The Skilled Worker Visa is one of the main UK work visa routes for overseas nationals who have a qualifying job offer from a UK employer approved by the Home Office. It replaced the former Tier 2 (General) route and forms part of the UK’s points-based immigration system. The route is open to both EU and non-EU nationals, provided the worker, employer and job role meet the relevant Immigration Rules.
For employers, sponsoring a Skilled Worker requires a valid sponsor licence, a genuine eligible vacancy and ongoing compliance with Home Office sponsor duties. For applicants, the visa requires a Certificate of Sponsorship, an eligible occupation, the required salary level, English language ability and sufficient funds unless exempt.
At Lexvisa, our immigration solicitors advise employers and applicants on Skilled Worker Visa applications, Sponsor Licence applications, Certificates of Sponsorship and Sponsor Licence compliance.
What Is the Skilled Worker Visa?
The Skilled Worker Visa allows a person to work in the UK for a licensed sponsor in an eligible job.
The rules are set out in Appendix Skilled Worker and related Immigration Rules, including Appendix Skilled Occupations.
The visa can be granted for up to five years at a time and can lead to indefinite leave to remain after five years, provided the applicant meets the settlement requirements.
Skilled Worker Visa Requirements for Applicants
To qualify for a Skilled Worker Visa, an applicant must usually show that:
- they have a genuine job offer from a Home Office licensed sponsor;
- the sponsor has assigned a valid Certificate of Sponsorship;
- the job is in an eligible occupation code;
- the role meets the required skill level;
- the salary meets the relevant threshold and going rate;
- they meet the English language requirement;
- they have enough funds to support themselves unless exempt; and
- they meet suitability requirements, including immigration history and criminality checks where relevant.
Some applicants may also need a tuberculosis certificate, criminal record certificate or ATAS certificate depending on their role, nationality and circumstances.
Sponsor Licence Requirement for Employers
An employer must hold a valid sponsor licence before it can sponsor a Skilled Worker.
A sponsor licence allows a UK business to assign Certificates of Sponsorship to eligible workers. The business must be genuine, trading lawfully in the UK and capable of complying with sponsor duties.
The Home Office may assess whether the business has proper HR systems, recruitment processes, right to work checks, reporting procedures and record-keeping systems. UKVI may also visit the business before or after granting the licence.
Employers can read the official sponsor guidance on the GOV.UK sponsor guidance page.
Certificate of Sponsorship
A Certificate of Sponsorship is an electronic record assigned by a licensed sponsor through the Sponsor Management System.
It confirms key information about the job, including the occupation code, salary, hours, work location, start date and employment details. The worker uses the Certificate of Sponsorship reference number to apply for their Skilled Worker Visa.
There are two main types of Certificate of Sponsorship:
- a Defined CoS for applicants applying from outside the UK; and
- an Undefined CoS for applicants applying from inside the UK, including extensions and switching applications.
Incorrect CoS details can lead to visa refusals, delays or sponsor compliance issues, so employers should ensure the role, salary and occupation code are assessed carefully before assignment.
Skilled Worker Salary Requirements
As of June 2026, the Skilled Worker salary rules remain one of the most important parts of the application.
The applicant must normally be paid at least the relevant general salary threshold and the going rate for the occupation code. In many cases, the standard general salary threshold is £41,700 per year, but the correct threshold depends on the applicant’s circumstances, the occupation code, whether transitional provisions apply, and whether the role is on the Immigration Salary List.
Some applicants may qualify for a reduced salary threshold, including certain new entrants, some PhD roles, certain health and education roles, and jobs on the Immigration Salary List.
From 8 April 2026, sponsors must also pay close attention to salary compliance across relevant pay periods, not just the annual salary stated on the Certificate of Sponsorship. Employers should ensure payroll arrangements match the sponsored salary and hours.
English Language Requirement
Skilled Worker applicants must meet the English language requirement unless exempt.
For first Skilled Worker applications made on or after 8 January 2026, the English language requirement is at least level B2 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, unless an exemption applies.
Applicants may meet the requirement through nationality, an approved English language test, an academic qualification taught in English, or by relying on previous evidence accepted in an earlier UK immigration application where permitted.
Skilled Worker Visa Fees and Costs
The cost of a Skilled Worker Visa depends on the length of the visa, whether the application is made inside or outside the UK, and whether the job is on the Immigration Salary List.
As of June 2026, GOV.UK states that standard Skilled Worker application fees range from £819 to £1,865. Applicants usually also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge, which is normally £1,035 per year.
Applicants must usually show at least £1,270 in available funds unless they have been in the UK with valid permission for at least 12 months or their sponsor certifies maintenance on the Certificate of Sponsorship.
Employers may also need to pay sponsor-related costs, including the sponsor licence fee, Certificate of Sponsorship fee and Immigration Skills Charge where applicable. Sponsor licence fees are currently £611 for small or charitable sponsors and £1,682 for medium or large sponsors.
Employers must not pass certain sponsor costs to sponsored workers where this is prohibited by the Home Office sponsor guidance.
Applying From Outside the UK
Applicants outside the UK must apply online using the Skilled Worker Visa application form.
They will need to prove their identity, provide supporting documents and either attend a biometric appointment or use a digital identity process where available.
The earliest an applicant can usually apply is three months before the start date listed on the Certificate of Sponsorship.
Switching or Extending Inside the UK
Applicants already in the UK may be able to switch to or extend a Skilled Worker Visa if they meet the requirements.
However, not all visa categories allow switching from inside the UK. Visitors, Seasonal Workers and certain short-term visa holders usually cannot switch into the Skilled Worker route from within the UK.
A Skilled Worker may also need to apply to update their visa if they change employer, change occupation code, or move to a role that no longer falls within the same sponsored employment conditions.
Lexvisa advises on Skilled Worker switching applications and sponsor compliance risks when a worker changes role or employer.
Sponsor Compliance Duties
Sponsorship does not end once the visa is granted. Licensed sponsors must comply with ongoing Home Office duties.
These include:
- keeping accurate records for sponsored workers;
- reporting certain changes through the Sponsor Management System;
- monitoring attendance and work patterns;
- reporting non-attendance or early termination;
- maintaining compliant right to work checks;
- ensuring the sponsored worker is paid correctly;
- ensuring the worker only performs the sponsored role; and
- informing UKVI of relevant business changes.
Failure to comply can lead to sponsor licence suspension, revocation, civil penalties and disruption to sponsored workers.
Lexvisa assists employers with Sponsor Licence compliance, Home Office inspections, mock audits and sponsor licence suspension or revocation.
Common Reasons Skilled Worker Applications Are Refused
Skilled Worker applications may be refused for several reasons, including:
- incorrect occupation code;
- salary below the required threshold or going rate;
- non-genuine vacancy concerns;
- errors on the Certificate of Sponsorship;
- missing or inconsistent documents;
- failure to meet the English language requirement;
- insufficient maintenance funds;
- suitability or immigration history concerns; and
- sponsor licence issues.
Employers and applicants should address these issues before submitting an application, as errors can cause delays, refusals and compliance risks.
How Lexvisa Can Help
Lexvisa provides immigration advice for both employers and Skilled Worker applicants.
For employers, we can assist with sponsor licence applications, CoS requests, occupation code analysis, salary assessments, compliance systems and Home Office enquiries.
For applicants, we can advise on eligibility, application strategy, supporting documents, dependants, switching, extensions and settlement.
Our team also advises on related business immigration routes where the Skilled Worker route is not suitable.
FAQs
What is a Skilled Worker Visa?
A Skilled Worker Visa allows an overseas national to work in the UK for a Home Office licensed sponsor in an eligible skilled role.
Does an employer need a sponsor licence?
Yes. An employer must usually hold a valid sponsor licence before it can assign a Certificate of Sponsorship to a Skilled Worker applicant.
What is a Certificate of Sponsorship?
A Certificate of Sponsorship is an electronic record issued by a licensed sponsor. It contains details of the sponsored job and is needed for the worker’s visa application.
What is the Skilled Worker salary threshold in 2026?
The required salary depends on the occupation code and the applicant’s circumstances. In many cases, the standard general threshold is £41,700 per year, but the role must also meet the applicable going rate.
What is the English language requirement in 2026?
For first Skilled Worker applications made on or after 8 January 2026, the English language requirement is at least level B2 unless an exemption applies.
Can a Skilled Worker Visa lead to settlement?
Yes. The Skilled Worker route can lead to indefinite leave to remain after five years if the applicant meets the settlement requirements.
Can I switch to a Skilled Worker Visa inside the UK?
You may be able to switch inside the UK if your current immigration status permits switching and you meet the Skilled Worker requirements. Visitors and some short-term visa holders usually cannot switch from inside the UK.
Can I change employer on a Skilled Worker Visa?
Yes, but you will usually need a new Certificate of Sponsorship and a new Skilled Worker application before starting the new sponsored role.
How long does a Skilled Worker Visa last?
A Skilled Worker Visa can be granted for up to five years at a time. The length of permission will usually depend on the dates stated on the Certificate of Sponsorship.
What happens if a sponsor licence is suspended or revoked?
Sponsor licence suspension or revocation can seriously affect the employer and sponsored workers. Employers should seek legal advice immediately if they receive Home Office compliance action.
Contact Lexvisa
If you are an employer looking to sponsor a skilled worker, or an applicant preparing a Skilled Worker Visa application, contact Lexvisa for specialist immigration advice. Lexvisa is the immigration law division of DJF Solicitor Group.
Call 02030110276 or complete our online enquiry form to speak with our immigration team.