You need a licensed sponsor and a Certificate of Sponsorship
The UK Skilled Worker visa (which replaced the old Tier 2 General) is employer-sponsored. Before you can apply, a UK employer that holds a valid sponsor licence must offer you a genuine job and assign you a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) — an electronic record, not a paper document, containing your role and salary details.
The job must be on the list of eligible occupations and meet the required skill level. You cannot get this visa without a sponsoring employer, so the practical first step is finding a role with a company on the official register of licensed sponsors.
Salary thresholds and the points system
The Skilled Worker route uses a points-based system: you need 70 points, made up of mandatory points (sponsorship, skill level, English) plus salary. Your pay must meet both a general salary threshold and the specific 'going rate' for your occupation code — whichever is higher.
In 2024 the general threshold was raised significantly, to £38,700 for most applicants, though lower thresholds apply to certain groups — for example new entrants early in their careers, some shortage and health-and-care occupations, and roles where the applicant holds a relevant PhD. Always check the current threshold for your specific occupation code, as these figures are updated.
English, fees, and the health surcharge
You must prove knowledge of English (usually at least level B1) through an approved test, a degree taught in English, or by nationality. The application also requires a valid passport and, in many cases, evidence you can support yourself.
Budget for two big costs: the visa application fee (which varies by length of stay and whether the job is on the immigration salary/shortage list) and the Immigration Health Surcharge, which is charged per year of the visa and gives you access to the NHS. Together these can run into several thousand pounds for a multi-year visa, so confirm current amounts on GOV.UK before applying.
How long it lasts and the path to settlement
A Skilled Worker visa can be granted for up to five years before you need to extend, and you can keep extending as long as you still qualify. Crucially, it is a route to settlement: after five continuous years in the UK on qualifying routes (and meeting requirements such as salary and the Life in the UK test), you can usually apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
You can also bring dependent partners and children, and change employers by getting a new Certificate of Sponsorship and applying to update your visa. For the underlying fee breakdown, requirements, and processing details, see our UK work visa guides and the UK visa overview.
Related Questions
What salary do I need for the UK Skilled Worker visa?
You must meet both a general threshold — raised to £38,700 for most applicants in 2024 — and the going rate for your occupation, whichever is higher. Lower thresholds apply to some new entrants, shortage, and health-and-care roles. Check the current figure for your occupation code.
Do I need a job offer for the UK Skilled Worker visa?
Yes. You must have a job offer from a UK employer that holds a sponsor licence and assigns you a Certificate of Sponsorship. You cannot apply without a sponsor.
What is the Immigration Health Surcharge?
It is a fee charged per year of your visa that gives you access to the UK's National Health Service. It is separate from, and in addition to, the visa application fee.
Can the UK Skilled Worker visa lead to permanent residence?
Yes. After five continuous years on qualifying routes, and meeting requirements such as salary and the Life in the UK test, you can usually apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (settlement).
Can I bring my family on a Skilled Worker visa?
Yes. You can usually bring a dependent partner and children, who apply as your dependants and each pay their own fees and health surcharge.
Official Sources
- GOV.UK – Skilled Worker Visa
- GOV.UK – Register of Licensed Sponsors
- GOV.UK – Immigration Health Surcharge
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Fees and processing times change; always confirm with the official government source before acting.