What is a UK Skilled Worker Visa?
The UK Skilled Worker visa replaced the old Tier 2 (General) visa and is now the main route for overseas workers. It lets UK employers sponsor non-UK nationals for skilled roles. To qualify, applicants need 70 points, which come from factors like job skill level, salary, English proficiency, and an offer from a UK-licensed sponsor.
This visa also covers spouses, long-term partners, and dependent children, allowing them to join the main applicant in the UK. It lasts up to five years, after which workers may qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain.
UK Skilled Worker Visa Requirements and New Rules
The rules for the Skilled Worker visa UK are outlined in Appendix Skilled Worker. To be eligible, applicants must score a total of 70 points based on specific requirements.
Of these, 50 points come from mandatory (non-tradeable) criteria, including having a valid job offer, meeting the required skill level, and proving English proficiency. The remaining 20 points are based on tradeable criteria, such as salary level or occupation shortage. If you’re applying under the UK Skilled Worker Dependent Visa new rules, it’s important to stay updated on any changes that might impact your eligibility and application process.
- Skilled Worker Visa Minimum Salary
If you’re applying for a Skilled Worker visa, the minimum salary requirement for most applicants is £38,700—unless you qualify for a salary discount. This is known as Option A in the Home Office guidance. Besides meeting this annual threshold, your salary must also match or exceed the standard rate for your job.
The Home Office outlines these salary rules in Appendix Skilled Worker. There are two main thresholds—one for first-time Skilled Worker visa applicants and another for those renewing their visa or switching employers.
- Sponsored Role Requirement
To apply for a Skilled Worker visa, you need 20 points from employment sponsorship. Both you and your employer must meet certain conditions. Your employer (the sponsor) must have a valid sponsorship licence with an A rating and must have paid the Immigration Skills Charge. The Home Office will also check if the job is genuine and necessary for the company.
Your employer must assign you a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) specifically for your role before you can apply for your visa.
- Certificate of Sponsorship Requirement
Before you submit your visa application, your UK sponsor must issue you a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to confirm that both you and the job meet sponsorship eligibility. This is a reference number you’ll need for your Home Office application, and only licensed sponsors can provide it.
There are two types of CoS: Defined CoS (for applicants outside the UK) and Undefined CoS (for those switching to a Skilled Worker visa from within the UK or applying under another visa route). Employers must apply for a defined CoS, providing job details and salary information. Undefined CoS are allocated annually based on the company’s workforce size and needs.
- Skill Requirement
Your job must be considered skilled enough for the Skilled Worker visa. It must be at RQF level 3 or above (equivalent to A-levels in the UK). The Home Office uses Standard Occupation Codes (SOC) to determine eligibility. Your employer must match your job to the correct SOC code using the ONS occupation coding tool and check if it’s on the eligible jobs list.
Employers can’t use an incorrect SOC code or exaggerate job requirements to fit the visa criteria. If the Home Office finds discrepancies, they may ask for additional proof of your qualifications. A genuine mistake in the SOC code can be corrected, but if the job or applicant doesn’t meet the required skill level, the visa application can be refused.
- English Language Requirement
To qualify for a Skilled Worker visa, you must prove your English proficiency at B1 level in reading, writing, speaking, and understanding. If you’ve already met this requirement in a previous UK visa application or you’re from an exempt country, you won’t need to prove it again.
Otherwise, you can meet the requirement by:
- Having a GCSE, A-level, or Scottish National Qualification in English.
- Holding a degree taught in English.
- Passing an approved Secure English Language Test (SELT).
- Financial Maintenance Requirement
You need to show that you have enough money to support yourself since you won’t have access to public funds. The rules require at least £1,270 in your bank account, held for 28 consecutive days before applying.
You won’t need to provide proof if you’ve been in the UK for at least 12 months with lawful status or if your employer agrees to cover your first month’s costs (they must confirm this on your Certificate of Sponsorship).
If your dependents are applying with you, you’ll need additional funds:
- £285 for your partner
- £315 for your first child
- £200 for each additional child
For example, if you’re applying with a spouse and three children, you’ll need at least £2,270 in savings.
- Background Check Requirement
Some applicants may also need to provide a criminal record certificate, depending on their job role.
Timeline for the UK Skilled Worker Visa
- Get Your Certificate of Sponsorship
First, you’ll need a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your employer. This isn’t a physical document but an electronic record with details about your job and personal information. Your employer will assign it to you through the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) Sponsor Management System.
- Apply for the Skilled Worker Visa
Once you have your CoS, you can apply for your Skilled Worker Visa online. The application will ask for details about your job, personal information, and travel history. Be sure to fill it out accurately to avoid any delays or complications.
- Pay the Required Fees
You’ll need to cover a few costs when applying:
- Application fee – The amount depends on your visa duration and whether you’re applying from inside or outside the UK.
- Immigration Health Surcharge – This allows you to access the NHS during your stay.
- Immigration Skills Charge – This fee may apply, but your employer usually pays it.
- Submit Your Supporting Documents
Your application must include:
- Passport or travel document
- Proof of English proficiency (e.g., IELTS for UKVI)
- Bank statements or proof of financial support
- Your CoS reference number
- Any other required documents based on your situation
Make sure your documents are clear and high-quality scans to prevent delays. If you’re unsure about any requirements, getting professional advice can help.
- Attend Your Biometric Appointment
Once you’ve submitted your application and documents, you’ll need to attend a biometric appointment at a local visa center. Here, your fingerprints and photo will be taken for your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP). You may also need to submit your passport or travel document at this stage.
- Wait for a Decision
Processing times vary, but most Skilled Worker Visa applications are decided within 3 to 8 weeks. During this period, UKVI may contact you or your employer for additional documents or clarifications.
- Receive Your Visa Decision
Once a decision is made, you’ll get a notification. If approved, your passport will have a vignette (sticker) valid for 30 days, allowing you to enter the UK. If you applied from within the UK, you’ll receive your BRP directly.
- Travel to the UK
If you applied from outside the UK, you must travel within 30 days of your vignette’s validity. Once you arrive, collect your BRP from a Post Office within 10 days. Your BRP acts as proof of your visa and work rights in the UK.
- Start Your New Job
With your Skilled Worker Visa and BRP, you’re ready to start work! Just make sure you follow the visa conditions—such as not working for another employer without permission or claiming public funds. Violating these rules could lead to visa cancellation.
Need Help with Your Visa?
The UK Skilled Worker Visa process can feel overwhelming, but with the right support, you can get through it smoothly. If you need guidance, Farani Taylor Solicitors, the best law firm in London, is here to help. Our expert immigration team will ensure a hassle-free application, so you can focus on starting your new life in the UK. Get in touch today and let us handle the complexities for you!
