Get in touch
Get in touch
What is the Skilled Worker visa?
The Skilled Worker visa (which replaced the Tier 2 General visa) allows overseas skilled workers who have been offered a job in the UK to work for an approved sponsor. This route is open to workers from anywhere in the world, including EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals who arrived in the UK after 31 December 2020. To qualify, the worker must have a job offer from an employer with a valid Skilled Worker sponsor licence, which enables the sponsor to issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to the migrant.
Visa Duration and Extensions
The Skilled Worker visa allows you to live and work in the UK for up to five years per grant, or for the period stated on your Certificate of Sponsorship plus one month—whichever is shorter.
You may arrive in the UK up to 14 days before the start date shown on your Certificate of Sponsorship. The visa can be extended multiple times, provided your total stay on the Skilled Worker route does not exceed six years before you become eligible to apply for settlement (indefinite leave to remain).
What You Can Do on a Skilled Worker Visa
Work and additional employment:
While in the UK on this visa, you are permitted to perform supplementary work of up to 20 hours per week, provided it is in the same profession and at the same skill level as your main sponsored role, or if the occupation is listed in Appendix Skilled Occupations.
You cannot start a second job until you have commenced work with your sponsoring employer. Voluntary work and study are permitted without restriction.
Family and travel:
If your visa is granted, you can bring your spouse or partner and dependent children to the UK under the PBS Dependant Policy Guidance. You are also free to travel in and out of the UK, though extended absences may affect future settlement applications.
Restrictions:
You generally cannot own more than 10% of your sponsoring employer’s shares unless your salary exceeds £159,600 per year. Skilled Worker visa holders have no recourse to public funds, meaning you cannot access most UK benefits or public housing support.
The main requirements
To qualify for a Skilled Worker visa, applicants must meet several key requirements:
• The sponsoring employer must hold a valid Skilled Worker sponsor licence issued by the Home Office
• The job offer must represent a genuine vacancy—one that requires the jobholder to perform specific duties appropriate to the stated skill level and salary
• From 22 July 2025 onwards, the role must generally be at RQF Level 6 or above (bachelor’s degree level) for new Skilled Worker visa applications. Some roles at RQF Level 3 to 5 may still qualify if they appear on the Immigration Salary List or Temporary Shortage List. Workers sponsored before 22 July 2025 in lower-skilled roles may benefit from transitional arrangements.
• The job must be listed in the eligible occupations list and meet the published salary thresholds
• EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals who arrived in the UK after 31 December 2020 are subject to the same sponsorship requirements as other overseas nationals
**English language requirement:** Applicants must demonstrate English proficiency by achieving at least Level B1 in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) in all four skills: speaking, writing, reading, and listening. Alternatively, they may have an academic qualification taught in English and recognised by UK ENARIC (formerly UK NARIC).
**From 8 January 2026 onwards:** New Skilled Worker applicants and most visa renewals will need to meet Level B2 English (A-Level standard) instead of B1. Sponsors should verify candidates can pass a Secure English Language Test (SELT) at B2 level before issuing a Certificate of Sponsorship.
Applicants must also demonstrate that they have sufficient personal savings and are able to maintain themselves upon arrival to the UK. They must show at least £1,270 in savings held for 28 consecutive days (ending within 31 days of the application date), unless their sponsor certifies maintenance on the Certificate of Sponsorship.
How can NA Law Solicitors help with a Skilled Worker Visa application?
At NA Law Solicitors, we prepare Skilled Worker visa applications to the highest standard, ensuring every detail meets Home Office requirements and giving you the best chance of success.
Our immigration solicitors guide you through each stage of the application process, from assessing your eligibility and gathering supporting documents to completing forms and liaising with your sponsor. We understand how the Home Office reviews Skilled Worker applications and work proactively to address potential issues before submission.
We can also assist employers with:
-
Skilled Worker Sponsorship Licence applications – obtaining the licence needed to sponsor overseas workers
-
Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) applications – assigning CoS for your chosen candidates
-
Genuine vacancy assessments – ensuring roles meet Home Office standards
-
Sponsorship licence renewals – maintaining your sponsor status and compliance
-
Ongoing sponsor duties and compliance advice
Whether you are applying for a Skilled Worker visa yourself or are an employer looking to sponsor talent from overseas, our specialist team is here to help. Get in touch for an initial assessment.
Expert Immigration Lawyers Ready to Assist
Whether you’re applying for a Skilled Worker visa or need guidance on sponsor licences, our specialist immigration team is here to support you every step of the way.
Frequently asked questions
Q1. What is a Skilled Worker visa?
A Skilled Worker visa allows overseas nationals to work in the UK in an eligible skilled job for an approved employer that holds a sponsor licence. The route replaced the old Tier 2 (General) visa.
Q2. Who can apply for a Skilled Worker visa?
You must have a confirmed job offer from a UK employer approved by the Home Office, in an eligible occupation, and be issued a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). You must also meet the salary, skill level and English language requirements.
Q3. What are the main eligibility requirements?
To qualify you generally need to:
Have a job offer from a licensed sponsor and a valid CoS.
Do a job at or above the required skill level (currently based around RQF 3–6 depending on when you first entered the route).
Meet or exceed the applicable minimum salary or “going rate”.
Meet the English language requirement and maintenance requirement.
Q4. What is the minimum salary for a Skilled Worker visa?
For most new applications, you must be paid at least the general salary threshold (e.g. £41,700 from July 2025) or the going rate for your occupation, whichever is higher. Some roles, such as Health and Care or New Entrants, can qualify on lower but still prescribed rates.
Q5. What jobs qualify for a Skilled Worker visa?
The job must be on the list of eligible occupations and meet the minimum skill level. Your employer will use a Standard Occupation Code (SOC) to show the role is eligible.
Q6. What is a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)?
A CoS is an electronic reference number issued by your UK employer through the Home Office sponsorship system. It confirms key details of your job and salary and must be included in your visa application.