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A Complete Guide to the UK Skilled Worker Visa

Are you a skilled professional looking to advance your career and build a life in the United Kingdom? The Skilled Worker Visa (formerly the Tier 2 General visa) is the UK's primary sponsored route for talented individuals from around the world to come and work in the UK.


At Nuvora, we understand that securing international employment is a significant step, and navigating the complexities of the UK's points-based immigration system requires expert guidance. While our primary focus is on complex family and nationality matters, understanding the main work routes like the Skilled Worker Visa is crucial for a holistic approach to UK immigration. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from eligibility to the exciting prospect of permanent settlement.


What is the UK Skilled Worker Visa?


The UK Skilled Worker Visa allows eligible individuals to come to the UK for up to five years to work for an approved employer in a specific skilled job. It is a 'sponsored' route, meaning you must have a valid job offer and a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a UK employer who holds a sponsor licence.


This visa offers a direct pathway to permanent settlement in the UK (Indefinite Leave to Remain) after five years, and it allows you to bring your eligible family members with you.


Eligibility Requirements: Do You Qualify?


To be eligible for a UK Skilled Worker Visa, you must meet the following criteria:


  1. Job Offer from a Licensed Sponsor: You must have a genuine job offer from a UK employer approved by the Home Office. This employer must hold a valid sponsor licence.

  2. Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): Your employer must issue you a valid Certificate of Sponsorship. This is an electronic record, not a paper document, containing a unique reference number that you will use in your visa application.

  3. Eligible Job: The job you are offered must be on the list of eligible occupations published by the Home Office. These jobs typically require a certain skill level (RQF Level 6 or below in some cases).

  4. Minimum Salary: Your salary must meet the general minimum threshold and/or the 'going rate' for your specific occupation code, whichever is higher. As of late 2025, the general minimum salary is approximately £41,700 per year, though this can be lower for certain 'shortage occupations' or if you have a PhD in a relevant subject.

  5. English Language Requirement: You must demonstrate sufficient knowledge of the English language. This is usually met by:

    • Being a national of a majority English-speaking country.

    • Having an academic qualification taught in English and recognised by ECCTIS as equivalent to a UK Bachelor's degree or higher.

    • Passing an approved English language test at CEFR level B1 or above.

  6. Sufficient Funds (Maintenance): You must prove you have enough personal savings to support yourself in the UK. As of late 2024/early 2025, this is typically £1,270 held for at least 28 consecutive days. Your sponsoring employer can also certify your maintenance in some cases.

  7. Good Character: You must not have any grounds for refusal based on your immigration history or criminal record.


The Application Process: Step-by-Step


The application process for the Skilled Worker Visa is typically made online from outside the UK, but can also be made from within the UK if you are switching from another eligible visa route.


  1. Secure a Job Offer & CoS: This is the critical first step. Your employer handles the sponsor licence and CoS issuance.

  2. Gather Your Documents: Compile your passport, CoS reference number, evidence of English language proficiency, maintenance funds, and any required TB test results (if from a listed country).

  3. Complete the Online Application Form: Apply online on the UK government's official website.

  4. Pay the Application Fee & IHS: Details on the costs are below.

  5. Book a Biometrics Appointment: You will need to attend an appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) if applying from outside the UK, or a UKVCAS service point if applying from within the UK, to provide your biometric information (fingerprints and a photograph).

  6. Submit Your Documents: Upload all supporting documents as required.

  7. Wait for a Decision: Standard processing times can vary, but generally, you can expect a decision within 3 weeks if applying from outside the UK, and 8 weeks if applying from within the UK. Priority or Super Priority services may be available for an extra fee.


What Does it Cost?


The cost of the UK Skilled Worker Visa involves several components. Please note: These figures are estimates based on fees as of late 2024/early 2025 and are subject to change.

Fee Type

Amount (Per Applicant)

Notes

Visa Application Fee (up to 3 years)

Approx. £827

Varies slightly if application is for more than 3 years.

Visa Application Fee (more than 3 years)

Approx. £1,655

For visas longer than 3 years.

Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)

Approx. £1,035 per year

Paid upfront for the full duration of the visa.

Certificate of Sponsorship Fee

Approx. £200

Paid by your sponsoring employer.

Immigration Skills Charge

£364 - £1,000 per year

Paid by your sponsoring employer (depends on company size & visa length).

  • Example Cost (Applicant for 5-year visa): £1,655 (application fee) + £5,175 (5 years IHS) = £6,830

  • Additional Costs: English language test, TB test (if applicable), and optional priority services (£500-£1,000).


Bringing Your Family Members (Dependants)


If you successfully obtain a Skilled Worker Visa, your eligible family members (dependants) may apply to join you in the UK. Eligible dependants include:


  • Your husband, wife, or civil partner

  • Your unmarried partner

  • Your child (under 18 years old at the time of initial application)


Each dependant will need to make their own application, pay the visa application fee, and the Immigration Health Surcharge. You will also need to demonstrate that you can adequately maintain and accommodate your dependants financially, typically requiring an additional £285 for a partner, £315 for one child, and £200 for each additional child (unless your employer certifies maintenance).


The Path Leading to Settlement


The Skilled Worker Visa offers a clear pathway to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after five years of continuous residence in the UK.


To qualify for ILR, you must:


  1. Have spent 5 continuous years in the UK on eligible visas (primarily Skilled Worker).

  2. Meet the continuous residence requirement (generally no more than 180 days absence in any rolling 12-month period).

  3. Still be working for your sponsoring employer, or have switched to another eligible sponsored job.

  4. Meet the appropriate salary threshold at the time of ILR application.

  5. Pass the Life in the UK Test.

  6. Meet the English language requirement (usually CEFR B1 level).


Once ILR is granted, you are free of immigration control and can later apply for British Citizenship via naturalisation.


Ready to Power Your Career in the UK?


The UK Skilled Worker Visa is a robust route for global talent, but a successful application hinges on precision – from the Certificate of Sponsorship to meeting all points-based criteria.


While Nuvora specialises in complex family and nationality matters, our holistic approach means we can offer initial guidance and referrals for work visa applications, ensuring your foundation in the UK is secure.


Book a consultation today with one of our IAA-qualified immigration professionals to understand how your skills can open doors to the UK.


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