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Skilled Worker Visa UK

  • suryamjv
  • May 2
  • 2 min read
Modern UK office - Skilled Worker Visa

UK Skilled Worker Visa: Your Gateway to Working in Britain

The Skilled Worker Visa is the primary route for overseas workers to take up employment in the UK. It replaced the old Tier 2 (General) visa and is part of the UK's points-based immigration system, designed to attract talented professionals from around the world.

Whether you are a software engineer, healthcare professional, teacher, or skilled tradesperson, the Skilled Worker Visa provides a clear pathway to building your career in the UK — with a route to permanent settlement after 5 years.

Key Requirements

  • A genuine job offer from a UK employer who holds a valid Sponsor Licence

  • A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) issued by your employer through the SMS

  • The job must be at RQF Level 3 or above (equivalent to A-level)

  • Minimum salary of £38,700 per year or the going rate for the occupation, whichever is higher

  • English language proficiency at B1 level (CEFR)

  • Proof of maintenance funds (£1,270 held for 28 consecutive days)

Business meeting - UK employer sponsorship

Salary Exceptions: Tradeable Points

Some applicants may accept a lower salary if they qualify for tradeable points:

  • Job on the Immigration Salary List (formerly shortage occupation list): salary threshold reduced

  • PhD relevant to the job: £34,830 minimum salary

  • PhD in a STEM subject relevant to the job: £30,960 minimum salary

  • New entrant to the labour market (under 26, or recent graduate): reduced threshold applies

Understanding the tradeable points system can unlock opportunities that seem out of reach based on salary alone. Our consultants can assess whether any exceptions apply to your case.

The Application Process

Your employer must first hold a valid Sponsor Licence and assign you a Certificate of Sponsorship. You then apply online, pay the visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge, attend a biometric appointment, and submit your supporting documents. Processing typically takes 3 to 8 weeks.

Path to Settlement

After 5 years on a Skilled Worker Visa, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), provided you still meet the salary threshold and have not spent excessive time outside the UK. After a further 12 months, you can apply for British citizenship.

Our Service for Skilled Workers

  • Free eligibility assessment for both employers and employees

  • Sponsor Licence applications for employers who do not yet have one

  • Certificate of Sponsorship guidance and compliance support

  • Full visa application preparation and submission

  • Extension and settlement (ILR) applications

London skyline - your future workplace
Ready to work in the UK? Contact Global Migration Ltd for expert guidance on your Skilled Worker Visa application. Free initial consultation.

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