Eligibility and Requirements
Essential requirements for a UK skilled worker visa
For a successful UK skilled worker visa application to be made, the applicant will need to fulfil a set of eligibility requirements. You’ll also need to include evidence of the following to the Home Office:
Have a job offer in the UK from a company on the list of licence sponsors
The employee must have issued you with a Certificate of Sponsorship
The job you are being employed for must be on the list of eligible occupations, and meet the skill level requirement – RQF Level 6
The role must meet the minimum salary threshold; generally speaking this is £41,700 per year or the going rate, whichever is higher
Meet the English language requirements – This must be at least B2 in reading, writing and speaking
Must have savings of at least £1,270 in your bank account for 28 days in a row
Tip: Ask your employer for a copy of your certificate of sponsorship
Documents needed for a UK skilled worker visa
Every application for a skilled worker visa is unique. Which is why we provide a fully bespoke document list to every client. However, a typical application will require the following documents as evidence:
Valid passport
Your Certificate of Sponsorship reference number
Job title and annual salary, along with occupational code
The name of the employer and their sponsor licence number
Evidence of savings in bank account
Proof of English Language
Important: Once you have your documents ready you can apply.
How much does a skilled worker visa cost?
How much a skilled work visa costs depends on where you are applying from.
If you are applying from within the UK a skilled work visa costs:
Up to 3 years - £769 per person
Up to 5 years - £1,519 per person
If you are applying from outside the UK a skilled worker visa costs:
Up to 3 years - £885 per person
Up to 5 years - £1,751 per person
You will also be required to pay an NHS surcharge of £1,035 per year, and this is paid upfront for the duration of the skilled work visa.
Step 1
Eligibility check and tailored advice
Step 2
Document preparation
Step 3
Application completion and submission
Step 4
Payment of Home Office fees
Step 5
Enrolment of biometrics
Step 6
Outcome and next steps
How the Application Process Works
How UK Immigration Pathways Can Help You
As experienced immigration specialists we can provide personalised support from start to finish. We’re here to guide you through the skilled worker visa application process and answer any questions you may have. With fixed fees, there’s no surprises, just peace of mind as we assist your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Applications made from within the UK would expect to get a decision within 8 weeks and for applications made from outside the UK would expect to get a decision within 3 weeks.
How long does it take for a skilled worker visa to be approved?
If you change roles or occupations whilst holding a skilled worker visa, you will need to apply for a new visa.
What if I change employers?
If you lose your job your sponsor will notify the Home Office. This will mean that your sponsorship is curtailed (stopped or shortened) and you will be contacted by the Home Office. You will be advised that you have 60 days to find a new role. If you are outside the UK when this is received or you leave the UK during the 60 days, your visa will be cancelled with immediate effect.
What happens if I lose my role?
Yes, you can do up to 20 hours per week for an additional employer. You won’t need to notify the Home Office as long as the role is listed in the Appendix Skilled Occupations and the extra work is carried out outside of your contracted hours with your sponsor.
Can I do additional work?
No, your dependents will not need to renew their visas alongside the main applicant if they find a new sponsor. They must apply to renew their visas before they expire.
If I get a new sponsor, do my dependents need to apply for a new visa at the same time?
You can check if your role is valid for a skilled worker visa and the salary requirements in the Immigration Rules Appendix Skilled Occupations.
How can I confirm if my role is eligible for a skilled worker visa and where can I check the occupation code and salary requirements?
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My vision for UK Immigration Pathways has always been to build a practice grounded in integrity, professionalism, and genuine client care.
Oliver Parker
Director, UK Immigration Pathways
What is a Skilled Worker Visa?
A UK skilled worker visa is a long-term work visa that allows a foreign worker to work in the UK for an employer who holds a sponsor licence. You’ll need to meet a set of eligibility criteria such as having a job offer from an eligible occupation. Additionally a skilled worker can bring dependents to the UK.
