skilled worker Visa
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Benefits of the UK skilled worker visa
The skilled worker visa is the main path for non-UK citizens to live and work in the UK. It grants you the right to work for a licensed employer and includes a clear path to permanent residency.
You can bring your partner and children as dependants. After five years of continuous residence, you become eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), securing your future in the UK.
Eligibility for the Skilled route
Obtaining a visa begins with a valid job offer and a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). Your role must meet specific skill levels (typically RQF Level 6) and salary thresholds, which were updated in July 2025.
To qualify for the UK skilled worker visa, you must meet the English language requirement (level B1, rising to B2 in 2026) and show maintenance funds of at least £1,270, unless certified by your A-rated sponsor.
Skilled worker application process
Applying is a two-part process. First, your licensed UK employer must issue you an electronic Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). This is a digital record containing your job details and salary.
Once you have your CoS, you submit your formal application to the Home Office. You will need to provide biometrics, pay the visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge, and prove your identity via the ID Check app or a visa centre.
Skilled worker processing times
Applications made from outside the UK are typically decided within 3 weeks. If you are switching or extending from within the UK, the standard timeframe is up to 8 weeks.
Priority and Super-Priority services are often available for an additional fee, allowing you to fast-track your UK skilled worker visa decision to as little as 24 hours.
Visa fees and costs
Fees vary by duration and location. For overseas applicants, the fee is £799 (up to 3 years) or £1,519 (over 3 years). In-country fees are £885 and £1,751 respectively.
You must also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) of £1,035 per year for adults. Discounted application fees apply if your role is on the Immigration Salary List (ISL).
Job offer, skills and salary thresholds
Obtaining a visa begins with a valid job offer in a qualified occupation. As per the updates in July 2025, the Home Office has raised the requirements for what is considered “skilled”. Usually, your role has to be at RQF Level 6 or higher, but the real difficulty is with the salary. You have to be paid at least the general threshold of £41,700 or the specific “going rate” for your job code — whichever is higher.
Although the standard threshold is much higher now, some applicants may be allowed “tradable points” if they hold a PhD relevant to the job, a job on the Immigration Salary List, or are considered a “new entrant” to the UK labour market. It is difficult to understand these codes because a small mistake in the job code (SOC code) can result in an instant refusal.
English language requirement
Communication is essential to becoming part of the UK workforce. Most applicants have to demonstrate that they can speak, read, write, and understand English to at least level B1 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) scale. This condition may be satisfied by obtaining a Secure English Language Test (SELT) from a source like IELTS or Pearson or having an academic degree that was taught in English and is recognised by Ecctis.
Generally, a citizen of a majority English, speaking country, such as the USA, Canada, or Australia, is exempted from this requirement. Although it is the easiest one of the steps, make sure your test certificate is still valid when you apply.
Maintenance requirement
The Home Office needs to know you won’t fall into financial hardship upon arrival. Generally, you must show you have at least £1,270 in your bank account, held for a consecutive 28-day period ending no more than 31 days before you apply. This “maintenance fund” is your safety net while you wait for your first UK salary payment.
However, many applicants avoid this paperwork if their employer is an A-rated sponsor. Your employer can “certify maintenance” on your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), meaning they agree to cover your costs (up to £1,270) during your first month in the UK if necessary. If your CoS confirms this, you won’t need to provide personal bank statements for this requirement.
Updates July 2025: skilled worker visa changes
From July 2025, the skilled worker route is undergoing significant reform. Skill and salary thresholds have increased considerably, prioritising higher-skilled roles. If you are close to the old minimum salary, we strongly advise a consultation to check your eligibility under the new rules.
The Immigration Salary List (ISL) has been updated and a new Temporary Shortage List (TSL) introduced, which offers far fewer roles. Visa Positive can provide clarity on how these changes affect your application.
Updates January 2026: English language changes
From January 8, 2026, all new applicants who apply for skilled worker visa must demonstrate Level B2 (Upper Intermediate) proficiency. While B1 focuses on “getting by” in daily life, B2 requires you to understand complex technical discussions and express yourself fluently in professional settings. It is roughly equivalent to an “A-Level” standard of English.
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Visa Positive ensures your application is compliant with the latest July 2025 and 2026 salary and language reforms. Start with a consultation to confirm your eligibility today.
Questions
Let’s answer them
The salary requirements are complex. As of July 2025, the minimum general salary threshold has significantly increased. You must be paid either the general threshold or the ‘going rate’ for your specific job code, whichever is higher.
No, the CoS is an electronic record or a reference number issued by your sponsor. You will need this unique reference number to complete your visa application online.
Yes, you can work a second job, but it must meet certain conditions: it must be on the eligible occupation list, be for no more than 20 hours per week, and must not interfere with your primary sponsored role.
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.
If you change employers, you must receive a new Certificate of Sponsorship from the new licensed sponsor and submit a new visa application before starting the new job.
Yes. After five years of continuous residence in the UK on the skilled worker visa, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), granting you permanent residency.