How to Get a Skilled Worker Visa UK

Updated Guide to Getting a Skilled Worker Visa for the UK (2025)

Embarking on a career in the UK can be a life-changing experience, but navigating the immigration process can feel overwhelming. The UK Skilled Worker Visa offers a clear route for skilled professionals to live and work in the UK, but the rules have recently changed. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to succeed in 2025.

What is the UK Skilled Worker Visa?

The Skilled Worker Visa allows overseas workers to take on eligible roles in the UK. It’s a sponsored visa, meaning you must have a job offer from a UK employer approved by the Home Office. This visa replaces the Tier 2 General Visa and is the most common route for skilled migration to the UK.

UK Skilled Worker Key Requirements

1. Job Offer and Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

To qualify, you need:

A job offer from a licensed UK Home Office sponsor.
A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), a digital reference number issued by your employer.

The job must meet the required skill level (RQF Level 3 or above) and salary thresholds.

2. Salary Thresholds for 2025

The minimum salary thresholds vary based on your role:

General Minimum Salary: £38,700 per year or £18.60 per hour.
Immigration Salary List (ISL) Roles: £30,960 per year or £14.90 per hour (roles previously on the Shortage Occupation List now fall under the ISL).
New Entrants: £24,840 per year or £12.50 per hour.

In all cases, your salary must also meet the “going rate” for your occupation, whichever is higher.

3. English Language Requirement

You must demonstrate proficiency in English by:

Passing an approved Secure English Language Test (SELT) at CEFR Level B1 or above.
Holding a degree taught in English.
Being a national of an English-speaking country.

4. Financial Maintenance Requirement

You’ll need to show evidence of at least £1,270 in savings to support yourself unless your employer certifies this on your CoS. Funds must be held for at least 28 consecutive days.

Skilled Worker Visa Application Process

Step 1: Gather Required Documents

Prepare:

Passport or travel document.
Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
Proof of English proficiency.
Details of your job, including salary and job description.
Proof of personal savings (if not certified by your sponsor).

Step 2: Complete the Online Application

You can apply online via the UKVI portal:

Outside the UK: For new applications.
Inside the UK: To extend or switch to this visa.

Step 3: Pay the Fees

Application Fees:
- Up to 3 years: £719 (non-ISL roles) or £551 (ISL roles).
- More than 3 years: £1,420 (non-ISL roles) or £1,084 (ISL roles).
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS):
- £1,035 per year for adults.
- £776 per year for children under 18.

Step 4: Provide Biometrics

Attend an appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) to provide fingerprints and a photograph. Alternatively, use the Home Office ID Check App if eligible.

Step 5: Wait for a Decision

Standard processing times:

3 weeks for applications outside the UK.
8 weeks for applications inside the UK.

Priority services are available for faster decisions (additional fees apply).

Dependent Applications

Your spouse/partner and children can usually join you as dependants. They’ll need to:

Submit separate applications.
Pay the same application and IHS fees as the main applicant.

Dependants have the right to work or study in the UK, except in roles as professional sportspeople or coaches.

Benefits of the Skilled Worker Visa

Route to Settlement: Skilled Worker Visa holders can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 years.
Family: Dependants can accompany you, making relocation seamless for families.
Work Opportunities: Full-time work in your sponsored role and secondary jobs in eligible roles.
Access to the NHS: Healthcare is covered through the Immigration Health Surcharge.

Costs Breakdown

Expense	Amount
Application Fee (up to 3 years)	£719 (non-ISL) / £551 (ISL)
Application Fee (over 3 years)	£1,420 (non-ISL) / £1,084 (ISL)
Immigration Health Surcharge	£1,035 per year (adults)
Maintenance Funds	£1,270 (unless certified on CoS)

Final Thoughts

The UK Skilled Worker Visa provides an excellent opportunity for skilled professionals to advance their careers and build a life in the UK. With recent changes to salary thresholds and the introduction of the Immigration Salary List, it’s more important than ever to stay informed and prepared.