Want to work in the UK legally and build a long-term future? The UK Skilled Worker Visa is your best route. This visa allows thousands of professionals from around the world to live, work, and eventually settle in the UK without needing to rely on immigration shortcuts. This guide gives you every important detail, in simple and clear steps, to help you apply successfully, avoid common mistakes, and make the move with confidence.
What Is the UK Skilled Worker Visa?
The UK Skilled Worker Visas lets foreign nationals work in eligible jobs for licensed UK employers. It replaced the Tier 2 General Work Visa and is now one of the main legal routes to live and work in the UK long term.
What You Can Do With This Visa:
- Work legally for up to 5 years in the UK in a skilled occupation.
- Bring your spouse or partner and your children to live with you.
- Access public healthcare (NHS) after paying the health surcharge.
- Switch jobs or employers, as long as the new role qualifies.
- Apply for permanent residency (Indefinite Leave to Remain) after 5 years.
This visa is for jobs like healthcare workers, engineers, IT professionals, teachers, electricians, hospitality managers, and more.
Check If You’re Eligible
Before applying, confirm that you meet the UK government’s current eligibility criteria.
Basic Requirements:
- You must have a job offer from a UK company that holds a Skilled Worker sponsor license.
- The job must be on the eligible occupations list, such as nurses, software developers, or chefs.
- Your employer must issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) with a reference number for your visa application.
- You must be paid the minimum salary threshold, currently:
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- £26,200 per year, or
- £10.75 per hour (or the job’s “going rate” if higher).
- Exceptions apply for health, education, or shortage occupations.
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- You must prove your English skills, through:
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- An approved English test (like IELTS UKVI),
- A degree taught in English, or
- Being from a majority English-speaking country.
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If you don’t meet these points, you won’t be eligible.
Read: The Secret to Standing Out in the UK Job Market as a Foreign Worker
Find a UK Sponsor Who Can Hire You
To apply for the visa, you need a job offer from a licensed sponsor a UK employer registered with the government to hire foreign workers.
Where to Find Sponsored Jobs:
- UK Government’s list of licensed sponsors: View Official List
- Genuine job portals with UK employers:
Target Jobs in Shortage Occupations:
You’ll have a higher chance of getting hired if you apply in fields where UK employers urgently need workers. Examples:
- Healthcare: Nurses, doctors, care assistants.
- Engineering: Civil, mechanical, and electrical engineers.
- IT: Software developers, cybersecurity analysts.
- Hospitality: Chefs, hotel managers.
- Education: Maths, science, and computer teachers.
These jobs also have lower salary thresholds and are processed faster.
Prepare All Required Documents
Once you secure a job offer and receive a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), it’s time to gather your documents. Missing or incorrect documents are a common reason for delays or visa refusals.
Documents You Must Prepare:
- Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) reference number (issued by employer).
- Valid passport with at least one blank page.
- Proof of English proficiency (IELTS UKVI, English-taught degree, or exemption).
- Proof of funds: You must show at least £1,270 in your bank account for 28 days unless your employer states they’ll cover this.
- Tuberculosis (TB) test result: Required if you’re applying from certain countries (full list on GOV.UK).
- Criminal record certificate: Needed for jobs involving vulnerable people (health, education, social care).
- Relationship documents: For dependents (marriage/birth certificates).
- Certified translations: If your documents are not in English.
Check each document carefully before submission. Errors could lead to refusal.
Submit Your Visa Application Online
When you’re ready, apply for your Skilled Worker Visa online at the official UK immigration website:
Application Steps:
- Fill out the online form using your CoS number.
- Upload required documents or submit them during your biometric appointment.
- Pay the visa application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
- Book your biometric appointment to provide fingerprints and a photo (unless eligible for identity verification app).
Fees:
- Visa fee:
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- £719 (up to 3 years), or
- £1,420 (over 3 years)
- Lower fees for shortage occupations
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- Healthcare surcharge:
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- £1,035 per year
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Paying these fees is mandatory, even if you already have private health insurance.
Wait for the Visa Decision
After submitting your application and attending your biometric appointment, your case will be processed.
Decision Timeline:
- 3 weeks: Standard time for most overseas applicants.
- 8 weeks: If applying from inside the UK to switch or extend.
You’ll receive:
- A decision letter by email
- Your passport with visa vignette
- Instructions on collecting your BRP (Biometric Residence Permit) once you arrive
If you use the UK immigration app for identity checks, you may not need to collect a BRP.
Read: Why This One Job is Becoming the Easiest Way for Immigrants to Work in the UK
Travel and Begin Working in the UK
Once your visa is approved, you can book your flight. You may enter the UK up to 14 days before your job starts.
Upon Arrival:
- Show your visa and passport at border control.
- Collect your BRP from your selected post office within 10 days (if applicable).
- Register with your employer and provide all documents needed to start.
Your employer may help you with settling in, housing, or NHS registration.
Bring Your Family With You
The UK Skilled Worker Visa allows you to bring your close family as dependents.
Who Qualifies:
- Spouse or legal partner
- Children under 18
- Children over 18 already in the UK as dependents
Each family member must:
- Apply separately for a visa.
- Pay the same visa and healthcare fees.
- Provide proof of relationship.
- Show maintenance funds (unless your employer sponsors them too).
Once approved, they can work and study in the UK.
Stay Longer, Extend, or Apply for Settlement
You can stay in the UK for up to 5 years on the Skilled Worker Visa. Before it expires, you can:
Your Options:
- Extend the visa: If you continue in the same job.
- Switch sponsors: If you change jobs, but still meet visa rules.
- Apply for ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain) after 5 years:
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- Must meet salary, continuous residence, and English requirements.
- Once granted, ILR lets you live and work in the UK without restrictions.
- After one year of ILR, you may apply for British citizenship if eligible.
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Read: Why UK Recruiters Are Actively Seeking Skilled Workers from Abroad
Mistakes to Avoid
Many visa rejections happen because of avoidable errors. Don’t let that be you.
Common Pitfalls:
- Submitting an invalid or expired CoS.
- Applying for jobs not on the approved list.
- Failing English test requirements.
- Using unlicensed immigration agents or fake sponsors.
- Missing document deadlines or uploading incorrect files.
- Not meeting the salary threshold.
Always read the official guidance and double-check everything before applying.
Final Tips and Reliable Resources
To stay updated and ensure a smooth application:
- Use only official UK Government sources.
- Avoid agencies that promise “quick” or “guaranteed” jobs.
- Read employer reviews and check sponsor licenses before accepting offers.
- Prepare your application early to avoid last-minute issues.
- Stay informed of changes in visa rules and occupation lists.
The UK Skilled Worker Visa is a reliable and well-defined path to live and work in the UK. It offers a legal route to stability, family relocation, and long-term settlement. If you follow the steps carefully and stay well-prepared, you’ll increase your chances of success significantly.
By using trusted resources, securing a legitimate sponsor, and submitting a clean application, you could soon be starting your career and life in the UK.
