I Want to Apply for a Skilled Worker Visa

You need a job offer from a UK employer that holds a valid Worker sponsor licence under the Points-Based Immigration System. Search the Register of Licensed Sponsors on GOV.UK to confirm — only employers on the register can sponsor a Skilled Worker. The role itself must (a) be on the eligible occupations list at <strong>RQF level 3</strong> or above, (b) meet the going rate for that specific occupation code (SOC), and (c) meet the general salary threshold from April 2024 (currently £41,700 — verify the current figure on GOV.UK as it is reviewed periodically). Note that some roles on the Immigration Salary List have lower thresholds, and "new entrants" can qualify at a lower threshold.

Your employer assigns you a Certificate of Sponsorship through the Home Office Sponsorship Management System. The CoS is a 14-character reference number (not a physical certificate) that locks your job, salary, SOC code, and start date into the Home Office system. Once assigned, the CoS is valid for 3 months — you must submit your visa application within that window. Check that your employer has filled in your CoS correctly: any error (wrong SOC code, mistyped date of birth, salary below the going rate) will cause refusal. Ask for a copy of the CoS data once it has been assigned and review it carefully.

You must show <strong>English at B1 CEFR or above</strong> in all four skills (reading, writing, listening, speaking) — usually evidenced by an approved Secure English Language Test (SELT), a UK degree taught in English, or an exemption (nationals of majority-English-speaking countries). You also need to show you can support yourself: <strong>£1,270 held in your account for at least 28 consecutive days</strong> ending no more than 31 days before the application — unless the CoS confirms your employer is "A-rated" and certifies maintenance for you. Family members applying with you each need an additional set amount (typically £285 partner, £315 first child, £200 each subsequent child).

Apply online at gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa. The application asks for your CoS reference, biometric details, identity evidence, English-language and maintenance evidence, and any criminal-record certificates required for healthcare or education roles. Fees (verify on GOV.UK at the time of application): visa application fee £719–£1,500 depending on length and whether the role is on the Immigration Salary List, plus the <strong>Immigration Health Surcharge at £1,035 per adult per year</strong> of the visa (the IHS for a 5-year visa is £5,175 per adult, paid up-front). Most applicants also pay a small biometric enrolment fee.

After paying, you will be directed to either: (a) <strong>upload your photo and identity via the UK Immigration: ID Check app</strong> (for nationals of certain countries with a biometric passport) — no physical appointment needed; or (b) <strong>book an appointment at a Visa Application Centre</strong> in your home country to give fingerprints and a photograph. At the appointment, bring your passport, CoS reference, English-language evidence, and any other documents requested. The Home Office sometimes asks for additional evidence after biometrics — respond promptly with what is requested.

A successful application gives you either an <strong>e-Visa</strong> (linked to your passport — most cases since the move to digital status) or a Biometric Residence Permit collected after arrival. Check the validity dates on the decision letter carefully and report any errors immediately. Once in the UK you must register with a GP to access NHS services beyond emergency care, and your employer must conduct a fresh right-to-work check using your share code on or before your start date. Future progression: after 5 years on the Skilled Worker route you can apply for <a href="/immigration-visas/settlement-ilr">Indefinite Leave to Remain</a>, and 1 year after that for <a href="/immigration-visas/british-citizenship">British citizenship</a>.