The Skilled Worker Visa is a crucial pathway for individuals seeking employment opportunities in the UK. This visa category allows foreign nationals to work in the UK for an approved employer in an eligible skilled occupation. Eligible roles must meet relevant skills standard and specific salary thresholds listed by the Home Office. Following the updates in July 2025, the route now includes higher skill and salary thresholds, making it essential to ensure your role meets the latest criteria.
Eligibility requirements
To be eligible for the Skilled Worker visa, you must meet the following criteria:
– You have a confirmed job offer from a Home Office-approved licensed sponsor, with a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) detailing your role, salary, and occupation code.
– Your job must be on the eligible occupations list at RQF Level 6 (degree level), meeting the skill threshold and minimum salary, currently set at £41,700 general threshold or the occupation-specific going rate, whichever higher.
– You must demonstrate English language proficiency at CEFR B2 level.
– You must meet financial requirements for maintenance, unless your sponsor certifies maintenance on the CoS.
– You must pass suitability checks under Part 9 of the Immigration Rules i.e. no criminality, deception, or immigration violations.
Duration of stay
The Skilled Worker Visa is typically granted for up to 5 years, matching the duration specified on your CoS, which aligns with your employment contract length. This visa can be extended in-country if you continue meeting eligibility criteria with the same or new sponsor. After 5 years of continuous lawful residence, you may qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) settlement, provided you meet salary, continuous employment, and English language requirements.
Work Rights
On a Skilled Worker Visa, you can work only for your sponsoring employer in the specific eligible occupation listed on your CoS. Supplementary employment is permitted for a maximum 20 hours per week in the same or lower skill level roles, but not self-employment, sports, coaching, or restricted professions. Your main sponsored job must remain primary, with no access to public funds.
FAQs
Can I change employers on this visa?
Yes, but you must apply for a new Skilled Worker visa if you change employer, job role, or occupation code. Your new employer must be a Home Office-approved licensed sponsor holding a valid Sponsor Licence.
Can I work additional jobs?
Yes, you can take supplementary employment (up to 20 hours per week) in the same or lower skill level as your sponsored role, excluding self-employment, sports, coaching, or certain professions. Your main sponsored job must remain your primary employment.
Can I switch to a Skilled Worker Visa inside the UK?
Yes, you can switch in-country if you hold a valid visa from eligible categories e.g., student, Global talent etc. You cannot switch from Visitor, Short-term Student, Seasonal Worker, or other prohibited temporary routes designed to prevent immigration abuse.
Do I need savings to apply?
You must show financial proof of savings, unless your sponsor certifies maintenance on your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) and has held their Sponsor Licence for 12+ months.
What occupations qualify for the Skilled Worker Visa?
Only roles listed on the Home Office’s eligible occupations list qualify, each with a 4-digit occupation code, skill threshold, and going-rate.
What happens if my salary changes after I receive my visa?
Your salary must continuously meet the minimum threshold. If it drops below (e.g., due to promotion/demotion affecting going rate), you breach visa conditions. Your sponsor must report changes within 10 working days via the Sponsor Management System.
Can I study while on a Skilled Worker Visa?
Yes, you can study any course at any level without restrictions, including full-time degrees, as long as it doesn’t interfere with performing your sponsored job duties.
Do I need to prove my criminal record?
Yes, for roles in healthcare, social care, education, or government positions—you need criminal record certificates from any country where you lived 12+ months in the past 10 years since age 18.
Can my employer pay for my visa?
Yes, employers often cover application fees, IHS, and priority services. However, they must pay the Immigration Skills Charge.
Can I work remotely from the UK for my employer?
Yes, fully permitted as part of your sponsored role. Remote/hybrid work allowed if it matches your occupation code duties and salary threshold. Sponsors must update SMS with significant changes; no location restrictions apply.
What happens if I lose my job?
Your sponsor notifies UKVI within 10 days, triggering visa curtailment (usually 60 days or visa expiry, whichever sooner). You can find new sponsor, switch visas, or leave. We handle urgent new CoS applications in such circumstances.
Do I need to meet a minimum number of working hours?
There is no fixed minimum, but your salary must meet the required threshold based on actual contracted hours. Part-time roles may be eligible if the salary requirement is met.
How We Can Help
We provide comprehensive support to secure your Skilled Worker Visa with confidence. Our services include reviewing your job role, occupation code, and salary to meet Home Office requirements, guidance on eligibility, documentation, and immigration strategy, advice on salary thresholds, SOC codes, and duties for full compliance and managing the complete Sponsor Licence application process and UKVI liaison for employers.
We provide assistance with visa application preparation and Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) matters, as well as supporting dependant applications for spouse/partner and children, plus ongoing compliance. With our in-depth knowledge of UK immigration rules and latest requirements, we streamline your application for the best chance of success while minimising delays.