Skilled Worker Visa UK 2026: Complete Application Guide
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The Skilled Worker Visa is the UK's main route for overseas workers with a job offer from a licensed UK employer. It replaced the old Tier 2 (General) visa in December 2020 and has since become the most commonly granted work visa in Britain.
This guide covers everything you need to apply: eligibility requirements, salary thresholds, the English language test, required documents, costs, processing times, and what to do after you arrive.
Eligibility requirements
To qualify for a Skilled Worker Visa, you must meet all of the following:
A job offer from a licensed sponsor. Your employer must hold a valid sponsor licence from the Home Office and must have assigned you a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) with details of the role.
Eligible occupation. The job must be on the list of eligible occupations and must be at an appropriate skill level (RQF Level 3 or above — equivalent to A-level).
Minimum salary. You must be paid at least the higher of the general salary threshold or the "going rate" for your specific occupation. See the salary section below for current thresholds.
English language ability. You must prove your knowledge of English to at least CEFR Level B1 (intermediate). See the language section below.
Adequate maintenance funds. You must have at least £1,270 in your bank account for 28 consecutive days, unless your sponsor certifies maintenance on your CoS.
TB test certificate (if applying from certain countries).
Criminal record certificate (if working in certain roles such as education or healthcare).
Minimum salary thresholds 2026
The salary requirements changed significantly in April 2024. Current thresholds:
| Requirement | Amount |
|---|---|
| General salary threshold | £38,700 per year |
| Going rate for the occupation | Varies by SOC code |
| Minimum of the two | Whichever is higher |
You must be paid at least the higher of: the general threshold (£38,700) or the going rate for your specific occupation code.
Exceptions and discounts
Some applicants qualify for lower salary thresholds:
| Category | Reduced threshold |
|---|---|
| New entrants (under 26, recent graduates, those in professional training) | £30,960 or the going rate (whichever is higher) |
| Health and education roles on the Immigration Salary List | 80% of the going rate |
| PhD-level roles relevant to the job | £34,830 or the going rate |
| PhD in a STEM subject relevant to the job | £30,960 or the going rate |
The Immigration Salary List (formerly the Shortage Occupation List) includes specific roles where employers can sponsor workers at a lower salary. Check the current list on the gov.uk website.
English language requirements
You must prove English language ability at CEFR Level B1 (intermediate) in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. You can do this by:
Passing an approved test. The Home Office accepts tests from approved providers including IELTS (UKVI), Trinity College London, LanguageCert, and Pearson PTE Academic. You need a minimum B1 score in every component.
Having a degree taught in English. If you have a degree that was taught or researched in English, and the awarding body is recognised by UK ENIC, you can use this as proof. You'll need an ENIC statement confirming the language of instruction.
Being a national of a majority English-speaking country. Citizens of countries including the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, and Jamaica are exempt from the language requirement.
Approved English language tests for Skilled Worker Visa
| Test provider | Test name | Minimum B1 score |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (UKVI) | IELTS for UKVI (Academic or General Training) | 4.0 in each component |
| Trinity College London | GESE (Grades 5-6) or ISE I | Pass |
| LanguageCert | International ESOL SELT B1 Achiever | Pass |
| Pearson | PTE Academic UKVI | 43 in each component |
Required documents
When you apply, you'll need to provide:
- A valid passport or travel document
- Your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) reference number
- Evidence of English language ability
- Bank statements showing £1,270 held for 28 consecutive days (unless your sponsor certifies maintenance)
- TB test certificate (if applicable)
- Criminal record certificate (if required for your role)
- Proof of qualifications (if required by the CoS)
- Any previous UK visa refusals
Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
Your employer arranges this — you don't apply for it yourself. The CoS is an electronic document (not a physical certificate) with a unique reference number that you include in your visa application. It contains:
- Your personal details
- Details of the job (title, SOC code, salary, start date)
- Whether your sponsor is certifying maintenance
- Any supplementary information
Application process: step by step
Step 1: Receive your Certificate of Sponsorship. Your employer assigns a CoS after offering you the job and confirming you meet the requirements. You must apply for the visa within 3 months of the CoS being assigned.
Step 2: Apply online. Complete the application on the gov.uk website. You'll need your CoS reference number, passport details, and personal information.
Step 3: Pay the fees. You'll pay the visa application fee, the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), and the biometric enrolment fee online as part of your application.
Step 4: Attend a visa application centre. You'll need to visit a visa application centre (VAC) to provide your biometrics (fingerprints and photograph) and submit your supporting documents.
Step 5: Wait for a decision. Processing times vary — see below. You can track your application online.
Step 6: Receive your visa. If approved, you'll receive a vignette (sticker) in your passport allowing you to travel to the UK, and a decision letter. Within 10 days of arrival, you must collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP).
Fees and costs 2026
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Visa application (up to 3 years) | £719 |
| Visa application (over 3 years) | £1,420 |
| Immigration Health Surcharge | £1,035 per year |
| Biometric enrolment fee | Included in application fee |
| Priority processing (optional) | £500 |
| Super Priority processing (optional) | £1,000 |
Total cost for a 3-year visa: approximately £3,824 (visa fee + 3 years IHS).
Total cost for a 5-year visa: approximately £6,595 (visa fee + 5 years IHS).
These fees apply to the main applicant. Dependants (spouse/partner and children) pay separate fees.
Processing times
| Service | Typical processing time |
|---|---|
| Standard (outside UK) | 3 weeks |
| Standard (inside UK — extension/switch) | 8 weeks |
| Priority (outside UK) | 5 working days |
| Super Priority (inside UK) | 1 working day |
After you arrive in the UK
Once you've arrived on your Skilled Worker Visa:
Collect your BRP. Visit the specified Post Office within 10 days to collect your Biometric Residence Permit.
Start work. You can only work for the employer named on your CoS, in the role specified. If you want to change jobs, you'll need a new CoS and must apply to update your visa.
Register with a GP. You're entitled to NHS healthcare through the Immigration Health Surcharge you've paid.
Open a bank account. You'll need your passport, BRP, and proof of address.
Consider your next steps. After 5 years on a Skilled Worker Visa, you may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (settlement) — and eventually British citizenship.
Buying property in the UK
As a Skilled Worker Visa holder, you have the right to buy property in the UK. There are no restrictions on foreign nationals purchasing residential property in England and Wales, though you should be aware of:
- **Additional stamp duty:** Non-UK residents pay a 2% surcharge on top of standard SDLT rates
- **Mortgage availability:** Some lenders require a minimum period of UK residency (typically 2–3 years) before offering a mortgage
- **Conveyancing:** You'll need a solicitor or licensed conveyancer to handle the legal process
If you're planning to buy a home after settling in the UK, our conveyancing team can guide you through the entire process — from finding the right solicitor to understanding your rights as a visa holder.
FAQ
Can I bring my family?
Yes. Your spouse/partner and children under 18 can apply as dependants. Each dependant pays their own visa fee and IHS.
Can I switch to a Skilled Worker Visa from inside the UK?
In most cases, yes. If you're on a Student visa, Graduate visa, or certain other visas, you can switch to a Skilled Worker Visa without leaving the UK.
What happens if I lose my job?
If your employment ends, your visa doesn't expire immediately. You have 60 days (or until your visa expires, whichever is sooner) to find a new sponsor, switch to a different visa, or leave the UK.
Can I do additional work?
You can do supplementary work (up to 20 hours per week) in the same occupation code and skill level, or in a shortage occupation. You can also do voluntary work without restriction.
How do I extend my visa?
Apply online before your current visa expires. You can extend as many times as needed, as long as you still meet the requirements and have a valid CoS.
Planning to make the UK your home? After getting your visa, let us help you find the right property and handle the conveyancing. Our team understands the unique needs of visa holders buying their first UK home.
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