The Skilled Worker visa is the UK's main immigration route for overseas nationals seeking to work in skilled roles with licensed employers. It replaced the Tier 2 (General) visa in December 2020.
For both individuals and sponsoring companies, navigating the Skilled Worker visa route can be challenging. Our experienced immigration lawyers provide comprehensive legal advice, assisting individuals with their applications and guiding employers through the sponsorship process.
To qualify, you need a job offer from a licensed UK employer, must meet skill and salary thresholds, prove English language ability, and have adequate maintenance funds.
Your employer must hold a valid sponsor licence from the Home Office. This involves the employer demonstrating they have proper HR systems, can monitor workers, and meet reporting duties. Not all UK companies can sponsor - they must apply for and maintain a licence, comply with sponsor duties, and pay relevant fees.
The sponsor must be actively trading in the UK and have no unspent criminal convictions for immigration offences or fraud.
Your job must be skilled to at least RQF Level 3 (equivalent to A-level). This doesn't mean you need these qualifications, but the job itself must require this skill level. Each eligible occupation has a 4-digit SOC code and detailed job description in the Immigration Rules. Some roles may seem skilled but don't qualify - for example, many hospitality roles aren't eligible despite requiring significant experience.
You must be paid either £26,200 per year, the 'going rate' for your specific occupation, or £10.75 per hour - whichever is highest. The going rate varies by job code and is pro-rated for part-time work. Some roles have different thresholds - for instance, new entrants can be paid 30% less. Only guaranteed basic salary counts - not overtime, bonuses, or other benefits.
You must prove English ability at CEFR level B1 in reading, writing, speaking and listening. This can be demonstrated through:
Passing an approved English test (like IELTS)
Having a degree taught in English
Being from a majority English-speaking country
Different tests and scores are acceptable, and some nationals are automatically exempt.
Unless your sponsor certifies maintenance, you must have £1,270 held for 28 days before applying. This shows you can support yourself initially. The requirement increases if bringing dependants. The money must be in cash funds you can access - property or non-liquid assets don't count.
The process involves getting sponsorship, gathering documents, applying online, and providing biometrics.
Securing sponsorship - find an employer with a licence willing to sponsor you. They must issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) - a virtual document with details of your role. The CoS must be assigned before you can apply and contains crucial information like your salary and job code. Some roles need a 'restricted' CoS which has additional requirements.
Document preparation - you'll need a valid passport, qualification certificates, English language proof, bank statements for maintenance, TB test results if applicable, criminal record certificate for certain roles, professional registration where required. Each document must meet specific format requirements and some need translations.
Applications are made online through the UK government website.
Initial visas last up to 5 years and can be extended multiple times. There's no maximum total time in this category.
Your first skilled worker visa matches your Certificate of Sponsorship length plus one month. While a 5-year visa is possible, many employers issue shorter CoS initially. Your visa start date can be up to 14 days before your job starts, allowing time to relocate. You must enter the UK and start work within 28 days of either your visa start date or the job start date on your CoS, whichever is later.
Visa extensions require :-
Continued employment with a licensed sponsor
Meeting current salary thresholds (which may have increased)
Maintaining skill level requirements
No excessive absences if planning settlement
Extensions can be with the same or different employer but must be applied for before your current visa expires. Any gaps between jobs must be minimal and explained.
After 5 years, you may qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), leading to permanent residence rights.
Our immigration team provides end-to-end support for your visa journey, from initial application through to settlement including :-
Initial Assessment
Sponsor licence issues
Application Support - Document checking and preparation and application form completion
Home Office liaison - including urgent application processes if needed
Regular updates keep you informed throughout.
Ongoing Compliance
Extension planning
Employer changes
Absence monitoring
Settlement preparation
Dependant applications
Get in touch
If you would like to speak with a member of the team you can contact us on:
Partner - Family & Immigration Solicitor
Sushma is a Consultant Partner at Taylor Rose.
She is a specialist and experienced immigration lawyer with a national reputation.
Sushma also advises on family law matters including divorce and financial remedy. She is a member of Resolut...
