UK Skilled Worker Visa (Tier 2 work visa)

The UK Skilled Worker Visa is an opportunity for skilled workers from outside the UK to live and work in the country. If you're thinking about moving to the UK for a job, this visa could be the right path for you. In this UK visa guide, we’ll cover the key details, including who can apply, how to apply, and the important changes that have been made recently.

What is UK Skilled Worker visa?

The UK Skilled Worker visa allows people from outside the UK to come and work in eligible jobs for approved employers. It replaced the Tier 2 (General) work visa and is part of the UK’s new immigration system.

This UK visa is designed for skilled workers who have a job offer in the UK. It lets you live, work, and even bring your family with you under certain conditions. You may also apply for permanent residency after five years.

5 things you should know about the UK Skilled Worker visa before proceeding

You must have a job offer from a UK employer approved by the Home Office.
Your job must be on the list of eligible occupations.
You need to meet a minimum salary requirement, which depends on your job.
You must prove your English language ability.
The UK Skilled Worker visa is valid for up to 5 years and can be extended.

New immigration rules for skilled workers: Tier 2 work visa to Skilled Worker visa

The Skilled Worker visa replaced the Tier 2 (General) work visa as part of the UK’s post-Brexit immigration system, which took effect on 1 December 2020. Over time, new rules have been introduced to tighten requirements:

Minimum UK visa salary threshold increased
- Increased from £26,200 to £38,700.
- The job-specific "going rate" salaries also increased.
- Exemptions apply for NHS, education workers, and younger applicants.
Shortage occupation list replaced
- The Shortage Occupation List was renamed the Immigration Salary List.
- The number of eligible jobs was reduced, making it harder to qualify for salary discounts.
- Exemptions for Certain Workers
- NHS staff, education workers, and early-career professionals (under 26, recent graduates, or in training roles) can still qualify under lower salary thresholds.
- Social care workers can still apply but must be paid at least £23,200.
Existing Skilled Worker visa holders
- Those already on a Skilled Worker visa before 4 April 2024 can renew or settle under previous salary rules (£29,000 minimum instead of £38,700).
- New applicants after 4 April 2024 must meet the higher salary thresholds.

Why were these changes introduced? To bring down high immigration numbers, which reached 866,000 in 2023, the UK government made it harder to get a Skilled Worker visa, especially for lower-paid jobs like social care. The minimum salary was raised to £38,700, and the Shortage Occupation List was replaced with a smaller Immigration Salary List, reducing the number of jobs that qualify for lower salaries. The new Labour government has kept these rules but has ordered a review of salary requirements, with results expected in June 2025.

So, who can apply for the United Kingdom Skilled Worker visa now?

To qualify, you must meet these conditions:

1. Job offer from an approved employer

You need a job offer from a UK employer that is licensed by the Home Office. These employers are called sponsors because they sponsor your visa application.

Your employer must give you a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), which includes details about your job. This certificate is electronic and has a reference number you will need for your visa application.

For more detailed information about the UK Self Sponsorship visa route, visit the related guide.

2. Eligible occupation

Your job must be on the list of eligible jobs. These include roles in areas like:

Healthcare (e.g., doctors, nurses, care workers)
IT and Digital Technology (e.g., software developers, IT specialists)
Engineering (e.g., civil, mechanical, electrical engineers)
Education (e.g., secondary school teachers in specific subjects)

You can check if your job is eligible by checking the UK visa sponsorship jobs list.

3. Minimum salary for the UK Skilled Worker visa

You must earn at least:

£38,700 per year, or
The ‘going rate’ for your job (whichever is higher).

Some jobs, like healthcare and education roles, have different salary rules based on national pay scales.

If you don’t meet these salary requirements, you might still qualify if:

You earn at least £30,960 per year.
Your job is in a shortage occupation (e.g., care workers, social workers).

4. English language requirement

You must prove that you can speak, read, write, and understand English. You can do this by:

Passing an approved English test.
Having a degree taught in English.
Being from a country where English is the main language.

How to apply for the UK Skilled Worker visa?

To apply for the UK Skilled Worker visa, first, secure a job offer from a Home Office-approved employer. Your employer will then provide a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) with job details. Next, gather required documents, including your passport, proof of English proficiency, and job details. Some applicants may also need proof of personal savings, a tuberculosis test, or a criminal record check. After preparing your documents, submit your application online and pay the necessary fees. Finally, verify your identity by attending a biometric appointment or using the UK immigration app & wait for the decision.

However, the UK visa application steps depend on whether you are:

Applying from outside the UK (to come to the UK).
Extending your visa (if you already have a Skilled Worker visa).
Switching from another visa type (if you’re already in the UK).

UK Skilled Worker visa fees

UK Skilled Worker visa application fee (depends on your stay and whether your job is on the immigration salary list):
- Up to 3 years: £719 - £827
- More than 3 years: £1,420 - £1,636
- Lower fees for jobs on the immigration salary list: £551 (up to 3 years) / £1,084 (more than 3 years).
IHS fee for the UK: £1,035 per year.
Money to support yourself: At least £1,270 in your bank account for 28 days before applying, unless your employer covers the cost.

Total costs vary depending on your situation, to find out exactly what to expect, check UK Skilled Worker visa fees.

How long does it take to process the UK Skilled Worker visa?

After submitting your visa application and verifying your identity, you will typically receive a decision within 3 weeks if applying from outside the UK or 8 weeks if applying from within the UK.