If you’re planning to live and work in the United Kingdom, the UK Skilled Worker Visa is one of the most practical and reliable immigration routes. This visa allows foreign nationals with a job offer from a licensed UK employer to work legally in the UK. It can also lead to long-term residency, making it a key pathway for skilled professionals looking to settle in the UK. This guide walks you through everything you need to know in 2025 from eligibility and documentation to costs, new immigration changes, and how to boost your chances of approval.
Understanding the UK Skilled Worker Visa
The UK Skilled Worker Visa is designed for overseas workers who have been offered a job in the UK that meets specific skill and salary requirements. It replaced the old Tier 2 (General) work visa and now operates under the UK’s points-based immigration system.
Applicants must score at least 70 points by meeting certain criteria such as job offer, salary level, and English proficiency. This visa category covers many occupations, especially in sectors like healthcare, engineering, education, and information technology. It’s also one of the few routes that allow a clear path to settlement after several years of lawful residence in the UK.
Who Is Eligible for the Skilled Worker Visa?
To apply for the UK Skilled Worker Visa in 2025, you must meet the following requirements:
Job Offer from a Licensed UK Employer
You must have a confirmed job offer from a UK-based employer that holds a sponsorship license. The job must be eligible under the list of approved skilled occupations.
Job Skill Level
Your job must be classified at RQF Level 6 or higher. This is roughly equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree level.
Salary Threshold
The general salary requirement is £26,200 per year or £10.75 per hour. However, lower thresholds may apply if:
- You are under 26 years old (a “new entrant”).
- Your job is listed as a shortage occupation.
- You have a PhD relevant to the role.
Note: From 2025, the UK government has eliminated the Shortage Occupation List and introduced stricter salary and qualification thresholds. Only degree-level roles are now eligible, which limits opportunities in sectors like social care or hospitality.
English Language Proficiency
You must prove your ability to speak, read, write, and understand English to at least B1 level on the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) scale. You can meet this requirement by:
- Passing a Secure English Language Test (SELT).
- Holding a degree taught in English.
- Being from an exempt English-speaking country.
Financial Requirement
You must show you can support yourself in the UK. This means having at least £1,270 available in your bank account for at least 28 days before applying, unless your employer is willing to cover these costs and confirms this on your Certificate of Sponsorship.
Read: How to Avoid UK Visa Scams: A Comprehensive Guide
How to Apply for the UK Skilled Worker Visa
The visa application is made online through the UK Home Office portal. Below is a step-by-step overview of the process:
Secure a Job Offer
First, find a job with a UK employer who is on the list of licensed sponsors. You can check the official government list to confirm whether your prospective employer is approved.
Get a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
Once you receive a job offer, your employer will issue a Certificate of Sponsorship. This electronic document contains a reference number and details about your job, including salary, duration, and duties.
Prepare Your Documents
Before applying, gather all required documents (explained in the next section). Make sure everything is in English or accompanied by certified translations.
Submit Your Online Application
Apply online on the official UK government website. You’ll need to input your personal details, job and sponsor information, and CoS reference number.
Pay Visa Fees and Health Surcharge
You’ll need to pay the application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge as part of the process. These are required even if you are applying from within the UK.
Attend a Biometric Appointment
Visit a visa application center to provide fingerprints and a photograph. This is used to issue your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), which you’ll need upon arrival in the UK.
Wait for a Decision
Processing times for applications made outside the UK are usually around 3 weeks. You’ll receive a decision by email or through your online account.
Documents You Need to Apply
To support your application, you will typically need the following:
- A valid passport or another form of identity document.
- Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) reference number from your employer.
- Proof of English language proficiency, such as test results or degree certificates.
- Bank statements showing you have at least £1,270 in savings (unless your employer is covering your costs).
- Tuberculosis test results, if you are from a listed country.
- Criminal record certificate, for certain jobs (such as in education or healthcare).
- Job details including job title, salary, occupation code, and employer’s license number.
- Proof of relationship, if you are applying with dependents.
Be sure to check the most up-to-date document checklist for your country and circumstances on the UK Home Office website.
Read: They Told Him He’d Never Get a UK Visa—But This Job Changed Everything
How Much Does the Skilled Worker Visa Cost?
The total cost depends on the length of your visa and whether you are applying for a job that qualifies for lower fees.
Application Fees:
- Up to 3 years: £719 to £827 (depending on occupation)
- More than 3 years: £1,420 to £1,636
Immigration Health Surcharge:
- £1,035 per year (paid upfront for the full duration of your visa)
Financial Requirement:
- £1,270 in personal savings unless covered by your sponsor.
These fees are per person, so if you’re bringing family members, costs will increase accordingly.
How Long Does the Visa Last?
The Skilled Worker Visa can be granted for up to five years at a time. You can extend it as many times as you like, provided you continue to meet all requirements.
After living and working in the UK for five years, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) also known as permanent residency if eligible. However, recent reforms may extend this to ten years unless the applicant can show meaningful contributions to UK society or economy.
Bringing Family Members
You can bring your partner and children with you as dependents if they meet the eligibility rules.
Dependents Include:
- Your husband, wife, or unmarried partner.
- Children under 18, or over 18 if already in the UK as dependents.
Financial Support:
Each family member must show they can support themselves financially:
- Partner: £285
- First child: £315
- Additional children: £200 per child
As of 2025, new rules require adult dependents of foreign workers and students to demonstrate basic English proficiency.
Read: What Most Immigrants Don’t Know About UK Visa Rules—Avoid These Costly Mistakes
Changes to the Skilled Worker Route in 2025
In response to growing concerns about net migration, the UK government has introduced key changes that directly impact the Skilled Worker Visa:
- Elimination of the Shortage Occupation List: No more lower thresholds for selected occupations.
- Increased Salary Thresholds: Higher minimum salaries are required for most roles.
- Graduate-Level Jobs Only: Only jobs requiring university-level qualifications are now eligible.
- Settlement Period Extended: The qualification period for permanent residency may increase from five to ten years unless the migrant is contributing significantly to the UK.
- Tighter Rules for Dependents: New requirements for dependents include financial checks and basic English skills.
These changes make the process more selective but still accessible for those with in-demand skills and strong job offers.
Tips to Strengthen Your Application
To improve your chances of success:
- Choose high-demand roles: Focus on sectors like tech, engineering, healthcare, and education where UK employers struggle to find local talent.
- Work with experienced sponsors: Employers with a strong track record are more likely to ensure a smooth sponsorship process.
- Ensure salary requirements are met: Double-check that your offer meets the updated salary guidelines.
- Prepare thoroughly: Keep all documents ready and accurate before applying.
- Avoid gaps in savings: Make sure your financial documents clearly show the required funds for 28 consecutive days.
Securing a UK Skilled Worker Visa in 2025 is still achievable for many skilled professionals, but it requires careful preparation and a strong job offer. With recent immigration reforms tightening requirements and extending settlement timelines, applicants must ensure they meet all criteria to qualify.
By following this step-by-step guide, staying up to date with the latest rules, and preparing thoroughly, you can increase your chances of successfully moving to the UK for work and long-term residency.
For more official information, visit the UK Government Skilled Worker Visa page.
