The Skilled Worker visa is the main UK work route for non-UK / non-Irish nationals. To qualify you need a job offer from a UK employer that holds a sponsor licence, in an eligible occupation, at or above a minimum salary.
Eligibility at a glance
- Job offer from a Home Office-licensed sponsor (every employer on our site is verified against this register).
- Role at RQF level 3 or above (broadly skilled).
- Salary at least £38,700 per year OR the going rate for the occupation, whichever is higher. Reduced thresholds apply for new entrants, shortage roles, and PhD-relevant posts.
- English at CEFR B1 (most applicants meet this through IELTS / OET / a degree taught in English).
Reduced thresholds
Some roles benefit from lower salary thresholds: new entrants (under 26 or recent UK graduates), roles on the immigration salary list (nurses, social workers, shortage-subject teachers), PhD-relevant occupations, and Health and Care Worker visa applicants.
How long the visa lasts
Up to 5 years initially, with extensions and a settlement (indefinite leave to remain) pathway after 5 years of continuous lawful residence.
Application steps
- Secure a job offer from a licensed sponsor.
- Employer issues a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) — a digital reference, not a physical document.
- Apply online from your home country (or in-UK if switching), pay the visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge.
- Provide biometrics, English evidence, qualifications.
- Typical decision: 3 weeks from outside the UK, 8 weeks inside.
Dependants
Spouse / unmarried partner and children under 18 can apply as dependants. Dependants can work and study freely. Health and Care Worker visa dependants are exempt from the Immigration Health Surcharge.