Skilled Worker Visa UK
- Details
- Written by: Moeen Khan
Applying for a UK Skilled Worker visa can be complex, and having expert legal assistance can make a significant difference. At Moeen & Co. Solicitors, we understand the intricacies of the immigration process, and we will guide you step-by-step through the application process, providing clear instructions on the documentation, forms, and timelines involved.
Our team of experienced UK work visa solicitors specialises in all types of Skilled Worker visa applications and can provide the personalised guidance you need to navigate the process smoothly.
Our UK work visa lawyers will work closely with you to understand your specific circumstances and tailor our advice accordingly. We'll help you gather the required documentation, prepare your application forms, and make sure everything is submitted accurately and on time.
If you require immigration advice or legal assistance with your Skilled Worker visa application, contact our UK work visa solicitors in London at 0203 959 7755. Alternatively, fill in our online contact form to discuss your case.
Table of Contents
- What is a UK Skilled Worker visa?
- Who is eligible to apply for the Skilled Worker visa UK?
- Requirements for a Skilled Worker visa
- Minimum salary for Skilled Worker visa UK 2026
- English language requirement for Skilled Worker visa
- Documents required for the UK Skilled Worker visa
- UK Skilled Worker visa points calculator
- How to apply for a Skilled Worker visa?
- How much does a UK Skilled Worker visa cost?
- How long does a Skilled Worker visa application take to process?
- If your UK Skilled Worker visa is rejected?
- How our immigration solicitors can help
- Why choose Moeen & Co. Solicitors for your UK Skilled Worker visa?
- Need assistance with your UK Skilled Worker visa?
- Frequently asked questions about the UK Skilled Worker visa
What is a UK Skilled Worker visa?
A Skilled Worker visa allows overseas skilled workers to come to or stay in the UK to do an eligible job with a UK employer who holds a valid sponsor licence. The employer must issue a Certificate of Sponsorship for a qualifying role and continue to meet their sponsorship responsibilities. If sponsors fail to comply with Home Office requirements, they risk enforcement action, including suspension or loss of their licence.
The Skilled Worker visa has replaced the Tier 2 (General) work visa under the UK's new points-based immigration system, which came into effect in December 2020.
The Skilled Worker visa can last up to 5 years before it must be extended. Holders of this visa can work in the job described by their certificate of sponsorship, study (with some limitations), and bring family members ('dependants') with them.
Holders of the Skilled Worker visa may also have a path to settlement (indefinite leave to remain) in the UK after 5 years of continuous and lawful residence, provided they meet all the necessary criteria, including minimum salary requirements and absence limits from the UK.
Who is eligible to apply for the Skilled Worker visa UK?
To apply for a UK Skilled Worker visa, you must be sponsored by a UK employer that holds a valid sponsor licence and has offered you an eligible role. You must also meet the points-based system requirements, including meeting the necessary skill level, English language proficiency, and earning the required minimum salary.
Requirements for a Skilled Worker visa
To qualify for a UK Skilled Worker visa, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Have a genuine job offer from a UK employer approved by the Home Office.
- Hold a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) issued by your employer.
- Ensure the role appears on the UK government’s list of eligible occupations.
- The position must meet the required skill level (RQF Level 6 or above).
- Be paid the applicable minimum salary threshold (generally £41,700 gross per year or the relevant "going rate" for the role).
- Demonstrate English language ability at B1 level (CEFR), unless you qualify for an exemption.
- Show you have at least £1,270 in maintenance funds to support yourself, unless your employer certifies maintenance.
- Have appropriate accommodation arranged in the UK.
- Meet any additional criteria relevant to your specific job role or personal circumstances.
You must also meet all the other eligibility requirements depending on your circumstances. Please contact us for an initial assessment to determine your eligibility, and to discuss the options.
Minimum salary for Skilled Worker visa UK 2026
As of 2026, the general minimum salary for a UK Skilled Worker visa is £41,700 gross per year. Applicants must meet either this threshold or the higher "going rate" for their occupation, unless they qualify for an exception, such as new entrants or certain STEM PhD roles.
The salary must be the applicant's basic gross pay (before taxes) and cannot include allowances, bonuses, or any other additional payments. This is to ensure that the applicant is guaranteed a stable income that meets the minimum threshold.
English language requirement for Skilled Worker visa
From 8 January 2026, all new UK Skilled Worker visa applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency at CEFR Level B2 across reading, writing, speaking, and listening. This can be proven through a Home Office-approved SELT test, a degree taught in English (verified by Ecctis), or by being a citizen of a country where English is the majority language.
You do not need to prove your knowledge of English or take a test if you are over 65 or a citizen of a country where English is the main language.
Documents required for the UK Skilled Worker visa
When applying for a UK Skilled Worker visa, you will need to provide the following:
- A valid passport or travel document.
- Your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) reference number.
- Details of your job, including title, occupation code, and annual salary.
- Evidence of your English language proficiency.
- Your employer’s name and sponsor licence number.
- Proof that you have sufficient funds to support yourself.
- Tuberculosis (TB) test results, if required.
- References from your previous employer(s).
- Documentation proving your relationship with any partner or children applying with you.
- Any additional documents relevant to your job role or personal circumstances.
Remember, the document checklist provided above is not exhaustive, and additional documents may be required based on your personal circumstances. Properly preparing your documentation is key to the success of your application. Contact us today to get a comprehensive list of supporting documents.
UK Skilled Worker visa points calculator
The UK Skilled Worker visa operates under a points-based immigration system, where applicants must score a total of 70 points to be eligible. This points system is designed to be more straightforward than previous systems, with some mandatory criteria that applicants must meet to qualify. Here's how the points break down for the Skilled Worker visa:
Mandatory Points (50 Points Required)
- Job Offer by Approved Sponsor (20 points): The applicant must have a job offer from an employer that has been approved by the UK Home Office to sponsor skilled workers.
- Job at Appropriate Skill Level (20 points): The job offer must be at a skill level of RQF3 or above (equivalent to A-level).
- English Language Requirement (10 points): The applicant must demonstrate English language proficiency at level B1 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) in reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
Tradable Points (20 Additional Points Required)
You will earn 20 points if your salary meets or exceeds the higher of £41,700 gross per year or the "going rate" for your specific job code.
It's important for applicants to carefully assess their eligibility and the points they qualify for before applying. They should also stay updated with any changes to the immigration rules or the Shortage Occupation List, which can affect their point calculation.
How to apply for a Skilled Worker visa?
To apply for a UK Skilled Worker visa, you need a confirmed job offer from an approved sponsor, a Certificate of Sponsorship, and must complete the online application, pay the fees, and attend a biometric appointment.
Please refer to the following steps to apply for the Skilled Worker visa UK:
- Step 1: Initial consultation and assessment of your eligibility.
- Step 2: Get a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your UK employer
- Step 3: Gathering the required documentation.
- Step 4: Complete the visa application form online.
- Step 5: Submit your visa application supporting documents, and pay relevant fees.
- Step 6: Book and attend the biometric appointment
- Step 7: Monitoring the progress of your application.
- Step 8: Receiving a decision on your application.
To begin your Skilled Worker visa application process, contact us at Moeen & Co. Solicitors today at 0203 959 7755. Our dedicated team is ready to provide you with expert legal assistance and ensure that your application is handled with utmost professionalism and care.
How much does a UK Skilled Worker visa cost?
The UK Skilled Worker visa costs between £769 and £1,751 for the application, depending on duration and location, plus an Immigration Health Surcharge of £1,035 per year, with additional maintenance funds usually required.
If you apply for a UK Skilled Worker visa from outside the UK, the standard fee is £769 for visas up to 3 years, and £1,519 for visas longer than 3 years. If you are applying from within the UK to extend, switch, or update your visa, the fees are slightly higher: £885 for up to 3 years, and £1,751 for over 3 years.
If your partner or children are joining you in the UK, they will pay the same fee for the same visa duration, even if their applications are submitted after your visa has been granted. Knowing these fees in advance helps you plan your Skilled Worker visa application and avoid unexpected costs.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information on Skilled Worker visa application fees and associated costs, we recommend consulting our immigration lawyers at Moeen & Co. Solicitors. We will guide you through the fee structure and ensure you have a clear understanding of the costs involved in your visa application.
How long does a Skilled Worker visa application take to process?
After applying online, providing your documents, and proving your identity, a UK Skilled Worker visa decision usually takes about 3 weeks if applying from outside the UK, or 8 weeks if applying from inside. Faster decisions may be available for an additional fee.
The processing time for a UK visa application can vary depending on several factors, including the type of visa application, the country from which you are applying, and the volume of applications being processed by the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).
All the applicants are advised to check the latest information about UK visa application processing time on the official UK government website either applying from inside the UK or outside the UK.
For urgent visa applications, the UK Home Office offers the Priority Service, which provides a decision within 5 working days, and the Super Priority Service, which delivers a decision in just 24 hours. Both services require an additional fee.
To get a faster decision on your UK visa application, you'll need to pay £1,000 for the "Super Priority Service" or £500 for the "Priority Service" fee per applicant in addition to the visa application fee.
If your UK Skilled Worker visa is rejected?
If your UK Skilled Worker visa is rejected, you may have the option to challenge the Home Office's decision by administrative review or reapply for a Skilled Worker visa.
If you're considering appealing or reapplying for a UK Skilled Worker visa after refusal, it is advisable to consult an immigration solicitor to discuss your options.
How our immigration solicitors can help
Navigating the UK visa process can be complex and stressful. Our SRA-regulated immigration solicitors in London provide professional guidance, ensuring your application is accurate, compliant, and optimised for success.
What We Offer:
- Expert Legal Advice: Assess your eligibility and guide you on the most suitable visa type.
- Application Support: Complete and submit your UK visa forms accurately.
- Document Guidance: Advise on required supporting documents and ensure they meet Home Office standards.
- Professional Representation: Liaise with UKVI, embassies, or consulates on your behalf.
- Appeals & Reviews: Support in case of refusal, preparing appeals or administrative review applications.
If you need guidance with your UK visa application, call our London-based immigration solicitors at 0203 959 7755, or complete our online contact form for a prompt response.
Why choose Moeen & Co. Solicitors for your UK Skilled Worker visa?
At Moeen & Co. Solicitors, we are SRA-regulated immigration solicitors with extensive experience in UK work visa applications. Our team provides expert guidance, personalised support, and meticulous attention to detail to help you successfully navigate the work visa process.
- High Success Rate: Years of helping skilled professionals secure UK work visas and join their employers in the UK.
- Transparent Fees: Clear, affordable fixed pricing so you know exactly what to expect.
- Expert Guidance: Tailored advice on eligibility, sponsorship requirements, salary thresholds, and English language criteria.
- Professional Representation: We liaise with UKVI on your behalf and assist with complex cases, extensions, or priority applications.
- Peace of Mind: Accurate, compliant, and timely applications, giving you confidence at every stage.
Trust Moeen & Co. Solicitors to make your UK work visa application smooth, secure, and successful.
Need assistance with your UK Skilled Worker visa?
For legal advice and assistance with your UK Skilled Worker visa, call Moeen & Co. Solicitors today at 0203 959 7755 or fill out our online contact form.
There are several ways to contact our solicitors based in Hayes, London:
- Phone - Call us on 0203 959 7755
- Email us - info@moeenco.com
- Online - Fill in our online enquiry form
- Visit our office - Room 1, The Winning Box, 27-37 Station Road, Hayes UB3 4DX
We are located near Hayes and Harlington Station on Hayes High Street, in Hayes Town Centre.
Frequently asked questions about the UK Skilled Worker visa
Yes, as a Skilled Worker visa holder, you can bring your dependents, such as your spouse/partner and children, to the UK. However, they will need to apply for their own dependent visas. The requirements and application process for dependent visas are separate from the Skilled Worker visa application. Our team can assist you in understanding and fulfilling the requirements for dependent visas.
The application process for the Skilled Worker visa UK involves multiple steps. It includes obtaining a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your UK employer, completing the online application form, submitting the required documents, and paying the relevant fees. Our team of immigration lawyers at Moeen & Co. Solicitors can guide you through each stage of the application process, ensuring a smooth and efficient experience.
The fees for the UK Skilled Worker visa application include the main visa application fee, a healthcare surcharge, and the Immigration Skills Charge, which is paid by your employer. The exact amount may vary depending on factors such as the length of the visa and whether you're applying from within or outside the UK.
You can stay in the UK for up to 5 years on a Skilled Worker visa before you need to extend it. You can also apply to extend your visa as many times as you like as long as you still meet the eligibility criteria.
You must receive a job offer from an employer that has been approved by the UK Home Office as a licensed sponsor. A list of licensed sponsors is available on the UK government's website.
Yes, you can apply for indefinite leave to remain after living in the UK for 5 years with a Skilled Worker visa, provided you meet the minimum salary threshold and other residency requirements.
Legal Disclaimer
The information provided is for general informational purposes only and should not be taken as legal advice. While we make every effort to ensure accuracy, the law may change, and the information may not reflect the most current legal developments. No warranty is given regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information, and we do not accept liability in such cases. We recommend consulting with a qualified lawyer at Moeen & Co. Solicitors before making any decisions based on the information provided on this website.
