The Skilled Worker Visa allows UK employers with a sponsor licence to recruit overseas nationals into eligible roles that meet the route’s skill, salary and sponsorship requirements. For sponsors, the key issues are choosing the correct occupation code, assigning the right Certificate of Sponsorship and keeping compliant HR records.
Previously known as the Tier 2 (General) work visa.
Reviewed by the Morgan Smith Immigration team — IAA-regulated UK immigration specialists. Last reviewed 2026-07-07.
TL;DR
A Skilled Worker Visa lets an overseas worker come to, or stay in, the UK to do an eligible sponsored job for a Home Office-approved employer. The main application fee starts from £819 for an outside-UK application of up to 3 years, the visa can last for up to 5 years before extension, and the typical decision time is 3 weeks from outside the UK or 8 weeks from inside the UK.
£819
Application fee (outside UK, up to 3 years)
Up to 5 years
Maximum stay before extension
3 weeks
Typical decision (outside UK)
What is the Skilled Worker Visa?
The Skilled Worker Visa is the main UK work route for overseas nationals who have been offered an eligible job by a Home Office-approved sponsor. It replaced the Tier 2 (General) work visa and is used across many sectors where the role, salary and worker meet the Immigration Rules.
For employers, the route is sponsorship-led. The business must either already hold a Skilled Worker sponsor licence or obtain one before sponsoring the worker, then assign a Certificate of Sponsorship that accurately reflects the role, salary, occupation code and work location.
The visa can be granted for up to 5 years before it needs to be extended. There is no fixed maximum number of extensions, provided the worker continues to meet the route requirements, and after 5 years they may be able to apply for settlement if all requirements are met.
Some roles have different salary rules, including healthcare or education jobs, Immigration Salary List roles, PhD-based discounts and transitional arrangements. Sponsors should check the specific occupation code and going rate before issuing a Certificate of Sponsorship.
Eligibility Requirements
You must satisfy all three conditions to qualify for the Skilled Worker Visa.
📄
Sponsorship & CoS
The applicant must have a confirmed job offer from a Home Office-approved UK employer. The sponsor must assign a valid Certificate of Sponsorship with the role details before the worker applies.
💼
Eligible Job & Salary
The role must be eligible under the Skilled Worker occupation tables and must meet the applicable salary threshold. The usual salary requirement is at least £41,700 per year or the going rate for the role, whichever is higher, unless a lower permitted threshold applies.
£
English & Finances
The applicant must usually prove English language ability to the required level, currently B2 for most new applications. They must also usually show at least £1,270 in personal savings unless they are exempt or the sponsor certifies maintenance.
What You Can and Cannot Do
Your rights and restrictions while in the UK on a Skilled Worker Visa.
✓ You Can
- Work in the sponsored job for the Home Office-approved employer named on the Certificate of Sponsorship.
- Study in the UK alongside sponsored work, provided the study does not interfere with the sponsored role.
- Bring eligible dependants where the partner or children meet the dependant rules.
- Do additional paid work for up to 20 hours a week where the work meets the permitted conditions.
- Travel and return to the UK while the visa remains valid.
- Apply for settlement after 5 years if the settlement requirements are met.
✗ You Cannot
- Claim most public funds or the State Pension while on the route.
- Change employer freely without making a new or updated visa application where required.
- Start a different occupation code unless the change is permitted or the visa is updated.
- Work over 20 extra hours in a second job unless the visa is updated to cover both jobs.
- Treat the visa as automatic settlement; settlement is a separate application after the qualifying period.
- Ignore sponsor compliance duties; inaccurate role, salary or work-location information can put the worker and sponsor at risk.
Costs & Fees
Current fees as of 2026. Set by the Home Office — subject to change.
Fees set by the Home Office and subject to change. Last reviewed: July 2026.
| Item | Cost (2026) |
|---|---|
| Outside UK, up to 3 years | £819 per person |
| Outside UK, over 3 years | £1,618 per person |
| Inside UK, up to 3 years | £943 per person |
| Inside UK, over 3 years | £1,865 per person |
| Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) | £1,035 per year |
| Savings requirement | £1,270 unless exempt |
| Skilled Worker CoS | £525 per worker |
How to Apply
Five steps from role check to visa decision.
Check the Role
Confirm the occupation code, skill level, salary threshold and going rate before offering sponsorship.
Assign the CoS
The licensed sponsor assigns a Certificate of Sponsorship with the worker’s role, salary, dates and sponsor details.
Prepare Evidence
The applicant prepares identity, CoS, English, maintenance, TB and any criminal record documents required for the role and country of application.
Submit Online
The applicant applies online, pays the visa fee and IHS, and proves identity using the UK Immigration: ID Check app or a biometric appointment.
Receive Your Decision
A decision is usually made within 3 weeks for applications outside the UK and 8 weeks for applications inside the UK.
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Sources
Legal information on this page is based on guidance from GOV.UK, the UK Home Office / UK Visas and Immigration, legislation.gov.uk, and Free Movement. Rules change frequently — speak to our team to confirm current requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the Skilled Worker Visa from employers and applicants.
What is the Skilled Worker visa UK?
The Skilled Worker Visa is a sponsored UK work visa for overseas nationals who have an eligible job offer from a Home Office-approved employer. It replaced the Tier 2 (General) work visa and can be granted for up to 5 years before extension.
How much does a Skilled Worker Visa cost in 2026?
For applications made outside the UK, the standard fee is £819 for up to 3 years and £1,618 for over 3 years. For applications made inside the UK, the standard fee is £943 for up to 3 years and £1,865 for over 3 years. Lower fees apply to Immigration Salary List and Health and Care Visa categories.
How long does a Skilled Worker Visa take?
GOV.UK says applicants usually get a decision within 3 weeks if applying from outside the UK. Applications made inside the UK usually take 8 weeks after the applicant has applied online, proved identity and provided documents.
How long can you stay on a Skilled Worker Visa?
A Skilled Worker Visa can last for up to 5 years before it needs to be extended. The worker can apply to extend as many times as needed, provided they continue to meet the route requirements.
What salary is needed for a Skilled Worker Visa?
The usual salary requirement is at least £41,700 per year or the going rate for the occupation code, whichever is higher. Some applicants can rely on lower thresholds, such as certain Immigration Salary List roles, PhD discounts, healthcare or education rules, or transitional arrangements.
Does a Skilled Worker Visa need sponsorship?
Yes. The applicant must have a job offer from a UK employer approved by the Home Office, and the sponsor must assign a valid Certificate of Sponsorship before the visa application is made.
What English level is needed for a Skilled Worker Visa?
Most new applicants must prove they can read, write, speak and understand English to at least CEFR level B2. GOV.UK lists several ways to prove English, including an approved test, a relevant degree, or certain UK school qualifications.
Can Skilled Worker Visa holders bring dependants?
Partners and children may be able to apply as dependants if they meet the family and route requirements. There are restrictions for some care worker, senior care worker and medium-skilled roles, so the dependant rules should be checked before sponsorship is offered.
Can a Skilled Worker Visa holder do a second job?
They can usually do up to 20 hours a week of additional paid work if they continue doing the sponsored job and the second role meets the permitted conditions. If they want to work more than 20 extra hours, they normally need to update their visa and obtain a new Certificate of Sponsorship for the second job.
Can a Skilled Worker Visa lead to settlement?
Yes, it can lead to settlement after 5 years if the worker meets the settlement requirements. Settlement is not automatic and requires a separate application, with ongoing checks on the qualifying period, sponsorship, salary and other eligibility rules.
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