UK Skilled Worker Visa

Who this suits

Anyone with a genuine job offer from a UK employer that holds a sponsor licence, for a role that meets the required skill and salary levels. It's the direct successor to the old Tier 2 (General) visa and remains the primary route for most skilled professionals moving to the UK for work.

Current requirements

• Sponsorship — your employer must hold a valid Home Office sponsor licence and issue you a certificate of sponsorship.
• Skill level — the role must sit at RQF Level 6 (broadly, graduate level) or above.
• Salary — a general threshold of £41,700 per year, or the specific "going rate" for your occupation if higher; some health, education and shortage-occupation roles have reduced thresholds.
• English language — a recognised English test is required; the requirement is rising from B1 to B2 for several categories.

Settlement

Under current rules, most Skilled Worker visa holders can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain after 5 continuous years in the UK. The government has proposed extending this baseline to 10 years for many routes as part of a wider "earned settlement" reform — as of 2026 this remains a consultation proposal, not law, so the existing 5-year rule still applies unless and until new rules take effect.

How the process works

1. Job offer and sponsorship — secure a role with a licensed sponsor.
2. Certificate of sponsorship — issued by the employer, confirming the role, salary and duties.
3. Visa application — submitted online, including proof of English, finances, and a tuberculosis test where required.
4. Biometrics and decision — most straightforward applications are decided within a few weeks.