The Skilled Worker Visa remains one of the most popular and frequently searched immigration routes for individuals seeking employment in the UK. It allows eligible foreign nationals to work in an approved job for a UK-licensed sponsor. This post outlines the key features, general requirements, and recent updates to the Skilled Worker visa route under the UK immigration rules.
What Is the Skilled Worker Visa?
The Skilled Worker route replaced the Tier 2 (General) visa in December 2020. It enables overseas workers to come to or stay in the UK to do an eligible job with an approved employer. The job must be on the list of eligible occupations, and the employer must be a licensed sponsor authorised by the Home Office.
General Eligibility Requirements
Applicants generally must meet the following criteria:
- Job Offer: A confirmed offer of employment from a UK sponsor licensed by the Home Office.
- Skill Level: The job must meet the minimum required skill level, as defined by the UK’s Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) codes.
- Salary Threshold: Usually at least £38,700 per year or £15.88 per hour (as per the April 2024 update), unless the job is on the shortage occupation list or another exemption applies.
- English Language: Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English (speaking, reading, writing, and understanding).
- Financial Requirements: Sufficient funds to support oneself on arrival unless the sponsor agrees to cover this.
Length of Stay and Path to Settlement
- The visa is typically granted for up to 5 years (as of July 2025).
- It can be extended.
- After 5 continuous years, eligible Skilled Worker visa holders may apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), subject to meeting residency and other requirements.
Recent Policy Changes
As of April 2024 and June 2025 updates to the Immigration Rules, key changes include:
- Increased salary thresholds for most roles.
- Changes to the Shortage Occupation List, renamed the Immigration Salary List, which affects eligibility for reduced salary thresholds.
- Health and care sector exceptions remain in place, allowing lower thresholds for NHS and care roles.
- Changes in sponsorship licence responsibilities for employers, including stricter compliance checks.
(Source: Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules, HC 836, 24 June 2025)
Which Jobs Are Eligible?
Examples of eligible occupations include:
- Health professionals (e.g. nurses, paramedics, radiographers)
- Engineers (civil, mechanical, electrical)
- IT and software professionals
- Secondary school teachers in maths, physics, and computing
- Chefs (with specific restrictions)
- Care workers (under the Health and Care Worker sub-category)
You can find the full list of eligible occupations and associated SOC codes on the official GOV.UK website.
Benefits of the Skilled Worker Route
- Allows long-term work and residence in the UK
- Spouses/partners and children can apply as dependants
- Potential pathway to British citizenship after ILR
- Flexibility to change jobs or employers (subject to rules)
Key Considerations for Employers
UK employers must:
- Hold a valid sponsor licence
- Assign a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
- Fulfil record-keeping and reporting duties under Home Office compliance rules
Failure to meet these requirements can result in sponsorship revocation.
Conclusion
The Skilled Worker visa is an essential route for individuals seeking to build a career in the UK and for employers wishing to fill critical skill shortages. While the process can appear complex, it is a well-structured system designed to support the UK labour market and offer opportunities for qualified international talent.
Disclaimer
This blog post is intended for general informational and interpretive purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration rules and policies are subject to change. For advice specific to your circumstances, please contact ARK Law Limited Call Us: 0203 633 6005 or Email Us – info@arklawuk.com. We are authorised and regulated to provide UK immigration advice by the Immigration Advice Authority (IAA).