Skilled Worker Visa

Do you need help and support applying for a UK Skilled Worker Visa?

Our Business Immigration Law Advisors can handle all elements of your application and advise you if your submission is refused.

Recruiting skilled workers from outside the UK accelerates business growth, but the sponsorship process demands precision. Regulatory updates in 2025 have tightened rules around role classification, salary benchmarking, and visa sponsorship eligibility. Many employers misunderstand these requirements or worry about compliance failures that could jeopardise their Sponsor Licence.

You need advisors who grasp the complexity and guide you through it with confidence. You need people who respond promptly and treat your application as a priority.

This is what we deliver.

Immigration Advice Consultants combines specialist expertise in UK employment-based immigration with a service model centred on clarity and speed. Our team comprises experienced immigration advisors regulated by the Immigration Advice Authority. We don’t rely on slow email exchanges or templated guidance. When you contact us, you speak with an immigration law specialist.

We understand the skilled worker visa pathway because we handle it consistently. We know how to structure your role within the visa categories, ensure your salary meets sponsorship thresholds, prepare documentation that satisfies Home Office requirements, and navigate the sponsorship approval process efficiently. Critically, we know how to communicate persuasively with the Home Office to secure approvals.

If you would like to discuss your Skilled Worker visa eligibility or application timeline, please feel free to speak to one of our friendly expert immigration advisors at no cost.

Why Choose Us for Skilled Worker Visa Applications?

Direct access to advisors

You do not speak to a receptionist or automated system. When you contact us with a question about a skilled worker visa application, an experienced immigration advisor answers. We are professionals who immediately understand visa eligibility requirements, points assessment, qualification verification, and Home Office expectations for visa approval. This accessibility sets us apart from larger firms, where critical application decisions are often filtered through junior staff who lack the authority to advise on risk.

Proactive application support

We have developed an application methodology based on getting it right the first time. We know exactly what Home Office case officers look for when assessing skilled worker visa applications, from correct supporting documentation to consistent evidence of job offer, salary, and qualifications. We review your application materials before submission to identify gaps and strengthen weak points. We prepare your application to withstand scrutiny and secure approval efficiently.

Regulated and accountable

The Immigration Advice Authority regulates us. This is vital for visa applications, where the stakes include refusal decisions that affect your employment prospects and visa status. You are not dealing with unregulated consultants guessing at the rules. You are working with accountable professionals bound by a strict code of conduct.

Transparent pricing and agreements

We are clear about the costs of our visa application advice and support services. We do not charge hidden fees for standard guidance or manufacturing complexity when none exists. We offer honest assessments of your application strength and deliver the specific support required to improve your chances of approval.

Genuine partnership

We treat your visa application as your pathway to UK employment. We are invested in your successful outcome. Whether advising on initial eligibility, preparing your application documents, or supporting your case throughout the process, our goal is to ensure your skilled worker visa application receives the attention and expertise it deserves.

For an initial chat on your prospects for a Skilled Worker visa, please feel free to have a quick chat with one of our friendly expert immigration law advisors to discuss your case.

What is the Skilled Worker Visa?

The Skilled Worker Visa serves as the primary route for international professionals seeking employment in the United Kingdom. It requires a formal sponsorship arrangement between you and a UK employer. Your employer must hold a valid Sponsor Licence to issue a Certificate of Sponsorship. This electronic record confirms they have assessed your role and deemed it eligible. Once you have this certificate, you apply for the visa.

What is the points-based system?

How does the points-based assessment work?

Your application will be evaluated by the Home Office based on the UK Immigration Points-Based System. You need 70 points to qualify for a Skilled Worker visa. Points are allocated as follows:

​Mandatory criteria (50 points):

• Valid job offer from a licensed sponsor (20 points)
• ​Job at the appropriate skill level – usually RQF Level 6 (equivalent to degree-level or higher) or the relevant sector requirement (20 points)
• ​English language proficiency at CEFR Level B2 (10 points)
• ​Salary points (20 points):
• The remaining 20 points come from your salary meeting the minimum threshold (currently £41,500 for most roles, with variations by sector and role)

Tradeable Points (20 points)

The remaining 20 points come from tradeable criteria. You can meet this requirement in several ways:

If you are unsure whether you meet the 70-point requirement or need help calculating your salary eligibility, you can contact us for a quick assessment of your circumstances.

How long does it take to get a decision?

Applying from outside the UK

The Home Office aims to decide most applications made outside the UK within 3 weeks of biometric submission. However, applications can take longer if additional information or background checks are required.

Applying from inside the UK

The standard processing time is 8 weeks for Skilled Worker visa applications made inside the UK, including extensions and switches from a different visa or employer. In practice, these applications currently take 8–14 weeks or longer, depending on complexity and current Home Office backlogs.

Expedited services

If you need a faster decision, you can pay for priority processing:

• Priority Service – £500 for a decision within 5 working days (available for Skilled Worker visa applications, both in-country and overseas).
• Super Priority Service – £1,000 for a decision by the end of the next working day (available where slots permit).

Note that priority and super priority services are not available for all applicants or cases – you will be told when you apply if you can use these services.  

What are the steps in the Skilled Worker visa application process?

The process follows a clear sequence from employer sponsorship to visa approval:

1. Your UK employer secures a Sponsor Licence – Your employer must hold a valid Sponsor Licence (or apply for one if they do not already have it). If your employer does not yet hold a licence, add one to two months to your timeline for the Home Office to assess and approve their application.
2. Certificate of Sponsorship is assigned – Once licensed, your employer assigns you a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), an electronic record detailing your job title, duties, salary, and occupation code. This usually takes one to two weeks once the employer initiates the process.
3. Check your eligibility – Confirm that your salary meets the current thresholds for your occupation, skill level, and circumstances before proceeding with your application.
4. Submit your application – When you apply, you will need to pay the visa application fee (see below) and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). You have three months from the date your Certificate of Sponsorship is assigned to submit your application.
5. Prove your identity and provide documents – You will either use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to scan your identity document and create or sign into your UKVI account, or attend a visa application centre to have your fingerprints and photograph (biometric information) taken. You may need to travel to your nearest visa application centre, which could be in another country. If attending in person, you will take your passport with you and collect it on the same day.
6. UKVI assesses your application – The Home Office reviews your Certificate of Sponsorship, supporting documents, and eligibility against the visa requirements. You will usually receive a decision within three weeks, though some applications take longer if documents need verification, an interview is required, or there are personal circumstances such as a criminal conviction.
7. Receive your decision – You will receive an email containing the decision on your application, explaining what you need to do next.

When you apply for a Skilled Worker visa, you will need to pay:

Visa application fee (applicant only):

• Applying from outside the UK: £769 (up to 3 years) or £1,519 (more than 3 years)
• Applying from inside the UK (extension or switch): £885 (up to 3 years) or £1,751 (more than 3 years)
• Jobs on the Immigration Salary List: £590 (up to 3 years) or £1,160 (more than 3 years)

Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS):

• £1,035 per year (or £776 per year if under 18) – Health and Care Worker visa applicants are exempt from the IHS.

What are the Skilled Worker visa salary requirements?

Financial thresholds are a key part of the Skilled Worker visa application assessment. As of July 2025, the standard minimum salary is £41,700 per year, or the going rate for the occupation. The Home Office enforces whichever figure is higher. A minimum hourly rate of £17.13 also applies and is calculated on a working week of no more than 48 hours. Most graduate roles must satisfy these standard figures.

Exceptions apply in specific cases.

Health and Care Worker visa – lower salary concessions

In addition, those applying for a Health and Care Worker visa have a different set of salary requirements and concessions, as follows:

Your salary figure must be genuine and reflect what the employer would pay a resident UK worker in the same role. The Home Office scrutinises salary submissions and compares them against benchmark rates for the profession. If your offered salary appears inflated or unrealistic, the Home Office may raise queries or request additional evidence. Your employer should be prepared to justify the salary with job market data and recruitment advertisements for comparable positions.

Salary reviews matter as you progress through your employment. If you move to a different role with the same employer or change positions, your new salary must meet the relevant threshold for that role. This is particularly important for career progression. A promotion must come with a salary increase that meets the threshold for the new position.

What determines the skill level and occupational classification?

Regulations introduced in July 2025 require roles to meet RQF Level 6 standards to qualify for sponsorship. This equates to bachelor’s degree-level qualifications. The Home Office maintains three detailed tables listing approximately 700 eligible occupations. Your role must appear in one of these tables.

The substance of the duties, rather than the job title, determines classification. A manager responsible for strategic planning is likely to meet the RQF Level 6 standard. A supervisor directing routine operations likely falls to RQF Level 3 and remains ineligible. The job description attached to your Certificate of Sponsorship must reflect high-level decision-making and specialist skills. The Home Office scrutinises these descriptions and refuses applications where the duties appear routine.

Many applicants underestimate the importance of the job description. This single document can determine whether your role qualifies. It should detail the specific responsibilities, decision-making authority, technical expertise required, and specialist knowledge involved. Generic descriptions such as “general management” or “administrative support” rarely succeed. Detailed explanations that articulate complexity and autonomy substantially improve your application prospects.

Some occupations appear on the Immigration Salary List, which recognises severe shortage occupations. These roles benefit from reduced salary thresholds but are assessed identically for skill level. Software engineers, nurses, pharmacists, and certain teaching roles appear on this list. If your occupation qualifies, you may be sponsored at £33,400 rather than £41,700. The reduced salary does not diminish the RQF Level 6 requirement.

What is the English language requirement?

There are several ways to meet the Skilled Worker visa English language requirement for a Skilled Worker visa:

• Pass a Secure English Language Test (SELT) from an approved provider at B2 level in reading, writing, speaking, and understanding
• Have a UK school qualification (GCSE, A Level, Scottish National Qualification level 4/5, or Scottish Higher/Advanced Higher in English), begun when you were under 18
• Have a UK degree taught in English and awarded by a UK institution (even if you studied outside the UK)
• Have a Non-UK degree taught in English – requires an Ecctis assessment confirming it’s equivalent to a UK bachelor’s or higher
• Nationality exemption – if you are a national of an English-speaking country (e.g., USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Jamaica, etc.)

The minimum level of English language proficiency recently increased from CEFR B1 (intermediate, GCSE-level) on 8^th January 2026 to CEFR Level B2 (upper-intermediate, roughly A-level standard). B2 means you can understand complex text, chat fluently with native speakers, and write clear, detailed pieces on various topics.

If you already hold a Skilled Worker visa and previously met B1, you only require B1 English language proficiency for extensions and settlement applications in the same route. B2 only applies to new applicants submitting on or after 8^th January 2026 and those switching into the Skilled Worker from another visa.

What documents do you need?

To secure a positive decision, it is important to take your time to gather the necessary documents to support your case, including the following:

Essential documents (required for all applicants):

• Valid passport or travel document
• Certificate of Sponsorship reference number
• Formal job offer including SOC code, job title, and salary
• Proof of English language proficiency (SELT certificate, degree transcript, or nationality exemption documentation)

Financial requirements:

• Bank statements or financial evidence proving you can support yourself during your visa period (typically covering the last 28 days)
• Employment contracts confirming your offered salary
• Evidence that your salary meets the required threshold for your role

Health and security:

• Tuberculosis (TB) test results if you are from a country where TB testing is required (you will be told if this applies to you)
• Criminal record certificate or police clearance from any country where you have lived for more than six months
• Additional checks may be required for roles in education, healthcare, or working with vulnerable people

Qualifications and employment history:

• University degree certificates or qualification documents proving your skill level (RQF Level 6 or equivalent)
• CV showing your employment history and relevant experience
• Any employment gaps should have reasonable explanations (e.g. illness, further study, parental leave)

Dependants:

• Valid passports for all dependants (spouse/partner and children)
• Birth certificates for dependent children
• Marriage certificate or proof of civil partnership if applying with a spouse or partner
• Proof of financial support for dependants (demonstrating you can support them as well as yourself)
• TB test results for dependants if they are from a country where TB testing is required

Language and translations:

• All documents not in English or Welsh must be accompanied by certified translations from a recognised translator

For advice on gathering the right documents or would like us to review your evidence before submission, you can ask us to check your application materials and identify any gaps.

What happens once my Skilled Worker Visa is granted?

Getting your eVisa / Vignette

Once your Skilled Worker visa application has been approved, you receive a digital eVisa linked to your passport through the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) app.

Visa renewal

Your visa is typically granted for up to five years, depending on your employer’s sponsorship period. You can only work for the employer named on your sponsorship certificate and in the role specified. You can extend your visa unlimited number of times if you continue to meet the requirements.

What you can do in the UK

You can work, study part-time or full-time, bring dependants, and access public services including the NHS. You can also work up to 20 hours per week in supplementary employment (a second job or your own business), provided the work is in the same occupation code as your main sponsored role, on the Shortage Occupation List, or a sponsorable occupation under the Skilled Worker route. The supplementary work must take place outside your normal working hours for your main sponsored role, and you must continue to work for your main sponsor. From 22nd July 2025, stricter rules apply – medium-skilled occupations (RQF Level 3) are only permitted if you held a Skilled Worker visa continuously before that date. If you wish to work more than 20 hours per week or in a different occupation, you must obtain a new Certificate of Sponsorship from a second employer and apply for a visa variation. You can also undertake unpaid voluntary work with no restrictions on sector or hours, provided it does not interfere with your sponsored employment.

Indefinite Leave to Remain & Citizenship

After five years of continuous residence (no more than 180 days’ absence per year), you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which grants permanent residency. After holding ILR for 12 months, you can apply for British citizenship. It should be noted that the government is currently considering increasing the ILR qualifying period to ten years from 2026, though this has not yet been implemented.

You must not work for any other employer without appropriate permission. If you change jobs, your new employer must also hold a valid Sponsor Licence and issue you a new Certificate of Sponsorship.

What Happens If My Skilled Worker Visa Application Is Refused?

If your Skilled Worker visa application is refused, you will receive a refusal letter explaining the reasons. Your next steps depend on the grounds for refusal and whether you have the right to challenge the decision. Common reasons for refusal include incomplete applications, missing documents, not meeting salary thresholds, English language requirements not satisfied, or suitability concerns (such as a criminal record or being on immigration bail). Read your refusal letter carefully to understand the specific reasons and seek legal advice promptly, as time limits for challenging decisions are strict.

The options available include administrative review, judicial review and reapplication.

If your Skilled Worker visa has been refused, contact us immediately. We can review your refusal letter, advise on Administrative Review prospects, and help you decide whether to challenge the decision or submit a fresh application.

Administrative Review

Most Skilled Worker visa refusals can be challenged through an Administrative Review, which allows the Home Office to reconsider its decision if you believe a caseworking error was made. You can apply for an Administrative Review if:

·       You applied from outside the UK: submit within 28 days of the refusal letter

·       You applied in the UK (switching or extension): submit within 14 days of the refusal letter

There is a fee of £80 to request an Administrative Review. A different Home Office caseworker will review your application using the same documents and facts from your original application; new evidence is generally not permitted unless it directly proves a caseworking error. If the Administrative Review upholds the refusal, you may be able to pursue Judicial Review (a challenge in the High Court for procedural or legal errors) or submit a fresh application.

Appeal

A full appeal right is rarely available for Skilled Worker visa refusals. Appeals are usually only possible if your refusal involves a human rights claim (e.g., the right to family or private life under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights). If you have the right to appeal, this will be stated in your refusal letter; you must lodge your appeal within 28 days (if outside the UK) or 14 days (if in the UK) with the First-tier Tribunal for Immigration and Asylum.

Submit a fresh application

If your refusal was due to errors in your application (missing documents, incorrect information, or insufficient evidence), you can submit a fresh Skilled Worker visa application with corrected or stronger evidence. This may be more practical than pursuing an Administrative Review or appeal if the errors were on your part.

How can we help with your application?

Immigration Advice Consultants helps you manage this process with confidence. We assess your role against RQF Level 6 requirements and calculate the correct salary thresholds under the 2025 rules. We review your Certificate of Sponsorship and supporting documents to ensure they meet Home Office standards. Our team stands ready to answer your questions and guide you toward a successful result.

We understand that every application is unique. We take time to understand your circumstances, your career history, and your aspirations in the United Kingdom. We identify potential weaknesses in your application and address them proactively. Rather than hoping for approval, we ensure your submission presents the strongest possible case to the Home Office.

Whether you are planning your first application, switching employers, or extending your current visa, we can assess your eligibility, review your documents, and guide you through the entire process. Contact us today to speak with an immigration advisor about your specific circumstances.

Contact us today for a detailed assessment of your application and circumstances. We can provide specific advice on documentation, salary verification, and points assessment. Our goal is to reduce uncertainty and deliver clarity throughout your application journey.