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Skilled Worker Visa
A Skiled Worker Visa is a work permit allowing you to work for a specified employer. Tap into the wealth of expertise within our team, comprising of seasoned lawyers and data analysts.
Our advice-first process helps reduce the risk of your Skilled Worker visa being refused.
Eligibility
To be eligible for a Skilled Worker Visa, you must have a confirmed job offer from a UK employer that is approved by the Home Office.
- The job must be on the list of eligible occupations
- You must be paid the minimum salary for your role
- You must meet the English language requirement
You must be at least 18 years old and meet standard immigration checks, including providing a certificate of sponsorship from your employer.
The visa allows you to live and work in the UK, with a pathway to settlement after 5 years.
Costs
The cost of a Skilled Worker Visa depends on your length of stay and whether you’re applying from inside or outside the UK:
- Applying from outside the UK (up to 3 years): £769
- Applying from outside the UK (over 3 up to 5 years): £1,519
- Applying from inside the UK (up to 3 years – extension/switch): £885
- Applying from inside the UK (over 3 up to 5 years – extension/switch): £1,751
- If your job is on the Immigration Salary List, reduced fees apply (e.g., £590 for under 3 years, £1,160 for over 3 years)
You must also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), currently £1,035 per year for adults and £776 per year for children under 18.
Additionally, if your employer sponsors you, they must cover the Certificate of Sponsorship fee of £525 (an increase from £239 as of April 9, 2025).
Processing time
Once you’ve submitted your Skilled Worker Visa application, current processing times are:
- Applications made from outside the UK: typically decided within 3 weeks
- In‑country extensions or switches: typically take up to 8 weeks
Speed‑up options (Priority/Super‑Priority) may be available for both outside‑UK and in‑UK applications for an additional fee.
How to apply
You must make an online application for a Skilled Worker Visa in a two‑step process:
- First, secure a job offer and obtain a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a UK employer licensed by the Home Office;
- Second, apply online for the visa—either from outside the UK or by extending/switching if you’re already in the UK.
When applying you’ll need to:
- Pay the visa fee;
- Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge;
- Prove your identity via the UK Immigration: ID Check app or at a visa application centre;
- Submit supporting documents such as your CoS reference, passport, proof of English ability, and maintenance funds (if required).
How we can help
Visa Positive provides expert Skilled Worker Visa support, including eligibility assessments, Certificate of Sponsorship guidance, and full application assistance. Start with a £99 consultation today.
Questions?
Let’s answer them.
The Skilled Worker Visa allows foreign nationals to live and work in the UK in an eligible role with a licensed UK employer. It replaced the Tier 2 (General) visa.
You must have a confirmed job offer from a UK employer licensed by the Home Office, meet the required skill and salary thresholds, and speak English at an approved level.
Eligible jobs are listed on the official Skilled Worker occupation list. This includes roles in healthcare, engineering, IT, education, and more.
The visa is typically valid for up to 5 years. You can renew it as long as you meet the ongoing requirements and remain with a licensed sponsor.
Yes, you can bring dependants including your partner and children. They can live, work, and study in the UK for the same duration as your visa.
Yes, but you must apply to update your visa with a new Certificate of Sponsorship from a licensed sponsor before starting the new job.