UK Skilled Worker Visa

The Skilled Worker visa is for people with a job offer from a UK employer the Home Office has approved as a sponsor. You cannot apply without one.

Read the Skilled Worker rules on GOV.UK

Rules change often. Last checked 4 October 2026; each figure links to the page we read it on.

Who can apply

  • You need a job offer from an approved UK employer, a certificate of sponsorship, an eligible occupation and the minimum salary. gov.uk · read
  • The job must usually be a "higher skilled" occupation; "medium skilled" jobs qualify only if on the immigration salary list or temporary shortage list. gov.uk · read
  • Salary: at least £41,700 a year, or the going rate for the job if higher. gov.uk · read
  • Some people can be paid less, from £33,400, for example on the immigration salary list or as a new entrant. gov.uk · read
  • English at CEFR level B2; B1 if you had this visa before 8 January 2026 and are extending it. gov.uk · read

Official fees

  • From outside the UK: £819 for up to 3 years, £1,618 for longer. gov.uk · read
  • From inside the UK: £943 for up to 3 years, £1,865 for longer. gov.uk · read
  • Jobs on the immigration salary list: £628 for up to 3 years, £1,235 for longer. gov.uk · read
  • Healthcare surcharge: £1,035 a year. gov.uk · read
  • You usually need £1,270 in savings, unless your employer certifies it. gov.uk · read

How long it takes

  • Usually 3 weeks from outside the UK, 8 weeks from inside. gov.uk · read

English test

  • Skilled Worker visa: English at CEFR level B2, usually shown by a Secure English Language Test (SELT) from an approved provider. B1 if you had the visa before 8 January 2026 and are extending it. gov.uk · read
  • Student visa: CEFR level B2 for a degree or above, B1 below degree level. A university may assess your English itself. gov.uk · read
  • Approved tests: IELTS for UKVI, IELTS Life Skills, LanguageCert SELTs, PTE Academic UKVI, PTE Home, Skills for English UKVI and Trinity SELTs. Results must be from the last 2 years. gov.uk · read

Not legal or immigration advice. Check every figure against the government page. What changed