Skilled Worker Visa Help

Who the route is for

The Skilled Worker route is for people offered an eligible job by a UK employer that holds a sponsor licence. The employer assigns a Certificate of Sponsorship, and the worker then applies for the visa.

Get help with

• Eligibility
• Employer sponsorship
• Certificate of Sponsorship
• Job requirements
• Salary requirements
• Applications from overseas
• Switching routes
• Extensions
• Dependants
• Settlement

Main requirements

The rules set conditions for the job, the pay and the applicant. The thresholds change from time to time, so check the position that applies on the date you apply.

• A valid Certificate of Sponsorship from a licensed sponsor
• A job at the required skill level
• Pay that meets the salary rules for the role
• English language
• Maintenance funds, unless the sponsor certifies this
• Criminal record certificate for certain roles

Documents commonly required

• Passport
• Certificate of Sponsorship reference
• English language evidence
• Qualifications, where the role requires them
• Bank statements, where maintenance applies
• Tuberculosis test certificate, where required for your country

Application process

Most applications are made online, followed by an identity and biometrics step. What happens in between depends on where you apply from and what the route requires.

• Confirm the route that fits your circumstances
• Check each requirement against your situation
• Gather and organise the supporting documents
• Complete the online application and pay the relevant fees
• Attend a biometrics appointment or complete identity checks
• Wait for the decision and respond to any request for more information

Applying from Albania or Kosovo

Applicants based in Albania or Kosovo can get help preparing the application and understanding the evidence relevant to their circumstances.

Documents not issued in English may need to meet applicable translation requirements.

Already in the UK?

People already in the UK can often switch into the Skilled Worker route or change employer with a new application. Some types of permission do not allow switching, so check before you resign or change role.

Previous refusal or immigration problem?

If an earlier application was refused, or there is a problem in your immigration history, it is important to understand the reasons given before deciding what to do next.

A new application that does not deal with those reasons is likely to meet the same result.