How to Apply for the UK Skilled Worker Visa: A Complete 2024 Guide
Once the employer assigns a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to the candidate, it’s the future employee’s responsibility to apply for the Skilled Worker Visa. In this guide, we will walk you through the entire process – the eligibility criteria, document checklist, visa fees, English language requirements, and more.
Understanding the UK Skilled Worker Visa
The UK Skilled Worker Visa is one of the most sought-after visa routes for high-skilled professionals seeking long-term employment in the United Kingdom. Introduced in December 2020, replacing the previous Tier 2 (General) visa, this visa route provides greater flexibility for both employers and workers while responding to the UK’s growing demand for specialised skills in key sectors such as healthcare, hospitality, IT, engineering, and education.
Why Choose the Skilled Worker Visa?
The Skilled Worker Visa opens doors for international professionals to live and work in one of the world’s most dynamic economies. It offers a legal, structured way to address skill shortages in the UK labour market, making it an essential tool for businesses looking to diversify their talent pool. This visa route is particularly attractive because of the following reasons:
- Diverse Range of Eligible Roles
The visa applies to a broad array of skilled occupations across various industries, from healthcare professionals and engineers to IT experts and educators. - Settlement in the UK
One of the most appealing aspects of the Skilled Worker Visa is that it provides a straightforward pathway to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). This route allows individuals to settle permanently in the UK after five years of continuous residence and eventually apply for British citizenship. - Opportunity to Bring Your Family to the UK*
The Skilled Worker visa not only opens opportunities for skilled professionals but also enables them to bring their families with them to the UK. Spouses, partners, and children under 18 can apply as dependents, allowing the entire family to settle together.
*Some conditions may apply depending on the candidate’s occupation. - Contributions to the UK Economy
For businesses, sponsoring talent through this visa route is an effective way to fill gaps caused by the UK’s skill shortages. At the same time, it fosters innovation and diversity within industries that rely heavily on international expertise. - A Stable Immigration Route Post-Brexit
Since the end of free movement with the European Union, the Skilled Worker Visa has become the primary immigration route for both EU and non-EU workers. The visa provides a structured, points-based system that assesses candidates on factors such as job offers, skills, salary, and English language proficiency.
Whether you’re a business aiming to attract top global talent or an individual looking for an exciting career opportunity in the UK, the Skilled Worker Visa offers a streamlined route to achieving those goals.
Eligibility Criteria for the Skilled Worker Visa
To be eligible for a Skilled Worker visa, you must meet the following requirements:
- Have a confirmed job offer from a UK employer with has an active Sponsor Licence
- Have a CoS from your employer, which includes details about the job offer in the UK
- Ensure the job you’ve been offered is on the list of eligible occupations.
- Receive a salary that meets the minimum requirement for your role; this varies depending on the type of job and the date your CoS was issued.
Moreover, the Skilled Worker Visa operates on a points-based system, where applicants must accumulate at least 70 points to qualify. These points are divided into mandatory (non-tradeable) and tradeable criteria:
- Mandatory Criteria (50 points):
- A valid job offer from an approved UK sponsor (20 points).
- The job must meet the appropriate skill level (RQF Level 3 or above) (20 points).
- English language proficiency (10 points)
2. Tradeable Criteria (20 points):
- You can earn tradeable points by meeting specific salary thresholds, holding relevant qualifications (such as a PhD), or if your occupation is mentioned in the Immigration Salary List.
Document Checklist for the Skilled Worker Visa Application
When applying for the UK Skilled Worker Visa, a candidate needs to ensure that they gather all the necessary documents to avoid delays or rejections.
1. Certificate of Sponsorship
An employer is responsible for providing a candidate with the CoS reference number. Learn how to obtain a CoS in our guide.
2. Proof of English Language Proficiency
The English language requirement is a critical aspect of the Skilled Worker Visa application. Applicants must demonstrate a minimum proficiency at CEFR Level B1 (intermediate level) in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. It’s important to note that the test must be taken with a provider approved by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) for visa purposes. There are various ways to meet this requirement:
- Approved English Language Tests
An applicant can provide evidence that they have passed an approved English language test to the required B1 level in the two years before the date of application.
| Approved English Language Test | Provider | Minimum grade required |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS for UKVI - General Training | IELTS SELT Consortium | Listening: 4.0; Speaking: 4.0; Reading: 4.0; Writing: 4.0 |
| LanguageCert International ESOL SELT B1 (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking) | LanguageCert | Listening: 33/50; Reading: 33/50; Writing: 33/50; Speaking: 33/50 |
| PTE Academic UKVI | Pearson | Listening: 43; Reading: 43; Writing: 43; Speaking: 43 |
| Skills for English UKVI (4SB1) | PSI Services | Reading: Pass; Listening: Pass; Speaking: Pass; Writing: Pass |
- Degree Taught in English
A bachelor’s /master’s/PhD degree that was taught in English from a recognized majority English-speaking country is also accepted. Applicants must provide a certificate and transcript from the awarding institution or an Ecctis evaluation.
- English-Speaking Countries
Nationals from the majority of English-speaking countries (such as the USA, Canada, Australia, and others) are exempt from providing proof of English proficiency.
Check out our blog for more details on fulfilling the English language requirement.
3. Valid Passport or Identification
A current passport or other official travel documents to confirm the applicant’s identity and nationality. A blank page is required if the applicant is from outside the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein and does not have a biometric passport.
4. Job Details and Salary Information
The application must include the official job title and salary, which must match the details on the CoS. This is to ensure that the job meets the salary and skill level requirements set by the Home Office.
As of 2024, £38,700 per year is the new minimum salary threshold unless the going rate is higher. The minimum salary requirement has been raised in 2024 for most roles, although there are exceptions for roles in the Immigration Salary List. If the applicant is being sponsored for a job from the Immigration Salary List, their salary has to equal or exceed both:
- £30,960 per year;
- the going rate for the SOC 2020 (Standard Occupational Classification).
Note that the 20% salary reduction previously available for shortage occupations has been removed, meaning that these roles must now meet the full salary thresholds.
The job must also meet the skill level requirement of RQF level 3 or above (equivalent to A-levels). Roles below this skill level are not eligible under the Skilled Worker route.
5. Employer Information
The name of the employer and the Sponsor Licence number (from the CoS) must be provided to verify the sponsor’s eligibility.
6. Proof of Financial Support
Applicants must show they have at least £1,270 available in their bank account for at least 28 consecutive days. Exceptions apply if:
- The employer has certified the financial requirement is met by ticking the “maintenance” box on the applicant’s CoS
- You have already been lawfully residing in the UK for over 12 months
If dependents are joining you, additional funds are required:
- £285 for a partner/spouse
- £315 for the first child
- £200 for each additional child
7. Criminal Record Certificate
For those applying from outside the UK for certain job roles, particularly in healthcare or education, a criminal record certificate may also be required. This certificate can be obtained through a criminal records check in the applicant’s home country or via the relevant embassy.
If you’ve lived in multiple countries, the requirements for providing criminal record certificates depend on your age and the length of time spent in each country:
- For applicants under 28 years old: you must submit a certificate from any country where you’ve spent a total of 12 months or more since turning 18.
- For applicants aged 28 or older: you’ll need to provide a certificate from any country you’ve lived in for more than 12 months during the last 10 years.
These requirements ensure that your background is thoroughly checked based on your residency history.
8. Tuberculosis (TB) Test Results
Applicants from some countries must provide a TB clearance certificate from a clinic approved by the UK Home Office.
9. Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) Certificate
If the job involves working in sensitive research areas at PhD level or above, an ATAS certificate may be required.
10. Academic Qualification Evidence
For those with a PhD qualification obtained outside the UK, a PhD certificate or a unique Ecctis reference number (formerly UK NARIC) is needed to validate the qualification.
Fees and Costs Associated with the Skilled Worker Visa
1. Visa fees
Visa fees vary depending on whether you are applying from inside or outside the UK and the length of your employment contract.
If you’re applying from outside the UK:
- up to 3 years – £719 per person
- more than 3 years – £1,420 per person
If you’re applying from inside the UK to extend, switch or update your visa:
- up to 3 years – £827 per person
- more than 3 years – £1,636 per person
2. Immigration Skills Charge
Employers must pay an additional Immigration Skills Charge – the sum depends on the size of the business and the length of the employment contract:
- £364 per year for small/charitable organisations
- £1,000 per year for large businesses
A company is considered small if it satisfies two or more of the following requirements:
- the annual turnover is £10.2 million or less
- total assets are worth £5.1 million or less
- it has 50 employees or fewer
3. Healthcare Surcharge
The Immigration Health Surcharge is £1,035 per year for each adult applicant and £470 per year for each child.
Application Process and Timeline
Once all the documents are ready, the candidate must complete the following steps:
1. Online Application
If you’re outside the UK, submit the application form via the UK government’s website.
If you’re in the UK on a different type of visa, you may be able to switch to the Skilled Worker visa route from another visa category, provided you meet certain conditions. The eligibility criteria for switching will largely depend on the current visa type.
For instance, holders of a Student visa need to have successfully completed their studies before switching to the Skilled Worker visa, unless they have been enrolled in a PhD programme for at least 24 months. It’s also important to note that they must have completed the same degree programme and at the same level as indicated in the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).
Applicants who wish to switch must still fulfil all the standard Skilled Worker visa requirements. However, switching to the Skilled Worker category is not allowed if the applicant is currently in the UK on any of the following visas:
- Visitor visa
- Short-term student visa
- Parent of a Child Student visa
- Seasonal worker visa
- Domestic worker in a private household visa
- Leave granted outside the immigration rules
- Immigration bail
These restrictions ensure that only those who meet the proper visa conditions can transition to the Skilled Worker route.
2. Biometric Appointment
Candidates applying from outside the UK have to schedule an appointment to provide fingerprints and a photograph. Those applying from inside the UK and EU citizens can simply scan their BRP or passport and won’t need to attend a biometric appointment.
NB: Starting on January 1, 2025, the UK will transition to a digital immigration system, replacing physical documents such as Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs), Biometric Residence Cards (BRCs), and other legacy paper documents with eVisas. Learn more about the pending changes in our blog.
3. Decision Timeline
Applications from outside the UK are processed within 3 weeks while applications from within the UK (for extensions or switching visas) take 8 weeks.
Applicants can choose to pay for priority services to expedite the process. Priority processing costs £500 – you’ll get a decision within 5 working days.
Pathway to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and British Passport
After holding the Skilled Worker Visa for 5 years, candidates may apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which allows them to live, work, and study in the UK indefinitely.
To qualify, candidates must:
- Have lived continuously in the UK for 5 years – there are rules for what counts towards your time in the UK.
- Meet the salary requirements – they vary depending on when you apply for the ILR and the appropriate going rate for your occupation.
- Continue being employed in your role and meet the salary requirements after receiving Indefinite Leave to Remain. To verify this, a document from your employer (sponsor) will be required, confirming your continued employment and that your salary meets the necessary threshold.
- Pass the Life in the UK Test.
Once you have held ILR for at least 12 months, you can apply for British citizenship through naturalisation.
How Nation.better can help you
Navigating the Skilled Worker Visa process can be complex for both employers and candidates. Nation.better is here to make it easier for you. Whether you’re an employer looking to sponsor international talent and secure a visa for your candidates or an individual seeking to work in the UK, our team of immigration experts will guide you through the entire process, ensuring all Home Office requirements are met.
By choosing Nation.better, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that we handle the complexities – allowing employers to attract top talent and helping candidates secure their future in the UK.
Get started today: fill out our form, and we’ll provide personalised support for a smooth and successful Skilled Worker Visa application.
