UK Skilled Worker Visa
Category: Work · Processing time: 3 weeks (overseas) / 8 weeks (in-country)
Review due soon
Apply through official authority
UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)
Always submit applications through the official source. Last verified 2026-06-19.
Visa type
Work
Processing time
3 weeks (overseas) / 8 weeks (in-country)
Fees
SkillsCharge: Paid by employer
Validity
Confirm on official source
Stay duration
Confirm on official source
Entry type
Confirm single/multiple entry rules
Insurance
Confirm if required
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Overview
This points-based visa allows foreign nationals to work in the UK for an approved sponsor. Applicants must meet specific salary thresholds and skill levels. It provides a pathway to permanent
- Leads to permanent residency: Yes
- Requires job offer: Yes
- Language required: Yes
- Minimum education: RQF Level 3+ skill level (A-level equivalent)
- Financial requirement: Applicants must show at least GBP 1,270 in personal savings held continuously for 28 days, unless their sponsor certifies maintenance on the CoS.
- Accommodation proof: No
- Return ticket: No
Estimated Costs
- - SkillsCharge: Paid by employer
- - ApplicationFeeUpTo3Years: GBP 719 (overseas) / GBP 827 (in-country)
- - ApplicationFeeOver3Years: GBP 1,420 (overseas) / GBP 1,636 (in-country)
- - ImmigrationHealthSurcharge: GBP 1,035/year
Required Documents
- - Valid international passport
- - Valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) reference number
- - Proof of English language proficiency at CEFR Level B1
- - Personal bank statements showing maintenance funds (unless certified by sponsor)
- - Tuberculosis test results (if applying from a listed country)
- - Valid criminal record certificate (for specific applicable occupations)
Application Steps
- Secure a valid job offer and obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from an approved UK employer.
- Verify your job role meets the mandatory minimum salary threshold or the specific occupation going rate.
- Pass an approved English language test at CEFR level B1 or provide an eligible degree taught in English.
- Complete the digital visa application via the official GOV.UK portal and clear the application fees.
- Pay the mandatory annual Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) for the entire duration of your visa grant.
- Book an appointment at a local visa application centre or use the UK Immigration: ID Check app to provide biometrics.
Always confirm the latest steps and forms on the official portal: UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) →
Travel Insurance Requirement
- Mandatory: Confirm with official source
- Minimum coverage: Confirm current coverage rules
- Valid regions: Confirm accepted regions
- Approved providers: Use providers accepted by the official authority
Embassy, Consulate & Appointments
- - Embassy, consulate, regional jurisdiction, and biometric enrollment protocols vary depending on the applicant's location.
- - Always confirm specific localized handling paths on the official department portal before transferring application fees.
Browse foreign embassies in United Kingdom (MigrantIQ directory) →
Directory listings are for planning only — not legal advice. Confirm jurisdiction and appointment rules on the official portal.
Application checklist
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Benefits & What This Visa Allows
- - Grants formal long-stay permission to live and work legally in the UK for your sponsoring employer
- - Enables primary applicants to bring immediate eligible family members along as visa dependants
- - Provides a direct pathway to permanent residence via Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 continuous years
Trust & safety
Before you pay or submit documents
Use the official portal for applications and payments. Be careful with agents who guarantee approval, ask for personal-account transfers, or pressure you to send originals before a written contract.
Relevant laws
- Immigration Status and Overstay Rules
Immigration · Severity: Critical
Your right to stay in United Kingdom depends on the exact visa, residence permit, entry stamp, or visa-free allowance you hold. Do not assume a pending application, job offer, or school admis
- Work Authorisation Rules
Employment · Severity: Critical
In United Kingdom, a visa that allows entry does not always allow work. Paid employment, freelancing, remote work, internships, and trial shifts may each have different permission rules.
- Tax Residency and Income Reporting
Tax · Severity: High
Living in United Kingdom for long enough, working locally, or registering as a resident may trigger tax-residency or income-reporting duties even if your income is paid from abroad.
Active scam alerts
Some agents overcharge newcomers for translations, notarisation, apostilles, or courier services for United Kingdom, and may produce documents that are not accepted by official authorities.
Scammers impersonate airport staff, immigration officers, or travel agents and claim you must pay a special fee to enter United Kingdom, avoid questioning, release documents, or fast-track bo
Fraudsters offer admission, scholarships, or student visa packages for United Kingdom through unofficial agents. Victims may receive fake acceptance letters that fail verification during visa
Scammers advertise fake apartments in United Kingdom, pressure newcomers to transfer a deposit before viewing, and disappear after sending a fake lease or copied property photos.
Quick Eligibility Check
Use this self-check for Skilled Worker Visa. It does not replace official legal assessment.
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Common Rejection Reasons
- - The sponsoring employer assigning an incorrect or incomplete Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
- - Offered salary falling below the updated statutory minimum threshold or the specific job code going rate
- - Failing to submit adequate evidence of the B1 English language requirement or using an unapproved test provider
- - Personal maintenance funds falling below GBP 1,270 or failing the continuous 28-day holding timeline
Application Tips
- - Ensure your sponsoring employer confirms whether they are certifying your maintenance directly on your CoS document.
- - Double-check that your job code perfectly aligns with the eligible occupations list before starting your application.
- - Calculate and prepare your upfront Immigration Health Surcharge payment alongside your primary application fee.
- - Do not engage with unverified recruitment agencies that guarantee visa approval or request personal cash transfers.
Sources & References
Use these references for verification. Official government and appointment portals override summary guidance on MigrantIQ.
- UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)
Official source for forms, appointments, fees, and final requirements.
- MigrantIQ visa record
Summary record maintained for planning and source verification.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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