Important information
We advise that applicants apply as soon as they are able to ensure that their Skilled Worker Visa is supplied in time. Skilled Worker Visas typically take around 2 months to obtain when accounting for appointment booking and processing time.
UK Skilled Worker visa requirements
- Have a verified employment offer from a licensed UK employer who will serve as your sponsor
- Possess a Sponsorship Certificate provided by your employer
- Pass the point-based evaluation
- Meet the minimum salary threshold for the job offer (or be able to trade points for a lower salary)
Not sure if this visa is right for you?
Answer a few quick questions and we’ll point you to the visa route that fits your plans.
It only takes 2 minutes
What is a UK Skilled Worker visa?
A visa that allows eligible non-UK nationals to come to the UK and work for an approved employer in an eligible job.
- Approved employerYou must have a job offer from a licensed UK sponsor.
- Points basedYou must score at least 70 points under the UK points-based system.
- Skilled roleThe job must be at the required skill level.
Who is eligible?
Must have
- Approved job offerFrom a licensed UK sponsor
- Eligible skilled roleAt the required skill level
- Required English levelMeet the applicable English requirement
Additional (tradeable) points
- Salary of £20,480–£23,039 or at least 80% of going rate0 pts
- Salary of £23,040–£25,599 or at least 90% of going rate+10 pts
- Salary of £25,600+ or at least the going rate+20 pts
- Job in an eligible occupation per the Migration Advisory Committee+20 pts
- Relevant PhD+10 pts
- PhD in a STEM subject relevant to the job+20 pts
You must score at least 70 points in total to be eligible for a Skilled Worker visa.
What you can do with a UK Skilled Worker visa
- Live and workIn the UK for up to five years at a time.
- Bring your familyYour partner and children can join you on dependent visas.
- StudyStudy without prior Home Office approval (STEM students should verify).
- Additional workExtra work in the same occupation code/level or in shortage occupations.
- Healthcare & educationAccess to the NHS and the UK education system.
- Travel & settleLive and work anywhere in the UK, travel freely, and after five years you may be eligible for indefinite leave to remain.
Processing time
How long a decision usually takes.
Standard: 2 to 8 weeks. Priority: 5 working days. Super priority: 24 hours. (Outside the UK typically ~3 weeks; inside the UK ~8 weeks.)
Visa length
How long you can stay on this visa.
Documents required
- Passport or travel document
- Certificate of Sponsorship from your employer
- Proof of English language skills
- Proof of qualifications
- Proof of salary
- Tuberculosis test results (if required)
- Criminal record certificate (if required)
- Valid ATAS certificate (if required)
- Proof of relationship with partner/children (if applying together)
People also asked
Can I get a Skilled Worker visa without a job offer?
You must have a job offer from an approved UK employer before applying. Approved employers act as your sponsor.
Can I sponsor myself in the UK?
The UK doesn’t offer self-sponsorship visas, but there are alternatives including the Innovator and Start-up visas.
What happens if I lose my job on a Skilled Worker visa?
You may stay if you secure a qualifying role with another licensed sponsor; otherwise you must leave the UK.
Can an asylum seeker apply for a Skilled Worker visa?
No. Asylum applicants cannot switch to this visa, though they may apply for permission to work after waiting 12 months.
Can Skilled Worker dependants work in the UK?
Yes, in any role except professional sportsperson or coach, provided the main visa holder continues their sponsored role.
Is the Skilled Worker visa the same as the Tier 2 visa?
The Skilled Worker visa replaced Tier 2 on 1 December 2020, with reduced entry barriers but a similar function.
Can I buy a house on a Skilled Worker visa?
Yes, you can purchase property and obtain a mortgage.
What's the difference between a Skilled Worker visa and a Health & Care Worker visa?
The requirements and points are largely the same; the distinction is the Certificate of Sponsorship specifying a health/social-care role.
Can I work part-time on a Skilled Worker visa?
You can do additional paid work alongside your sponsored role, plus unpaid volunteering.
Official sources