Key Eligibility Requirements
To obtain this visa, you must demonstrate to UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) that you meet the following conditions:
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You are aged 18 or over.
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You hold a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) for the position.
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The job offer is for a legitimate, genuine vacancy.
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The role is deemed sufficiently skilled.
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Your salary meets both the minimum general threshold and the specific 'going rate' for your occupation code as defined by the SOC 2020 system.
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Your sponsor has fulfilled their obligation to pay the Immigration Skills Charge, where applicable.
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You can prove your English language ability to at least CEFR Level B1 (equivalent to IELTS 4.0).
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You possess adequate personal savings to support yourself without accessing public funds.
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You can provide a criminal record certificate and a valid tuberculosis (TB) test certificate if these are required for your circumstances.
As requirements can vary significantly based on personal circumstances, seeking professional legal advice is strongly recommended.
Understanding the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
Your application must include a valid Certificate of Sponsorship issued by your Home Office-authorised employer. The CoS must contain precise information, including:
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Your full name, role title, and salary details.
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A proposed employment start date, which must fall within three months of your visa application date.
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Confirmation that the CoS has not been previously used for another application or withdrawn.
The Genuine Vacancy Requirement
UKVI must be satisfied that the position you are being hired for is a real, bona fide vacancy and that you have the capability to perform the duties outlined. Applications are typically refused if the role is found to be fabricated or not a genuine requirement of the business.
Skill Level Criteria
The role you are being sponsored for must be skilled to at least RQF level 3, which is equivalent to an A-level standard. The assessment is based on the skill level of the job itself, rather than your personal qualifications. A full list of qualifying occupations is detailed in Appendix Skilled Occupations and the Appendix Immigration Salary List.
Proving Your English Proficiency
You must demonstrate English language proficiency at level B1. This can be achieved by:
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Being a citizen of a majority English-speaking country.
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Passing an approved Secure English Language Test (SELT).
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Holding an academic degree that was taught in English.
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Having obtained a GCSE, A Level, or Scottish Highers in English while studying in the UK.
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Having already met the English language requirement in a previous successful UK visa application.
Salary Requirements and 'Going Rate'
Your annual salary must satisfy two conditions: the general minimum salary threshold and the specific 'going rate' for your occupation. The general threshold is typically set at £38,700 per year. However, certain exceptions exist where a lower salary may be accepted if you can accrue 'tradable points'. The 'going rate' is calculated based on a standard 37.5-hour working week and must be adjusted proportionally for roles with different working hours.
Understanding Tradable Points
You may qualify for a reduced minimum salary if you meet specific criteria, such as:
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Holding a relevant PhD, or a PhD in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) subject.
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Having a job offer that appears on the Immigration Salary List.
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Being classified as a 'new entrant' to the UK labour market.
Meeting the Financial Requirement
You must have at least £1,270 in available cash savings, held in your bank account for a minimum of 28 consecutive days. This requirement is waived if your sponsor is an A-rated sponsor and agrees to certify your maintenance for the first month. You are also exempt from this financial requirement if you have already been living in the UK for 12 months or more.
Criminal Record Certificate
If you are applying for entry clearance for a role that involves working with vulnerable individuals or is within certain regulated sectors, you will need to provide a criminal record certificate from any country where you have resided for 12 months or more since turning 18.
No Resident Labour Market Test (RLMT)
For applications made via the Skilled Worker route, the requirement for your employer to conduct a Resident Labour Market Test has been removed.
Switching to the Skilled Worker Route
If you are already in the UK with permission to stay in a different immigration category, you may be able to switch to the Skilled Worker route. There are, however, specific restrictions for those currently on a Student visa.
No Cooling-Off Period
There is no mandatory cooling-off period for the Skilled Worker route. This means if your previous visa expires, you are free to reapply for this category without delay.
Duration of Stay and Conditions
The visa is typically granted for a period of up to 5 years, with an additional 14 days added to the end of your CoS. There is no upper limit on how long you can remain in the UK on this visa. You are permitted to work in the role you are sponsored for and, in some cases, take on supplementary employment. Studying is also permitted, though subject to certain restrictions. Access to public funds is strictly prohibited.
Pathway to Settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain)
You may qualify for settlement after spending 5 continuous years in the UK on a Skilled Worker visa. To be eligible, you must:
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Have spent 5 continuous years in the UK.
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Pass the Life in the UK test.
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Have a sponsor who can confirm they still require your employment for the foreseeable future.
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Be earning at least the general salary threshold or the specific going rate for your occupation at the time of your settlement application.
Bringing Your Dependants
Your spouse, civil partner, and dependent children under the age of 18 are permitted to join you in the UK as your dependants.
