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