The Skilled Worker visa is the UK’s main work immigration route, allowing employers to recruit overseas talent through a sponsorship system.
The route operates under the UK’s points-based system. Applicants must score 70 points by meeting requirements relating to sponsorship, skill level, salary and English language ability.
This is a sponsored visa, meaning the applicant’s immigration status is tied to a specific employer and role. Any change of employer or role will usually require a new application.
Duration and Settlement
The visa is granted in line with the length of sponsorship, up to a maximum of 5 years.
After 5 years of continuous residence, applicants may become eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
There is no limit on the number of extensions, provided the requirements continue to be met.
Dependants
Applicants may bring:
- A spouse or partner
- Children under 18
Dependants are usually permitted to live and work in the UK.
Additional maintenance funds are required:
- £285 for a partner
- £315 for the first child
£200 for each additional child
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Have a job offer from a licensed UK sponsor
Hold a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
Be sponsored for an eligible role (normally RQF Level 6 or above)
Meet the salary requirements
Meet the English language requirement
Salary Requirement
The Skilled Worker route does not operate on a single minimum salary.
Applicants must be paid the higher of:
The general salary threshold (typically £41,700)
The going rate for the occupation
Lower salary thresholds may apply under tradeable points options, such as:
Relevant PhD
STEM PhD
New entrant status
Immigration Salary List roles
Sponsorship Requirement
Applicants must be sponsored by a UK employer holding a valid sponsor licence.
The sponsor must:
Assign a valid Certificate of Sponsorship
Offer a genuine role
Comply with ongoing sponsor duties
Sponsorship compliance is a core legal requirement of this route.
English Language Requirement
Applicants must meet English language requirements:
B2 for new applications (from 2026)
B1 for extensions and settlement
This can be met through:
Approved English tests
Degrees taught in English
Nationality exemptions
Application Process
Typical process:
- Secure a job offer
Receive Certificate of Sponsorship
Prepare documents
Submit application online
Attend biometric appointment
Wait for decision
Visa Conditions
Visa holders must:
- Work for their sponsoring employer
- Apply for a new visa if changing employer
- Comply with supplementary work limits
- Take action within 60 days if employment ends
Common Risks
Common refusal reasons include:
Incorrect salary calculations
Wrong SOC code
Incomplete or inconsistent documentation
Failure to meet English requirements
Errors in sponsorship
Sponsor non-compliance may also lead to visa curtailment.
Professional Advice
The Skilled Worker route involves complex legal and compliance requirements for both employers and applicants.
Errors can result in refusal, delay or enforcement action.
Early legal advice can help reduce risk and ensure the application is properly prepared.
Our Services
- We provide:
- End-to-end Skilled Worker visa support
- Sponsor licence advice and applications
- Salary and role compliance analysis
- Application preparation and review
- Extensions and switching
- Settlement (ILR) planning
We deliver clear, practical and commercially focused immigration advice.