Who Can Apply
To qualify for the Skilled Worker visa, you need:
- A confirmed job offer from a UK employer who is a licensed sponsor
- The job must be at RQF Level 3 (A-level equivalent) or above
- Salary of at least £38,700 (or the "going rate" for the role, whichever is higher)
- English language proficiency (B1 CEFR or higher)
- Enough savings — £1,270 for 28 days before application (can be waived if sponsor covers)
- No relevant criminal convictions or immigration breaches
Salary & Skill Requirements
| Category | Minimum salary | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| General threshold | £38,700 | 2024 increase from £26,200 |
| New entrants | £30,960 | Under 26 / recent grad / first sponsorship |
| Health & Care Worker | £23,200 | Discounted threshold |
| Shortage Occupation List | £30,960 | 20% salary discount |
| PhD relevant to role | £34,830 | 10% discount |
Finding a Sponsor
- Search the sponsor register at gov.uk/government/publications/register-of-licensed-sponsors-workers — 85,000+ licensed sponsors
- Target roles marked "Tier 2" or "Skilled Worker" in job ads — LinkedIn filter available
- Sectors most likely to sponsor: tech, finance, healthcare, engineering, academia, law
- Large employers that regularly sponsor: Google, Amazon, Meta, Bank of America, McKinsey, NHS
- Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): your sponsor issues this, valid 3 months
⚠️ Sponsor scams: Do NOT pay "recruitment agents" who promise sponsorship for £5,000-20,000. Legitimate sponsors pay their own sponsorship fees (not you). If asked to pay, it's a scam.
Application Process
- Employer issues Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) — unique reference number
- Apply online at gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa within 3 months of CoS
- Pay visa fee + Immigration Health Surcharge upfront
- Book biometric appointment at VFS Global / TLScontact
- Attend appointment with passport + supporting documents
- Decision typically within 3 weeks (priority £500 extra = 5 working days)
- Collect biometric residence permit (BRP) on arrival in UK
After 5 Years
- Apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) — £3,029 fee
- Requirements: 5 years continuous residence, Life in the UK test, English test (or prior qualification), max 180 days absent/year
- After ILR, 12 months later: apply for British citizenship (£1,500)
- Citizenship ceremony: oath to King, receive British passport entitlement
- Dual citizenship: UK allows; check your home country's rules
🇬🇧 Fee reality: Over 5 years, a Skilled Worker visa + IHS + ILR + citizenship costs £11,000-15,000 per person, before legal fees. Factor this into your job negotiation.