The Skilled Worker visa opens doors for qualified professionals ready to contribute in the UK. Meeting specific job, salary, and sponsorship criteria ensures eligibility, while the application process demands careful preparation. Understanding fees, timelines, and rights helps navigate this opportunity confidently. Whether planning new employment or extending your stay, mastering these details unlocks a smoother path toward working and living in the UK.
Within the UK immigration landscape, Synergy Immigration Solutions highlights that the Skilled Worker visa hinges on several mandatory eligibility elements. Applicants must first secure a legitimate job offer with a Home Office-approved employer. The job must be on the current eligible occupations list—with graduate-level (RQF 6+) now the baseline from July 2025. The sponsoring employer issues a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS); this document underpins the application and verifies details about the role, salary, and sponsorship commitments.
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To meet the salary thresholds, applicants must typically earn at least £41,700 per year or £17.13 per hour—whichever is greater—or satisfy role-specific exceptions where relevant. Lower thresholds may apply only if you’re continuing in a sub-degree role sponsored before July 2025. Additionally, 70 points are required across: a valid job offer, skill level, and English language proficiency. The English requirement stands at CEFR B1, evidenced via approved test results, UK degree qualifications, or relevant exemptions based on nationality.
The application process demands careful attention to evidence. Core documents include a valid passport, assigned CoS, and proof of English proficiency. Applicants must also show sufficient funds: a minimum of £1,270 held for at least 28 consecutive days within the previous 31 days (unless the sponsor certifies maintenance on your CoS). If bringing dependants, increase this by £285 for a partner, £315 for the first child, and £200 for each additional child. Some roles require a criminal record certificate.
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Financial planning is essential. The Skilled Worker visa application fee depends on personal circumstances: £769–£1,751 is typical, rising for applications exceeding three years or for in-country applicants. Add the annual Immigration Health Surcharge (£1,035 per year for most). Employers may need to pay the Immigration Skills Charge as part of sponsorship duties. Processing times: expect up to three weeks from outside the UK, or up to eight weeks within, with priority services available for an additional fee.
Applications open up to three months before your employment start date as listed on the CoS. All required documents must accompany your online UK skilled worker visa application form. Identity verification is mandatory, frequently using a biometric appointment or smartphone app upload. Failing to include correct evidence or incomplete forms may result in refusal, so thorough checks are a must at every stage.
To start applying for UK skilled worker visa, complete the UK skilled worker visa application form online through the Home Office portal, using your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). Applicants must submit UK skilled worker visa application supporting documents: identity evidence (passport or biometric card), the CoS, proof of English language skills, and sufficient funds unless maintenance is certified by your employer. Some job roles may require a criminal record certificate.
UK skilled worker visa processing times vary; expect up to three weeks for overseas applications and up to eight weeks from within the UK. Confirm all UK skilled worker visa residency requirements are met, especially if switching visa category or applying with dependants.
A skilled worker visa is usually valid for up to five years. Extensions depend on meeting salary thresholds and employer sponsorship. UK skilled worker visa dependent rules apply: partners and children can join if financial requirements are met. After five years, continuous residence may make you eligible for settlement.
UK skilled worker visa cost and fees range from £769 to £1,751 depending on application type and duration, with additional payment for the annual Immigration Health Surcharge. Employers are responsible for the Immigration Skills Charge and ensuring sponsorship compliance throughout the process.
From July 2025, changes to UK skilled worker visa 2025 introduce a new minimum salary threshold—£41,700 annually or £17.13 per hour—impacting UK skilled worker visa salary threshold updates 2025 across all sectors. Most roles now require RQF Level 6 qualifications, reflecting the new UK skilled worker visa new immigration rules 2025. Transitional salary bands phase out for new hires, and the current UK skilled worker visa shortage occupation list 2025 is trimmed, leaving the UK shortage occupation list UK focused on select high-need, graduate-level jobs. Sub-degree jobs move to a Temporary Shortage List set for expiry by December 2026.
Healthcare, IT, and STEM face tailored requirements. The UK skilled worker visa for healthcare workers follows a lower salary threshold (£29,960 or the going rate), with the Health and Care Worker visa offering savings and no health surcharge fees. Applicants comparing the Health and Care Worker visa vs skilled worker visa find eligibility determined by job code; only specified healthcare roles qualify for the special route. For IT and STEM, elevated RQF and salary bars apply, shaping the UK skilled worker visa for IT professionals and limiting the UK work visa for Indian IT specialists to highly skilled candidates.
Competition intensifies as the UK skilled worker visa for Indian nationals and UK work visa for Indian IT specialists are now accessible mainly for graduate-level positions. All applicants must meet strict UK skilled worker visa English language requirements at B1 level and secure sponsorship for eligible job codes listed on the revised shortage lists.
UK skilled worker visa employee rights are clear: you may work in your sponsored role, undertake approved secondary employment, and travel freely in and out of the UK. However, you cannot access most public funds or claim state benefits. UK skilled worker visa dependent work rights are broad—spouses and partners usually have full access to employment, while children may study or work, provided they meet the eligibility requirements.
After five years of lawful residence, you may pursue the UK skilled worker visa to permanent residence route by meeting the government’s eligibility and ongoing salary rules. This includes holding a qualifying job, passing the Life in the UK test, and demonstrating English proficiency at the required level. Current consultations may extend this period in the future, so always check the latest UK skilled worker visa government official guidance.
Guidance is available through official government channels and reputable advisors for all UK skilled worker visa FAQs. UK skilled worker visa appeal process options exist if you face refusal, usually on procedural grounds. Always confirm that job offers fulfill UK skilled worker visa job offer essential conditions to avoid complications.