The Skilled Worker visa is the primary route for overseas nationals to work in the United Kingdom under the points-based immigration system. Since replacing Tier 2 (General) in December 2020, it has become the most widely used sponsored work route — and one of the most closely scrutinised.
Small errors in the Certificate of Sponsorship, mismatches between the stated occupation code and the actual role, gaps in salary evidence, or misunderstandings of the going rate requirements can result in a refused visa — a significant personal and professional setback for both the worker and their employer.
At Immigration Lawyers Advice, our Skilled Worker visa lawyers in London work with both employees and their sponsors to ensure applications are prepared correctly, completely, and compellingly — from the pre-application eligibility check through to the visa decision.
What Is the Skilled Worker Visa?
The Skilled Worker visa allows overseas nationals to live and work in the UK for an approved employer in an eligible occupation. To qualify, you must:
- Have a valid job offer from a UK employer that holds a Skilled Worker sponsor licence
- Work in an occupation that appears on the Skilled Worker eligible occupation list (Standard Occupational Classification codes)
- Meet the minimum salary requirement for your specific occupation code
- Score at least 70 points under the points-based assessment
- Demonstrate English language ability at B1 level or above
- Meet the maintenance (funds) requirement unless your sponsor certifies maintenance
How It Works
The Points Requirement - How It Works
Every Skilled Worker application is assessed against a points table. The following points are mandatory (non-tradeable):
20 points
valid Certificate of Sponsorship from a licensed sponsor
20 points
eligible occupation (on the approved occupation list)
10 points
you must have passed the test before applying (the pass certificate does not expire)
Salry Requirements in 2026
Skilled Worker Visa Salary Requirements in 2026
General threshold
£38,700 per year (or the going rate for the occupation, whichever is higher)
New entrant rate
£30,960 per year — for those at the start of their careers, recent graduates, or those under 26
Health and Care Worker visa
specific thresholds apply by role — contact us for current figures
Certain shortage occupations may attract reduced threshold rates. The Immigration Salary List is updated periodically by the Migration Advisory Committee — always take current legal advice before assuming a reduced rate applies to your role.
Certificate
The Certificate of Sponsorship — Why Every Detail Matters
Your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is the foundation of your Skilled Worker visa application. It is a unique reference number issued by your employer containing details of your role, salary, occupation code, start date, and the sponsoring organisation.
Errors or inconsistencies in the CoS — including the wrong occupation code, a salary figure that does not match your contract, or a start date that has already passed — will cause your application to be refused. Once a CoS is assigned, it is very difficult to correct without withdrawing it and issuing a new one, which resets the processing timeline.
We advise both employees and HR teams on ensuring the CoS accurately reflects the role and salary before it is assigned — preventing a common and costly source of refusals.
Health and Care Worker Visa
The Health and Care Worker visa is a sub-category of the Skilled Worker route specifically for qualified doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, and certain adult social care workers employed by NHS bodies, NHS-commissioned services, or registered adult social care providers.
This route carries significant advantages over the standard Skilled Worker application:
- Significantly reduced application fees compared to the standard Skilled Worker route
- Full exemption from the Immigration Health Surcharge — a saving of thousands of pounds for longer-stay applicants
- Priority processing at no additional cost in most cases
- Wider eligibility for adult social care roles compared to the standard Skilled Worker route
Eligibility is determined by both the occupation code and the nature of the employer. We advise on whether your role and employer qualify for this route.
Skilled Worker Visa Extensions
If your current Skilled Worker leave is expiring, you will need to extend your visa to remain lawfully in the UK. An extension application must be made before your current leave expires — do not allow your leave to lapse.
Extensions can also be required where you change employer, change to a significantly different role, or receive a salary increase that changes the applicable occupation code. Each of these situations requires careful assessment of whether a new CoS is needed and whether the extension can proceed.
This route carries significant advantages over the standard Skilled Worker application:
- Significantly reduced application fees compared to the standard Skilled Worker route
- Full exemption from the Immigration Health Surcharge — a saving of thousands of pounds for longer-stay applicants
- Priority processing at no additional cost in most cases
- Wider eligibility for adult social care roles compared to the standard Skilled Worker route
Eligibility is determined by both the occupation code and the nature of the employer. We advise on whether your role and employer qualify for this route.
Switching to a Skilled Worker Visa from Inside the UK
You can apply to switch to a Skilled Worker visa from within the UK from most other visa categories, including Student visas (Graduate route holders switching to sponsored work), spouse visas, and other work routes. Switching is not permitted from certain categories, including most visitor visas.
For Student visa holders switching to Skilled Worker, the timing of the switch relative to the graduation certificate and the CAS issue date requires careful coordination with the employer.
What Happens If Your Skilled Worker Visa Is Refused?
Most Skilled Worker visa refusals relate to the Certificate of Sponsorship, the occupation code, or the salary evidence. Depending on the specific reason for refusal, the options are:
- Administrative review within 28 days — where the Home Office has made a factual or legal error
- Correction of the CoS by the employer and submission of a fresh application
- In limited circumstances — human rights appeal if Article 8 is engaged
We analyse Skilled Worker refusal notices in detail and advise on the most effective and time-efficient course of action.
Employer Sponsor Licence Support
Skilled Worker visa applications are only possible if the employer holds a valid sponsor licence. We advise employers of all sizes — from SMEs to NHS Trusts — on applying for, maintaining, and renewing UK sponsor licences. For full details, see our dedicated sponsor licence page.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A: The general minimum salary is £38,700 per year, or the going rate for the specific occupation code — whichever is higher. New entrant rates and Health and Care Worker rates differ. Always obtain current legal advice before relying on a reduced rate.
A: Standard processing is approximately 3 weeks from the date of biometric enrolment. Priority processing (5 working days) and Super Priority (next working day) are available for an additional fee.
A: Yes, from most visa categories. The timing, CoS issuance, and eligibility must be carefully checked — particularly for Student visa holders transitioning to sponsored employment.
A: Your Skilled Worker leave becomes liable to curtailment once your sponsorship ends. You typically have a 60-day grace period to find a new sponsor or switch to another eligible visa category. Seek immediate legal advice — do not wait for a curtailment notice.
A: Yes. Your spouse or civil partner and dependent children under 18 can apply as your dependants. Salary requirements for dependant applications must also be met.
A: Up to 5 years (or the duration of the CoS plus 28 days, whichever is shorter). After 5 years in eligible PBS categories, you can apply for ILR.
A: The Skilled Worker visa is tied to a specific sponsor. You may take on supplementary employment in the same occupation code and skill level, subject to restrictions. Any change of main employer requires a new CoS and a fresh visa application or extension.