Skilled Worker Visa
Our Work
- –Business Immigration
- –Sponsor Licences
- –Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence Application
- –Global Business Mobility Sponsor Licence
- –Temporary Worker Sponsor Licence Application
- –Sponsor Licence Restructures and Changes in Ownership
- –Sponsor Licence Change of Circumstances
- –Sponsor Guidance and Duties
- –Sponsor Licence Application Refused
- –Sponsor Licence Suspended
- –Sponsor Licence Revoked
- –Sponsor Compliance Review & Training
- –Right to Work Checks & Civil Penalties
- –Business & Work
- –Sponsor Licences
- –Personal Immigration
Understanding The Skilled Worker Visa
The Skilled Worker visa enables UK organisations with a sponsor licence to recruit individuals to fill eligible skilled roles. It is one of the main work routes under the Immigration Rules and requires both the organisation and the applicant to meet specific criteria.
Requirements For Applicants
To qualify for a Skilled Worker visa, applicants will usually need to demonstrate that they:
- Have a genuine job offer from a UK organisation that holds a valid sponsor licence.
- Have been assigned a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) for the role.
- Will be undertaking a role that is eligible for sponsorship and correctly matched to the relevant occupation code.
- Have the appropriate skills, qualifications or experience for the role.
- Will be paid at or above the applicable salary threshold and going rate for the occupation code.
- Meet the English language requirement.
- Meet the financial maintenance requirement, unless this is certified by the sponsor.
- Provide a tuberculosis certificate, if required because of the country they are applying from or have recently lived in.
- Provide a criminal record certificate, if required for the role.
- Not fall for refusal under the general suitability or immigration grounds.
Applicants must also meet the suitability requirements and general immigration requirements such as providing valid identity documents and evidence supporting their application.
Duration And Conditions Of Stay
Permission under the Skilled Worker route is granted in line with the work start and end dates entered on the CoS. There is no overall limit on how long an individual can remain in the UK under this route, provided they continue to meet the requirements.
During their stay, applicants must work for the sponsoring employer in the role described on the CoS. They may undertake supplementary work up to 20 hours per week, in accordance with the Immigration Rules and can study, provided this does not interfere with their sponsored employment.
Applying For Indefinite Leave To Remain
Applicants may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain, also known as Settlement, once they have completed a continuous period of five years in the UK under the Skilled Worker route (including time spent under Tier 2 (General), where applicable).
To qualify, applicants must demonstrate that:
- They have completed five years’ continuous residence in the UK without breaching immigration laws.
- Their absences meet the relevant requirements.
- They have passed the Life in the UK Test.
- They meet the English language requirement.
- They are paid the appropriate salary for the role, including meeting the minimum salary threshold required for Settlement.
How Our Immigration Partners Can Help
We advise employers and individuals on all aspects of the Skilled Worker route, including sponsor licence requirements, Certificates of Sponsorship and visa applications. If you would like to discuss your circumstances or require guidance on the process, please contact us or complete our enquiry form below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does The Organisation Need A Sponsor Licence?
Yes. The UK organisation must hold a valid sponsor licence for the relevant route before it can assign a CoS to the applicant.
What Is A Certificate Of Sponsorship?
A Certificate of Sponsorship is an electronic record assigned by the sponsor. It confirms key details about the role, including the job title, occupation code, salary, working hours and start date.
How Much Does The Applicant Need To Be Paid?
The salary must meet the applicable Skilled Worker threshold and the going rate for the occupation code, unless a permitted exception or transitional arrangement applies. Salary rules change regularly, so the current figures should be checked before a CoS is assigned.
Can A Skilled Worker Visa Lead To Indefinite Leave To Remain?
Yes. A Skilled Worker visa can lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain, also known as Settlement, once the applicant has completed the required qualifying period and meets the Settlement requirements, including residence, absences, English language, Life in the UK and salary requirements.
Can Family Members Apply With The Main Applicant?
In many cases, a partner and dependent children can apply to accompany or join the main applicant, provided they meet the relevant relationship, financial and immigration requirements.