Skilled Worker Visa UK — 2025 Guide after the 22 July Immigration Rule Changes

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.
   
• Ensure the role meets at least RQF Level 6 or appears on the ISL or TSL.
   
• Earn the correct minimum salary floor plus the going rate (see the minimum salary 2025 breakdown).

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: 
 

1. Mandatory Criteria (50 points):

• A valid job offer from an approved UK sponsor (20 points)
   
• The job must meet the appropriate skill level or role on ISL/TSL (RQF Level 6 or above) (20 points)
   
• English language proficiency (10 points) 

 2. Tradeable Criteria (20 points):

• Earn 20 points via one of the new salary/qualification options (A–K), e.g. £41,700 salary (Option A), STEM PhD with £37,500 salary (Option B), or ISL role at £33,400 (Option D).

Read our detailed guide on UK Skilled Worker minimum salary 2025  for more information.

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.

• 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. 

 

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 22 July 2025, £41,700 per year (Option A) is the new skilled worker visa minimum salary unless the going rate is higher. The salary threshold was raised again in 2025 for most roles, although there are exceptions for jobs on the extended Immigration Salary List or the newly introduced Temporary Shortage List (TSL). If the applicant is being sponsored for a role from either list, their salary must equal or exceed both:

• £33,400 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, and cash thresholds can no longer be pro-rated for part-time hours. An hourly rate of £17.13 (capped at 48 hours/week) must also be met.
 

The job must now meet the skill-level requirement of RQF Level 6 (degree level) or appear on the ISL/TSL. Roles below this 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 - £769 per person
   
• more than 3 years - £1,519 per person
   

If you’re applying from inside the UK to extend, switch or update your visa:
 

• up to 3 years - £885 per person
   
• more than 3 years - £1,751 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
   

You’re usually a small sponsor if at least 2 of the following apply:

• your annual turnover is £15 million or less
• your total assets are worth £7.5 million or less
• you have 50 employees or fewer

The Immigration Skills Charge is expected to rise later this year — keep an eye on uk immigration news updates.

 

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. You can do so, provided you still work for a licensed sponsor, meet the English-language and absence rules, and satisfy the new cash-salary floors that came into force on 22 July 2025 (for most roles this means at least).
 

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 new salary floors in force on your ILR application date (normally £41,700 or the updated going rate).
   
• 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 

Important:

• If your role is on the Immigration Salary List or the Temporary Shortage List, you can still reach ILR as long as you continue to meet the relevant cash-salary option (£33,400 + 100 % going rate) and remain with an approved sponsor.
   
• New care-worker and other sub-degree roles can no longer be sponsored after 22 July 2025, so applicants entering the system under those occupations from that date will not have an ILR pathway via Skilled Worker. Existing workers already sponsored in such roles before 22 July 2025 keep their settlement rights, but must qualify by 22 July 2028 under the transitional rules.

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.