Disclaimer: This guide summarises official UK Government guidance. Always verify the latest rules at gov.uk before making any visa decisions. Salary thresholds and occupation codes can change; the going rate for your specific SOC code must be verified on GOV.UK.
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 the English language. You must demonstrate English ability at level B1 or above on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). 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: £38,700 per year
- The 'going rate' for your specific occupation code
The going rate varies significantly by occupation. For example, some IT or financial roles may have going rates well above £38,700, in which case you must meet that higher figure. Always check the going rate for your specific SOC code on GOV.UK.
New Entrant Rate: £30,960 per year
If you qualify as a 'new entrant' to the UK labour market, the minimum salary threshold is reduced to £30,960 per year (80% of the going rate, whichever is applicable). You may qualify as a new entrant if you are:
- Under 26 years of age at the time of application
- A recent graduate switching from a UK Student or Graduate visa
- In a postdoctoral position
- Working towards a professional qualification or chartered status recognised by a UK professional body
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.
Sources: Information sourced from GOV.UK — Skilled Worker Visa and GOV.UK — Health and Care Worker Visa, the official UK government website. Last verified July 2026. This guide is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.