The UK Skilled Worker Visa—also known as the UK Skilled Work Visa, Skilled Worker Visa UK, or simply the Skilled Visa UK—is the primary pathway that allows skilled foreign professionals to work and live in the United Kingdom through employer sponsorship.
It replaced the old Tier 2 (General) Visa and has become the most reliable route for international applicants who want long-term employment, career growth, and a clear pathway to permanent residency in the UK.
Whether you are a healthcare worker, engineer, IT professional, teacher, or tradesperson, the UK Skilled Worker Visa helps you secure a sponsored job in a recognized occupation and eventually settle permanently in the UK.
Key Features of the UK Skilled Worker Visa
| Feature | Details |
| Sponsorship Required | Yes – from a licensed UK employer |
| Job Offer Required | Must be from an approved sponsor |
| Minimum Salary | £26,200/year (general threshold) |
| English Requirement | B1 level |
| Visa Duration | Up to 5 years |
| ILR Pathway | Eligible after 5 years |
| Can Bring Dependents | Yes |
This makes the UK Skilled Work Visa one of the most flexible and attractive immigration routes in Europe.
UK Skilled Worker Visa Requirements
To qualify for the Skilled Worker Visa UK, you must:
- Have a valid job offer from a Home Office-licensed sponsor
- Work in an occupation listed as eligible under the UK’s skilled roles
- Receive a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your employer
- Meet the required salary threshold for that occupation
- Prove your English language ability (minimum B1)
- Show maintenance funds (£1,270), unless covered by your employer
These eligibility rules ensure that applicants meet UK labour standards and can integrate smoothly into the workforce.
Most In-Demand Skilled Worker Visa Jobs in 2026
The UK has ongoing shortages across multiple industries, making it easier for employers to sponsor overseas workers through the UK Skilled Worker Visa.
Healthcare & Medical
- Nurses
- Doctors
- Radiographers
- Care workers
- Paramedics
These roles remain among the highest sponsored jobs in the UK.
Engineering & Technical Fields
- Mechanical engineers
- Civil engineers
- Electrical engineers
- Welders
- Technicians
Engineering shortages make this group one of the top beneficiaries of the skilled visa UK.
Tech & IT
- Software developers
- Cybersecurity specialists
- Data analysts
- Cloud engineers
- Network administrators
The UK’s booming tech sector continues to recruit internationally.
Skilled Trades
- Electricians
- Plumbers
- Carpenters
- Construction workers
These roles often qualify under lower salary thresholds due to UK labour shortages.
Education
- Secondary school teachers (STEM subjects)
- Special education teachers
Teaching remains a priority field under the skilled worker visa uk list.
Salary Requirements for the Skilled Work Visa UK (2026)
Applicants must meet the minimum salary rules:
| Category | Minimum Salary |
| General threshold | £26,200/year |
| Shortage occupations | £20,960/year |
| Health & care roles | £20,960–£23,200/year |
| New entrants | £20,960/year |
Official salary requirements vary by job code (SOC code), but the above thresholds guide most applicant
UK Skilled Worker Visa Documents
- Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) reference number
- Valid passport
- Proof of English (IELTS UKVI or approved test)
- Bank statement showing required funds (if needed)
- Tuberculosis (TB) test certificate (for certain countries)
- Criminal record certificate (for childcare, healthcare, etc.)
English Language Requirements
You can meet the English requirement through:
- IELTS UKVI or other SELT English test
- A degree taught in English
- Citizenship from an English-speaking country
Minimum accepted level: B1 CEFR.
How to Apply for the UK Skilled Worker Visa (Step-by-Step)
Secure a Sponsored Job Offer: Search for UK employers licensed to sponsor workers. Once hired, the company issues your CoS.
Gather Your Documents: Prepare all required forms, certificates, and proof of funds.
Apply Online: Submit your application through the UK Government’s visa portal.
Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): This gives you access to the National Health Service (NHS).
Attend Biometrics: Provide fingerprints and a digital photograph.
Visa Decision
Processing times:
- Outside UK: 3 weeks
- Inside UK: 8 weeks
Cost of the UK Skilled Worker Visa
| Fee Type | Amount |
| Visa (up to 3 years) | £719 |
| Visa (over 3 years) | £1,420 |
| IHS | £1,035 per year |
Average cost for a 3-year skilled worker visa: ~£3,800.
Top UK Companies Sponsoring Skilled Worker Visas in 2026
- NHS (Healthcare)
- Amazon UK
- PwC
- KPMG
- Capgemini
- Google UK
- GSK
- Balfour Beatty
- Tesco (for specific roles)
- TCS (Technology & Consulting)
These employers frequently recruit internationally and appear on the UK’s official sponsor list.
Pathway to Permanent Residence (ILR)
The UK Skilled Worker Visa is a direct settlement route:
After 5 years, you can apply for:
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR): Then, after 1 more year:
British Citizenship: This makes the skilled visa uk one of the best global migration programs.
Can You Bring Family Members?
Yes—you can bring:
- Spouse or partner
- Children under 18
They can:
- Work (no restrictions except sports roles)
- Study
- Access NHS after paying the IHS
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying for a job from a non-licensed sponsor
- Not meeting the minimum salary requirement
- Using an expired English test
- Not preparing enough funds
- Misunderstanding job eligibility codes
Avoiding these mistakes makes your UK Skilled Work Visa application smoother.
FAQs About the Skilled Worker Visa UK
Can I change jobs on a UK Skilled Worker Visa?
Yes, but the new employer must be a licensed sponsor and must issue you a new CoS.
Do I need a degree for the Skilled Worker Visa UK?
No—many skilled trades and care roles do not require a degree.
Is IELTS mandatory?
Only if you cannot prove English through other accepted methods.
Can I apply from inside the UK?
Yes, if you currently hold an eligible visa (e.g., student, graduate).
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