UK Skilled Worker Visa Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the UK Skilled Worker visa, you must meet several clear rules. These include working for a licensed employer, doing a job on the approved list, earning a specific minimum salary, and proving your English skills.
Each factor helps ensure you can legally live and work in the UK.
Approved Sponsors and Sponsor Licence
To apply, your employer must be an approved sponsor with a valid sponsor licence from the UK Home Office. This licence allows them to legally hire overseas workers.
You cannot get a Skilled Worker visa without an offer from a licensed employer. Sponsors issue a certificate of sponsorship (CoS), which is a reference number for your job and role.
The CoS must be valid and linked to an eligible job before you apply. Only employers on the official register can sponsor workers.
You should check that your employer holds an up-to-date licence.
Eligible Occupations and Standard Occupation Codes
Your job must be on the official list of eligible occupations to qualify. These roles are grouped by Standard Occupation Codes (SOC codes).
Each SOC code defines the type of job roles allowed under the Skilled Worker route. Examples include engineers, IT professionals, health workers, and teachers.
The SOC code assigned with your sponsorship must match your job role. If your job is not on the list, you will not qualify.
Minimum Salary Requirement and National Pay Scale
Your salary must meet or exceed the minimum salary set by UK rules. This amount depends on your job type and sometimes your age or experience.
The government updates these thresholds regularly. Typically, the minimum is £26,200 per year or £10.75 per hour.
Some jobs have a lower threshold or “going rate” if they are on the shortage occupation list. Salaries are compared to the national pay scale for your job.
English Language Requirement and CEFR Level B1
You must prove your knowledge of English to at least CEFR Level B1. This means you can speak, read, write, and understand basic English well enough to work.
You usually meet this by passing an approved English language test or holding a degree taught in English. The B1 level ensures you can communicate effectively at work and manage daily life in the UK.
If you do not meet this requirement, your visa application will be refused.
Securing a Job Offer and Certificate of Sponsorship
To apply for the UK Skilled Worker Visa, you must first secure a job offer from a licensed employer. This employer will assign you a certificate of sponsorship (CoS) to start your visa application.
The job and salary must meet specific requirements, including those linked to the shortage occupation list and immigration salary list.
Finding an Approved Employer
You need to find an employer registered with the UK Home Office as an approved sponsor. Only these approved sponsors can assign certificates of sponsorship.
The employer’s license ensures they can legally hire foreign workers under the Skilled Worker route. Check the official sponsorship register to confirm if an employer is approved.
Many large companies and organizations have this status, but you should verify before applying. The employer must provide a valid CoS before you submit your visa application.
Job Offer Requirements
Your job offer must meet set criteria to qualify for the Skilled Worker Visa. It should be at an appropriate skill level, typically RQF Level 3 or above (equivalent to A-levels).
The job must also be listed under eligible occupations recognized by the UK government. The salary you are offered must meet the minimum threshold.
This salary rule depends on the specific job and can change yearly. For example, roles on the shortage occupation list may have a lower salary threshold.
Your contract should clearly state the job title, salary, and start date.
Obtaining a Certificate of Sponsorship
Once your employer approves your hire, they must assign you a certificate of sponsorship. This is an electronic document with a unique reference number.
You must use this valid CoS number to apply for your visa. The certificate is valid for three months from the date it is assigned.
You cannot apply for your visa earlier than three months before your job starts. Timing is important.
The employer will usually apply for a “defined” certificate if you are applying from outside the UK. Processing takes about one working day but may take longer if additional checks are needed.
Shortage Occupation List and Immigration Salary List
Jobs on the shortage occupation list (SOL) are in high demand and have relaxed visa rules. If your job is on this list, you may pay a lower visa fee and meet a lower salary threshold.
This list changes based on UK labor market needs. The immigration salary list sets the minimum pay rates for Skilled Worker jobs outside the shortage occupation list.
It varies by occupation and age group. Jobs not on the SOL must meet these higher salary thresholds.
Your employer should know if your job is on the shortage occupation list or the immigration salary list.
Step-by-Step Skilled Worker Visa Application Process
You need to apply online within three months of receiving your certificate of sponsorship. Prepare your documents, complete identity checks through biometrics, and possibly visit a visa application centre for an appointment.
Each step is important to meet UK visa requirements and timelines.
Online Application Portal and Deadlines
Start your Skilled Worker visa application by visiting the official UK government visa portal. You must apply online within three months of getting your certificate of sponsorship.
The application involves filling out personal details, job information, and uploading documents. You will also pay the visa application fee and the healthcare surcharge online.
Keep your certificate of sponsorship number ready. After submission, you usually get a decision within three weeks if applying from outside the UK or within eight weeks if inside.
Preparation and Submission of Supporting Documents
Before submitting your application, gather the required documents to prove your eligibility. These include your certificate of sponsorship, passport, English language proof, and evidence of financial support.
You may also need a tuberculosis test if you’re from a listed country. Make sure scanned copies are clear and meet file size limits on the application portal.
You must confirm you can support yourself financially unless your employer or the job on the shortage occupation list exempts you. Upload documents carefully and check for completeness.
Proving Your Identity: Biometrics and BRP
You will need to prove your identity through biometric data. This includes a photograph and fingerprint scan.
Depending on where you apply, you either visit a visa application centre or use the official UK Immigration ID Check app to submit your biometrics. Once your visa is approved, you will get a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) if you’re entering the UK.
The BRP acts as proof of your right to live and work in the UK and must be collected within 10 days of arrival.
Visa Application Centre and Biometrics Appointment
Most applicants must book an appointment at a visa application centre (VAC) to provide biometrics. At your appointment, you will give fingerprints and a photo.
The visa application centre may collect your supporting documents if required. Bring your appointment confirmation and all original documents.
Schedule appointments as soon as you complete your online application. Some may be eligible to use the smartphone app instead, depending on your location and passport type.
Financial and Healthcare Requirements
When applying for the UK Skilled Worker visa, you must meet specific financial and healthcare obligations. These include showing you have enough money to support yourself, paying the Immigration Health Surcharge, and covering application fees.
Proof of Personal Savings and Maintenance Funds
You need to prove you have enough money to support yourself when you arrive in the UK. This is called maintenance funds.
Generally, you must have at least £1,270 in your bank account for 28 consecutive days before you apply. This shows you can cover living costs without needing public funds.
If your UK employer certifies maintenance on your Certificate of Sponsorship, you may not need to prove personal savings. If not, you must meet this requirement yourself.
Make sure your savings are accessible and clearly documented with bank statements. Funds held jointly with someone else may not count unless you can prove the money is fully available to you.
Immigration Health Surcharge and NHS Access
You must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as part of your application. This fee gives you access to the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK during your visa stay.
The IHS must be paid upfront. The cost is usually £624 per year for most applicants and £470 per year for students or those on certain youth mobility schemes.
If your visa is for less than a year, the fee is prorated. Having paid the IHS means you can use NHS services without extra charge, except for treatments like dental work or prescriptions.
You cannot get a refund if you leave the UK early, so plan the length of your visa carefully.
Application Fees and Associated Costs
You must pay a visa application fee when you apply. The amount depends on your job, salary, and if you apply from inside or outside the UK.
Most standard Skilled Worker visa fees range from £610 to £1,408. If you want a faster decision, you can pay for a priority service, which usually costs an extra £500 to £800.
You may also have to pay biometric fees for fingerprint and photo collection, about £19.20. Include costs for document translation, the Certificate of Sponsorship from your employer, and travel to visa centers if needed.
Approved English Language Tests and Providers
To apply for the UK Skilled Worker visa, you must prove your English language ability using an approved test. These tests measure different language skills and must come from providers recognized by the UK Home Office.
Secure English Language Test (SELT) Options
A Secure English Language Test (SELT) is a UK government-approved test used to prove your English skills for visa purposes. Depending on your visa requirements, you may need to take a test assessing reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
Some routes only require speaking and listening tests. Your test must be taken at an approved test centre and be valid within two years before your visa application.
You may only use SELT results from approved providers. Tests like IELTS for UKVI, Pearson PTE Academic UKVI, and LanguageCert Academic SELT are common choices.
IELTS SELT Consortium, Pearson, and LanguageCert
Four main providers offer SELT tests you can use. The IELTS SELT Consortium provides tests like IELTS for UKVI and IELTS Life Skills.
These tests check your overall English ability or speaking and listening only. Pearson offers the PTE Academic UKVI, which evaluates all four skills.
LanguageCert provides Academic SELT and General SELT tests. Since January 2025, the older ESOL 4-skills test has been replaced by these formats.
Book your test through the provider’s website and select an approved test centre. Make sure your identity matches the details used for booking.
Common European Framework of Reference for Languages
Your test results must meet the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) levels set by the UK Home Office. The CEFR levels range from A1 (basic) to C2 (proficient).
For the Skilled Worker visa, you generally need at least a B1 level in all tested skills. Check your visa route’s specific CEFR level requirement before you book your test.
Each SELT provider includes CEFR levels and minimum scores in their test details. You must pass all required components of the chosen test at the approved level.
Changing Employment or Extending Your Visa
You must follow specific rules if you want to change jobs or extend your Skilled Worker visa. Certain rules also apply if you work in healthcare.
Process for Change of Employment
If you change your job to a different employer or your job has a new occupation code, you must apply to update your visa. You need a new certificate of sponsorship from your new employer.
You can apply up to three months before your new job starts. Keep working in your current job while your application is processed.
Do not start the new job until you get approval. If you take a second job that is more than 20 hours a week, you also need to update your visa.
For jobs classed as “medium skilled,” you must have originally held your Skilled Worker visa since before July 22, 2025.
Extension of Skilled Worker Visa
You should extend your Skilled Worker visa before it expires to stay in the UK legally. To extend, you will need a new certificate of sponsorship and proof you meet salary and job criteria.
You can apply online and usually hear back within eight weeks. You must show your identity and may need to provide supporting documents, especially if you have been in the UK for less than a year.
You can keep working on your current visa while waiting for the decision. Avoid traveling outside the UK during this time.
Requirements for Healthcare Professionals
Healthcare workers have some special rules when changing jobs or extending their visas. Your new job must still be on the health and care worker occupation list.
If you meet specific criteria, like continuous Skilled Worker visa status from before April 4, 2024, you might qualify for lower salary thresholds. This helps if your new job pays less but fits the healthcare sector rules.
You must always get a new certificate of sponsorship when changing roles and apply properly to avoid breaks in your visa status.
Pathway to Settlement and British Citizenship
To live in the UK permanently, you must first apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR). ILR lets you stay in the UK without time limits.
After holding ILR, you can apply to become a British citizen by meeting extra requirements. You need to follow rules about how long you have lived and worked in the UK.
Applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
You can apply for ILR if you have lived and worked in the UK for at least 5 years on a Skilled Worker visa or a similar visa. You must meet salary thresholds and have a job that your employer still needs.
Your employer must confirm your job with a formal document. If you are aged 18 to 64, you need to pass the Life in the UK Test before applying.
You do not need to prove your English skills again if you did so when getting your visa. You can apply up to 28 days before your 5 years in the UK are complete.
The application fee is £3,029. You must submit your biometric information.
You should avoid travel outside the UK while waiting for a decision. The decision usually takes up to 6 months.
Transitioning to British Citizenship
Once you have ILR, you can apply to become a British citizen through naturalisation. You must have held ILR for at least 12 months unless you are married to a British citizen.
To apply, you must show good character and meet English language requirements. You also need to prove you have lived in the UK for at least 5 years, with no long absences.
The fee for naturalisation is currently £1,330. Citizenship gives you the right to a British passport and access to all rights and benefits of the UK.
Eligibility Timeline and Conditions
Your eligibility starts when you enter the UK on a Skilled Worker Visa.
You must complete 5 continuous years of residency and employment under this visa type.
The earliest you can apply for ILR is 28 days before your 5-year qualifying period ends.
You cannot apply if your current visa has expired; renew it if needed.
After you obtain ILR, you must wait 12 months before applying for citizenship, unless you are married to a British citizen.
During the 5 years before ILR, you should avoid being outside the UK for over 180 days in any 12-month period to maintain eligibility.