Skilled Worker Visa UK: A Complete Guide

The Skilled Worker Visa replaced the Tier 2 (General) visa in December 2020 and is the main route for people from outside the UK to come and work for a UK employer.

Who Can Apply?

To be eligible for a Skilled Worker Visa, you must:

• Have a job offer from a UK employer that holds a valid Skilled Worker sponsor licence
• Be offered a role at the required skill level (RQF Level 6, degree level, for most new applicants since 22 July 2025, with limited exceptions)
• Meet the salary threshold for your role
• Have a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your employer
• Meet the English language requirement
• Have enough money to support yourself in the UK

Salary Thresholds

For applications made on or after 22 July 2025:

• General threshold: £41,700 per year (previously £38,700)
• New entrant rate: £33,400 (for example those under 26, recent graduates, or switching from some student routes)
• Going rate: each occupation has its own going rate, and you must be paid whichever is higher of the general threshold and the going rate

Some roles on the Immigration Salary List and in health and care have different thresholds. Only guaranteed basic pay counts. Contact us for the requirements for your specific role.

The Certificate of Sponsorship

Your employer must assign you a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) before you can apply. The CoS has a reference number and confirms the details of your job offer.

There are two types:

• Defined CoS: for applicants outside the UK
• Undefined CoS: for applicants already in the UK who are switching or extending

How to Apply

1. 1Get a CoS from your employer: your employer must hold a sponsor licence and assign you a CoS
2. 2Check your eligibility: make sure you meet the salary, skill level and English requirements
3. 3Gather documents: passport, CoS reference number, proof of English, and financial evidence
4. 4Apply online: through the UK Visas and Immigration online service
5. 5Prove your identity: at a visa application centre or using the UK Immigration: ID Check app
6. 6Wait for a decision: usually around 3 weeks from outside the UK and 8 weeks from inside, or faster with priority services

English Language Requirement

First-time Skilled Worker applicants applying on or after 8 January 2026 must show English at B2 on the CEFR scale (roughly A-level standard), up from B1. People who already held Skilled Worker leave before that date can generally rely on B1 when extending.

You can usually prove English by:

• Passing an approved Secure English Language Test (SELT)
• Being a national of a majority English-speaking country
• Holding a degree taught in English, confirmed by Ecctis

Settlement After Skilled Work

Today, Skilled Workers can usually apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain after 5 years. The government has consulted on an "earned settlement" model that would make 10 years the baseline for many routes. As at October 2026, the final rules and any transitional protection have not been confirmed, so plan carefully and take advice before relying on a 5-year timeline.

How Temple Gate Solicitors Can Help

Skilled Worker applications are unforgiving: one wrong occupation code or salary figure can lead to refusal. Our immigration solicitors can:

• Assess your eligibility and the strongest application strategy
• Check your Certificate of Sponsorship for accuracy
• Prepare and compile all supporting documents
• Submit your application on your behalf
• Deal with any Home Office requests for further information
• Advise on your route to settlement

Contact us for a free consultation about your Skilled Worker Visa application.