💼 UK Skilled Worker Visa Guide
Complete guide to applying for sponsored work in the UK through the Skilled Worker visa
Skilled Worker Visa Overview
The Skilled Worker visa allows you to work in the UK if you have a skilled job offer from a licensed UK employer. This visa is points-tested and requires you to earn at least £28,800 per year (or the going rate for your job, whichever is higher).
✅ Eligibility Requirements
Key Requirements:
- ✓Job offer from licensed UK employer
- ✓Salary of at least £28,800 per year
- ✓English language proficiency
- ✓Maintenance funds requirement
- ✓Certificate of Sponsorship
English Language:
IELTS
Overall 6.0 (no less than 5.5 in each)
Most common testTOEFL iBT
Overall 80 (no less than 17 in each)
Alternative testExemptions
If from majority English-speaking country
Check list of exempt countries💰 Salary Thresholds
Minimum Salary Rates:
Standard Rate
£28,800 per year (£2,400 per month)
For most skilled occupationsNew Entrant Rate
£23,040 per year (£1,920 per month)
For recent graduates under 26Going Rate
Industry-specific minimum salary
Higher of the two rates appliesKey Points:
- ✓Salary must be paid before tax
- ✓Includes basic salary plus most allowances
- ✓Must be for the job you're being sponsored for
- ✓Can include overtime and commission
- ✗Cannot include employer's pension contributions
📋 Step-by-Step Application Process
Find a Job Offer
Secure a skilled job offer from a licensed UK employer:
- • Job must be at skill level 1, 2, or 3 on the UK immigration skilled worker occupation list
- • Employer must be licensed to sponsor skilled workers
- • Salary must meet the minimum threshold
- • Job offer must be genuine and not for a temporary position
Certificate of Sponsorship
Your employer applies for and obtains a Certificate of Sponsorship:
- • Employer submits application to Home Office
- • Includes job details, salary, and your qualifications
- • Certificate is issued if application is approved
- • Certificate includes a unique reference number
Gather Documents
Prepare all required documents:
- • Valid passport
- • Certificate of Sponsorship
- • Job offer letter
- • English language certificate
- • Degree certificates
- • Proof of maintenance funds
- • Tuberculosis test results (if applicable)
- • Criminal record certificate (if applicable)
Apply Online
Submit your visa application:
- • Apply online through gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa
- • Use your Certificate of Sponsorship reference number
- • Complete the application form with personal details
- • Upload all required documents
Pay Fees and Submit
Complete your application:
- • Pay visa application fee (£1,405)
- • Pay Immigration Health Surcharge (£1,035 for 5 years)
- • Submit application and wait for decision
- • Processing typically takes 8 weeks
🎯 Skill Levels and Occupations
Skill Level 1
Graduate jobs and senior roles requiring degree-level qualifications
Skill Level 2
Technical and professional jobs requiring A-level qualifications
Skill Level 3
Skilled trades and supervisory roles requiring GCSE qualifications
Important: Check the latest skilled worker occupation list on gov.uk to confirm your job is eligible. The list is updated regularly and includes specific codes for each occupation.
🎁 Benefits of Skilled Worker Visa
Bring Family
Bring your partner and children to live with you in the UK
Study
Study part-time courses without affecting your visa
Progress
Pathway to settlement and potentially indefinite leave to remain
Work
Work for your sponsor and potentially switch employers
Travel
Travel freely in and out of the UK during your visa period
Settle
Apply for settlement after 5 years of continuous residence
What's Your Next Step?
⚠️ Important Considerations
- • Sponsor License: Your employer must have a valid sponsor license
- • Criminal Record: May need to provide police certificates from certain countries
- • Health Requirements: Tuberculosis test may be required
- • Maintenance Funds: Must show £1,270 in savings (or more if bringing family)
- • Official Sources: Always check gov.uk for latest information
- • Biometrics: You may need to attend an appointment for biometrics