What Is the UK Skilled Worker Visa?
The UK Skilled Worker Visa is the main route for non-UK nationals to work in the United Kingdom under employer sponsorship. It replaced the old Tier 2 (General) visa in December 2020 and has since become the cornerstone of the UK's post-Brexit immigration system.
To apply, you need a confirmed job offer from a UK employer that holds a valid sponsor licence, along with a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) issued by that employer for your specific role. There is no cap on the number of Skilled Worker visas issued each year, and any nationality can apply.
Salary Requirements (2025)
As of July 2025, the Skilled Worker visa has a general salary threshold of £41,700 per year (or the going rate for your specific occupation code — whichever is higher). The going rate is occupation-specific and is set by the Home Office using the ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings.
You must meet both thresholds simultaneously:
- The general threshold: £41,700/year
- The occupation-specific going rate for your SOC code
The former Shortage Occupation List salary discount (20% below threshold) was abolished in April 2024. It has been replaced by the Immigration Salary List (ISL), which lists occupations where a reduced threshold may apply — but the discount is smaller and applies to fewer roles. Always check the current ISL on GOV.UK.
Health and Care Worker Route
If you work as a doctor, nurse, allied health professional, or adult social care worker employed by the NHS, an NHS-commissioned service, or a CQC-registered care provider, you qualify for the Health and Care Worker Visa — a discounted version of the Skilled Worker route:
- Application fee: £284 (up to 3 years) or £551 (over 3 years)
- No Immigration Health Surcharge — saving £1,035 per person per year
- Same rights and settlement pathway as the standard Skilled Worker
Fees and Costs
Standard Skilled Worker outside the UK (2025 rates):
- Up to 3 years: £769
- Over 3 years: £1,519
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £1,035 per person per year — paid upfront for the full visa period
- Certificate of Sponsorship: paid by the employer (usually £239 for the CoS itself, plus the Skilled Worker additional charge)
A 5-year Skilled Worker visa for one person costs approximately £769 visa fee + £5,175 IHS = £5,944 total, before any professional fees.
English Language Requirement
You must demonstrate English at B1 CEFR level (equivalent to IELTS 4.0 in each component). Critically, you must take IELTS for UKVI — not the standard IELTS Academic or General Training. Using the wrong test type is a common and costly mistake that results in automatic refusal.
Exemptions apply for nationals of majority English-speaking countries (Australia, Canada, NZ, USA, Ireland) and holders of a degree taught in English at a recognised institution.
How to Apply Step by Step
- Confirm your employer is on the Register of Licensed Sponsors (searchable on GOV.UK).
- Receive your Certificate of Sponsorship reference number from your employer.
- Check your salary meets both the general threshold and occupation going rate.
- Book and take IELTS for UKVI if required.
- Complete the online application at UKVI.
- Pay the visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge upfront.
- Attend a biometric appointment at a UKVI Application Centre.
- Receive your visa decision (typically 3–8 weeks outside the UK).
Route to ILR (Permanent Settlement)
After 5 years of continuous lawful residence on the Skilled Worker route, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). Requirements:
- 5 years continuous residence on Skilled Worker (or combined with another qualifying route)
- No more than 180 days absence in any 12-month rolling period during the qualifying period
- Current salary meets the ILR salary threshold
- Life in the UK test (25 questions, 75% pass mark)
- English B1 CEFR or above
- ILR fee: £3,029 per person
After holding ILR for 12 months, you can apply for British citizenship.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I switch employer on a Skilled Worker visa?
Yes, but your new employer must assign you a new Certificate of Sponsorship before you start working for them. You cannot simply move between employers without a new CoS being in place.
Does my family pay IHS too?
Yes. Every dependent (spouse, civil partner, and children under 18) pays the full IHS rate of £1,035 per year. For a family of four on a 5-year visa, the IHS alone exceeds £20,000.
What is the difference between the general threshold and the going rate?
The general threshold (£41,700) is the minimum salary for any Skilled Worker role. The going rate is occupation-specific — for some high-paying professions like doctors and engineers it is significantly above £41,700. Your salary must meet the higher of the two figures.
This is general guidance only. Always verify current requirements with GOV.UK before applying.