UK Skilled Worker visa (GOV.UK)

What it is

The Skilled Worker visa lets you come to the UK to do an eligible job for an employer approved by the Home Office. GOV.UK is the only source you need for the rules, and every number below was read there in October 2026.

The core requirements (as of 2026)

• A licensed sponsor. Your employer must be approved by the Home Office. You can check this on the register of licensed sponsors.
• A certificate of sponsorship (CoS). An electronic record from your employer with details of the role. You need a confirmed job offer before you apply.
• An eligible job. Find your 4-digit occupation code and check the table of eligible jobs. Jobs marked "higher skilled" qualify. "Medium skilled" jobs only qualify in limited cases, such as being on the immigration salary list or the temporary shortage list.
• Salary. Usually at least GBP 41,700 a year or the job's going rate, whichever is higher.
• English. New applicants proving English by test need level B2 on the CEFR scale. GOV.UK says people who already had this visa before 8 January 2026 need B1 when extending or updating. A degree taught in English can count, but if it was not awarded by a UK institution you need an Ecctis assessment.

Rules for new entrants

You can be paid 70% of the going rate, as long as it is at least GBP 33,400 a year, if you are under 26 when you apply, or recently studied or are on a Graduate visa in the UK, or are working towards a recognised professional qualification. Your total stay on these terms cannot be more than 4 years, including time on a Graduate visa.

Costs (as of 2026)

• Application fee from outside the UK: GBP 819 for up to 3 years, GBP 1,618 for longer.
• Immigration Health Surcharge: usually GBP 1,035 per year, per person.
• Savings: usually GBP 1,270, held for 28 days, unless your employer certifies maintenance on your CoS.

You usually get a decision within 3 weeks from outside the UK. After 5 years you may be able to apply to settle, if you meet the other requirements.

Common mistakes and scams

• Paying for a certificate of sponsorship. A CoS is issued by your employer; selling one is not a normal part of hiring, and you should walk away from anyone who asks.
• Applying to companies that are not on the sponsor register.
• Using an older salary figure from a blog. The thresholds changed in 2025.
• Booking an English test at a provider that is not on the approved SELT list.

Where to go next on Sefism

• Plan the move step by step with the Tech jobs abroad roadmap and keep its cheat sheet open while you apply.
• Read How to find companies that sponsor visas.
• Need a test score? See IELTS.