Skilled Worker Visa: Application & Eligibility Guide 2025

Section A: What is the Skilled Worker Visa?

The Skilled Worker visa, which replaced the Tier 2 (General) visa, is the main work visa for overseas nationals. It allows employers to sponsor non-UK nationals to work in the UK in eligible, skilled roles. The visa is open to individuals who attain 70 points by meeting specific eligibility requirements such as skill and salary level, English language ability and a qualifying job offer from a UK employer with a valid sponsorship licence.

The Skilled Worker visa makes provisions for spouses, ‘durable’ partners, and dependent children to apply to join the main visa applicant in the UK as Skilled Worker dependants.

The Skilled Worker visa can be granted for up to five years, after which the worker can become eligible to apply for UK Indefinite Leave to Remain.

1. What does a Skilled Worker visa allow?

A Skilled Worker visa grants overseas nationals the right to live and work in the UK for an approved sponsor in a qualifying role. It is tied to the job stated on the Certificate of Sponsorship, meaning the holder must remain with the licensed employer in the position approved by the Home Office. The visa allows full-time work in that role, limited supplementary employment where the conditions are met, and the ability to study or volunteer alongside employment. Skilled Worker visa holders can also travel in and out of the UK during the period of their leave, provided they maintain valid permission and continue in their sponsored role. They may bring eligible family members, such as a spouse or children, who will also be granted rights to live and in most cases work in the UK. After five years, the visa can lead to settlement if conditions are met.

2. How long does a Skilled Worker visa last?

Skilled Worker visas are granted for the length of employment on the CoS, up to a maximum of 5 years. In practice, employers often sponsor for 3 years initially. Before their visa expires, the visa holder would need to apply to extend the visa, or on completing the 5-year residency requirement, they may become eligible to apply for UK indefinite leave to remain.

There is no limit on the number of times the Skilled Worker visa can be extended, provided the worker continues to meet the visa requirements.

3. Skilled Worker Dependants

If you hold a Skilled Worker Visa, you may be able to bring your family members to the UK. Family members, or dependents, include your spouse or partner and your children. The UK government has set out specific requirements and processes to ensure that dependents can join you while you work and live in the UK.

Your dependents can include your husband, wife, civil partner, or unmarried partner. Unmarried partners must have been living together in a relationship akin to marriage for at least two years prior to the application. Your children can apply as dependents if they are under 18 years old at the time of application. Children over 18 may be eligible if they are currently in the UK as your dependent and are not married, in a civil partnership, or living an independent life.

You must demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to support your dependants while they are in the UK. This is in addition to the maintenance funds required for your own visa application. For a spouse or partner, you need to show that you have an additional £285. For your first child, an additional £315 is required. For each subsequent child, you need to show an additional £200 per child.

Read our full guidance for Skilled Worker Visa Dependants here >> 

Section B: Skilled Worker Visa Changes 2025

Published in May 2025, the UK Government’s Immigration White Paper outlines a series of proposed changes to the Skilled Worker visa route. While some measures remain under consultation or review, several key reforms have been affected through Statements of Changes to the Immigration Rules, with many of the key changes implemented from 22 July 2025.

From 22 July 2025, the skill threshold for Skilled Worker role eligibility has been raised from RQF Level 3 (A-level equivalent) to RQF Level 6 (graduate level). This narrows the range of eligible occupations for new sponsorship, affecting sectors that previously relied on sponsorship for supervisory or technician-level roles.

The Immigration Salary List (ISL) is scheduled to expire by 31 December 2026 at the latest. A Temporary Shortage List (TSL) has also been introduced,  applying only to a limited number of sub-degree (RQF 3–5) roles under strict, time-limited and conditional sponsorship arrangements. The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) is currently conducting a two-stage review of the TSL, with full implementation expected in mid-2026.

Skilled Worker visa salary thresholds also increased from 22 July 2025. For most new applications, the general threshold (Option A) rose to £41,700, with revised going rates for each SOC code based on updated ASHE data. Most applicants under options A-E must also meet a universal hourly minimum of £17.13, calculated using no more than 48 working hours per week.

Transitional salary options (Options F–J) are available for continuing employment in roles held before 22 July 2025 and qualifying health and care roles.

Following the October 2025 Statement of Changes (HC 1333), the Home Office has confirmed that from 8 January 2026, applicants for the Skilled Worker visa, High Potential Individual and Scale-up routes will be required to demonstrate English at B2 CEFR level (A-Level equivalent), replacing the current B1 standard (GCSE level). This marks a significant increase in the language threshold for most sponsored work routes.

The higher standard applies to new Skilled Worker applications made on or after 8 January 2026. Those extending their leave on the same route will continue to be assessed at B1. The new requirement can be met in the same ways as before — by passing a Secure English Language Test (SELT) with a Home Office-approved provider, holding an eligible qualification taught in English, or being a national of an exempt country.

Employers should factor in additional lead time for candidates to take language tests and should not assign Certificates of Sponsorship until the applicant can demonstrate the required B2 level. Failure to meet the correct level at the date of application will result in refusal.

We will continue to update this summary as more changes are confirmed.

Section C: Skilled Worker Visa Eligibility Requirements for Sponsors

If you are planning to hire a non-UK resident under the UK’s points-based system, you may need to apply to the Home Office for a sponsorship licence. This is effectively the permission needed for UK employers to sponsor overseas nationals for a visa to work in the UK in a specific role in an eligible skilled occupation.

Employers do not need to have a licence to hire someone with an existing right to work in the UK that allows them to do the job in question, such as those with valid settled status under the EU settlement scheme, those holding indefinite leave to remain or anyone with British citizenship.

To be eligible for a Skilled Worker sponsor licence, the organisation must provide evidence that it is a genuine organisation operating lawfully in the UK and that it is suitable to sponsor skilled migrant workers. In assessing suitability, UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) will consider if:

a. The organisation can offer genuine employment in the UK that meets the required skills threshold, and pays the relevant minimum salary threshold.

b. The organisation is capable of meeting the sponsorship duties, where they have in place adequate HR systems and practices, and suitable key personnel to do so. The key personnel are the people who will operate the SMS and be responsible for discharging the duties of a licensed sponsor.

c. The organisation, its key personnel and management are honest, dependable and reliable, where any history of immigration violations or relevant unspent criminal convictions relating to those involved in the day-to-day running of the business or the key personnel named on the sponsor licence application, could affect its ability to sponsor overseas workers.

Read our comprehensive guide to Applying for a Sponsor Licence here >>

Section D: Skilled Worker Visa Eligibility Requirements for Workers

The rules and requirements for the Skilled Worker visa route are set out in Appendix Skilled Worker. Applicants will need to accrue a total of 70 points to be eligible for a Skilled Worker visa.

The applicable 70 points threshold for a Skilled Worker visa is made up of 50 points for mandatory or ‘non-tradeable’ criteria (i.e., the job offer, speaking English, and the requisite skill level for the job on offer) and 20 points for what are classed as ‘tradeable’ criteria.

1. Skilled Worker Visa Minimum Salary

In relation to salary, the applicant must be awarded 20 points from one of the options under Appendix Skilled Worker (see summary table below).

The Skilled Worker visa does not impose a single flat “minimum salary”. Instead an applicant must earn the higher of:

• relevant general threshold per the salary‑points options
• required percentage of the occupation’s going rate

From 22 July 2025 the headline graduate‑level threshold, Option A, is £41,700 a year. Options B, C, D and E allow lower floors of £37,500 or £33,400 where the job and applicant meet the relevant PhD, Immigration Salary List (ISL at RQF 6 +) or new entrant conditions. Options A–E are also subject to a £17.13‑per‑hour test, calculated on no more than 48 paid hours a week.

Health and care roles listed in Table 2 use Options F–J. Option F carries a £31,300 cash floor; Options G and H set floors of £28,200 (non‑STEM PhD) and £25,000 (STEM PhD); Option I applies the same £25,000 floor to sub‑degree ISL jobs; and Option J applies it to new entrants in Table 2 codes. None of these options is subject to the £17.13 hourly rule, although care worker and senior care worker codes 6135/6136 must still reach the higher of £25,000 a year or £12.82 an hour and meet 100 per cent of their lower going rate.

Option K is reserved for listed health‑ and education‑sector occupations that have been sponsored continuously since before 22 July 2025. It requires £25,000 a year and 100 % of the standard going rate or the relevant national pay‑scale figure; no hourly floor applies.

Separate “continuing‑employment” tables (1A, 2A, 3A) preserve sponsorship for certain sub‑degree codes first used before 22 July 2025. Workers in those codes may keep extending on the same £31,300, £28,200 or £25,000 floors until 4 April 2030 (22 July 2028 for care workers), but the concession is closed to new hires.

ISL roles remain sponsor‑eligible. Graduate‑level ISL codes follow Option D with a £33,400 floor; sub‑degree ISL codes follow Option I on £25,000. New recruits in any RQF 3–5 ISL code cannot bring new dependants, although family members with leave granted before 22 July 2025 may extend if eligible.

Only guaranteed gross PAYE salary counts. Bonuses, overtime, allowances and repayments to the sponsor are excluded. The cash threshold is never pro‑rated for part‑time hours, although the going rate may be scaled to contracted hours. The guidance states the reference week is 37.5 hours for most codes, 40 hours for hospital doctors and 32.5 hours for state‑school teachers.

* Specific rules apply for care worker roles under SOC 6135/6136 for the Health and Care Worker visa. 

Read our comprehensive guide to the Skilled Worker Visa Minimum Salary rules here >> 

a. Skilled Worker Visa Going Rates

Occupation going rates are outlined in Appendix Skilled Occupations. Depending on the applicable tradeable points option, the salary must meet either 100% of the going rate or a reduced percentage (70%, 80%, or 90%), although these reductions are not allowed for roles listed in Tables 3 or 3a of Appendix Skilled Occupations.

Temporary Shortage Occupation List roles do not have a going rate discount, but other tradeable points requirements may be available.

The relevant annual salary threshold and the applicable going rate (at the required percentage: 100%, 90%, 80%, or 70%) must both be met, with the higher pay level prevailing.

Read our comprehensive guide to Skilled Worker going rates here >>

b. Salary Thresholds for Health and Care Workers

Applicants under the Health and Care Worker visa should refer to Options F–J of Table 2 in Appendix Skilled Occupations. These options apply to any Table 2 code and, under transitional rules, may also be used by workers first sponsored before 4 April 2024 until 4 April 2030 (22 July 2028 for care worker codes). Unlike graduate‑level options, none of the Table 2 bands is subject to the £17.13‑per‑hour test.

Sub‑degree codes for care workers and senior care workers (6135/6136) require at least £25,000 a year or £12.82 an hour, whichever is higher, and 100 % of the lower going rate. New overseas applications in these codes closed on 22 July 2025. In‑country “switchers” can still be sponsored on the Health and Care route until 22 July 2028, provided they have been on the sponsor’s UK payroll for at least three months.

Read our guide to the Health and Care Worker visa here >> 

2. Sponsored Role Requirement

20 mandatory points must be attained in relation to employment sponsorship. Requirements are placed on both the worker and their employer (i.e. the sponsor). The sponsor must hold a valid sponsorship licence with an A rating. The Home Office will also look to determine if the vacancy and employment are genuine, ie that the sponsoring organisation has a genuine need for the job.

The sponsor must also have paid the Immigration Skills Charge, where applicable. The ISC is due to increase by 32%, most likely in 2026.

3. Certificate of Sponsorship Requirement

Before the worker can submit their visa application, their UK sponsor must first assign them a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to confirm that the individual and role meet the sponsorship eligibility requirements.

The CoS is a reference number that the Skilled Worker visa applicant will need to provide with their Home Office application. Only licenced sponsors can issue a CoS.

There are two types of Certificate of Sponsorship: the defined Certificate of Sponsorship and the undefined Certificate of Sponsorship. These replaced the old restricted and unrestricted CoS, which were applicable prior to 1 December 2020.

Undefined CoS are for either workers already in the UK with valid leave who are applying to switch into the skilled worker category from another immigration route, or those applying under one of the other visa routes from within the UK or overseas.

Defined CoS are for out-of-country skilled worker visa applications.

Sponsors will need to pay and apply for a defined CoS. This is a specific application to the Home Office, and details of the specific job and salary will need to be provided. It costs £525 to assign a CoS under a Worker sponsor licence.

UKVI allocate undefined CoS to sponsors on an annual basis. The number of CoS will depend on factors such as the size of the sponsor’s workforce and the nature of the business. Any unused CoS will be removed from the SMS at the end of each 12-month period. It is also possible to apply for additional undefined CoS during the year.

You can find out more about Certificates of Sponsorship in our complete guide here >> 

4. Skill Requirement

Skilled Worker visas are only issued to workers in certain eligible roles. The skills threshold for eligible roles increased to RQF 6 (equivalent to graduate-level) from 22 July 2025, with limited transitional provisions in place.

For skilled worker sponsorship, a job must now be classed at RQF level 6 or above. Only occupations listed in Tables 1–3 of Appendix Skilled Occupations meet this standard.

Sub-degree roles (RQF 3–5) shown in Tables 1a, 2aa, and 3a can be sponsored only where (a) the worker already held Skilled Worker permission in that SOC code before 4 April 2024 (“continuing employment”), allowing extensions or switches until 4 April 2030 (or 22 July 2028 for care workers), or (b) the occupation is temporarily included on the Immigration Salary List (ISL) or Temporary Shortage List (TSL) for new hires until 31 December 2026. Workers sponsored in these RQF 3–5 roles cannot bring new dependants.

When assessing roles for Skilled Worker visa eligibility, the Home Office uses ‘Standard Occupation Codes’ (SOC) from the SOC 2020 system. To determine eligibility, the sponsor should identify the relevant SOC code using the ONS occupation coding tool, ensuring the job description matches the position. This code must be cross-referenced with Appendix Skilled Occupations to confirm eligibility and assigned on the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).

Employers must not use an unsuitable job code or exaggerate role requirements to fit a higher-skilled SOC code. The Home Office may request further evidence of the applicant’s skills and experience if an incorrect SOC code is suspected. Genuine errors can usually be corrected, but the Home Office can refuse a visa application if the job or applicant’s skills do not match the SOC code and required skill level.

Read our detailed guide to SOC Codes here >> 

5. English Language Requirement

Until 7 January 2026, the required level of English for Skilled Worker applications is B1 CEFR across reading, writing, speaking and listening. From 8 January 2026, new Skilled Worker applications need B2 CEFR (A level equivalent). Extensions on the same route continue to be assessed at B1. Applicants who have previously satisfied the English requirement at the appropriate level do not need to re-evidence it.

Most applicants need to prove English unless already accepted in a previous UK application or exempt by nationality. English can be evidenced by one of the following: passing an approved Secure English Language Test (SELT) at the required level, holding a degree-level qualification taught in English, or holding a GCSE, A level, Scottish National 4 or 5, Scottish Higher or Advanced Higher in English awarded by a UK awarding body (typically from study at a UK school).

Applicants are exempt from proving English if they are nationals of the following majority English-speaking countries:

Sponsors should allow additional lead time where candidates need to take a SELT at B2 and should only assign a Certificate of Sponsorship once the applicant can evidence the correct level for the intended submission date.

6. Financial Maintenance Requirement

The applicant must show they meet the financial requirement and have sufficient funds to support themselves, as they will not have access to public funds such as benefits.

The rules state applicants must have at least £1,270 in their bank account when applying. This amount must have been available for at least 28 consecutive days, with day 28 being within 31 days of making the visa application. The applicant must provide evidence of their savings, unless they have been in the UK for 12 consecutive months with lawful status and earned income during that period, or their sponsor agrees to meet their costs of up to £1,270 during their first month in the UK. The sponsor should confirm this on the Certificate of Sponsorship under the ‘sponsor certifies maintenance’ section in ‘Additional data’.

Additional funds are required if dependants are applying. The current Appendix Skilled Worker rates are £285 for a partner, £315 for the first child, and £200 for each additional child.

7. Background Check Requirement

Some applicants may also need to show a criminal records certificate, if their occupation requires this.

8. Healthcare Professionals

Healthcare professionals seeking to work in the UK health or adult social care sector typically apply under the Health and Care Worker sub-category of the Skilled Worker visa. This route is designed for specific, eligible occupations such as qualified nurses, doctors and other healthcare roles, as listed in Appendix Skilled Occupations.

Health and Care Worker applications benefit from lower application fees compared with Skilled Worker applications (e.g. £304 for up to 3 years, £590 for over 3 years) and full exemption from the Immigration Healthcare Surcharge.

Specific eligibility criteria apply, with roles listed in Tables 1–3 (RQF 6+) and Tables 1a, 2aa, 3a (RQF 3–5 with transitional provisions) of Appendix Skilled Occupations. Certain RQF 3–5 roles are temporarily eligible if included on the Immigration Salary List (ISL) or Temporary Shortage List (TSL) until 31 December 2026, but care worker and senior care worker codes (SOC 6135/6136) are closed to new overseas hires since 22 July 2025, with in-country switching allowed until 22 July 2028.

The ISL and TSL are subject to change, and sponsors and workers must double-check eligibility, ensuring the correct SOC code is assigned on the Certificate of Sponsorship.

Read our complete guide to the Health and Care Worker Visa here >> 

Section E: How to Apply for a Skilled Worker Visa

Each stage of the Skilled Worker visa process carries risks that can lead to delay or refusal if errors or mistakes are made.

1. Skilled Worker Visa Application Process

To apply for a Skilled Worker visa, the applicant will need to submit an online application, together with their supporting documentation, and pay the relevant fee.

Applications can be made up to 3 months before the day the worker’s intended employment start date in the UK, as stated on the Certificate of Sponsorship. The CoS itself expires if unused within 3 months of being assigned.

The applicant will need to submit an online application within three months of being assigned their Certificate of Sponsorship. Each certificate has a unique reference number that they will need to apply.

They will also be required to attend an appointment at a visa application centre to enrol their biometric information and submit various supporting documents.

2. Skilled Worker Visa Supporting Documents

Along with the application form, the applicant will also have to compile and submit documents to evidence their identity and eligibility.

Depending on where the application is being made – in the UK or overseas – the applicant will either have to use the UK Government’s ‘UK Immigration: ID Check‘ app to submit the ID document, or submit biometric information (fingerprints and a photograph) at a UKVCAS centre.

Applicants from outside the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, and those from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein who do not have a chipped biometric passport, must also have a blank page on their passport.

The Home Office will assess their application on the basis of how many points they have accumulated under the points-based system.

It is important to note that the offer of a genuine job with a valid certificate of sponsorship does not guarantee the successful grant of a Skilled Worker visa. The prospective employee must still meet all the other relevant criteria.

The Home Office will also consider any general grounds for refusal, including any relevant criminal history or previous immigration breaches.

3. Switching to the Skilled Worker visa

It is possible in many circumstances to apply from within the UK to switch into the Skilled Worker route, provided certain conditions are met. The rules will largely depend on the type of visa the individual is looking to switch from.

Switchers must still meet all of the Skilled Worker eligibility requirements.

It is not possible to switch into the Skilled Worker category if an individual is currently in the UK with status under any of the following:

a. visit visa
b. short-term student visa
c. parent of a Child Student visa
d. seasonal worker visa
e. domestic worker in a private household visa
f. permission to stay outside the immigration rules
g. immigration bail

You can read our full guide to Switching to the Skilled Worker visa here >>

4. Skilled Worker Visa Timeline

This table outlines the key stages and expected timeframes involved in the Skilled Worker Visa application process, to support effective planning:

5. Skilled Worker Visa Processing Times

Skilled worker visa applications generally take up to 8 weeks if applying from within the UK or up to 3 weeks if the application is made from outside the UK. It may be possible to pay for fast-tracked processing, depending on where the application is being processed. You will be advised when making your application if faster processing is available.

Read our guide to UK visa processing times here >> 

6. Skilled Worker Visa Fees & Costs

The applicant will have to pay the visa application fee, with the amount payable depending on factors such as whether the job is on the Immigration Salary List.

The same costs apply to any dependants applying with the main visa applicant.

In addition to processing fees, applicants also have to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for each year of leave.

Read our detailed breakdown of the Skilled Worker Visa Costs here >> 

7. Skilled Worker Visa Application Tips

Follow these tips to give your application the best chance of success:

1. Ensure all documents are complete

Before starting the application, gather every required document. This will usually include your passport, Certificate of Sponsorship, proof of English language proficiency, and evidence of financial maintenance. Missing or incomplete paperwork almost always causes delay, and in some cases refusal.

2. Check your sponsor’s licence status

Confirm that your prospective employer holds a valid sponsor licence. The Home Office publishes an official register of licensed sponsors, and this should be checked before accepting an offer. An invalid or expired licence will mean the application cannot proceed.

3. Understand the financial requirements

Applicants must show they can support themselves and any dependants without relying on public funds. The required maintenance sum must be held in a bank account for at least 28 consecutive days before the application is submitted. Evidence of this is often checked closely by caseworkers.

4. Prepare for the English language test

If an English test is required, book it early with an approved test provider. Securing the necessary score is mandatory for visa approval unless you are exempt, for example as a national of a majority English-speaking country or if you hold a degree taught in English.

5. Complete the online application accurately

Take care when completing the online form. Entering incorrect details, selecting the wrong visa category, or leaving gaps can result in refusal or lengthy delays. Double-check all information against your supporting documents before submission.

6. Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge

The Immigration Health Surcharge must be paid as part of the application. The amount is calculated based on the length of the visa and grants access to the NHS during your stay. An unpaid surcharge will result in an invalid application.

7. Book and attend the biometric appointment promptly

Once you receive the invitation, schedule your biometric appointment without delay. Attend on time and bring the required documents, as missing this stage will prevent the application from progressing.

8. Choose the right processing service

Applicants can select standard, priority, or super priority services. Priority options cost more but offer faster decision-making. The right choice depends on your travel plans, budget, and the urgency of the application.

9. Keep copies of all documents

Retain copies of the completed application, supporting evidence, and payment confirmations. This record provides reassurance if questions arise later and can help in the event of an appeal or reapplication.

10. Monitor your application status

Track your application progress through the UKVI system. If you have paid for priority processing, ensure the published timelines are being met. If unexpected delays occur, contact UKVI promptly with your reference number to request an update.

Section F: Skilled Worker Visa Rules & Conditions

Skilled worker visa holders have to comply with certain conditions, including ensuring their status is not left to expire, and to take certain steps if they change employer, lose their job or want to take on additional work.

1. Changing Jobs or Employer as a Skilled Worker

If the visa holder changes sponsor or jobs, they will need to apply for a new period of leave by making an application for a new Skilled Worker visa on the basis of their new Certificate of Sponsorship.

2. Taking on Additional Work with a Skilled Worker Visa

There are specific rules governing whether someone with a Skilled Worker visa can take on a second job or earn supplementary income in addition to their sponsored role.

Skilled worker visa holders are permitted to take on additional work (including voluntary work) provided they are still employed by their original sponsor and continue to undertake their main sponsored role and that certain conditions are met.

A postgraduate doctor or dentist whose immigration permission extends up to four months beyond the end date on their CoS may take supplementary locum work during that grace period without being employed by their original sponsor. This concession applies only to doctors or dentists who have completed an approved training programme.

In all other situations, however, the worker must continue working for their sponsor to be eligible for supplementary work.

The additional role is limited to 20 hours per week, outside the hours of the sponsored role and must be at the same skill level as the sponsored job, in either the same SOC 2020 code or another occupation listed in Appendix Skilled Occupations (including ISL roles).

If the extra work exceeds 20 hours, takes place during CoS hours or is in a job that does not meet supplementary employment criteria (i.e., not at the same skill level or not listed in Appendix Skilled Occupations), the worker cannot start it as supplementary employment. Instead, the second employer must assign a new CoS, and the worker must submit a change of employment application online using the Skilled Worker form, paying the relevant fee and IHS and wait for approval before starting. The first employer’s leave remains valid until approval. If both jobs are to be held permanently, the worker typically maintains the primary sponsored role and takes the second as supplementary employment (if eligible) or applies for a change of employment to the new sponsor.

Read our comprehensive guide to skilled worker visa additional work rules here >>

3. Losing Your Sponsored Job

If you’ve lost your job and you have a Skilled Worker visa, the Home Office may curtail your leave to 60 days, or until visa expiry, whichever sooner. You will be notified in writing of the Home Office’s decision on how long you can remain in the UK following your loss of sponsored employment.

During this grace period, you can remain in the UK and seek new employment. If during this time you find a new job with a UK employer who holds a valid sponsorship licence, you should obtain a new CoS and apply for a new Skilled Worker Visa application using the new CoS.

If finding a new sponsor proves difficult, you may consider switching to another visa type, such as a Family Visa, if eligible. It is important to comply with all visa conditions during this period and seek professional advice if needed.

Failure to secure new employment or switch visas within the grace period means you must leave the UK to avoid overstaying.

4. Sponsor Loses Their Licence

If your sponsor loses their licence (for example, it has been revoked by the Home Office), your Skilled Worker visa is no longer valid because the permission to employ you has been withdrawn. The Home Office will usually curtail your visa, typically giving you 60 days or until your visa expiry date, whichever is sooner, to find a new sponsoring employer or leave the UK.

During this period, you cannot continue working for the original sponsor, but you can look for alternative roles with organisations that hold a valid licence. If you fail to secure a new sponsor within the time allowed, you risk becoming overstayer with serious consequences.

Section G: Skilled Worker Visa to ILR

Securing Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) is a significant step towards obtaining permanent residency in the UK. It grants you the right to live, work, and study in the UK without any time restrictions and is a key milestone on the path to British citizenship.

To apply for ILR, Skilled Worker Visa holders have to meet several requirements. You must have lived in the UK continuously for at least five years. During this period, you cannot have spent more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period. You must hold a valid Skilled Worker Visa at the time of your ILR application.

You must have ongoing employment with a UK employer who holds a valid sponsorship licence. Your job still has to meet the skill level and salary requirements for settlement, and you’ll need to pass the ‘Life in the UK Test,‘ which assesses your knowledge of British customs, traditions and history.

For ILR, the English requirement is set out in Appendix Knowledge of Life in the UK and follows the level required by the visa route under which settlement is being sought. This means that Skilled Worker ILR applications submitted before 8 January 2026 will continue to require English at B1, while those submitted on or after that date will need B2. There is no retrospective effect. Individuals already granted a Skilled Worker visa on the basis of a B1 qualification remain compliant with the conditions of their leave and are not required to retake a test mid-permission. If they apply to extend or settle after 8 January 2026, they will need to show that they meet or have already met the higher B2 standard.

All ILR applicants must meet the suitability criteria and not fall for refusal under the general grounds of the Immigration Rules.

See our complete guide to applying for ILR from a Skilled Worker visa here >> 

Section H: Summary

Applying for a Skilled Worker visa or managing sponsorship as an employer involves far more than filling out forms. The requirements shift regularly, from salary thresholds and skill levels to evolving sponsor duties and Home Office compliance expectations. Even small errors such as using the wrong SOC code, miscalculating salary against the going rate, or overlooking maintenance funds can result in refusal or enforcement action. For employers, a failed application wastes fees and disrupts workforce planning. For applicants, refusal may mean losing the opportunity to work in the UK altogether, and in some cases curtailment of leave.

The risks extend beyond the application stage. Sponsors face Home Office audits and ongoing duties around record-keeping, reporting and monitoring, while visa holders must keep to conditions on employment, supplementary work and job changes. With reforms such as the RQF 6 skill level, higher salary thresholds, and transitional concessions all running to strict deadlines, it is easy to misinterpret or misapply the rules. Professional advice ensures both sponsors and applicants understand the practical implications of the latest changes, avoid hidden pitfalls and protect their long-term immigration position. Taking guidance at the outset can prevent costly mistakes later.

Section I: Need Assistance?

For skilled workers and their sponsors, with so much at stake, it is important to seek legal advice to understand the immigration options available and that the Skilled Worker visa is the most appropriate route. The UK immigration system has been subject to significant reforms in recent years, with many varied work visa options now available to different types of workers in different roles and industries. This makes it critical to ensure the Skilled Worker is the best route in the circumstances.

As specialist UK immigration lawyers, we bring substantial experience and recognised expertise in advising employers and workers on UK employment sponsorship and Skilled Worker visa applications. For expert guidance with any aspect of the Skilled Worker visa, from how to sponsor a skilled worker and apply for a sponsor licence, to how to apply to the Home Office for a Skilled Worker visa once you have secured qualifying UK employment, contact us.

Section J: Skilled Worker Visa FAQs

What is the UK Skilled Worker Visa?

The UK Skilled Worker Visa allows individuals with a job offer from an approved UK employer to live and work in the UK. The visa is part of the UK’s points-based immigration system.

Who is eligible for the Skilled Worker Visa?

To be eligible, you must have a job offer from a UK employer that holds a valid sponsorship licence. You must also meet the minimum skill level, salary and English language requirements.

How do I apply for the Skilled Worker Visa?

You can apply online by filling out the application form, providing the required documents and paying the necessary fees.

What documents are required for the application?

Key documents include your passport, Certificate of Sponsorship from your employer, proof of English proficiency, proof of financial means and any relevant qualifications.

How long does it take to process the visa?

The processing time typically ranges from three to eight weeks, depending on your location and the complexity of your application.

How much does the Skilled Worker Visa cost?

The cost varies depending on your situation. For example, a visa where the CoS has been assigned for 3 years or less and is applied for from outside the UK costs £769, while an in-country application with a CoS of more than 3 years costs £1,751. As well as the visa application fee, you may also have to pay the healthcare surcharge and possibly additional costs for dependants and expedited processing.

What is a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)?

A CoS is an electronic reference number assigned by a UK employer to a visa applicant, verifying that the visa requirements for sponsorship are met. Skilled Worker visa applicants need a valid CoS to apply for their visa.

What are the English language requirements?

Unless exempt, you have to demonstrate proficiency via an approved test or a degree taught in English.

Can I bring my family members with me?

You can bring your spouse/partner and children under 18 as dependents, provided they apply for dependant visas and meet the visa requirements.

Can I switch to a Skilled Worker Visa from another visa?

You may be able to switch to a Skilled Worker Visa from certain visa categories if you meet the eligibility criteria.

How long can I stay in the UK with this visa?

The visa is typically granted for up to five years. You can apply to extend it or switch to another visa before it expires.

Can I apply for permanent residency?

After five years on a Skilled Worker Visa, you may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), provided you meet the residency and other requirements.

What happens if I lose my job?

If you lose your job, you will need to find another employer who can sponsor you or switch to another visa category. You will usually be given a 60-day grace period (unless your visa expires before this date) to secure new lawful status, or leave the UK.

What are the common reasons for visa refusal?

Common reasons include not meeting the eligibility criteria, insufficient documentation, failing the English language requirement and not having a valid Certificate of Sponsorship.

Is Tier 2 the same as the skilled worker visa?

The Skilled Worker visa replaced the Tier 2 (General) visa, which is broadly similar to the old visa, although there are some changes aimed at making the process more straightforward for both sponsors and applicants.

Do EU nationals need a visa to work in the UK?

Except for Irish citizens, all EU nationals coming to work in the UK after 1 January 2021 need permission to work, which could be either valid status under the EU Settlement Scheme or a valid visa.

Section K: Glossary

Section L: Additional Resources