Skilled Worker Visa

The Skilled Worker Visa allows overseas professionals to work in the UK for approved employers in eligible roles. It replaced the Tier 2 (General) route and is one of the most common ways for skilled individuals to live and work in the United Kingdom.

Overview

Applicants must hold a job offer from a Home Office–approved sponsor, meet the minimum skill and salary level, and satisfy the English language and financial requirements. The visa can lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after five years of continuous lawful residence.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for a Skilled Worker Visa, you must:

• Have a confirmed job offer from a UK employer with a valid sponsorship licence

• Be issued a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) for the role

• Work in a position listed on the eligible occupations list

• Meet the required skill level (RQF Level 3 or above)

• Earn at least the minimum salary threshold or the ‘going rate’ for your occupation (whichever is higher)

• Meet the English language requirement (at least B1 CEFR level)

• Have £1,270 available to support yourself (unless exempt)

• Provide a criminal record certificate if your role requires one

• Achieve at least 70 points under the UK’s immigration points-based system

Minimum Salary Requirement

Applicants must meet a minimum salary that corresponds to their job type and skill level. The general salary threshold is £38,700 per year, or the ‘going rate’ for the job (if higher).

Exceptions

Certain roles in the health and social care sectors and those listed on the Immigration Salary List may qualify for lower salary thresholds. All salaries must still meet the applicable hourly rate as specified by the Home Office.

English Language Requirement

Applicants must show English proficiency at Level B1 on the CEFR scale, proven by one of the following:

• Passing a Secure English Language Test (SELT) from an approved provider

• Holding a UK qualification (GCSE, A Level, or Scottish equivalent in English)

• Holding a recognised degree taught in English (confirmed by ECCTIS)

• Being a citizen of a majority English-speaking country such as the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Jamaica, or Malta

Financial Requirement

You must show you can support yourself financially when arriving in the UK. At least £1,270 must be held for 28 consecutive days before applying. You do not need to show this if you’ve lived in the UK for at least 12 months on a valid visa, or if your sponsor confirms maintenance for your first month.

Points-Based System

To qualify for a Skilled Worker Visa, you must score a total of 70 points, made up of:
Mandatory 50 Points

• Job offer from an approved sponsor – 20 points

• Job at the correct skill level – 20 points

• English language ability – 10 points
  Tradeable 20 Points
  Earned through a combination of:

• Salary level

• Job on the Immigration Salary List

• Relevant PhD

• Role in a shortage sector

Sponsorship Requirements

Your employer must:

• Hold a valid A-rated sponsor licence

• Assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) for your position

• Pay the Immigration Skills Charge (ISC)

• Offer a genuine vacancy that meets Home Office criteria
  Sponsor licences are valid for four years and typically processed within eight weeks, with priority options available.

Visa Duration and Family Members

The Skilled Worker Visa is usually granted for up to five years. You can extend it or apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain once you’ve worked and lived in the UK continuously for five years. You can also bring your partner and children as dependants, allowing them to live, work, and study in the UK.

How Hi Solicitors Can Help

At Hi Solicitors, our immigration specialists provide tailored legal advice and application support for Skilled Worker Visas. We assist with:

• Checking job and salary eligibility

• Preparing visa and sponsor licence applications

• Advising employers on compliance and sponsorship duties

• Supporting dependant and family applications

• Handling refusals and administrative reviews

Speak to a Skilled Worker Visa Solicitor

If you’re planning to work in the UK or need help extending your Skilled Worker Visa, our team is ready to assist.
Call 01204 371414
Email [email protected]
Or complete our online enquiry form for a free consultation.
For an overview of the most recent Home Office updates, see our article on Immigration Changes in 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum salary for a Skilled Worker Visa?
The general threshold is £38,700 or the ‘going rate’ for the job, whichever is higher.
Can I apply for ILR under this visa?
Yes, after five years of continuous residence in the UK.
Can I switch employers?
Yes, but your new employer must have a sponsor licence and issue a new Certificate of Sponsorship.
Can my family join me?
Yes, partners and children can apply as dependants.
Are healthcare workers affected by the higher salary threshold?
No, the higher threshold does not apply to roles covered by the Health and Care Worker route.