The Skilled Worker visa is the UK’s primary immigration route for skilled professionals who have been offered a job by a UK employer with a valid sponsor licence. This visa replaced the Tier 2 (General) work visa in December 2020 and allows you to come to or stay in the UK to do an eligible job with an approved employer.
The Skilled Worker visa is suitable for a wide range of professions including healthcare, IT, engineering, teaching, finance, and many other sectors. You must have a job offer for a role that appears on the UK’s list of eligible occupations and meets the minimum skill and salary requirements. The visa can be granted for up to 5 years and can lead to settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain) after 5 years of continuous residence.
| Fee Type | Cost (2025) |
|---|---|
| Application fee (up to 3 years) | £719 (from outside UK) / £827 (switching/extending) |
| Healthcare surcharge | £1,035 per year (£3,105 for 3 years) |
| Priority service (optional) | From £500 |
| Super-priority service (optional) | From £1,000 |
Standard processing is typically 3-8 weeks from the date you submit your biometric information. Priority and super-priority services are available for faster decisions, usually within 5 working days or 24 hours respectively.
Yes. Your spouse/partner and children under 18 can apply as your dependants. They’ll need to submit separate applications and pay their own visa fees and healthcare surcharge.
Yes. You can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 years of continuous residence in the UK on a Skilled Worker visa, provided you meet all the requirements including salary threshold and absences.
As of 2025, the general salary threshold is £38,700 per year or the ‘going rate’ for your occupation, whichever is higher. Some occupations on the shortage occupation list may have lower thresholds.
Yes, but you must apply for a new Skilled Worker visa with the new sponsor. Your new employer must hold a valid sponsor licence and issue you a Certificate of Sponsorship before you can switch.
If your employer’s sponsor licence is revoked, you typically have 60 days to find a new sponsor or leave the UK. We can help you find alternative routes and submit urgent applications to maintain your lawful stay.
