A Skilled Worker visa allows you to work in an eligible UK job for a Home Office-approved employer. It can support a longer-term move to the UK, with settlement possible if the relevant requirements are met.

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Care workers and senior care workers have additional restrictions. New overseas applications in occupation codes 6135 and 6136 closed on 22 July 2025. Qualifying applications within the UK remain possible, with separate provisions for switching and existing sponsored workers. The Health and Care Worker page explains these provisions and the occupation-specific dependant restrictions.

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At a glance

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Who it is for: People aged 18 or over with an eligible sponsored job offer.
Where to apply: Outside the UK, or inside the UK where switching or extension is permitted.
Length of stay: Normally up to five years per grant, depending on sponsorship.
Settlement: Potentially after five years of qualifying residence under the current rules.
Dependants: Eligible partners and children may apply, subject to occupation-specific restrictions.

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Main eligibility requirements

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You must have a genuine job offer, an appropriate occupation code and a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from an employer licensed for the Skilled Worker route. The job must meet the applicable skill and salary requirements. You must also meet the English language, financial and suitability requirements, with tuberculosis screening or a criminal record certificate where required.

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Most new sponsorship requires a role at degree level, known as RQF level 6. This describes the job's skill level; you do not necessarily need a degree yourself. Certain medium-skilled jobs remain eligible under the Immigration Salary List, Temporary Shortage List or specific transitional provisions.

 

Salary, English and Maintenance

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The usual salary requirement is at least £41,700 a year and the occupation's applicable going rate, whichever is higher. Working hours and permitted salary components affect the calculation.

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Where the occupation and applicant qualify, lower salary options may apply, including for certain new entrants, relevant PhD holders and listed occupations. For example, a qualifying new entrant under the standard salary options normally needs at least £33,400 and 70% of the going rate. Healthcare, education and some existing visa holders have different provisions.

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New applicants normally need English at CEFR level B2. Transitional B1 provisions can apply to existing Skilled Workers whose previous permission was granted under the B1 requirement.

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You normally need £1,270 held for 28 consecutive days, ending within 31 days before application. This evidence is generally unnecessary for an eligible in-country applicant with at least 12 months' permission-based residence, or where an eligible sponsor certifies maintenance. Dependants may need additional funds.

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Current rules and forthcoming changes

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The higher skill and salary thresholds introduced on 22 July 2025 remain relevant. New dependants are generally restricted for newly sponsored medium-skilled workers, with transitional and specified child exceptions.

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Since 26 March 2026, Afghan nationals applying from overseas as Skilled Worker main applicants are subject to the visa brake. Existing permission and eligible applications made inside the UK are not automatically barred by that entry-clearance restriction.

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From 8 October 2026, specified Skilled Workers with a positive Conclusive Grounds decision under the National Referral Mechanism, made during their most recent permission, may have their work conditions amended. This is a specific protection for recognised victims of modern slavery.

 

From 26 March 2027, the settlement English requirement increases to B2, subject to exemptions.

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Evidence commonly required

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Passport; CoS reference; job description, occupation code, salary and hours; English evidence; financial evidence or maintenance certification; and any required TB, criminal record, ATAS or family documents.

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Application process

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1. Check the employer, occupation, salary option and immigration history.
2. Obtain the CoS and prepare the supporting evidence.
3. Apply online, pay the applicable visa fee and healthcare surcharge, and complete identity checks.
4. Check the decision, eVisa and work conditions before starting or changing employment.

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Common issues

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Incorrect occupation codes, salary calculations, unsuitable deductions, missing English evidence and assumptions that every job allows dependants can lead to refusal.

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Frequently asked questions

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Can I change employer?
Usually, you need a new CoS and approval of an application to update your permission before starting the new sponsored job.

 

Does five years guarantee settlement?

No. Qualifying residence, absences, employment, salary, suitability and the applicable knowledge requirements must also be satisfied.