Skilled Worker Visa UK: Eligibility & Salary Guide

Who Can Apply for a Skilled Worker Visa?

The Skilled Worker visa is available to workers from outside the UK (or those already in the UK wishing to switch visa). To qualify, you must have a confirmed job offer from an employer that is approved by the Home Office. You cannot apply for the visa before receiving a job offer — eligibility is tied to a specific role with a specific approved employer.

The Core Eligibility Requirements

According to GOV.UK, to be eligible you must meet all of the following conditions:

1. Employer Must Be a Licensed Sponsor

Your employer must be on the Register of Licensed Sponsors, published and maintained by the Home Office. Only employers on this register can legally issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). You can verify any employer's status using FindMySponsor's Visa Sponsorship Checker.

2. Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

Your employer must issue you a Certificate of Sponsorship — a unique reference number that confirms the job, salary, and start date. Without a CoS, you cannot apply. This is provided by the employer, not the government, and it is free for the worker to receive. Any employer who charges you for a CoS is acting illegally.

3. Eligible Occupation

The job must be on the list of eligible occupations for the Skilled Worker route. Occupations are identified using Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) codes. The full list is published on GOV.UK.

4. English Language Requirement

You must prove knowledge of English. For relevant new applications from 8 January 2026, the standard is CEFR B2 in reading, writing, speaking and listening. Some people who already held Skilled Worker permission before that date can remain under the B1 transitional rule. Accepted evidence includes:

• A recognised English language test (such as IELTS or SELT)
• A degree-level qualification taught or researched in English
• Being a national of a majority English-speaking country as defined by the Home Office

Salary Requirements: The 2025/2026 Thresholds

The salary requirement is the most critical factor for most applicants. You must be paid whichever is higher of:

• The general threshold: £41,700 per year
• The 'going rate' for your specific occupation code

The going rate varies by occupation and may exceed £41,700, in which case the higher figure applies. Always check the current rate for your specific SOC code on GOV.UK.

Health and Care Worker Visa: Different Thresholds

If you are a doctor, nurse, or qualified health or adult social care professional, you may be eligible for the Health and Care Worker visa. This is a sub-route of the Skilled Worker visa with different (and generally lower) salary thresholds that align with NHS pay bands, and crucially, exempts you from paying the Immigration Health Surcharge. This can save thousands of pounds. See GOV.UK — Health and Care Worker visa for full details.

How Long Does the Visa Last?

A Skilled Worker visa can be granted for up to 5 years. After that, you can apply to extend it. After 5 continuous years on a Skilled Worker visa, you are eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) — the right to live and work in the UK permanently.

Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)

When applying for a Skilled Worker visa, you must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge as part of your application. The current rate is £1,035 per year per person. This applies to you and each dependant you bring to the UK. Health and Care Worker visa holders are exempt from this charge.

Dependants

You can bring your partner (spouse, civil partner, or unmarried partner of at least 2 years) and children under 18 to the UK as dependants on your Skilled Worker visa. Each dependant must apply separately and pay their own visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge.

What You Cannot Do on a Skilled Worker Visa

• You cannot claim most public funds (state benefits) or the State Pension.
• You cannot change employer or job without first updating your visa. If you move to a new employer, they must be a licensed sponsor and must assign you a new Certificate of Sponsorship before you start working for them.

How to Verify Your Sponsor

Before accepting any job offer or making visa application decisions, verify that your employer holds an active sponsor licence. The Home Office regularly revokes licences from employers who fail to meet their sponsorship duties. Use our free Visa Sponsorship Checker, or check the official register directly at GOV.UK.