Skilled Worker Visa Application Guidance UK​ [2026]

• Route: Replaces the Tier 2 (General) Visa.

• Requirement: Job offer from a licensed sponsor + RQF Level 3 skill level.

• Salary: Generally £38,700 (exceptions apply).

• Stay: Up to 5 years, leads to settlement (ILR).

Overcome The Obstacles of the Skilled Worker Visa Application

If you reside outside the UK and want to work here, you will need to be sponsored to apply for a Skilled Worker visa. However, the process can be lengthy and confusing, especially when you don’t know where to start.

Additionally, your Skilled Worker visa application may be rejected if you do not complete it correctly or do not send all the correct documents. Refusals can harm your chances of getting a visa for the UK in the future. Our qualified lawyers based in London are experts in Skilled Worker visa applications.

What Is a Skilled Worker Visa in the UK?

A Skilled Worker visa is a long-term work visa for the UK. With this visa, you can work inside the UK legally. It replaced the Tier 2 (General) visa.

This visa is open to workers who will be sponsored to complete roles inside the UK at RQF Level 3 or above (equivalent to A Levels).

The Skilled Worker visa is tied to your employer. If you want to switch companies, you must apply for a new visa. It can be granted for up to 5 years, and there is no limit on the total time you can stay in the UK under this route.

Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

You need a CoS issued by your UK approved sponsor to apply. Without a CoS reference number, you cannot apply. The earliest you can apply is 3 months before your start date.

Difference Between Skilled Worker Visa and Tier 2 (General)

The new Skilled Worker visa is more flexible than the old Tier 2 system:

• Lower Skill Threshold: Now RQF Level 3 (A-Level) instead of RQF Level 6 (Degree).

• No Cap: The limit on the number of visas issued has been suspended.

• No Cooling Off Period: You don't need to wait 12 months to re-apply in most cases.

• No Resident Labour Market Test: Employers do not need to advertise the role for 28 days before offering it to you.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify, you must:

• Have a valid job offer from a licensed UK sponsor.

• Have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).

• Meet the English language requirement (B1 Level).

• Have at least £1,270 in your bank account (unless certified by your sponsor).

• Meet the minimum salary threshold (Standard: £38,700, though lower rates apply for new entrants or shortage jobs).

Documents Required

You must provide:

• Valid Passport.

• CoS Reference Number.

• Proof of English Knowledge (SELT test).

• Bank Statements (if maintenance is not certified).

• TB Test Results (if from a listed country).

• Criminal Record Certificate (for certain sectors like healthcare).

Documents not in English must have a certified translation.

Processing Time

Outside the UK: Typically 3 weeks. Inside the UK: Typically 8 weeks.

Priority services are available for an extra fee (approx £500-£1000) to get a decision in 1-5 working days.

UK Skilled Worker Visa Fees (2025/2026)

Fees are subject to change. Check Gov.uk for the latest.

• Application Fee (Up to 3 years): ~£719 (Outside UK) / ~£827 (Inside UK).

• Application Fee (Over 3 years): ~£1,420 (Outside UK) / ~£1,635 (Inside UK).

• Health Surcharge (IHS): £1,035 per year.