What is the UK Skilled Worker Visa

The Skilled Worker route replaced the Tier 2 General work visa. It is designed for people taking a specific eligible job with a licensed UK sponsor.

Permission can be granted for up to five years, depending on the sponsorship and application. Extensions may be available while you continue to qualify. Eligible family members may apply separately, subject to occupation-specific restrictions. [01]

This is an employer-sponsored route. A CV, university qualification or willingness to relocate does not replace the job offer and sponsorship requirements. A recruitment offer and a visa decision are also separate steps: the employer recruits and sponsors, while UK Visas and Immigration decides the application. [02][05]

Who can apply

Your application needs to satisfy the requirements that apply to your circumstances, including:

• Being at least 18 when you apply.
• Having a genuine offer of an eligible job from an approved UK sponsor.
• Holding a valid Certificate of Sponsorship or the applicable sponsorship reference.
• Meeting the relevant salary and occupation requirements.
• Meeting the English language requirement.
• Showing the required maintenance funds, unless an exemption applies.
• Providing any required criminal record, tuberculosis or other supporting evidence.
• Meeting the suitability requirements, including relevant immigration and criminal history checks. [03][18][36]

How the 70 point requirement works

The route uses a 70-point assessment. It is not a competitive ranking system.

The first 50 points are mandatory. The remaining 20 come from one qualifying salary option. Extra experience or savings cannot replace mandatory sponsorship or English points. [03]

Nationality restrictions for overseas applications

From 26 March 2026, the UK visa brake applies to overseas Skilled Worker applications made under Afghan nationality, including applications from the UAE. Having a Certificate of Sponsorship does not remove this restriction. [35]

Dual nationals applying using a different nationality are assessed under the rules for that nationality. The brake does not cancel existing valid UK permission or prevent eligible in-country applications. Check the current nationality and application-location rules before applying. [35][36]

Your employer and Certificate of Sponsorship

Your employer must hold the appropriate sponsor licence. Check the employer's legal name and the Skilled Worker route on the official register of licensed sponsors. A listing confirms licensing status; it does not confirm that a particular vacancy exists or that the employer is currently recruiting. [04]

A Certificate of Sponsorship, usually called a CoS, is an electronic record with a reference number. It records information about you, your employer and the proposed job. For the usual overseas application, the employer assigns a defined CoS.

You normally need to apply within three months of the CoS being assigned and no more than three months before the sponsored job's start date. Check that your name, occupation code, salary, hours and employment dates are correct before submitting the visa application. [05]

A CoS supports an application but does not guarantee approval. Verify the offer directly with the employer through independently checked contact details, and request a written explanation of any charges.

Which jobs qualify

For most new applications, the job must be at graduate skill level, normally RQF level 6 or above. This describes the level of the work. It does not mean every applicant must hold a university degree, although an employer or professional regulator may require specific qualifications. [06]

The official occupation list includes eligible roles across areas such as software development, engineering, accountancy, medicine, nursing and teaching. Eligibility depends on the exact occupation code and duties, rather than the industry name alone. A job title such as manager or consultant is not enough to establish eligibility. [07]

Higher skilled and medium skilled occupations

The current list identifies occupations as higher skilled or medium skilled. For a new overseas applicant, a medium skilled occupation generally needs to be on the Immigration Salary List or Temporary Shortage List. Separate provisions can apply to existing visa holders and certain in-country applications. [02]

The two lists have different purposes:

• Immigration Salary List: specified jobs can qualify for a reduced general salary threshold and reduced application fees. The occupation's required going rate must still be met. [10]
• Temporary Shortage List: specified medium skilled roles remain eligible under the applicable rules. Being on this list alone does not give the Immigration Salary List discount; another permitted salary option may still be relevant. [11]

Check the live lists, any regional conditions and the rules on dependants before accepting a role. Inclusion on a list should not be treated as permanent.

UK Skilled Worker salary requirements

For the standard salary option, your annual pay must normally meet the higher of:

• £41,700 per year, or
• The going rate for your occupation code. [02]

For example, if the relevant going rate is £46,000, an offer of £43,000 would not satisfy the standard option even though it exceeds £41,700.

Going rates depend on the occupation and working hours. Many published rates use a 37.5-hour week and require adjustment for other working patterns. The general annual threshold is a separate test. Ask your sponsor to confirm the calculation for your actual contract. [08]

When a lower salary may qualify

The following summarises the main salary options for applicants assessed under the standard salary framework. Each row has additional eligibility conditions.

Both the annual threshold and the applicable percentage of the going rate must be met. These figures are not a universal minimum for every Skilled Worker applicant. [09]

New entrant provisions can cover eligible applicants under 26, qualifying recent UK students or graduates, certain professional training situations and specified postdoctoral roles. The combined permission allowed under the relevant Skilled Worker, Graduate and Tier 2 categories cannot exceed four years when relying on this option. A first UK job does not, by itself, establish new entrant eligibility. [09]

Healthcare education and transitional salaries

Some listed healthcare and education jobs use national pay scales. The applicable requirement is generally at least £25,000 and the relevant going rate, with specific exceptions and conditions. This does not mean all healthcare or teaching roles qualify at £25,000. [12]

Separate provisions can also apply to eligible workers with earlier sponsorship histories. The correct salary option must be established before relying on a discounted or transitional rate. [03]

English language requirements

Most new Skilled Worker applicants must demonstrate English at CEFR level B2 in reading, writing, speaking and listening. Eligible holders who had this visa before 8 January 2026 and are extending or updating it can fall under the B1 transitional provision. [13]

Depending on your circumstances, acceptable evidence can include:

• An approved Secure English Language Test.
• A qualifying degree awarded by a UK institution.
• An overseas degree taught in English, with the required Ecctis assessment.
• A qualifying UK school English qualification.
• An applicable nationality or previous-proof exemption. [13]

Some doctors, dentists, nurses, midwives and vets can rely on an English assessment accepted by the relevant regulated professional body. Working in healthcare is not, by itself, an English exemption. [13]

If you need a test, select the correct approved SELT and test centre for the route. Do not assume that any general English examination or any version of IELTS will meet the requirement. [14]

Money you need to show

Unless exempt, the main applicant normally needs £1,270 available for maintenance. The funds must have been held for at least 28 consecutive days, with the final day of that period falling within 31 days before the application.

You may not need to provide your own maintenance evidence if your sponsor certifies the required support on your CoS, or if you meet the qualifying 12-month lawful UK residence exemption. [15]

Where dependants are eligible, additional maintenance is normally:

• £285 for a partner.
• £315 for the first child.
• £200 for each additional child.

The holding-period rules and relevant exemptions also need checking for each family member. [22]

Maintenance is separate from application fees, healthcare charges, flights and living expenses. Plan for accommodation deposits and the period before your first salary payment.

Documents required for a Skilled Worker application

Your checklist depends on the role, sponsorship and personal history. Common requirements include:

• A valid passport or other acceptable identity and nationality document.
• Your CoS reference and sponsor details.
• Your job title, occupation code and salary information.
• Accepted English language evidence.
• Maintenance evidence, unless an exemption applies.
• Relationship evidence for any eligible dependants.
• A criminal record certificate where required for the occupation.
• A tuberculosis certificate where required.
• An ATAS certificate for certain research roles.
• Relevant PhD evidence and any required overseas qualification assessment.
• Certified translations of documents that are not in English or Welsh. [18]

For an application prepared from the UAE, also keep your current UAE residence details available and follow the country-specific questions and document instructions in the application.

Tuberculosis and criminal record checks

A TB test is not automatically required simply because you apply from Dubai. The requirement depends on the length of your intended UK stay and your recent residence in listed countries. If required, use a Home Office approved clinic. [19]

Criminal record certificates are required for specified occupations, including certain health, education and social care roles. The countries and periods covered depend on the applicable requirements and your history. [18]

How to apply from Dubai or elsewhere in the UAE

Step 1 Review the offer and route

Confirm the employer, occupation code, proposed salary and start date. Check whether the standard Skilled Worker or Health and Care Worker provisions apply.

Step 2 Confirm sponsorship

The employer completes its sponsorship steps and provides the appropriate reference. Review the job and personal details against your documents.

Step 3 Prepare the evidence and budget

Complete any necessary English or qualification assessment, gather the required documents and check maintenance dates. Establish family eligibility before budgeting for dependants.

Step 4 Submit the online application

Apply through the official UK government process, complete the questions accurately and pay the applicable application fee and healthcare surcharge.

Step 5 Prove your identity

You will be directed to the appropriate identity process. This may involve the UK Immigration ID Check app or an appointment to provide fingerprints and a photograph at a visa application centre. Upload the evidence requested for your application. [20]

If an appointment is required in the UAE, use the official visa application centre finder and follow the booking instructions linked from your application. [21]

Step 6 Receive the decision and prepare to travel

Follow the decision instructions, access your immigration status and check your permitted travel and work dates. Coordinate your arrival and employment start with your sponsor. [20][30]

UK Skilled Worker visa fees

The following government application fees were checked on 23 October 2026. They are charged per applicant and exclude the Immigration Health Surcharge and other costs.

The listed Immigration Salary List and Health and Care Worker fees apply to eligible applications made inside or outside the UK. Family members need their own applications and fees. Check the amount generated by the official application before paying. [16][25]

Immigration Health Surcharge

Most standard Skilled Worker applicants pay the Immigration Health Surcharge, usually:

• £1,035 per year for an adult.
• £776 per year for an applicant under 18.

The total is calculated using the permission period and the charging rules for part-years. It is normally paid for the applicable period upfront. Do not calculate the full application budget using the annual figure alone. [17]

Eligible Health and Care Worker applicants and their eligible dependants do not pay the surcharge. Some NHS services, including certain prescriptions and dental treatment, can still carry charges. [23]

Other costs to budget for

Depending on the case, your budget may also include English tests, qualification assessments, translations, TB testing, police certificates, optional appointment services and professional assistance.

Sponsor-side charges are separate. The employer must pay any required Immigration Skills Charge itself. Current sponsor rules also prohibit recovering specified sponsorship fees and associated costs from sponsored workers. Ask for an itemised explanation before paying a recruitment or sponsorship-related charge. [37][38]

How long does processing take

After the application, identity check and supporting documents are complete, the usual Skilled Worker decision times are:

• Outside the UK: around three weeks.
• Inside the UK: around eight weeks. [01][20]

These are usual service times rather than guaranteed deadlines. Extra checks, interviews or requests for evidence can take longer. Employer licensing, sponsorship preparation and appointment availability are separate from the visa decision period. [20]

Faster processing may be offered during the application, subject to eligibility and availability. Paying for a faster service does not change the visa requirements. Allow time for the full process before agreeing to fixed travel arrangements.

Can your family join you

An eligible partner and dependent children may be able to apply. Each person must meet the relationship and other requirements. A partner can include a spouse, civil partner or qualifying unmarried partner. Children are normally under 18 when first applying; some older children can continue as dependants. [22]

Family eligibility is restricted for care workers, senior care workers and many medium skilled roles. Transitional protections and limited child-related exceptions may apply. Relevant dates include 11 March 2024 for care occupations and 22 July 2025 for medium skilled roles. Do not assume that every sponsored job allows dependants. [36]

Family members apply separately, and their permission will usually end with the main applicant's permission. Parents and siblings are not included as Skilled Worker dependants. [22]

Health and Care Worker visas

Eligible doctors, nurses and other qualifying health professionals may use the Health and Care Worker provisions when their job and employer meet the requirements. Benefits include reduced application fees and exemption from the Immigration Health Surcharge for qualifying applicants and dependants. [23][25]

Care workers and senior care workers require particular attention. New overseas recruitment into occupation codes 6135 and 6136 closed from 22 July 2025. An applicant in the UAE should not assume that a new care-worker offer provides an available entry route. Specified in-country extensions, employer changes or switches may remain possible, subject to the rules. [06][24]

Healthcare eligibility also depends on the employer, professional registration where required and the relevant salary framework. For care roles in England, the sponsor must meet the applicable Care Quality Commission registration requirement. [24]

After your visa is approved

Follow the instructions in your decision and check that your name, permission dates and conditions are correct.

Your eVisa is the digital record of your UK immigration status. Access it through your UKVI account, link the passport you will use to travel and keep the account details current. You can generate a share code when an employer or another authorised organisation needs to check your status. [30]

Your permission is normally linked to the sponsored work. You can study subject to any applicable restrictions. Most public funds are not available under this route. [01]

Additional work and self employment

Limited additional work can be permitted for up to 20 hours per week, outside your sponsored working hours, while you continue in the sponsored job. It must meet the relevant occupation and other conditions. Additional restrictions apply to medium skilled work. Business administration counts towards the limit where you work for your own business.

Work beyond the permitted supplementary conditions can require additional sponsorship and an updated visa. Check before accepting a second job or freelance engagement. [29]

Extensions and changing employers

An extension normally involves continuing with the same sponsor and occupation while meeting the applicable requirements. Apply before your current permission expires. Family members' visas do not automatically extend with yours. [26]

Changing employer, moving to a different occupation code or certain other job changes can require a new CoS and an application to update your visa. Do not start the new sponsored role until the required permission has been granted. [27]

Some applicants already in the UK can switch into the route. A visitor generally cannot switch to Skilled Worker from inside the UK. Student applicants have additional course-completion or study requirements. [28]

Can the route lead to permanent residence

Under the current published Skilled Worker settlement rules, an eligible applicant may qualify for indefinite leave to remain after five years of qualifying residence. Settlement requires a separate application and is not automatic. [31]

Requirements include continued qualifying employment, the relevant salary, continuous residence, suitability and the Life in the UK Test where applicable. The sponsor must confirm the continuing need for the job. [31][33]

The usual absence limit is no more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period, subject to the detailed continuous residence rules and exceptions. Time spent on a Student or Graduate visa does not count towards the Skilled Worker five-year qualifying period. [32]

Settlement policy is being reformed. The government has consulted on an earned settlement system, including a longer baseline qualifying period. These proposals are separate from the current five-year rules described above. Your eventual eligibility will depend on the rules in force when you apply, so review the position again when planning an extension or settlement application. [31][34]

Preparing a clear and consistent application

Review your application against the actual requirements before submitting it. Particular issues to check include:

• A mismatch between the job duties and occupation code.
• Salary calculations that do not meet the relevant option.
• Incorrect or inconsistent sponsorship information.
• English evidence that does not satisfy the route.
• Maintenance evidence that does not cover the required period.
• Missing documents or unexplained differences between records.
• Incomplete disclosure of relevant immigration or criminal history.

If you have a previous refusal, review the decision and its stated reasons before applying again. A repeat submission should address the underlying issues. No consultant or employer can guarantee the Home Office's decision.

How Nexus Migration can support you

A UK work move involves several connected decisions: the role, the sponsor, the evidence, the application budget and your family's plans.

Speak with Nexus Migration about support with:

• An initial review of your circumstances and proposed route.
• Understanding the sponsorship, occupation and salary requirements.
• A document checklist suited to your application.
• Preparing and organising application information.
• Planning identity verification and submission steps.
• Reviewing the next steps after a decision.

Your service scope and professional fees should be confirmed before work begins. Employers decide whom to recruit and sponsor; UKVI decides whether a visa is granted.

Start planning your UK work application

Have a UK offer or an employer ready to sponsor you? Share your job title, proposed annual salary, employer details and intended start date with Nexus Migration to discuss the next steps.

Frequently asked questions

1 Can I apply without a UK job offer

A qualifying job offer and sponsorship are required. The Skilled Worker application is not an application for permission to enter the UK simply to look for work. [02]

2 Does every UK employer offer sponsorship

No. Check that the employer holds the appropriate licence, and confirm that it is willing and able to sponsor your particular role. Being on the register is not a promise of recruitment. [04]

3 Do I need a degree

Not necessarily. The skill threshold generally concerns the job. The employer, occupation or professional regulator may still require qualifications or registration. [06]

4 Is there an age limit

You must be at least 18 when applying. There is no general upper-age limit specified for this route. Age can affect eligibility for the new entrant salary option. [03][09]

5 Is IELTS compulsory

No. IELTS is one possible route where the appropriate approved test is used. Other accepted English evidence or exemptions may apply. Check your evidence before booking. [13][14]

6 Is there a fixed work experience requirement

The route does not impose one universal number of years of experience for all jobs. Your skills, experience and any professional registration must be suitable for the actual role. [06]

7 Can I use bonuses to reach the required salary

Do not assume so. The rules restrict which pay components can count, including the treatment of bonuses and allowances. The sponsor should check the qualifying salary calculation. [06]

8 How much money do I need in my bank account

The normal main-applicant maintenance requirement is £1,270, held for the required period, unless exempt. Eligible dependants may need additional funds. Visa fees and healthcare charges are separate. [15][22]

9 Can my employer pay my application costs

An employer may agree to cover applicant costs. The written arrangement should identify what is covered. Employer sponsorship charges have separate rules, including restrictions on passing certain costs to workers. [37][38]

10 Can my spouse and children apply with me

Possibly. It depends on your occupation, immigration history and their eligibility. Check the restrictions on care and medium skilled roles before making family relocation plans. [22][36]

11 Can I change employers after arrival

Yes, if the new role and sponsor qualify and you obtain the required updated permission. A Skilled Worker visa does not provide unrestricted permission to work for any employer. [27]

12 Can I switch from a UK visit visa

You generally need to leave the UK and apply from overseas. Visitor status is not an in-country switching route to Skilled Worker. [28]

13 Can I apply as a care worker from the UAE

New overseas applications for care-worker and senior-care-worker roles are closed. Other eligible healthcare professions have different requirements and should be assessed separately. [24]

14 Does five years in the UK guarantee settlement

No. You must meet the settlement rules in force when applying, including the qualifying residence, job and salary requirements. Permission on every visa category does not count towards this route. [31][32][33]

15 What happens if my sponsored job ends

A job ending can affect your permission to remain and work. Obtain advice promptly about your status and any eligible new sponsorship or other route. Do not assume the original visa expiry date guarantees continued permission. [38]

16 Can Nexus Migration guarantee a job or visa

No. Employers control recruitment and sponsorship, and UKVI makes visa decisions. The purpose of application support is to help you understand the requirements and prepare clear, accurate information.