Skilled Worker Visa

Overview

The UK Skilled Worker visa lets you come to (or stay in) the UK to do an eligible job for an approved sponsor. You’ll need a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), your job must be in an eligible occupation, and your salary must meet the route’s rules.

📌 Key facts at a glance

Duration & settlement: Permission can be granted for up to 5 years at a time; you may be able to extend and later apply for ILR after 5 years if you meet all rules.

Job offer & sponsor: Required — from a licensed UK employer who issues your CoS.

Eligible occupation: Your role must appear on the UK skilled worker visa list , and meet the route’s salary thresholds. Some roles on the Immigration Salary List (ISL) have different thresholds.

English: Prove B1 CEFR in reading, writing, speaking and listening (or qualify via an accepted exemption/qualification).

Skilled Worker Visa UK Cost: Application fee (£769 to £1,751), Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) (£1,035 per year), and personal savings (£1,270,).

Processing times (typical): ~3 weeks from outside the UK, ~8 weeks inside (after biometrics/ID).

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✅ Skilled Worker Visa UK Eligibility

To qualify you’ll typically need to show that:

• You’ll work for a Home Office-approved sponsor who assigns your CoS.
• Your job is an eligible occupation and meets salary rules (check whether your role is on the ISL).
• You meet the English requirement (or you’re exempt).
• You meet any financial/other requirements that apply to you (e.g., TB test or criminal record certificate for certain roles).

💷 Salary thresholds & the Immigration Salary List (ISL)

Your pay must meet the minimum for your occupation and circumstances. If your job appears on the ISL, a reduced threshold (often around 80% of the usual minimum) can apply for eligibility. Salary rates are usually based on a 37.5-hour week and should be pro-rated if your hours differ. Verify your occupation code and threshold before applying.

🗣️ English language (B1 CEFR)

You must prove English at B1 CEFR across all four skills. You can show this with an approved test (SELT, e.g., IELTS for UKVI), nationality, or an eligible qualification taught in English. (There isn’t a blanket “IELTS 7.0” rule for this route.)

🧾 Sponsorship & your CoS (Certificate of Sponsorship)

Your employer assigns a CoS containing your job title, occupation code, salary and start date. You use the CoS reference in your application. If you change employer or your occupation code changes, you’ll usually need to apply to update your visa before starting the new role.

📃 UK Skilled Worker Visa Documents

• CoS reference number
• Passport/ID showing identity and nationality
• Job details (title, salary, occupation code)
• Sponsor’s name and licence number (as shown on the CoS)
• Proof of English and financial evidence (if required)
• Certified translations if documents aren’t in English or Welsh

🧭 How to apply — UK Skilled Worker Visa Process

1. Confirm eligibility (role, sponsor, salary, English)
2. Start the online application for Skilled Worker (outside the UK / extend / switch)
3. Pay fees (application) and the IHS (if payable)
4. Prove identity via biometrics appointment or app (where available)
5. Decision and next steps to travel/activate or continue your stay

💰 Skilled Worker Visa UK Cost

• Application fee: varies by duration, £769 to £1,751
• IHS: usually £1,035 per year for most applicants
• Personal savings: you’ll usually need £1,270 available unless exempt

⏱️ Processing times

After submitting your application and proving identity, decisions are usually within:

• ~3 weeks if applying outside the UK
• ~8 weeks if applying inside the UK

📎 Conditions, changes & extra work

• You can work in your sponsored role; some additional work is allowed within limits
• To change employer or occupation code, you’ll normally apply to update your visa before starting
• Keep your details up to date and follow your route’s conditions

👨‍👩‍👧 Dependants & settlement (ILR)

• Dependants (partner/children) may be eligible to apply under this route
• Skilled Worker permission can be granted for up to 5 years at a time; you may be able to apply for ILR after 5 years if you meet all rules

❓ FAQs

Do I need a job offer from a licensed sponsor?
Yes — you must have a job offer from an approved UK employer who assigns your CoS.

What English score do I need?
You must meet B1 CEFR across all four skills, proven by an approved test or an accepted exemption/qualification.

Is the “Shortage Occupation List” still used?
It’s now the Immigration Salary List (ISL). Some ISL roles use reduced thresholds; always check your occupation code.

How much does it cost?
Application fee (£769 to £1,751), Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) (£1,035 per year), and personal savings (£1,270).

How long does a decision take?
Typically ~3 weeks outside the UK and ~8 weeks inside, after ID/biometrics.

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