A Skilled Worker visa allows you to come to or stay in the UK to do an eligible job with an approved employer.
This visa has replaced the Tier 2 (General) work visa.
It also allows you to work in UK waters.
Eligibility
Your job
To qualify for a Skilled Worker visa, you must:
- work for a UK employer thatβs been approved by the Home Office
- have a βcertificate of sponsorshipβ from your employer with information about the role youβve been offered in the UK
- do a job thatβs on the list of eligible occupations
- be paid a minimum salary – how much depends on the type of work you do
The specificΒ eligibility depends on your job.
You must have a confirmed job offer before you apply for your visa.
Knowledge of English
You must be able to speak, read, write and understand English. Youβll usually need toΒ prove your knowledge of EnglishΒ when you apply.
If youβre not eligible for a Skilled Worker visa
You may be eligible forΒ another type of visa to work in the UK.
How long you can stay
Your visa can last for up to 5 years before you need to extend it. Youβll need to apply to extend or update your visa when it expires or if you change jobs or employer.
If you want to stay longer in the UK
You can apply to extend your visa as many times as you like as long as you still meet the eligibility requirements.
After 5 years, you may be able toΒ apply to settle permanently in the UKΒ (also known as βindefinite leave to remainβ). This gives you the right to live, work and study here for as long as you like, and apply for benefits if youβre eligible.
How to apply
You must apply online.
How you apply depends on whether youβre:
- outside the UKΒ and are coming to the UK
- inside the UK andΒ extending your current visa
- inside the UK andΒ switching from a different visa
If you want to change your job or employer, you mustΒ apply to update your visa.
Your partner and childrenΒ can apply to join you or stay in the UK as your βdependantsβ if theyβre eligible.
How long it takes
You can apply for a visa up to 3 months before the day you are due to start work in the UK. This date is listed on your certificate of sponsorship.
As part of your application, youβll need to prove your identity and provide your documents.
You may need to allow extra time if you need an appointment to do this. Youβll find out if you need one when you start your application.
You may be able to pay to get a faster decision. How you do this depends on whether youβre outside the UKΒ orΒ inside the UK.
How much it costs
You, your partner or children will each need to:
- pay the application fee
- pay the healthcare surcharge for each year of your stay
- prove you have enough personal savings
Check how much money youβll need.
If you work in public sector healthcare
If youβre a doctor or nurse, or you work in health or adult social care, check if youβre eligible to apply for theΒ Health and Care Worker visaΒ instead. Itβs cheaper to apply for and you do not need to pay the annual immigration health surcharge.
What you can and cannot do
With a Skilled Worker visa you can:
- work in an eligible job
- study
- bring your partner and children with you as your βdependantsβ, if theyβre eligible
- take on additional workΒ in certain circumstances
- do voluntary work
- travel abroad and return to the UK
- apply to settle permanently in the UK (also known as βindefinite leave to remainβ) if youβve lived in the UK for 5 years and meet the other eligibility requirements
You cannot:
- apply for most benefits (public funds), or the State Pension
- change jobs or employer unless you apply to update your visa
If your application is successful, youβll get a full list of what you can and cannot do with a Skilled Worker visa.
VisitΒ UK government website for full details and guidance
Very useful information