UK Skilled Worker Visa – Get Sponsored and Work in the UK Long-Term

The UK Skilled Worker Visa allows foreign nationals to live and work in the UK for an approved employer in a qualified job role. It is sponsored by a licensed UK employer and can lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and eventual British citizenship.

It replaced the Tier 2 (General) work visa and is now the most common route for skilled professionals to legally migrate to the UK.

Key Features at a Glance

Who Can Apply for the Skilled Worker Visa?

You’re eligible if you:

• Have a confirmed job offer from a UK employer licensed by the Home Office

• Your job is on the list of eligible occupations

• Your employer has issued you a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

• Meet the salary threshold for your job

• Can prove your English proficiency

• Have at least £1,270 in savings (unless your employer covers it)

Popular Eligible Jobs for 2025

The UK has labor shortages in several industries, making them high-priority for sponsorship.

🔧 Skilled Trades & Technical

• Welders

• Electricians

• Plumbers

• Carpenters

• Civil Engineers

Healthcare & Social Care

• Nurses

• Doctors

• Radiographers

• Care Workers

• Paramedics

Tech & IT

• Software Developers

• Cybersecurity Analysts

• Web Designers

• Network Engineers

• Database Administrators

Education

• Secondary school teachers (math, physics, chemistry, computing)

🔗 Full eligible occupation list: UK Government Skilled Worker Occupations

Salary Thresholds Explained (2025)

The general rule is a minimum salary of £26,200/year, but lower thresholds apply for:

• New entrants (under 26 or recent graduates): £20,960/year

• Jobs in the shortage occupation list: 20% lower

• Healthcare and education roles: special salary rules apply

Required Documents

You’ll need:

• Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your UK employer

• Valid passport or travel document

• Proof of English language proficiency

• Bank statement showing £1,270 funds (unless covered by sponsor)

• Tuberculosis test results (if required based on country)

• Criminal record certificate (for certain jobs)

English Language Requirements

You can meet the English requirement by:

• Passing a Secure English Language Test (SELT) (e.g., IELTS UKVI)

• Having a UK degree or equivalent taught in English

• Being from a majority English-speaking country

Minimum level: B1 CEFR (equivalent to IELTS 4.0 in each skill)

How to Apply for the Skilled Worker Visa (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Secure a Job Offer

• Apply to UK-based companies licensed to sponsor workers

• Once hired, receive your Certificate of Sponsorship

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

Prepare your:

• CoS reference

• English test result

• Passport

• Proof of funds

• Additional documents depending on job

Step 3: Apply Online

• Apply via UKVI Skilled Worker Visa Portal

• Pay the visa application fee

• Upload required documents

Step 4: Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)

• £1,035/year to access the NHS during your stay

Step 5: Attend Biometric Appointment

• Provide fingerprints, photograph, and documents

Step 6: Receive Your Visa

• Processing time: 3 weeks (outside UK) or 8 weeks (inside UK)

Costs Involved

Top UK Employers Offering Visa Sponsorship (2025)

Pathway to Permanent Residency (ILR)

The Skilled Worker Visa is a settlement route, meaning you can:

• Stay in the UK for 5 years

• After 5 years, apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)

• One year later, apply for British citizenship

Can You Bring Dependents?

Yes! You can bring:

• Spouse or partner

• Children under 18

• Each dependent must apply separately and pay the visa fee + IHS

They are allowed to:

• Work (almost any job)

• Study

• Use the NHS

Benefits of the UK Skilled Worker Visa

• Long-term stay in the UK

• Path to permanent residency

• Access to UK healthcare (NHS)

• Bring family with you

• Work legally and safely in the UK

• Move between employers (if they’re also sponsors)

 Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying without a licensed sponsor

• Not meeting salary threshold

• Using expired English tests

• Forgetting to check shortage occupation exemptions

• Not preparing funds proof if your employer doesn’t certify maintenance

FAQs About the UK Skilled Worker Visa

Q: Can I switch jobs while on this visa?
A: Yes, but only to another employer who is also a licensed sponsor. You’ll need a new CoS and may have to reapply.

Q: Can I apply from inside the UK?
A: Yes, if you’re already on an eligible visa (like Student or Graduate).

Q: Do I need a degree for a Skilled Worker Visa?
A: Not always. It depends on the job. Many trade and care roles don’t require degrees.

Q: Is IELTS mandatory?
A: Only if you can’t prove English through other means (degree in English, etc.)

Conclusion

The UK Skilled Worker Visa in 2025 is one of the most powerful legal pathways to work, live, and eventually settle in the United Kingdom. Whether you’re a nurse, software developer, care assistant, or skilled tradesperson, this visa opens doors to a long-term future in the UK.

With a clear route to residency and opportunities across dozens of industries, the UK is welcoming skilled professionals from all around the world.