Who Can Apply for a Skilled Worker Visa?
The Skilled Worker visa is open to non-UK residents aged 18 or older who have a confirmed job offer from a UK employer licensed by the Home Office. It is suitable for those aiming to work in eligible skilled roles such as nurses, software developers, care workers, teachers, engineers, and more. Applicants must meet salary, skill, and language criteria and secure a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from an approved employer.
Overview of the UK Skilled Worker Visa
The UK’s Skilled Worker visa, which replaced the Tier 2 (General) visa, allows non-UK residents to work in eligible skilled roles for approved employers. Designed to address labor shortages in sectors like healthcare, IT, and engineering, it’s a points-based system requiring applicants to meet specific criteria, including a job offer, skill level, salary thresholds, and English proficiency. This visa offers a pathway to long-term residency, with the possibility of applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain after 5 years. Check if your job is eligible here.
Eligibility Checklist for Applicants
To qualify for a Skilled Worker visa, applicants must satisfy a comprehensive set of requirements. Below is the full eligibility checklist:
- Job Offer from a Licensed Sponsor: You must have a confirmed job offer from a UK employer with a valid sponsor license, issued through a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). The CoS details your role, salary, and occupation code. Verify sponsor status on the official sponsor list.
- Eligible Occupation: The job must be at Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) Level 3 or above (equivalent to A-levels), covering roles like nurses, software developers, or teachers. Use the CASCOT coding tool to confirm the occupation code.
- Minimum Salary: The role must pay at least £38,700 per year (based on a 37.5-hour week) or the occupation’s “going rate,” whichever is higher, unless it’s on the Immigration Salary List (ISL) with a lower threshold of £30,960. New entrants (under 26, recent graduates, or those switching from a Student visa) may qualify with £30,960 or 70% of the going rate.
- English Language Proficiency: You must demonstrate B1-level English (Common European Framework) in reading, writing, speaking, and listening, proven through an approved test, a degree taught in English, or citizenship from a majority English-speaking country.
- Financial Maintenance: Show £1,270 in savings held for 28 consecutive days within 31 days before applying, unless the sponsor certifies they’ll cover your costs for the first month.
- Criminal Record: For certain roles (e.g., healthcare or education), provide a criminal record certificate from any country you’ve lived in for 12+ months in the last 10 years.
- Tuberculosis (TB) Test: Required if you’re from a listed country. Check if you need a TB test here.
- Age: Be 18 or older at the time of application.
- Visa Status: If in the UK, you must not be on a Visitor, Short-term Student, or other ineligible visa. Those on Student or Graduate visas may switch under specific conditions.
- Points Requirement: Score 70 points in the points-based system: 50 for mandatory criteria (job offer, skill level, English) and 20 for salary or tradeable points (e.g., ISL role, new entrant status, or PhD in a relevant field).
Additional role-specific requirements, like qualifications for doctors or experience for welders, may apply.
How to Apply for a Skilled Worker Visa
Applying for a Skilled Worker visa involves a clear sequence of steps to ensure compliance with UK immigration rules:
- Secure a Job Offer: Find a role with a Home Office-approved sponsor. The employer provides a CoS with your job title, salary, and occupation code.
- Check Eligibility: Confirm the role meets RQF Level 3 and salary requirements. Verify if it’s on the ISL for a lower salary threshold.
- Gather Documents: Prepare:
- CoS reference number.
- Valid passport.
- Proof of English proficiency.
- Bank statements showing £1,270 (if required).
- TB test results (if applicable).
- Criminal record certificate (for relevant roles).
- Qualifications or experience relevant to the job.
- Submit Online Application: Complete the form on the UK Visas and Immigration website.
- Pay Fees: Pay the visa fee (£625–£1,235 for standard roles, £479–£943 for ISL roles) and the Immigration Health Surcharge (£1,035 per year).
- Book Biometric Appointment: Attend a visa application center for fingerprints and a photo.
- Await Decision: Processing takes 3–8 weeks if applying from outside the UK, or up to 8 weeks inside. Priority services are available.
Salary Requirements for Skilled Worker Visa
The salary threshold is a core requirement, ensuring fair pay and compliance with UK labor laws. Salaries vary by role, region, and whether the job is on the ISL.
General Salary Stats
- Standard Roles: Minimum £38,700 annually or the occupation’s going rate.
- ISL Roles: Minimum £30,960 or the going rate.
- New Entrants: £30,960 or 70% of the going rate.
Healthcare Salary Stats
- Roles: Nurses, doctors, care workers.
- Annual Salary: £30,960–£60,000.
IT and Engineering Salary Stats
- Roles: Programmers, civil engineers.
- Annual Salary: £30,960–£55,000.
Education Salary Stats
- Roles: Secondary teachers (maths, science).
- Annual Salary: £30,960–£45,000.
Points-Based System Breakdown
The Skilled Worker visa uses a points-based system, requiring 70 points:
Mandatory (50 points):
- Job offer from approved sponsor (20 points).
- Job at appropriate skill level (20 points).
- English proficiency at B1 level (10 points).
Tradeable (20 points):
- Salary of £38,700+ or going rate (20 points).
- Salary of £30,960+ for ISL roles (20 points).
- Salary of £30,960 or 70% of going rate for new entrants (20 points).
- PhD relevant to the job (10 points) + salary of £34,830 (10 points).
- PhD in STEM relevant to the job (20 points).
Tips to Meet Eligibility
- Target High-Demand Roles: Focus on sectors like healthcare or IT, especially ISL roles.
- Verify Sponsor: Ensure the employer is on the sponsor register.
- Check Salary: Confirm salary meets threshold or ISL discount.
- Prepare English Proof: Take an approved test early or verify if your degree qualifies.
- Organize Finances: Secure £1,270 in savings early.
- Use Agencies: Recruitment firms like Reed can help connect you to sponsors.
Challenges and Considerations
- Salary Thresholds: Even ISL roles require £30,960, which may exceed some job offers.
- Competition: Popular roles attract many applicants.
- Documentation: Errors can lead to delays or refusals.
- Cost of Living: Especially in cities like London.
- Visa Caps: No quota, but peak periods can slow processing.
With very thorough preparation and the right documentation, the Skilled Worker visa offers a solid pathway to career growth and long-term settlement in the UK.
