Skilled worker visa UK (2026): requirements, salary thresholds, and how to apply

The Skilled Worker visa is a points-based immigration route that allows employers in the UK to sponsor non-UK workers for skilled roles. It requires sponsorship from a licensed employer, a job offer at an approved occupation code, and a salary meeting the applicable Skilled Worker visa salary threshold set by the Home Office. This guide explains eligibility, costs, and application steps. For bespoke advice on your circumstances, particularly if you have previous visa history, employment gaps, or dependants, consult a solicitor regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) who specialises in UK immigration law.

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Eligibility: Do you qualify? UK Skilled Worker visa requirements

To qualify for a Skilled Worker visa, your role must appear on the eligible occupations list, matched to a 4-digit occupation code (SOC code). From July 2025, your job must normally be skilled at RQF Level 6 or above (equivalent to bachelor’s degree level).

‘Higher skilled’ roles on the eligible list qualify directly. ‘Medium skilled’ occupations require either an immigration salary list placement or temporary shortage list entry. New entrant skilled worker visa applicants, typically recent graduates or first-time workers, can earn 70% of the going rate or £33,400 annually (whichever is higher). Non-new entrants must meet the standard salary threshold applicable to their occupation code.

Your employer must hold a Home Office sponsor licence. Time spent lawfully in the UK on qualifying work routes may count towards residence requirements, depending on continuity and absence limits.

Salary thresholds: What you need to earn? Minimum salary for Skilled Worker visa UK

You must earn at least the general salary threshold set by the Home Office (currently £41,700) or the occupation-specific going rate for your role, whichever is higher. Each eligible occupation code has its own salary requirement for skilled worker visa, published by the Home Office based on median earnings data. Your salary is assessed on a standard 37.5-hour week; if you work longer hours, your hourly rate adjusts proportionally.

Typical salary thresholds by role type:

• Skilled trades: £33,400–£45,000 (varies by specialism).
• Business & finance: £50,000–£70,000+ (going rate dependent).
• Healthcare roles: Going rate per national pay scales; exempt roles lower.
• Engineering & IT professionals: £45,000–£65,000+ (going rate dependent).
• Education professionals: Going rate per national pay scales; typically £30,000–£50,000+

Your employer verifies salary via payroll records. Healthcare and education follow national pay scales rather than market going rates.

Sponsorship & employer requirements – Skilled Worker visa sponsor obligations

Your employer must hold a valid Home Office sponsor licence to issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), an electronic record confirming you meet sponsorship requirements. Sponsors must verify your identity, check salary meets thresholds, confirm genuine vacancy, and maintain records throughout your employment.

Changing employers mid-visa:

• Same employer, different role: Only if occupation code changes.
• New employer needed: Requires new CoS and visa update application.
• Second job: Allowed if under 20 hours weekly; over 20 hours requires new CoS and visa update.
• Continuous employment: You can work in current role while application is being considered, provided your visa remains valid.
• Processing time: Usually 8 weeks; can apply up to 3 months before start date.

Dependants: Bringing family members under the Skilled Worker dependent visa

Your partner and children may apply as dependants if you meet Skilled Worker dependent visa eligibility requirements. From 22 July 2025, only applicants with RQF Level 6 or above jobs can sponsor dependants (unless you’re a care worker or held an eligible ‘medium-skilled’ role before this date). Partners must prove a recognised marriage, civil partnership, or 2-year relationship; children must be under 18 or over 18 with existing dependent visa status.

Dependant financial requirements:

• Partner: £285 available.
• First child: £315 available.
• Each additional child: £200 available.
• Proof period: Funds must be held for 28 consecutive days; deadline is 31 days before application.

Their visa expires on the same date as yours unless earlier expiry rules apply.

Fees & costs: What to budget – Skilled Worker visa fees UK

A Skilled Worker visa requires three types of payment: application fee, Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), and maintenance funds. The Skilled Worker visa fees breakdown depends on duration and location. Lower fees apply if your job is on the immigration salary list (£590–£1,160 per person).

Cost summary (main applicant, standard rate):

• Application fee: £769–£1,751 (location and duration dependent: £769/£1,519 outside UK; £885/£1,751 inside UK).
• Immigration Health Surcharge: £1,035 per year (£776 for under-18s).
• Maintenance funds: £1,270 (held for 28 consecutive days).
• Dependants: Same fees apply per person; IHS charged for each year of visa granted.

Your Skilled Worker dependent visa fee mirrors the main applicant structure. Total cost for a 5-year visa with dependants increases significantly. Employers may cover your first-month maintenance costs if certified on your Certificate of Sponsorship.

Application process & timeline – Apply for Skilled Worker visa UK

Apply for a Skilled Worker visa UK entirely online:

1. Obtain Certificate of Sponsorship: Employer issues CoS reference number.
2. Gather required documents: Passport, proof of B2 English, job details, occupation code, salary confirmation, and maintenance funds (£1,270) or employer support letter.
3. Complete online form: Submit via GOV.UK portal; save and return option available.
4. Prove identity: Use ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app or attend visa application centre for biometrics.
5. Await decision: 3 weeks (outside UK); 8 weeks (inside UK extension/switch).

Extensions & Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) – Skilled Worker visa settlement

Skilled Worker visa extension eligibility requires you remain in the same job with the same employer in the same occupation code. You can extend as many times as you like provided you continue meeting eligibility requirements. Extensions require a new Certificate of Sponsorship and application 8 weeks before your visa expires. Processing takes 8 weeks; apply online before expiry.

Pathway to settlement:

• Current route: 5 years continuous residence in UK on qualifying Skilled Worker visa (28 days notice required before applying).
• Proposed changes from April 2026: Government consultation proposes extending UK ILR new rules for skilled worker visa from 5-year to 10-year baseline under “Earned Settlement” model (currently under consultation).
• Life in the UK Test: Required for ages 18–64; already-proved English exempts you.
• Salary confirmation: Employer must confirm you meet salary requirements post-settlement.

Continuous residence rules: You must spend no more than 180 days outside the UK per 12-month period. Time on Tier 2 (General) or Skilled Worker visas counts. Absences for permitted reasons (compassionate, medical) may be excluded. Do not travel outside UK while ILR application is pending.

FAQs

What is a Skilled Worker visa? A work visa allowing UK employers to sponsor skilled workers (RQF Level 6+) with a job offer and salary at or above the going rate.

What is the salary threshold for Skilled Worker visa? You must earn at least the general Skilled Worker salary threshold in force at the time of application or your job’s going rate, whichever is higher.

How much is Skilled Worker visa? £769–£1,751 application fee, plus £1,035 per year Immigration Health Surcharge, plus £1,270 maintenance funds.

How to apply for Skilled Worker visa in UK? Get a Certificate of Sponsorship from your employer, submit documents online (passport, B2 English, job details), prove identity, and await decision (3 weeks outside UK; 8 weeks inside).

How to change employer on Skilled Worker visa? Apply to update your visa with a new Certificate of Sponsorship from your new employer; you can apply up to 3 months before your start date.

The Skilled Worker visa remains the primary route for UK employment. Understanding eligibility, salary thresholds, sponsorship rules, and settlement pathways ensures smooth navigation. Plan ahead, verify requirements, and extend or settle confidently within five years.

This guide is general information only and does not constitute legal advice; consult a qualified immigration solicitor for your specific circumstances.

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KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• The Skilled Worker visa requires a job offer from a licensed UK employer in an eligible occupation at RQF Level 6 or above, with salary meeting the applicable Skilled Worker salary threshold or your role’s going rate, whichever is higher.
• Application costs include the visa fee (£769–£1,751), Immigration Health Surcharge (£1,035 annually), and maintenance funds (£1,270), with processing taking 3 weeks outside the UK or 8 weeks inside.
• After five years of continuous residence meeting salary requirements, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain to settle permanently in the UK, though proposed changes from April 2026 may extend this to ten years.