Skilled Worker Visa

The Skilled Worker visa is a key immigration route for attracting global talent in the UK. Replacing the former Tier 2 (General) visa, it enables skilled professionals from outside the UK to live and work here in eligible roles for approved employers.

Our business immigration solicitors provide strategic advice to employers, senior executives, and skilled individuals on all aspects of the Skilled Worker visa process. From obtaining a Certificate of Sponsorship to meeting the evolving salary thresholds and eligibility rules, we deliver clear, commercially focused guidance at every stage.

Whether you're expanding your workforce with overseas talent or switching immigration categories, our team offers trusted, partner-led support. We help you understand your legal obligations, reduce compliance risks, and streamline the visa application process.

What is the Skilled Worker Visa?

The Skilled Worker visa allows eligible individuals to come to or stay in the UK to undertake an eligible job with an approved employer. This visa has replaced the Tier 2 (General) work visa and is a primary route for skilled individuals from outside the UK.

Who is eligible to apply for a Skilled Worker Visa in the UK and what do you need to prove?

To be eligible for a Skilled Worker visa, you must meet several key requirements and prove them as part of your application. These include:

Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

Your employer will issue a unique electronic CoS reference number confirming your role and eligibility.

Job offer from an approved employer: You need a confirmed job offer from a UK-based employer that holds a valid sponsor licence.

Eligible job: Your job must be on the list of approved occupations, generally at RQF Level 6 (graduate level) or above. Certain medium-skilled roles remain eligible under the Temporary Shortage List (TSL).

Salary threshold: You must earn at least the minimum salary for your role (see below).

English language: You must demonstrate English proficiency at CEFR Level B1, rising to B2 from January 2026.

Financial requirement: Show you have at least £1,270 in savings unless your employer certifies maintenance.

Other Checks: Depending on your role, you may need a tuberculosis test, criminal record certificate, or ATAS clearance for sensitive research positions.

Other requirements

Depending on your circumstances, country of submission and job, you may also need to provide a tuberculosis test result (if from a listed country), a criminal record certificate (for certain jobs), or an ATAS certificate (for sensitive research roles).

What is a CoS?

A CoS, or Certificate of Sponsorship, is an electronic record issued by a Home Office-approved UK employer. This certificate confirms that the employer is sponsoring a foreign worker for a specific job role under the Skilled Worker visa route. It contains crucial information about the job offer, including the job title, salary, and occupation code, and is a mandatory document for your visa application.

What are the minimum salary thresholds for a Skilled Worker Visa?

From 22 July 2025, the salary requirements for Skilled Worker visas have increased:

• General Skilled Workers: £41,700 per year (£17.13 per hour) or the “going rate” for your occupation, whichever is higher.
• New entrants (under 26, graduate trainees, or switching from a student visa): £33,400 per year or the going rate, whichever is higher.
• PhD roles: £37,500; STEM PhD roles: £33,400.
• Immigration Salary List roles: £30,960 per year.
• Temporary Shortage List (TSL) roles: Must meet full Skilled Worker thresholds—no salary discounts apply.

Transitional arrangements will apply if your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) was assigned before 22 July 2025. In this case, the previous, lower salary threshold 38,700 applies to your visa application, even if the application is submitted after that date.

Important caveat for extensions or renewal:

While the old threshold applies for the initial application if the CoS was issued pre-July 22, 2025, if you are an existing Skilled Worker applying for an extension or switching employers after this date, your salary will generally need to meet the new £41,700 threshold or the updated "going rate" for your job, whichever is higher.

This differs if you qualify for other specific transitional arrangements, for example, those who were on the route before April 4, 2024, or those on the Immigration Salary List.

What is the Temporary Shortage List (TSL)?

The TSL was added on 22 July 2025, allowing roles considered to be below RQF level 6 (graduate level), to continue to be eligible for the Skilled Worker route, where the jobs/sectors are identified as being important to the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy.

However, entries on the TSL are time-limited and conditional. The removal date for these occupation codes is set to the end of 2026 (with the exception of care workers or senior care workers, which is due to lapse on 22 July 2028). However, the Government has reserved the right to bring that date forward.

Workers sponsored in occupations on either list at RQF levels 3-5 will not be able to bring dependants. This does not apply to:

• occupations at RQF 6 or above;
• workers sponsored in occupations at RQF levels 3-5 who are already in the Skilled Worker route;
• Were able to bring dependants before these changes come into effect.

Can dependants join a Skilled Worker Visa holder in the UK?

Yes, Skilled Worker visa holders can usually bring their family members to the UK, but recent changes introduced on 22 July 2025 mean there are important restrictions. Dependants include your husband, wife, civil partner, or unmarried partner, as well as children under 18 (or over 18 if they already have permission as your dependant). Each dependant must apply separately and meet financial requirements.

Can you change employers on a skilled worker visa?

Yes, you can change employers on a Skilled Worker visa, but you will need to apply to update your visa. This is essentially a new Skilled Worker visa application. You will need a new Certificate of Sponsorship from your new employer, and your new job must meet all the Skilled Worker visa requirements, including being an eligible occupation and meeting the minimum salary thresholds. You should not start your new job until your new visa application has been approved.

How much does it cost?

I would not include this information because fees are subject to change at least once a year and the information is easily available online.

The cost of a Skilled Worker visa application generally includes:

Application fee

This varies depending on whether you are applying from inside or outside the UK and the length of your visa (up to 3 years or more than 3 years). As of April 2025, standard fees range from £769 to £1,751 per person. A lower fee applies if your job is on the Immigration Salary List.

Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)

This is usually £1,035 per year and provides access to the National Health Service (NHS).

Maintenance funds

You will need to show you have at least £1,270 in personal savings, unless your employer covers this.

Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) Fee

Your employer will pay a fee to assign the CoS (currently £525 for most Skilled Workers).

Immigration Skills Charge

Your employer will also pay this charge (amount varies based on business size and visa length) and a 32% increase was proposed but yet to be introduced.

How long does a skilled worker visa application take?

Once you've applied, proven your identity, and provided your documents, you'll usually get a decision on your Skilled Worker visa application within:

• 3 weeks, if you're applying from outside the UK.
• 8 weeks, if you're applying from inside the UK.
• 3 weeks if applying for a health and care worker visa.

Processing times can sometimes be longer if your supporting documents need verification, you need to attend an interview. Faster decisions may be available through priority services for an additional fee.

Speak to our Skilled Worker Visa solicitors

If you are exploring your options for a visa or require international business advice, our highly experienced skilled worker visa solicitor will assist you in exploring all your options. Our business immigration experts advise businesses and individuals, including executives and senior management teams, on all aspects of business immigration including visas.

Contact Our Business Immigration Team