UK Skilled Worker visa: requirements and costs
The eligibility requirements, salary threshold, sponsorship and documents for the UK Skilled Worker visa.
- You need a job offer from a Home Office-approved sponsor.
- The job must meet a minimum skill level and salary threshold.
- You must prove English ability, usually at CEFR level B1.
- You must meet a financial requirement unless your sponsor certifies maintenance.
What the Skilled Worker visa is
The Skilled Worker visa lets you work in the UK for an approved employer in an eligible job. It replaced the old Tier 2 (General) route.
It can lead to settlement (indefinite leave to remain) after the qualifying period, so it is one of the main long-term work routes to the UK.
Eligibility requirements
You need a genuine job offer from an employer that holds a valid sponsor licence, and a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) for the role.
The job must meet the minimum skill level and the relevant salary threshold. Thresholds changed in April 2024, so confirm the current amount on GOV.UK for your occupation and situation.
English language requirement
You must prove English ability at CEFR level B1 or higher, usually through an approved English language test, or a degree taught in English.
Nationals of certain majority English-speaking countries are exempt from the test requirement.
Financial requirement
You must show you have enough money to support yourself, unless your sponsor certifies that it will cover your maintenance for the first month.
If you need to rely on your own savings, the required amount must have been held in your account for a consecutive period before you apply.
Documents you need
Typical documents include a valid passport, your Certificate of Sponsorship reference, proof of English ability, and evidence of your finances. Some countries also require a tuberculosis test certificate.
You may need to provide evidence of your relationship if you are bringing dependants.
Costs and processing time
The visa has an application fee, an Immigration Health Surcharge, and possibly a fee per dependant. Use the VisaWyse fee calculator for an estimate and check the processing-time page for current timelines.
You can apply from outside the UK or switch from another route if you already hold eligible permission.