Skilled Worker Visa

What is a Skilled Worker visa

The Skilled Worker visa has replaced the previous Tier 2 General visa, which provides the opportunity for non-British nationals to come to the UK and work for an employer who holds a Sponsor Licence on a qualified skilled job. 

Not all UK employers will be able to sponsor migrant workers to apply for a Skilled Worker visa. To be able to do this, an employer must first obtain a Sponsor Licence which allows them to issues a Certificate of Sponsorship (COS) to the individual. As the Sponsor Licence application can sometimes be a lengthy process, it is recommended to start the preparation in advance to account for any delays.

The following page will continue with an overview of the Skilled Worker visa. If you are an employer looking to hire migrant workers, you may find more information on our Sponsor Licence page.

General requirements

In order to qualify for a Skilled Worker visa, you will need to satisfy UK Visas and Immigration that you meet the following requirements:

• You are aged 18 or over;
• You have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship for the job you are planning to do;
• Your job offer is a genuine vacancy;
• Your sponsor has paid any required Immigration Skills Charge;
• Your job is at an appropriate skill level;
• You are competent in the English language to at least CEFR Level B1 (equivalent to IELTS 4.0);
• You will be paid a salary which equals or exceeds both a general salary threshold and the ‘going rate’ for the occupation;
• You have enough money to support yourself without relying on public funds;
• You have provided a criminal record certificate, if required; and
• You have provided a valid TB certificate, if required.

The exact requirements you will need to satisfy may vary depending on your circumstances. You may want to speak to an immigration specialist for expert advice.

How long can you stay in the UK

If successful, you will be granted a Skilled Worker visa for the duration in line with the work start and end dates specified on your Certificate of Sponsorship, up to the maximum of 5 years at each time.

At the end of your initial visa. you may be able to apply for further leave to remain provided you can obtain a new Certificate of Sponsorship from your Sponsor.

After completing 5-years continuous residence in the UK on this route, you may be able to apply for settlement in the UK.

Dependants

Your family members (spouse/partner and any children under 18) can come with you. They will need to apply for a Dependant visa and if successful, will be granted a visa in line with yours.

Processing time and application fees 

If you are applying from outside of the UK, the standard fee will be:

• £625 (up to 3-year visa)
• £1,235 (more than 3-year visa)

If you are applying from inside the UK, the standard fee will be:

• £719 (up to 3-year visa)
• £1,423 (more than 3-year visa)

If your job is on the shortage occupation list, the standard fee will be:

• £479 (up to 3-year visa)
• £943 (more than 3-year visa)

Applicants will also need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge as part of the application, set at £624 per year (or £470 per year for Student / Youth Mobility Scheme / applicant under 18). 

Applications from outside of the UK usually take 3 weeks to process, while from within the UK it usually takes 8 weeks.

Priority service may be available for in-country applications and entry clearance applications made from certain countries, subject to availability and an additional priority fee.

How we can help

Our knowledgeable and experienced immigration team can:

• Assess your case and advise whether you are eligible to apply
• Provide you with a tailored & comprehensive document list
• Review all your documents and advise on necessary amendments
• Suggest on how to improve your application
• Complete your application forms in accordance with the UKVI requirements
• Assist you to complete the application submission process
• Provide our representation letter to support your application with necessary legal arguments
• Liaise with UKVI on your behalf

Depending on your need and budget, we have different levels of services that you may choose from. Check out Our Services to see which one is for you. 

Want to discuss your case with an immigration specialist? Contact Us now.