The Skilled Worker route is for employers to recruit people to work in the UK, including in UK waters, in a specific job. A Skilled Worker must have a job offer in an eligible skilled occupation from a Home Office-approved sponsor.
A dependent partner and dependent children can apply on this route.
Skilled Worker is a route to settlement.

The Skilled Worker visa allows overseas nationals to work in the UK in an eligible skilled role for a licensed sponsor. This route replaced the Tier 2 (General) visa and is now one of the primary ways to secure long-term employment and settlement in the UK.

This visa allows you to bring your dependants and can lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after five years, subject to eligibility.

To qualify for a Skilled Worker visa, you must:

• Have a confirmed job offer from a UK employer that is licensed by the Home Office
• Hold a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) issued by your employer
• Work in a job that appears on the official list of eligible occupations
• Be paid at least:
  •  £41,700 per year,
  • £21.38 per hour, or
  •  The “going rate” for your role (whichever is highest)
• Meet the English language requirement (at least B2 level CEFR)

The general salary threshold is £41,700 per year or £21.38 per hour. However, different and lower thresholds may apply in the following cases:

• The role is on the Immigration Salary List
• The applicant is a new entrant (e.g. under 26, recent graduate)
• The role is in healthcare or education (e.g. nurses, teachers)

Examples:

• Health and Care Worker applicants may qualify with a minimum salary of £29,000 per year.
• New entrants may qualify with a salary of at least £33,400, depending on occupation and tradeable points.

You must submit at least four supporting documents with your application to prove that your organisation is genuine and trading in the UK. The exact documents required depend on the type and size of your organisation (e.g. company, charity, public body).

Mandatory documents may include business bank statements, VAT and PAYE registration, proof of premises, and professional accreditations. We provide clear guidance on which documents are required for your specific situation.

You must appoint Key Personnel who will be responsible for managing the licence:

• Authorising Officer – senior person responsible for compliance
• Key Contact – point of contact with the Home Office
• Level 1 User – manages the Sponsorship Management System (SMS)

For new Skilled Worker applications made on or after 8 January 2026 you must demonstrate English ability to at least B2 level via:

• An approved Secure English Language Test (SELT)
• A UK degree or academic qualification taught in English (confirmed via Ecctis if overseas)
• GCSE/A-level English gained at a UK school before age 18
• Exemption if you’re from a majority English-speaking country (e.g. USA, Australia, Canada)

Healthcare professionals may be exempt if they’ve passed a recognised English assessment for their regulatory body.

You can stay in the UK for up to five years on this visa. It is renewable and can lead to ILR after five continuous years of residence, provided you meet salary, residence, and English language criteria.

Yes. You can bring:

• Your partner (spouse or unmarried partner)
• Children under 18 (including those born in the UK during your visa stay)

Dependants are allowed to work and study in the UK.

We provide expert guidance through every step of your Skilled Worker visa application. We:

• Advise on sponsor licence issues (for employers)
• Confirm whether your role qualifies under the current rules
• Check your salary and working hours for compliance
• Help you complete the online application form
• Advise on supporting documents
• Draft a detailed legal representation letter linking your case to the Immigration Rules

We work closely with you to make the process smooth, accurate, and stress-free.