Skilled Worker Visa

The UK Skilled Worker Visa is a work visa for overseas skilled workers who have secured a job offer from a UK employer with a valid sponsor licence. It replaces the former Tier 2 (General) work visa and is open to applicants who have a qualifying job offer from a licensed sponsor. The visa allows holders to work full-time for their sponsoring employer, bring dependants, and apply for permanent residence (Indefinite Leave to Remain) after meeting certain conditions. The visa duration is typically tied to the employment contract, up to a maximum of 5 years. Applications are assessed under a points-based system, where meeting basic requirements (e.g., job skill level, English proficiency, salary level) earns sufficient points. There is no cap on the number of visas issued, but the job must be in an eligible occupation.

• Have a job offer from a UK employer with a valid Home Office sponsor licence.
• The job must be at a required skill level (usually RQF 3 or above).
• The employer must issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
• Meet English language requirements (e.g., pass an approved English test or have a degree taught in English).
• Meet the minimum salary threshold (check the latest official rates).
• Show sufficient funds to support yourself in the UK, or have your employer certify maintenance.
• Have no criminal record and meet health requirements.

1. Find a UK employer with a sponsor licence willing to offer you a job.
2. The employer applies for a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from the Home Office and assigns it to you.
3. Prepare required documents: passport, CoS, English language proof, qualifications, etc.
4. Complete the online visa application and pay the application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge.
5. Book and attend a visa application centre to provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo).
6. Wait for a decision; you may be asked to attend an interview.
7. If approved, receive your visa and travel to the UK within the validity period.
8. Report to your employer upon arrival, start work, and comply with visa conditions.

• Check your employer's sponsor licence online before applying.
• Ensure the job and salary meet the requirements to avoid refusal.
• Take an approved SELT (Secure English Language Test) – results are valid for 2 years.
• Bank statements must show the required funds for 28 consecutive days; this can be waived if your employer certifies maintenance.
• Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge in full at the time of application.
• All non-English documents must be translated into English or Welsh, with a translator's declaration.
• If you change employers after approval, you must apply for a new visa.