Citizenship Areas
The Skilled Worker Visa is the UK’s primary immigration route for overseas nationals who wish to work in the UK. It replaced the former Tier 2 (General) visa in December 2020 and operates under Appendix Skilled Worker to the Immigration Rules.
To qualify, you must have a confirmed job offer from a UK employer approved by the Home Office (a licensed sponsor) in an eligible skilled occupation at or above the required skill level (RQF Level 3 or above).
Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) — Your employer must issue you a valid CoS before you apply. The CoS confirms the job details, salary, and occupation code.
Salary Threshold — The general salary threshold is £38,700 per year, or the going rate for the occupation (whichever is higher). Reduced rates apply for roles on the Immigration Salary List, certain healthcare roles, and new entrants to the labour market.
English Language — From 8 January 2026, first-time Skilled Worker applicants must demonstrate English at CEFR Level B2 (upper intermediate) in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. This is an increase from the previous B1 requirement.
Financial Requirement — You must show at least £1,270 in your bank account for 28 consecutive days (unless your sponsor certifies maintenance).
Eligible Occupation — Your job must be on the list of eligible occupations at RQF Level 3 or above, with the correct SOC code assigned by your sponsor.
The Skilled Worker Visa can be granted for up to 5 years at a time. You can extend it as many times as you wish, provided you continue to meet the requirements. After 5 continuous years on the Skilled Worker route, you may apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (settlement).
Your spouse/partner and children under 18 can apply to join you in the UK as dependants. Dependants have full work rights in the UK.
From 26 March 2026, nationals of Afghanistan are restricted from making new Skilled Worker visa applications from outside the UK. Existing visa holders can still extend or switch in-country.
Our immigration team provides end-to-end support for Skilled Worker visa applications — from eligibility assessment and document preparation to submission and post-decision support. We also assist employers with obtaining and managing Sponsor Licences.