past 10 years, from the age of 18 onward.   

• Relationship Evidence for Dependants: If dependants are applying alongside the main applicant, relationship evidence is also required. Spouses must submit a marriage certificate, children need to provide birth certificates, and unmarried partners must show proof of cohabitation, typically for at least two years. 

Application Process 

The application process for the UK skilled worker visa involves a series of steps, which are mentioned below.    

Step 1: Secure a Job Offer from a Licensed Sponsor 

The first and most crucial step is to obtain a formal job offer from a UK employer that holds a valid Skilled Worker sponsor licence. The job:   

• Must be on the list of eligible occupations.   

• Must meet the required skill and salary thresholds (typically at least RQF Level 3 and £38,700/year, or as per the going rate for the occupation).   

Sponsor Check: Applicants must verify that their employer is listed on the Home Office’s Register of Licensed Sponsors and is A-rated. B-rated employers cannot issue new Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS). 

Step 2: Receive Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) 

Once a job offer is secured, the employer will issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS):   

• This is a digital document with a unique reference number.   

• It confirms the job title, salary, SOC code, start date, and sponsor licence number.   

• The CoS must be issued no more than 3 months before the visa application date.   

  Types of CoS:   

• Defined CoS: For applicants applying from outside the UK.   

• Undefined CoS: For those switching visas within the UK.  

Step 3: Gather Supporting Documents 

Applicants must compile several key documents, including:   

• Valid passport (with a blank page)   

• Certificate of Sponsorship reference number   

• Proof of English language proficiency (SELT, UK degree, English-taught degree, etc.)   

• Evidence of financial support (£1,270 or employer guarantee)   

• Tuberculosis (TB) test results, if required   

• Criminal record certificate for sensitive roles (if required)   

• Academic qualifications (if applicable)   

Note: If dependants are included, further documentation is needed (e.g., marriage or birth certificates).  

Step 4: Complete Online Application 

The application is submitted online via the UK Home Office portal. You must:   

• Select the correct form based on your location (inside or outside the UK).   

• Input your CoS number and job details.   

• Declare supporting documents.   

• Choose a visa application centre (VAC) or opt for the UK Immigration: ID Check app if eligible.   

You can apply up to 3 months before the job’s start date listed on the CoS.  

Step 5: Pay Fees (Visa + Healthcare Surcharge) 

Applicants are required to pay:   

• Visa application fee:   

1. 1. Outside the UK: £769 (up to 3 years) / £1,519 (over 3 years)   
   2. Inside the UK: £885 (up to 3 years) / £1,715 (over 3 years)   

• Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS):   

1. 1. £1,035/year for each applicant   

Payment is made during the online application submission. 

Step 6: Submit Biometrics (VAC or ID Check App) 

Applicants must prove their identity by:   

• Attending a biometric appointment at a visa application centre (VAC) to provide fingerprints and a photo or   

• Using the ID Check app (for certain nationalities with biometric passports), which allows uploading of a passport scan and facial recognition data digitally. 

Step 7: Await a Decision 

After submitting biometrics and all required information:   

• Standard processing times:   

1. 1. 3 weeks (if applying from outside the UK)   
   2. 8 weeks (if applying from inside the UK)   

• Priority & Super Priority Services:   

1. 1. Available in most countries for an additional fee (e.g., 5-day or next-working-day decisions)   

Applicants will receive an email or letter confirming the decision. If approved, they will receive a vignette in their passport (if applying from abroad) and later collect their Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) upon arrival in the UK.  

Switching from Other Visa Categories 

You can also switch to the skilled worker visa from inside the UK if you already hold another valid UK visa, for example:   

• Student visa (if you’ve completed your course or completed 24 months of a PhD)    

• Graduate visa    

• Tier 2 (Intra-company Transfer)    

• Health and Care Worker visa    

• Dependant or partner visas    

• Other long-term work or family routes   

To switch you need to have a job offer from a valid sponsor, a CoS, and fulfil other eligibility criteria as well.    

You cannot switch to a Skilled Worker visa from inside the UK if you currently hold:   

• Visitor visa    

• Short-term student visa    

• Parent of a Child’s Student visa    

• Seasonal worker visa    

• Domestic worker in a private household visa    

• Immigration bail    

• Permission outside the immigration rules   

In these cases, you must leave the UK and apply from abroad. 

Skilled Worker Visa Application Fees and Additional Costs (2025) 

Here is the fee structure for skilled worker visa as per UKVI.

Extending Your Skilled Worker Visa 

To apply for the extension of your Skilled Worker visa, you need to continue working for the same sponsor. Additionally, your job must remain within the same occupation and occupation code as stated in your original CoS.  

However, if you want to switch to a different role or to change your employer, you need to submit a new Skilled Worker visa application, since extension is not an option in this case.  

As long as you fulfil the eligibility criteria, there is no restriction on how many times you apply for an extension. If you are currently in the UK, you can apply for an extension before your existing visa expires. The standard processing time is about 8 weeks. 

Bringing Your Family to the UK 

Skilled Worker dependant visa holders are allowed to bring their dependants to the UK. This includes a spouse, a civil partner, an unmarried partner (requires both parties to be in a relationship for a minimum period of at least 2 years), and children under 18.   

Children older than 18 can also be eligible if they’re already physically present in the UK as dependents have not formed their own independent family life and are still mainly or wholly dependent on their sponsor parent.  

Each dependant needs to apply individually and fulfil financial requirements.   

This includes providing higher funds for:  

• £285 for a partner  

• £315 for the first child   

• £200 for each additional child unless the sponsor provides a maintenance undertaking on the CoS.   

Dependents don’t have access to public funds; however, they are allowed to work and study in the UK. 

Secondary Employment Rules 

There are certain conditions under which you are allowed to take on a second job as well. The second job must:   

• Be on the list of eligible occupation code   

• Not exceed 20 hours per week   

• Be outside the hours of your main job.  

If the second job is in a different occupation, then you will need to apply for a new visa with a second CoS. 

Skilled Worker Visa Route for International Students 

While staying in the UK, if an international student lands a qualifying job with a licensed sponsor, they can switch to a Skilled Worker visa. This allows international students to continue living in the UK and work after completing their studies.   

Eligibility Requirements 

In order to switch from a student visa, the applicant must have completed their course, or if studying for a PhD, have completed at least 24 months of study.   

The job offer must meet Skilled Worker visa requirements, including:   

• A valid CoS   

• An eligible job at RQF Level 3 or above   

• A salary that meets the minimum threshold   

• English language proficiency at CEFR Level B1   

• Proof of financial maintenance, unless exempt   

Applicants are not allowed to switch if their course is still ongoing, and the job begins before the completion unless in qualifying PhD cases.   

Pathway to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) 

If a Skilled Worker visa holder is eligible. In that case, he may apply to settle permanently in the UK by applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 years of ongoing residence in the UK. Typically, this would be the Skilled Worker visa or the Tier-2 General visa. However, if 5 years are spent on different relevant routes, the applicant can apply for ILR.   

 Eligibility Criteria 

• Must not have lived outside the UK for more than 180 days in any 12 months    

• Pass the Life in the UK test    

• Meet the salary threshold(typically £38,700 or the going rate for the role)    

• Still working with the sponsoring employer, who confirms the ongoing need for the role   

After holding ILR for 12 months, applicants become eligible to apply for British citizenship if they meet all naturalisation requirements.   

What To Do Next If Your Skilled Worker Visa Is Refused? 

If a skilled worker visa is refused, it can be challenged by making an Admin Review application.  Admin Review applications can be made on the basis that the caseworker at the Home Office has made an error in deciding by considering all the evidence submitted with the application.   

Common Refusal Reasons 

Refusals are common due to:  

• Missing or providing incorrect documents  

• Inconsistencies between the CoS and the job/occupation code  

• Bad immigration or crime history 

Some other common reasons include errors in application data, or failure to meet eligibility criteria. 

Next Steps 

If UKVI refuses your application, you can ask for an Administrative Review. You must do this by the deadline given on the refusal notice.   

In case your Admin Review application is also refused and you still believe that the refusal is procedurally flawed; you can challenge it by way of bringing a Judicial Review claim, a legal action in court. The option for making a fresh application may always be there.  However, you should take legal advice before taking any such steps. 

Skilled Worker Visa for Self-Sponsorship 

Entrepreneurs or UK business owners can use the Skilled Worker visa through a self-sponsorship route. In this case the applicant is sponsor by their own UK company.   

In order to qualify, you will have had to set up or run a UK business with a Skilled Worker sponsor licence. The business also needs to provide you with an actual position that offers appropriate salary and skill level requirements.   

Like any Skilled Worker application, you’ll require a valid Certificate of Sponsorship, proof of English language ability, and to meet financial and job authenticity requirements.   

The skilled worker visa route visa self-sponsorship is a perfect fit for those in a business state of mind who would like to be in control of their UK immigration process whilst managing or working within their business. 

Services We Provide at Sunrise Solicitors 

At Sunrise Solicitors, our experts provide end-to-end immigration support customised to both individuals and employers. Here is a list of the services we offer regarding UKVI skilled worker visas.    

• Skilled worker visa evaluation & eligibility check   

• Document review and application preparation   

• Employer sponsorship license assistance   

• Switching visas and appeal services   

• Fast-track applications   

• Dedicated caseworker support throughout 

Why Choose Sunrise Solicitors? 

Sunrise Solicitors has been in this industry for almost 2 decades now. We have vast experience working with immigrants for visa processing and guidance. Our track record of successful applications itself is enough to prove our authority in this field. Whether you are applying for the first time or switching your status, our team can assist you as your trusted skilled worker visa solicitor.

Our adept team includes experienced immigration lawyers who will offer their expertise to provide customised support to their clients. You can visit our office or get a virtual consultation as well for the 5-star rated service.  

We have fixed fee policy which means that the client won’t have to deal with the hidden charges at any stage of the process. 

Reach out today for expert legal advice!

Phone: +44 208 543 0999
Whatsapp: +44 7851 135681
Email: enquiries@sunrisesolicitors.co.uk

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)  

How long does the process take?  

From within the UK, it takes about 8 weeks, and from outside the UK, it takes 3 weeks.   

Can I change employers?  

Yes, but you must apply for a new Skilled Worker visa with a new Certificate of Sponsorship from the new employer.  

Do EU nationals need this visa?  

Yes, unless they have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme; otherwise, a visa is required.  

Can I study while working?  

Yes, Skilled Worker visa holders can study alongside their job, subject to conditions.   

What happens if I lose my job?  

You must find a new sponsor and apply for a new visa as soon as you get a new job, or you may think of applying through the self-sponsorship route.  

Can my family work or study?  

Yes, your dependants can work and study in the UK with no restrictions.