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UK Skilled Worker Visa

Work in the UK WithYour Dream Job Offer

Expert skilled worker visa guidance with 98%+ success rate. Secure your UK work visa and start your career journey today.

Loading... Requirements

Minimum salary £38,700 (or going rate for your role). Our experts guide you through Certificate of Sponsorship, English requirements, and the complete application process.

98%+
Success Rate
5 Years
Maximum Visa Length
ILR
Path to Settlement
Sponsor Licence Experts
All Industries Welcome
Fast-Track Available

*Success rates based on properly prepared cases. UKVI makes final decisions on all applications.

Free Skilled Worker Visa Assessment

Expert advice on requirements • Same-day callback • Completely confidential

Specialist work visa advice. No spam guarantee.

Response within 4 business hours; urgent cases prioritized.

Current October 2025 Requirements

As of October 2025, the minimum salary threshold has increased to £38,700 per year (or the going rate for your specific occupation code, whichever is higher). Some exceptions apply for shortage occupations, PhDs, and new entrants. Our experts ensure you meet all current requirements.

What is a UK Skilled Worker Visa?

The Skilled Worker visa allows overseas nationals to come to the UK to work for an approved employer. It's the most common work visa route, covering a wide range of professional roles.

Work With Your Sponsor

Secure employment with a UK employer who holds a valid sponsor licence

Up to 5 Years Initially

Visa granted for up to 5 years, with option to extend or apply for settlement

Path to Permanent Residence

Apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 years of continuous residence

Who Can Apply?

  • You have a job offer from a UK employer with a valid sponsor licence
  • The job is on the list of eligible occupations (RQF Level 3 or above)
  • You'll earn at least £38,700 per year (or the going rate for your role, whichever is higher)
  • You have a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your employer
  • You meet the English language requirement (CEFR Level B1)
  • You have at least £1,270 in savings (unless exempt)

Visa Benefits

  • Bring your partner and children as dependents
  • Work for your sponsor and take on supplementary employment (up to 20 hours/week)
  • Study in the UK without restrictions
  • Switch employers (with a new sponsor and application)
  • Travel in and out of the UK freely
  • Apply for settlement after 5 years

Ready to Start Your UK Career Journey?

Get expert guidance on your skilled worker visa application. We'll assess your eligibility, guide your employer through the sponsorship process, and ensure your application is perfect.

Call 0121 271 0499

Skilled Worker Visa Requirements

To qualify for a UK Skilled Worker visa, you must meet ALL of the mandatory requirements below. Our experts ensure your application ticks every box.

UK Skilled Worker Visa Requirements

Expert Requirement Assessment

Our immigration specialists review your qualifications, job offer, and circumstances to ensure you meet all requirements before submitting your application.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Required

You must have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a UK employer with an approved sponsor licence.

Salary Threshold

Required

Earn at least £38,700 annually OR the 'going rate' for your occupation code, whichever is higher. Lower thresholds may apply for shortage occupations, PhDs, or new entrants.

Skill Level

Required

Your job must be at RQF Level 3 or above (equivalent to A-level). The job must be on the list of eligible occupations with a valid SOC code.

English Language

Required

Demonstrate English proficiency at CEFR Level B1 (IELTS 4.0 equivalent) through an approved test, degree taught in English, or being from a majority English-speaking country.

Financial Requirement

Show you have at least £1,270 in savings for 28 consecutive days (exemptions apply if your sponsor certifies maintenance or you've been in the UK for 12+ months).

Age Requirement

Required

You must be at least 18 years old at the time of application.

English Language Exemptions

You may be exempt from the English test if you're a national of a majority English-speaking country:

Antigua & Barbuda
Australia
Bahamas
Barbados
Belize
Canada
Dominica
Grenada
Guyana
Jamaica
Malta
New Zealand
St Kitts & Nevis
St Lucia
St Vincent
Trinidad & Tobago
USA

Additional Requirements May Apply

  • Tuberculosis (TB) test certificate if you're from a listed country
  • Criminal record certificate for certain healthcare, education, and social care roles
  • ATAS certificate if your job involves sensitive research or technology
  • Your employer must pay the Immigration Skills Charge (employers cannot pass this cost to you)

Required Documents for Skilled Worker Visa

Ensure your application is complete with all necessary supporting documents. Missing paperwork is the most common cause of delays and refusals.

UK Skilled Worker Visa Documents

Document Preparation Support

Our team ensures all your documents meet UKVI standards, are properly translated, and submitted in the correct format to avoid delays or refusals.

Certificate & Identity

Essential
  • Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) reference number from your employer
  • Valid passport or travel document
  • Recent passport-style photograph
  • Biometric information (fingerprints and photo)

Employment Evidence

Required
  • Job title and occupation code (SOC code)
  • Annual salary details
  • Job description or contract
  • Start date (must be within 3 months of application)

English Language Proof

Essential
  • Approved English language test certificate (IELTS, etc.) at CEFR B1 level OR
  • Degree certificate taught in English with ECCTIS reference OR
  • Proof of nationality from English-speaking country

Financial Evidence

If Required
  • Bank statements showing £1,270 for 28 consecutive days
  • Statements must be dated within 31 days of application
  • Not required if sponsor certifies maintenance or you've been in UK 12+ months

Additional Documents

If Applicable
  • TB test certificate (if from listed country)
  • Criminal record certificate (for healthcare/education roles)
  • ATAS certificate (for sensitive research roles)
  • Academic qualification certificates
  • Previous UK immigration history documents

Dependent Documents

For Family
  • Marriage certificate or proof of relationship (2+ years)
  • Birth certificates for children
  • Financial evidence for dependents (£285 partner, £315 first child, £200 each additional)
  • Passports and photos for all dependents

Document Quality Standards

  • All documents must be original or certified copies
  • Non-English documents require certified translations
  • Scans must be clear, legible, and in color where applicable
  • Bank statements must show your name, account number, and balance
  • Certificates must be from approved providers (IELTS, PTE Academic, etc.)

Common Document Mistakes to Avoid

  • • Expired English language test certificates (valid for 2 years)
  • • Bank statements not covering the full 28-day period
  • • Using screenshots instead of official bank statements
  • • Missing translations for non-English documents
  • • Incorrect or outdated occupation (SOC) codes
  • • Certificate of Sponsorship issued more than 3 months ago

Need Help Preparing Your Documents?

Our expert team reviews every document before submission to ensure nothing is missing. We'll guide you through translations, certifications, and formatting requirements.

Skilled Worker Visa Application Process

Follow our step-by-step guide to navigate the skilled worker visa application smoothly. Our experts support you at every stage.

UK Skilled Worker Visa Application Process

Guided Application Process

From securing your Certificate of Sponsorship to receiving your visa decision, our experts manage every step of your skilled worker visa application.

1

Secure Job Offer & CoS

Before Application
  • Employer obtains sponsor licence (if not already held)
  • Employer assigns Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to you
  • Employer pays Immigration Skills Charge
  • Receive CoS reference number and details
2

Gather Documents

1-4 Weeks
  • Obtain English language test certificate (if needed)
  • Prepare financial evidence (bank statements)
  • Collect TB certificate (if required)
  • Get criminal record certificate (if applicable)
  • Organize passport and identity documents
3

Submit Application

Within 3 Months of CoS
  • Complete online application form
  • Pay visa application fee (£769-£1,751)
  • Pay Immigration Health Surcharge (£1,035/year)
  • Book biometric appointment
  • Upload supporting documents
4

Biometrics & Processing

3-8 Weeks
  • Attend visa application center for biometrics
  • Submit passport (or use ID check app)
  • Home Office processes application
  • Await decision (3 weeks outside UK, 8 weeks inside UK)
  • Priority/super priority services available
5

Receive Decision

Upon Approval
  • Receive decision letter
  • Collect biometric residence permit (BRP) or eVisa
  • Travel to UK (if outside) or continue employment
  • Start working for your sponsor within CoS start date
  • Notify your sponsor of arrival

Processing Times & Fast-Track Options

3 weeks
Standard (Outside UK)
Included
8 weeks
Standard (Inside UK)
Included
5 working days
Priority (Outside UK)
Extra cost
Next working day
Super Priority (Inside UK)
Extra cost

Application Fees

Application Fee (Outside UK, up to 3 years)£769
Application Fee (Outside UK, over 3 years)£1,519
Application Fee (Inside UK, up to 3 years)£885
Application Fee (Inside UK, over 3 years)£1,751
Immigration Health Surcharge£1,035 per year
Immigration Skills Charge (Paid by Employer)£364-£1,000/year

Ready to Start Your Application?

Our team manages your entire application from start to finish. We handle the paperwork, liaise with your employer, and ensure your submission is flawless.

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to common questions about UK Skilled Worker visas. Can't find what you're looking for? Our expert team is ready to help.

Speak to an Expert

Get immediate answers from our specialist immigration solicitors

Call 0121 271 0499

Free Online Assessment

Complete our quick form and receive tailored advice within 4 hours

98%+ Success Rate

What Our Clients Say

Don't just take our word for it. See what thousands of satisfied clients say about our immigration services.

4.7/5
out of 251 REVIEWS
Google Maps

How We Compare to National Average

Value for Money

UK Immigration Solicitors91%
National Average55%

Would Recommend to Friend

UK Immigration Solicitors94%
National Average66%

Satisfied With Outcome

UK Immigration Solicitors92%
National Average69%

"Skilled Worker visa approved! Started my IT job in London last month."

Raj P.
Skilled Worker Visa

"Employer didn't have sponsor licence – they helped the company get it. Now I'm here!"

Ana G.
Skilled Worker Visa

"5-year visa granted. Looking forward to ILR in 2030!"

Michael C.
Skilled Worker Visa
EXCELLENT Rating

Outstanding Client Satisfaction – 4.7/5 Rating

Trusted by clients worldwide with 251 verified Google reviews. BSB-regulated immigration specialists helping thousands achieve their UK visa goals.

Google Maps - 4.7 Rating with 251 Google reviews →

Dated: 04 April 2025

Our Expert Team

Meet the Specialists Behind Your Success

Our experienced team of immigration professionals is dedicated to helping you navigate the UK visa process with confidence.

Ian Henery

Ian Henery

Solicitor

Malik Ansar

Malik Ansar

Immigration Consultant

Saima Kauser

Saima Kauser

Head of Administration

Alybah Fatima

Alybah Fatima

Admin

Mohamed Mohamed

Mohamed Mohamed

Immigration Case Worker

Safwan Shah

Safwan Shah

Legal Assistant

Musa Babal

Musa Babal

Immigration Consultant

With decades of combined experience, our team has successfully helped thousands of families reunite in the UK.

How Can We Help You?

We provide expert support across all UK visa types—from family visas to business and work routes. Explore your options below.

Settlement Visas

Secure your permanent status

British Citizenship
Right of Abode
Permanent Residency
Visa Extensions
Elderly Dependent Visa
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
Domestic Violence
Family Permit
Settlement Status
Pre-Settled Status
Derivative Rights of Resident
Retaining Rights of Resident

Refusals, Appeals & Deportation

Challenge unfavorable decisions

Appeal a decision
Appeal a Refusal
Judicial Review
Administrative Review
Human Rights
Refugee Protection
Refugee Settlement
Asylum
Denied Entry
Deportation
Detention and Bail

UK Visitor Visas

Visit the UK for various purposes

UK Visitor Visas
Business Visit Visa
UK Creative Visit Visa
Study Visit Visa
Short-term study visa
Sports Visit Visa
Religious Visit Visa
Science and Academia Visit Visa
Work Related Training Visit Visa
Medical Treatment & Organ Donation Visit Visa
Marriage & Civil Partnership Visit Visa
Permitted Paid Engagement Visit Visa

Not sure which category applies to you? Get a free assessment to find the best route.

Our Offices

Birmingham

3 Horton Square, Highgate

Birmingham, B12 0YR

0121 271 0499

Birmingham

25-27 Horton Square, Highgate

Birmingham, B12 0YR

0121 271 0499

Bradford

7A Burnett Street

Belmont Business Centre, Bradford, BD1 5BJ

01274 952201

Sheffield

422 Pitsmoor Road

Sheffield, S3 9AY

0114 331 0800

Nationwide coverage via our offices plus secure remote representation worldwide

Get In Touch Today

Ready to start your UK visa journey? Contact our expert team for personalized guidance and professional representation.

How to Reach Us

Phone Support

0121 271 0499

Speak directly with our specialists

7 days, 7am-7pm

Call now

Email Enquiry

info@ukmigrationsolicitors.co.uk

Send your questions via email

Response within 24 hours

Send email

Online Assessment

Free consultation

Get started with our online form

Available 24/7

Emergency & Urgent Cases

Facing detention, deportation, or time-sensitive deadlines? Call us immediately for priority assistance.

Emergency Line: 0121 271 0499

Send Us a Message

We'll respond within 24 hours. For urgent matters, please call 0121 271 0499.

Ready to Start Your UK Visa Journey?

Get a free online assessment and speak to a solicitor today.

Call 0121 271 0499