UK Skilled Worker Visa

To qualify for the Skilled Worker Visa, applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. Job Offer from an Approved Employer

• You must have a confirmed job offer from a UK employer licensed by the Home Office as a sponsor.
• Your employer will provide a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) that includes details of your job, salary, and sponsorship.

2. Eligible Occupation

• Your job must be listed as an eligible occupation in Appendix Skilled Occupations of the Immigration Rules. The skill level of the roles eligible for sponsorship is RQF 6 (degree), with certain exceptions.
• From 4 April 2024, the Immigration Salary List replaced the previous Shortage Occupation List, outlining specific roles that qualify for reduced salary thresholds under certain conditions.
• From 22 July 2025, a Temporary Shortage List was created listing occupations which are considered medium skilled and therefore below RQF 6 but are still eligible for sponsorship. However, restrictions apply. 

3. Salary Requirements

Salary thresholds depend on when your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) was issued:

For First CoS Issued Before 4 April 2024:

• Base Salary Threshold: £31,300 per year.
• ‘Going Rate’ Requirement: Your salary must meet the going rate for your job as outlined in Appendix Skilled Occupations.
• Lower Salary Thresholds: Depending on circumstances (e.g., young applicants, Immigration Salary List roles, or new entrants), salaries as low as £25,000 per year may be acceptable.

For First CoS Issued On or After 4 April 2024:

• Base Salary Threshold: £41,700 per year.
• ‘Going Rate’ Requirement: Your salary must meet the going rate for your job as defined in the updated Appendix Skilled Occupations.
• Lower Salary Thresholds: Lower salaries (e.g., £37,500 or £33,400) may apply under specific circumstances, such as:
  • Working in roles listed on the Immigration List.
  • New entrants to the job market.
  • Holding relevant PhD qualifications.

Key Notes on Salary and ‘Going Rate’

• The ‘going rate’ is a predefined salary level for each occupation and SOC code in Appendix Skilled Occupations.
• You must meet both the minimum salary threshold and the going rate for your job unless a reduced threshold applies to your circumstances.
• Lower Salary Thresholds: The salary requirement may be reduced depending on the job, SOC code, or your individual circumstances (e.g., occupations on the Immigration Salary Lost, new entrants, or relevant qualifications).

4. English Language Proficiency

You must prove you can speak, read, write, and understand English by:

• Passing an approved English language test at CEFR Level B1 or higher.
• Having a degree taught in English.
• Holding a GCSE, A-level, or equivalent qualification in English obtained in the UK.

5. Financial Requirements

• Show you have £1,270 in personal savings to support yourself, held for at least 28 consecutive days.
• This requirement is waived if your sponsor certifies maintenance on your Certificate of Sponsorship.

6. Additional Requirements

• Provide a valid passport or travel document.
• Submit a tuberculosis test result if required by your country of residence.
• Provide a criminal record certificate for specific jobs (e.g., healthcare and education).

7. Restrictions for Occupations on the Temporary Occupation List

• Can not be accompanied by dependant family member.
• No salary discounts apply, i.e. new entrants etc.
• Does not lead to Settlement, i.e. Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).