SKILLED WORKER VISA
Live and Work in the UK Legally with Employer Sponsorship
The Skilled Worker Visa allows non-UK citizens to take up eligible jobs with a licensed UK sponsor. It has replaced the old Tier 2 (General) visa and forms a key part of the UK’s points-based immigration system.
This route is ideal for skilled professionals in sectors such as healthcare, IT, finance, education, construction, engineering, and more.
Duration: Up to 5 years (renewable)
Path to Settlement: Yes – after 5 years
Dependents allowed: Yes
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible for the Skilled Worker Visa, you must:
- Have a confirmed job offer from a UK employer who is a licensed sponsor
- Be offered a role on the official list of eligible occupations
- Be paid at least the minimum salary for the role (usually £38.700/year, but lower thresholds apply for shortage occupations, new entrants, or health/education roles)
- Meet the English language requirement
- Score the required 70 points under the UK points-based system
What You Can and Cannot Do
You can:
- Work in your sponsored job role
- Bring your partner and children
- Apply for permanent residency after 5 years
- Switch employers (with permission from UKVI)
- Study part-time (if it doesn’t interfere with your job)
You cannot:
- Apply without a licensed sponsor
- Claim most public funds or benefits
- Work in a second job unless it’s permitted under visa conditions
- Change job or employer without updating your visa
Bringing Family Members
You can bring your:
- Spouse, civil partner, or unmarried partner
- Children under 18
- Children over 18 if they are already in the UK as your dependants
Each family member must submit their own application and pay relevant fees and IHS.
Switching to a Skilled Worker Visa
You can switch to a Skilled Worker Visa from inside the UK if you currently hold:
- Student Visa
- Graduate Visa
- Tier 2 (General) Visa
- Other eligible visa categories
However, you cannot switch from Visitor, Short-term Student, or Parent of a Child Visa.
What’s New?
- Skill Level Raised
New applications must be for jobs classified at RQF Level 6+—the equivalent of a bachelor’s degree. Over 100 occupations formerly eligible at lower levels have been removed, unless they are on the Immigration Salary List or the new Temporary Shortage List
- Salary Thresholds Increased
Effective 22 July:
- Standard threshold rises from £38,700 to £41,700 per year
- PhD-relevant roles: £37,500
- New Entrants (e.g. graduates): £33,400
- Pre-April 2024 extension cases: £31,300
- Shortage Posts with Concessions
Roles below RQF 6 but on designated shortage lists may still be sponsored, though dependants are excluded for these appointments - Care Worker Route Closure
New overseas applications for care worker roles are discontinued, though in-country switches or extensions remain available until July 2028 under certain conditions
- Transitional Safeguards
Applicants currently in the route or with a CoS issued before 22 July 2025 can continue under the previous rules—including lower salaries, skill levels, and dependant rights
Who Can Still Apply?
- New applicants (post-22 July 2025): Only roles at RQF 6+ or on the shortage lists qualify. You must meet the increased salary thresholds.
- Current visa holders and those with a CoS issued before 22 July: Protected by transitional provisions, allowing renewals and switches—even in roles below RQF 6.
- Care workers: Only able to switch or extend within the UK until 22 July 2028, with no new overseas entry.
How We Help
We will connect you with a trusted UK immigration solicitor who can:
- Assess your eligibility and job details
- Confirm whether your role and employer qualify
- Guide your employer through the sponsor process (if needed)
- Ensure your Certificate of Sponsorship is correct
- Prepare and submit your application
- Assist with family applications and settlement pathways