Skilled Worker Visa UK – Full Guide to Requirements, Application, and Sponsorship

The Skilled Worker Visa lets overseas professionals live and work legally in the UK, as long as they have a job offer from an approved employer. It replaced the old Tier 2 (General) visa and is now one of the UK’s main routes for skilled migration. If you’re aiming to work in Britain or want to hire someone from abroad, this guide will help you understand the full process, the requirements, and what to expect in 2025.

What Is Skilled Worker Visa UK?

The Skilled Worker Visa is a legal route for non-UK nationals to work in eligible jobs across different sectors, including healthcare, engineering, technology, and education. Applicants must have a confirmed job offer from a UK-based sponsor that holds a valid sponsorship licence.

Key Benefits:

• Live and work in the UK for up to 5 years at a time
• Bring your spouse or partner and children
• Access to healthcare and public services
• A route towards Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)

Who Can Apply for a Skilled Worker Visa UK?

To qualify, you’ll need to meet a few basic conditions:

• You must be at least 18 years old
• You need a confirmed job offer from a UK employer who is licensed to sponsor overseas workers
• The job must be eligible under the Skilled Worker visa list
• You must meet the salary threshold (usually £38,700 per year in 2025 unless your job is on the shortage list)
• You must speak English at the required level

You’ll also need to show that you can support yourself financially and meet any health or background checks if asked.

What Jobs Are Eligible Under the Skilled Worker Visa?

Approved Occupations List

Jobs eligible under this visa span a wide range of sectors. Some of the most in-demand roles include:

• Healthcare – Nurses, paramedics, care workers, radiographers, and more
• IT and Tech – Software developers, cybersecurity analysts, and systems architects
• Engineering – Civil, mechanical, and electrical engineers
• Teaching – Especially secondary school teachers in maths, physics, and computing
• Construction – Bricklayers, roofers, carpenters, and site managers

Each role has a specific SOC code (Standard Occupational Classification), which you’ll need when applying.

Shortage Occupation List (SOL)

Some roles are considered shortage occupations. These jobs have lower salary thresholds and faster processing. They include care workers, butchers, welders, and several engineering roles. If your job is on the SOL, it makes your application slightly easier.

Skilled Worker Visa UK Requirements in 2025

Here’s what you’ll need to apply:

• A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your employer – this confirms your job offer and role
• An eligible salary – usually £38,700 or £15.88 per hour unless you’re applying for a job on the shortage list, new entrant route, or under specific exemptions
• Proof of English language skills – through an approved test or qualifications
• A tuberculosis (TB) test certificate if you’re from a listed country
• A criminal record certificate – required for some roles, particularly those involving vulnerable people

You may also need to show financial support unless your sponsor is covering it for you.

How to Apply for a Skilled Worker Visa

Step by Step Process

• Get a job offer from a UK sponsor
• Receive your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your employer
• Complete the online visa application form
• Book your biometrics appointment – photo and fingerprints
• Submit your supporting documents

You can apply from your home country or from within the UK if you’re switching from another eligible visa.

Supporting Documents

• Your passport or travel ID
• Your CoS reference number
• Proof of English – such as an IELTS test
• Bank statements (if needed to show you can support yourself)
• Employer letter outlining job details
• Payslips or contracts (for certain cases)

Make sure all documents are in English or Welsh, or include certified translations.

Application Timelines

Most Skilled Worker visa applications are processed within 3 to 8 weeks, depending on whether you’re applying from inside or outside the UK. Priority and super priority options can speed this up to just 1 or 2 working days, but these services cost more.

Costs of a Skilled Worker Visa

The visa isn’t cheap, so it’s important to budget properly.

Standard Application Fees (2025):

• £719–£1,500 per person, depending on how long you stay and where you’re applying from
• Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) – £1,035 per year
• Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) fee – usually paid by your employer

If you’re bringing family members, the costs will go up per dependant.

Employers also face additional costs, such as the Immigration Skills Charge, which ranges from £364 to £1,000 per year.

Bringing Dependants to the UK

You can bring family members with you as long as they qualify as dependants:

• Spouse or civil partner
• Unmarried partner (if you’ve lived together for at least 2 years)
• Children under 18 (or over 18 if already in the UK as dependants)

Each family member needs to make their own application and pay the same visa fees and health surcharge. They’re allowed to work, study, and live in the UK for as long as your visa lasts.

How Long Is the Skilled Worker Visa Valid For?

You can get the visa for up to 5 years at a time. If your job or circumstances change, you can extend the visa or switch to a different one if eligible.

Make sure to apply for renewal before your current visa runs out. Changing jobs is possible, but you’ll need a new Certificate of Sponsorship and must update the Home Office.

Can You Get Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)?

Yes, you can apply for ILR after 5 years of continuous residence on the Skilled Worker route. This allows you to stay permanently in the UK.

To qualify, you’ll need to:

• Have held valid Skilled Worker leave for 5 years
• Not have spent more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period
• Pass the Life in the UK Test
• Show that you still meet the salary requirements and job eligibility

Once granted, ILR gives you full freedom to live and work in the UK without needing further visas.

Skilled Worker Sponsorship – What Employers Need to Know

If you’re an employer wanting to hire a skilled worker from abroad, you’ll need a valid Sponsor Licence from the Home Office.

Key steps:

• Apply for a sponsorship licence
• Assign Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) to each worker
• Meet ongoing compliance duties, including record-keeping and reporting changes
• Pay the appropriate fees

Many applications are delayed due to common mistakes like submitting incomplete documents or failing to understand sponsor duties. Getting legal support can help reduce the risk of errors and save time.

FAQs – Skilled Worker Visa UK

What is the Skilled Worker Visa salary threshold in 2025?

The standard threshold is £38,700 per year or £15.88 per hour. Lower thresholds apply for shortage occupations, new entrants, and certain public sector jobs.

Can I apply without a job offer?

No. You need a confirmed job offer from a licensed UK sponsor before you can apply.

How long does the visa process take?

Most applications are processed in 3 to 8 weeks. Faster services are available for an extra fee.

Can I switch to a Skilled Worker Visa from inside the UK?

Yes. You can switch from visas like the Student Visa, Graduate Visa, or Health and Care Worker Visa if you meet the requirements.

Is there an age limit for Skilled Worker Visa applicants?

There is no upper age limit, but you must be at least 18 to apply.

The Skilled Worker Visa is one of the most reliable ways for overseas professionals to live and work in the UK. Whether you’re applying for yourself or sponsoring someone as an employer, it’s important to follow the process carefully and stay updated with the latest rules. With a strong job offer, clear documents, and the right support, this route can open up long-term opportunities in the UK.

Need Help Applying for a Skilled Worker Visa?

We offer free immigration advice to help you get started with your Skilled Worker Visa application. Our team of experienced solicitors at solicitors in Manchester provides support throughout the process.

Call 0161 464 4140 or book an appointment .