UK Skilled Worker Visa: A Complete 2025 Guide

The UK Skilled Worker Visa allows international professionals to live and work in the UK if they have a job offer from a licensed employer. It replaced the old Tier 2 (General) Visa and is one of the most common visa routes for non-British nationals seeking employment in the UK.

With this visa, you can:

• Stay in the UK for up to 5 years

• Switch employers (if new one is licensed)

• Bring dependents (spouse and children)

• Apply for permanent residency (ILR) after 5 years

• Access the NHS (National Health Service)

Key Features at a Glance

Who Can Apply for the Skilled Worker Visa?

You are eligible if:

1. You have a confirmed job offer from a UK-licensed sponsor

2. The job is on the eligible occupations list

3. You meet the salary threshold

4. You can speak, read, write, and understand English

5. Your job offer includes a certificate of sponsorship (CoS)

Documents You’ll Need

To apply for the UK Skilled Worker Visa, you’ll need:

• A valid passport or travel document

• Your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your UK employer

• Proof of English proficiency (IELTS UKVI or equivalent)

• Job title and occupation code

• Salary details and employer information

• Proof of funds: You must show you can support yourself (minimum £1,270 in your bank unless your employer supports you)

• TB test results (for certain countries)

UK Skilled Worker Eligible Occupation List (2025)

The UK government maintains a list of occupations that are eligible for the Skilled Worker Visa. Some key sectors include:

Full list of eligible jobs: gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa/eligible-occupations

Licensed UK Employers Offering Sponsorship in 2025

Here are some top companies that are registered with the Home Office to sponsor skilled workers:

• National Health Service (NHS) – Thousands of healthcare roles

• Deloitte UK – Finance and tech consulting

• Capgemini UK – IT and software services

• HSBC Bank – Banking and finance

• Jaguar Land Rover – Engineering and manufacturing

• Accenture – Technology and consulting

For the full sponsor list, visit the UK Register of Licensed Sponsors

How to Apply for the Skilled Worker Visa

Follow these steps:

Step 1: Get a Job Offer

• Search on Reed.co.uk, LinkedIn UK, or Indeed UK

• Filter listings for “visa sponsorship available”

Step 2: Receive a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

• Your employer must issue this after confirming your employment

• The CoS is a unique reference number tied to your job role

Step 3: Prepare Your Documents

• Passport, CoS, proof of English, job details, bank statements, etc.

Step 4: Apply Online

• Visit the UK Home Office visa application portal

• Fill in the application and upload your documents

Step 5: Biometrics and Decision

• Schedule an appointment at a visa application center in your country

• Wait for a decision (standard time is 3–8 weeks)

Tips to Boost Your Chances

• Tailor your CV to UK standards (2 pages max, with clear job responsibilities)

• Highlight relevant experience that aligns with your occupation code

• Use LinkedIn to network with UK recruiters and HR teams

• Be ready to relocate quickly — employers prefer candidates who can start ASAP

• Apply early — some jobs have quotas or deadlines

Cost Breakdown (Estimated)

Tip: If you’re applying for a Health and Care Worker Visa, your fees and surcharge may be waived or reduced.

Can You Bring Family?

Yes. You can bring:

• Your spouse or partner

• Children under 18

• Children over 18 if they’re already in the UK as dependents

Each family member must apply for a visa and pay the same fees, though they don’t need to meet the English or job requirements.

Path to Permanent Residency (ILR)

After 5 years on a Skilled Worker Visa, you may be eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) if:

• You meet salary and residency requirements

• You have no criminal record

• You pass the Life in the UK Test

After 1 year on ILR, you can apply for British Citizenship.

Conclusion

The UK Skilled Worker Visa is a golden ticket for professionals around the world to work, live, and eventually settle in the UK. With thousands of employers ready to sponsor the right talent, your dream job may be just a few applications away.

Make sure you follow the correct process, stay updated with the latest immigration rules, and most importantly — target the right job opportunities with licensed sponsors.