Appendix Skilled Worker: UK Visa Rules & Requirements 2026

Section A: What is Appendix Skilled Worker?

Appendix Skilled Worker is the section of the Immigration Rules that specifies the various different criteria required to qualify for a Skilled Worker visa. This is the main UK work visa. It’s sponsored immigration route, where the applicant needs to have the offer of a job from a UK licensed sponsor that meets the minimum skill and salary requirements. From 22 July 2025, new sponsorship normally requires a role at RQF level 6 or above. Sub-degree roles at RQF 3–5 are sponsorable only if the code appears on the Immigration Salary List or the Temporary Shortage List, or where specific transitional tables apply.

Additional transitional protection exists for some applicants whose Skilled Worker permission predates 22 July 2025 or 4 April 2024, depending on the table used. This means that it is essential for both UK sponsors, ie the organisation recruiting a foreign skilled migrant, as well as the visa applicant themselves, to understand the provisions of Appendix Skilled Worker.

1. Role of Appendix Skilled Worker

Appendix Skilled Worker applies to all skilled migrant workers applying to work in the UK under the Skilled Worker route.

The Skilled Worker visa is for workers with a qualifying job offer in an eligible skilled occupation from a Home Office-approved sponsor in the UK. There are certain rules relating to what type of job this must be and what salary it must pay, in addition to various other validity, suitability and eligibility requirements.For example, the qualifying job offer must be in an eligible skilled occupation at skill level RQF 6+ for new hires post-22 July 2025, or RQF 3–5 where the code appears on the Immigration Salary List or the Temporary Shortage List, or where specific transitional tables apply. Transitional sponsorship below RQF 6 depends on the specific table relied on. Some codes are protected where the worker was granted Skilled Worker permission before 22 July 2025 and has had continuous permission since. Separate tables preserve certain pre-4 April 2024 codes until 4 April 2030.

UK employers recruiting skilled workers from overseas will need to have a valid Home Office-approved sponsor licence and ensure the licence and visa requirements are met in order to sponsor the worker.

From 22 July 2025, workers newly sponsored in medium-skilled (RQF 3–5) roles on the ISL or TSL cannot bring new dependants, save for limited legacy exceptions. Those already employed in the UK and on Skilled Worker before 22 July 2025 may retain dependant eligibility where the rules allow.

Section B: What does Appendix Skilled Worker contain?

Appendix Skilled Worker is divided into a number of sections, including validity requirements, suitability requirements and eligibility requirements. These are the specific rules that an applicant must satisfy for the successful grant of entry clearance or leave to remain in the UK under this route. Applications are assessed by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), the department of the Home Office responsible for the UK’s visa system.

There are also two additional sections under Appendix Skilled Worker setting out the rules relating to settlement in the UK, known as indefinite leave to remain, as well as the rules around dependants looking to accompany or follow to join the principal applicant or primary visa-holder.

The key sections are as follows:

1. Skilled Worker visa validity requirements

Anyone applying for UK entry clearance or permission to remain as a Skilled Worker within the UK must apply online at GOV.UK using form ‘Skilled Worker visa’. However, an applicant who is applying for permission to stay must be already in the UK on the date that they apply and must neither have, nor have last been granted, permission as either a Visitor or Short-term student, or as the Parent of a Child Student, nor as a Seasonal Worker, Domestic Worker in a Private Household or outside of the Immigration Rules.

To be valid, an application for entry clearance or permission to stay as a Skilled Worker must meet all of the following requirements:

• The applicant must be aged 18 or over on the date of application.
• The applicant must have paid the relevant application fee and Immigration Health Charge.
• The applicant must have provided any required biometrics; if applying from outside the UK, the applicant may be required to attend an overseas visa application centre to enrol a scan of their fingerprints and a photograph of their face, while this can be done at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) when applying from inside the UK.
• The applicant must have provided a passport or other travel document which satisfactorily establishes their identity and nationality; although an applicant may be eligible to use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to confirm their identity without having to attend a scheduled appointment. In these cases, once the applicant’s identity has been confirmed, they will then be redirected to continue and complete their application form online.
• The applicant must have a certificate of sponsorship that was assigned to them by their UK sponsor no more than 3 months before the date of application. The CoS start date should be **no more than 3 months after** the date of application. This is an electronic certificate containing a unique reference number.

Finally, an applicant applying for entry clearance or leave to remain who has received an award from either a government or an international scholarship agency in the 12 months before applying, where this covers both fees and living costs for study in the UK, must have provided written consent to the application from that government or agency.

Applications for leave to remain in the UK can only be made where the applicant is in the in the UK on the date of making the application. In addition, the skilled worker applicant must not have, or have last been granted, permission under any of the following visa routes:

• Visitor
• Short-term student
• Parent of a child student
• Seasonal worker
• Domestic worker in a private household
• Outside the Immigration Rules

Applications that do not meet the validity requirements can be rejected as invalid.

2. Skilled Worker visa suitability requirements

Suitability requirements apply to all immigration routes in the UK, and must be met in addition to the specific validity and eligibility requirements. The applicant must therefore not fall for refusal under Part 9 of the rules which deal with grounds for refusal.
These grounds include, for example, where an applicant is the subject of an exclusion or deportation order, where the applicant has been convicted of a criminal offence in the UK or overseas for which they have received a custodial sentence of 12 months or more, or has committed a criminal offence, or offences, which caused serious harm.

More than one ground for refusal may apply, for example, where the applicant is a recently convicted criminal for which they have served a lengthy custodial sentence and their presence in the UK is not conducive to the public good because of their conduct or character.
Equally, when applying for leave to remain in the UK, the applicant must again not be on immigration bail or in breach of any immigration laws, except where paragraph 39E of the Immigration Rules applies (allowing a 14-day grace period for overstaying with good reason beyond the control of the applicant or their representative as to why the application could not be made in time).

3. Skilled Worker visa eligibility requirements

Under the Skilled Worker visa route, applicants will need to meet a specific set of eligibility requirements for which they will score a certain number of points. A Skilled Worker visa will then be granted to those who reach the relevant minimum 70 points threshold, comprising 50 mandatory points and 20 tradeable points for meeting the relevant eligibility criteria. The 20 salary tradeable points only apply where the mandatory sponsorship, skill level and English points are met.
Points are awarded as follows:

a. 20 mandatory points for sponsorship: where the applicant must have an offer of a genuine job role within an eligible skilled occupation from a licensed UK sponsor that meets the requirements under the National Minimum Wage and Working Time Regulations. The sponsor must have issued the applicant with a valid CoS, where the UKVI caseworker making the decision must be satisfied that the job role on offer is genuine. The job must not amount to the hire of the applicant to a third party, or contract work for a third party, who is not the sponsor. The sponsor must also have paid in full any required Immigration Skills Charge. This is payable by the sponsor for every Skilled Worker CoS exceeding six months.

b. 20 mandatory points for a job at the required skill level: from 22 July 2025, new Skilled Worker sponsorship normally requires a role at RQF level 6 or above. Sub-degree codes (RQF 3–5) are sponsorable only if the code is listed on the Immigration Salary List or Temporary Shortage List, or the worker was first sponsored in that exact code before 22 July 2025 and is extending or changing job within the same code. The sponsor must choose an appropriate occupation code that reflects the true nature of the role and its salary. When considering occupation codes, the UKVI caseworker will consider whether the sponsor has shown a genuine need for the job role as described, whether the applicant has the appropriate qualifications, skills and experience needed to do the role, as well as the sponsor’s history of compliance with the immigration system, including paying its sponsored workers appropriately.

c. 10 mandatory points for English: demonstrating the necessary English language ability of at least level B1 (intermediate) on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages in reading, writing, speaking and listening, as set out under Appendix English Language.

d. 20 tradeable points: applicants must score 20 points from one of Options A–K (see summary table below). Accordingly, there are various options for being awarded tradeable points, including a minimum salary or educational qualification options such as having a PhD in a subject relevant to the role. For example, an applicant can be awarded 20 points if their salary equals or exceeds the higher of either the relevant minimum salary threshold per year or the going rate for the relevant occupation code. For Options A–E, the going-rate calculation uses the higher of the occupation’s median ASHE rate or £17.13 per hour on a 37.5-hour week basis, and pay must also reach £17.13 per hour (counting no more than 48 hours per week). Options F–K are not subject to the £17.13 hourly floor.

In addition to the points criteria set out above, the applicant may also be required to meet a number of other eligibility requirements for a Skilled Worker visa, including:

a. Skilled worker visa financial requirement: if the applicant is applying for entry clearance or leave to remain and has been in the UK for less than 12 months when they apply, they must have held funds of at least £1,270 for 28 days as set out under Appendix Finance. Alternatively, the sponsor must certify that they will maintain and accommodate the applicant up to the end of their first month of employment to an amount equivalent to this sum. Where the applicant has been in the UK for 12 months or longer on the date of application, the financial requirement is met automatically.

b. Criminal records certificate requirement: if the applicant is applying for entry clearance from overseas and is being sponsored in a certain occupation code, such as a health or education role, they must produce a criminal record certificate from the appropriate authority in any country where they have been present for 12 months or more over the age of 18, whether continuously or in total, in the 10 year period prior to applying.

c. Tuberculosis certificate requirement: if an applicant is applying for entry clearance from overseas and is from a listed country, they must provide a valid medical certificate as set out under Appendix T: tuberculosis screening, confirming that they have been screened for active pulmonary tuberculosis and that this tuberculosis is not present in them.

d. ATAS requirement: if the requirement for an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate in Appendix ATAS applies, the applicant must produce a valid ATAS certificate. The ATAS requirement is applicable where the job includes an element of PhD-level research in a relevant subject and the sponsor is also a licensed student sponsor. The sponsor should confirm ATAS applicability on the CoS.

Section C: Skilled Worker ILR Requirements

The Skilled Worker visa offers a route to settlement. This means that if the individual meets the relevant ILR requirements, including the continuous residence requirement, they can apply for permission to remain in the UK on an indefinite basis without restriction.

Applications for settlement as a Skilled Worker are made online on the gov.uk website on the Skilled Worker settlement pages. You can find information about form SET(O) on our guide.

To be eligible to apply for settlement, an applicant needs to meet various validity, suitability and eligibility requirements. In particular, the applicant needs to have spent a qualifying period of 5 years in the UK and meet the following requirements:

• The continuous residence requirement (see “Appendix Continuous Residence”): 5 years in the UK on routes including Skilled Worker, Global Talent, Scale-up, T2 Minister of Religion, International Sportsperson, Representative of an Overseas Business, Tier 1 (except Graduate Entrepreneur).
• The knowledge of Life in the UK requirement: per Appendix KOL UK.
• The sponsorship and salary requirements for settlement as a Skilled Worker. The sponsor confirms there is an ongoing need for the role and that pay meets at least the relevant settlement salary requirement or the full going rate, whichever is higher. From 22 July 2025 the settlement salary requirement for most RQF 6 and above Skilled Workers is £41,700 or the relevant going rate, whichever is higher. For Health and Care tables and listed education or health roles the floors are £31,300, £28,200 or £25,000 as set out in the settlement table.
• Validity and suitability: meet Part 9 grounds and not be in breach of immigration laws, except where paragraph 39E applies as an overstay disregard.

Read our comprehensive guide to switching from a Skilled Worker visa to ILR>>

Section D: Skilled Worker Visa Dependants

Under the Skilled Worker route, a partner and any child(ren) can apply to join the main visa-holder or to stay in the UK as ‘dependants’ if they are eligible.

Skilled Worker visa holders who are not eligible to bring dependants include care workers in SOC codes 6135/6136 applying for entry clearance under the Health and Care Worker route after 11 March 2024. From 22 July 2025, applicants newly sponsored in medium-skilled (RQF 3–5) roles on the ISL or TSL cannot bring new dependants. Family members who already held dependant permission before 22 July 2025 may be able to extend if eligible under the rules.

Other Skilled Worker roles, including Health and Care codes at RQF 6 +, remain eligible to bring dependants.

A dependent partner or child is any of the following:

• a husband, wife, civil partner or unmarried partner
• a child under 18, including if they were born in the UK during the visa-holder’s stay
• a child over 18 if they are currently in the UK as the visa-holder’s dependant

To be eligible, the applicant needs to meet the various validity, suitability and eligibility requirements as set out under Appendix Skilled Worker, including a relationship and financial requirement (for partner and child applicants), age and care requirements (for child applicants), and a criminal record certificate requirement (for partner applicants).

If a dependant is approved for a visa under the Skilled Worker route, this will typically be granted in line with the period of leave held by the primary visa-holder.

Section E: Summary

Appendix Skilled Worker sets the rules sponsors and applicants need to follow. New grants from 22 July 2025 generally require roles at RQF 6 or above, with limited exceptions for ISL or TSL roles and defined transitional cases. Salary is assessed against Options A–K. For A–E, pay needs to reach the higher of the occupation’s median ASHE or £17.13 per hour on a 37.5-hour week, and meet the relevant cash floor. For Health and Care options, follow the lower going-rate tables and cash thresholds.

Certificates of Sponsorship should be assigned no more than three months before application, and start dates should sit within three months after application. Evidence is expected to be complete and consistent across the CoS, contract, pay data and forms. From 22 July 2025, new sponsorship in RQF 3–5 ISL or TSL roles does not allow new dependants, while legacy dependant grants can continue where eligible.

Settlement remains available after five continuous years where the sponsor confirms ongoing need and pay at or above the settlement cash floor or full going rate, whichever is higher, alongside Life in the UK and continuous residence. Always work to the live Rules and salary tables at the point of application to avoid avoidable refusals.

Section F: Need Assistance?

We are specialist UK immigration lawyers, with substantial experience and recognised expertise in advising employers and workers on UK employment sponsorship, sponsor licence applications and management, and Skilled Worker visa applications. For specialist immigration advice to support your talent mobility and business operations, contact us.

We are specialist UK immigration lawyers with extensive experience advising employers and skilled workers on sponsorship, compliance and visa applications under the Skilled Worker route.

Our team supports employers with sponsor licence applications, management and renewals, and assists individuals with Skilled Worker visa applications, extensions and settlement.
For tailored guidance on meeting the latest requirements under Appendix Skilled Worker, or to ensure your sponsorship and recruitment processes remain compliant with the Immigration Rules, contact us for expert advice.

Section G: Appendix Skilled Worker FAQs

What is Appendix Skilled Worker?

It is the part of the Immigration Rules that sets out the validity, suitability and eligibility tests for obtaining, extending or settling on a Skilled Worker visa. Read it alongside Appendix Skilled Occupations, Appendix English Language and Appendix Finance.

Which jobs qualify after the July 2025 skill changes?

New sponsorship normally requires a role at RQF 6 or above. Sub-degree codes at RQF 3–5 are limited to Immigration Salary List or Temporary Shortage List roles, or defined transitional cases where continuous permission and the specific table rules apply.

How do I find the right SOC code and going rate?

Use the ONS/CASCOT occupation coding tool and Appendix Skilled Occupations to identify the closest SOC 2020 code.

What are Options A–K?

They are the salary tradeable-points bands. Options A–E cover most graduate-level roles. Options F–J apply to Health and Care ASHE codes. Option K covers listed health or education occupations paid at £25,000 and 100% of the going rate or an applicable national pay scale.

Does the £17.13 hourly floor apply to every worker?

The £17.13 hourly floor applies to Options A–E only and is assessed on a 37.5-hour week using the higher of median ASHE or £17.13. Options F–K do not have the hourly floor.

Can Student visa holders switch to Skilled Worker?

Yes, where the course has been completed, or for PhD students once at least 24 months of study have passed. The CoS start date should be no earlier than the completion date or the 24-month point for a PhD.

Are dependants allowed under the route?

Yes, except for applicants newly sponsored on or after 22 July 2025 in RQF 3–5 ISL or TSL roles, who cannot bring new dependants. Legacy dependant grants issued before 22 July 2025 may continue to extend where eligible.

What happens if an ISL or TSL code is removed?

Current list arrangements are intended to run to 31 December 2026, subject to review. A CoS assigned after a code is removed cannot rely on list concessions, so recruitment timelines should account for list changes.

How long does a Skilled Worker need before applying for ILR?

Five continuous years, meeting the settlement salary floor or the full going rate, whichever is higher, with the sponsor confirming ongoing need and pay. The applicant also needs to meet the Life in the UK and continuous residence requirements.

Can part-time roles qualify?

The going rate can be pro-rated to contracted hours, but the cash threshold for the chosen option needs to be met in full and is not pro-rated.

Section H: Glossary

Section I: Additional Resources & Links