Skilled Worker visa (UK)
How the Skilled Worker visa works — sponsor licence requirements, the salary threshold, eligible occupations, and the route to ILR.
Przegląd
The Skilled Worker visa replaced the Tier 2 (General) route in December 2020 and is the UK's main route for skilled migration. It requires both an employer's sponsorship (the employer must hold a sponsor licence) and the worker to meet the rules. The route is regularly tightened — the salary threshold rose from £26,200 to £38,700 in April 2024, with corresponding rises in going rates. This guide gives a general orientation only; immigration applications are sensitive and fact-specific, so consult a regulated immigration adviser for any actual application.
Kto może skorzystać z tego procesu
- You have a job offer from a Home Office-licensed sponsor (employer)
- The job is on the eligible occupations list at RQF level 3 or above
- You will be paid at least £38,700 OR the role's 'going rate' — whichever is higher (lower thresholds for shortage occupations, new entrants, and PhD-level roles)
- You meet the English-language requirement (B1 CEFR or equivalent)
- You meet the financial requirement (typically £1,270 held for 28 days before applying, unless your sponsor certifies)
Proces krok po kroku
Find a sponsoring employer
Use the Home Office register of sponsors to identify employers licensed to sponsor your occupation. Apply for jobs as you would normally.
Receive a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
Once an employer offers you a job, they assign you a CoS — a unique reference number with details of the role, salary, and start date. This is not the visa itself but is needed to apply.
Apply online
Apply on gov.uk within 3 months of the CoS being assigned. You'll pay the visa fee, the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS — £1,035/year), and book biometrics.
Provide supporting documents
Typical evidence: passport, CoS reference, English-language test certificate or qualifying degree, proof of funds (if not certified by sponsor), and tuberculosis test results (if applicable).
Attend biometrics and wait for decision
Standard processing is around 3 weeks from outside the UK or 8 weeks from inside the UK. Priority and super-priority services are available for higher fees.
Plan the route to ILR
After 5 years on the route (including time on certain other work visas that count toward the qualifying period), you may apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain. Watch your absences and CoS conditions throughout.
Koszty
Ważne ostrzeżenia
Salary thresholds and shortage occupations change frequently. Always verify the current threshold and going rate on gov.uk before applying.
If you change jobs to a role outside the CoS terms, your sponsor must assign a new CoS and you may need to apply to change your visa.
Long absences from the UK can affect both your visa conditions and your eventual ILR application.