UK Skilled Worker Visa: Requirements and Application

The Skilled Worker visa, which replaced the Tier 2 (General) visa, is the primary work visa for non-UK nationals who want to be employed in the UK in qualifying skilled positions. This visa enables employers to sponsor overseas workers for specific roles. To be eligible, applicants must earn 70 points by fulfilling certain criteria, such as holding a valid job offer from a UK employer with sponsorship capabilities, meeting the required skill and salary levels, and proving proficiency in English.

The rules and requirements for the Skilled Worker visa route are set out in Appendix Skilled Worker. Applicants will need to accrue a total of 70 points to be eligible for a Skilled Worker visa. The applicable 70 points threshold for a Skilled Worker visa is made up of 50 points for mandatory or ‘non-tradeable’ criteria (i.e., the job offer, speaking English, and the requisite skill level for the job on offer) and 20 points for what are classed as ‘tradeable’ criteria.

The salary threshold for the UK Skilled Worker Visa varies depending on factors such as your occupation, age, qualifications, and sector.

Below are the key salary requirements and conditions you must meet to qualify for this visa:

• You must be paid at least £38,700 per year or the going rate for your occupation, whichever is higher.
• The going rate refers to the average salary paid for your occupation in the UK, and it can vary depending on the specific role and industry.

If your salary is below the standard salary requirement, you may still be eligible for the visa under the following conditions:

You may be eligible if you meet one of the following criteria:

• Under 26 years of age, a student, a recent graduate, or in professional training
• You have a STEM PhD qualification relevant to your job
• You hold a postdoctoral position in science or higher education

• If you are in a postdoctoral position in science or higher education, you can be paid 70% of the standard going rate, but at least £30,960 per year.
• If you hold a STEM PhD qualification, you can be paid 80% of the standard going rate, as long as you earn at least £30,960 per year.
• If you have a non-STEM PhD qualification, you can be paid 90% of the standard going rate, provided you earn at least £34,830 per year.

• For workers in healthcare and education sectors, the salary is typically based on national pay scales.
• The minimum salary for healthcare and education roles is £23,200 per year or the going rate for the occupation, whichever is higher.

• For jobs listed on the Immigration Salary List, the salary requirement is at least £30,960 per year, but it can be lower than the standard threshold.
• You must still meet the going rate for your specific occupation.

The Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is an essential element for the Skilled Worker Visa application in the UK. A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is a unique reference number issued by a UK employer who holds a sponsorship license.

This reference number is necessary for the visa application process. It serves as proof that the applicant has a job offer from a licensed UK sponsor and that the job meets the criteria set by the Home Office for a Skilled Worker Visa.

Only employers who are on the list of approved sponsors can issue a CoS. These employers must have a valid sponsorship license issued by the Home Office. If the applicant’s prospective employer is not on the approved list of sponsors, they will not be able to issue a CoS, and the applicant will not be eligible for a Skilled Worker Visa.

• Job Offer from a Licensed Sponsor : The CoS verifies that the applicant has received a job offer from an employer who is authorized to sponsor foreign workers.
• Compliance with Skill Level : The job being offered must meet the required skill level, which must be at least RQF Level 3 (equivalent to A-levels). The CoS will confirm that the job offered meets this requirement.
• Salary Requirement : The CoS will indicate the salary being offered for the role. This salary must meet the minimum threshold set by the UK Home Office for the Skilled Worker Visa.
• Job Description : The CoS will outline the specific occupation code (SOC code) and job description to ensure that the job aligns with the type of roles eligible for the visa.

The CoS is valid for three months from the date it is issued. The applicant must submit their visa application within this time frame. If the applicant does not apply for their visa within three months, the CoS will expire, and they will need to request a new one.

The Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) system was updated on 1 December 2020, introducing two types of CoS: Defined CoS and Undefined CoS, replacing the old restricted and unrestricted system.

This is for individuals applying for the Skilled Worker Visa from outside the UK. It is required for those who are not yet in the UK and are applying for a visa to work there for the first time.

This is issued for:

• Individuals switching to a Skilled Worker Visa from another immigration route while already in the UK (e.g., from a Student Visa to a Skilled Worker Visa).
• Individuals applying for other visa routes from within or outside the UK (e.g., dependants or certain work-related routes).

To meet the English language requirement for the UK Skilled Worker Visa, applicants must demonstrate proficiency at CEFR Level B1, encompassing reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills.

Approved English Language Tests:
Applicants can satisfy this requirement by passing a Secure English Language Test (SELT) from an approved provider. These tests assess all four language skills and are recognized by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) for visa applications.

IELTS for UKVI:
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) for UKVI is one such approved SELT. To meet the Skilled Worker Visa requirements, applicants must achieve a minimum score of 4.0 in each of the four components: listening, reading, writing, and speaking

Other UKVI-approved SELTs include:

• IELTS Life Skills: Assesses speaking and listening at CEFR levels A1, A2, or B1. For the Skilled Worker Visa, the B1 level is required.
• Trinity College London’s Integrated Skills in English (ISE): Evaluates reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. A minimum pass at ISE II (B1) is necessary for the Skilled Worker Visa.

However, certain exemptions apply:

Applicants from the following countries are exempt from the English language requirement:

Applicants who hold a bachelor’s degree or higher that was taught or researched in English may be exempt from the English language requirement when applying for a Skilled Worker visa. This exemption applies to degrees from institutions in majority English-speaking countries as well as those from non-majority English-speaking countries, provided the qualification is officially recognized.

For degrees obtained outside the UK, applicants must obtain an English Language Proficiency Statement from ECCTIS (formerly UK NARIC), confirming that the qualification meets the required academic level and was delivered in English. Without this certification, they may need to take an approved English language test to meet the visa requirements.

To meet the financial maintenance requirement for the UK Skilled Worker visa, applicants must demonstrate they have sufficient funds to support themselves upon arrival, as access to public funds is not permitted.

• Amount: Applicants need to have at least £1,270 in their bank account.
• Duration: These funds must be maintained for a continuous 28-day period, with the end of this period falling within 31 days prior to the visa application date.
• Evidence: Bank statements or other financial documents are required to substantiate the availability of these funds.

• Current Residency: Applicants who have lawfully resided in the UK for 12 months or more at the time of application are exempt from demonstrating maintenance funds.
• Sponsor Support: If the UK sponsor is willing to cover the applicant’s maintenance costs up to £1,270 during the first month of employment, the financial requirement can be waived. The sponsor must indicate this commitment in the ‘sponsor certifies maintenance’ section of the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), specifically under the ‘Additional data’ field.

When applying for a UK Skilled Worker Visa, certain applicants are required to provide a Police Clearance Certificate and undergo a Tuberculosis (TB) Test.

A Police Clearance Certificate, also known as a criminal record certificate, is necessary for applicants seeking to work in specific occupations within the UK. Applicants applying from outside the UK for roles in sectors such as education, healthcare, therapy, and social services. This includes positions like teachers, doctors, nurses, social workers, and related professions. Applicants must secure a certificate from the relevant authorities in any country where they have resided for 12 months or more in the past 10 years, after turning 18.

A TB test is mandated for applicants from countries where tuberculosis is prevalent, especially if they intend to stay in the UK for more than six months. A comprehensive list of these countries and approved testing centers can be found on the UK government’s official website.

If the applicant has secured private housing, a tenancy agreement specifying the address, rental terms, and right to occupy can be included. If the UK sponsor is providing accommodation, a letter confirming the address, duration of stay, and any terms should be provided. For temporary stays, booking confirmations for hotels or short-term rentals may be submitted. The accommodation must comply with UK housing standards, not be overcrowded, and meet public health regulations. Although not mandatory, providing evidence of accommodation arrangements can demonstrate preparedness and financial stability, reinforcing the credibility of the application.

Applying for a Skilled Worker visa involves several costs, including the visa application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). The total amount payable depends on factors such as the duration of the visa and whether the job is on the Immigration Salary List.

The cost of a Skilled Worker visa varies based on the length of stay and whether the application is made from inside or outside the UK:

• Applying from outside the UK
  • Up to 3 years: £719
  • More than 3 years: £1,420
• Applying from inside the UK (switching, extending, or updating)
  • Up to 3 years: £827
  • More than 3 years: £1,636

In addition to the visa fee, applicants must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which grants access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS). The IHS is £1,035 per year for most applicants, however, applicants applying under the Health and Care Worker Visa are exempt from paying the IHS.

The standard processing time for a Skilled Worker visa application is up to 3 weeks if applying from outside the UK and up to 8 weeks if applying from inside the UK. Applicants may be able to pay for priority or super-priority services to receive a faster decision, depending on where their application is processed.

One of the key requirements for securing Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) as a Skilled Worker Visa holder is maintaining continuous residence in the UK for at least five years. This means you must have legally lived and worked in the UK without any significant gaps in your stay. A crucial aspect of this requirement is ensuring that you do not exceed 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period, as excessive absences can disrupt your eligibility for ILR. Whether for work, personal reasons, or emergencies, it is essential to track your travel history and plan accordingly to avoid breaching this rule.

In addition to meeting the residency requirement, you must also hold a valid Skilled Worker Visa at the time of your ILR application. This ensures that your immigration status remains lawful and uninterrupted throughout the qualifying period. If your visa is due to expire before you complete five years in the UK, you must extend it in time to maintain your eligibility.

In many cases, individuals already in the UK can switch to the Skilled Worker visa without having to leave the country, provided they meet specific eligibility criteria. The ability to switch depends largely on the type of visa the applicant currently holds and whether they satisfy the requirements of the Skilled Worker route.

For example, Student visa holders can switch to a Skilled Worker visa, but they must have completed their studies before applying. However, exceptions apply—if their job starts after the course has ended, or if they have been enrolled in a PhD program for at least 24 months, they may be eligible to switch earlier.

Regardless of the visa category they are switching from, applicants must meet all the standard eligibility requirements for a Skilled Worker visa, including having a job offer from a UK employer with a valid sponsorship licence, meeting the minimum salary threshold, and satisfying the English language requirement.

Certain visa holders are not eligible to switch to the Skilled Worker category while in the UK. If an individual currently holds any of the following types of leave, they must leave the UK and apply from abroad:

• Visit visa
• Short-term student visa
• Parent of a Child Student visa
• Seasonal Worker visa
• Domestic Worker in a Private Household visa
• Permission to stay outside the immigration rules
• Immigration bail