UK Skilled Worker visa
The UK Skilled Worker visa rests on employer sponsorship. The salary must be the higher of the general threshold and the occupation's going rate, which is the part most often missed.
Core requirements
You must work for a UK employer approved by the Home Office and hold a Certificate of Sponsorship from them. Without a licensed sponsor the route does not exist.
The job must have an eligible four-digit occupation code classified as higher skilled or medium skilled.
The salary is the higher of the general threshold and the occupation's going rate: the general threshold is £41,700 a year. Clearing the general threshold while falling below the going rate is still a refusal.
Where the usual requirements do not apply and the work is not in healthcare or education, the threshold is £33,400 a year.
Reading, writing, speaking and understanding must each reach CEFR level B2.
Accepted proofs include a UK school qualification, a UK degree taught in English, a degree from outside the UK taught in English assessed by Ecctis, or a Secure English Language Test with an approved provider.
Some nationalities are exempt, as are doctors, dentists, nurses, midwives and vets who have passed an English assessment accepted by their regulated professional body.
You cannot change job or employer unless you apply to update your visa; doing so removes the sponsorship the visa rests on.
You cannot claim most benefits or the State Pension while on the visa; you can bring a partner and children as dependants.
Not a condition of the application: after five years living in the UK you may be able to apply for indefinite leave to remain.
Official sources
- Skilled Worker visaUK Government · Reviewed 2026-09-06
- Skilled Worker visa: your jobUK Government · Reviewed 2026-09-06
- Skilled Worker visa: knowledge of EnglishUK Government · Reviewed 2026-09-06
- Skilled Worker visa: what you can and cannot doUK Government · Reviewed 2026-09-06
How immigration works in United Kingdom — the process in order, the current figures with their dates, and what commonly blocks an application.
General educational information only, not personalized immigration or legal advice. Requirements can change; confirm them with the responsible government authority before acting. Next scheduled review: 2026-12-06.