UK Skilled Worker visa
Who it's for: People with a job offer from a UK employer that holds a Home Office sponsor licence, in an eligible degree-level occupation.
Information, not immigration advice. This page summarises what the government publishes. Confirm every figure on the official page before you pay or apply.
Last checked 27 Oct 2026
Requirements at a glance
- A job offer from a licensed sponsor and a Certificate of Sponsorship
- A job at degree level (RQF 6) since 22 July 2025
- Salary of at least £41,700 and the occupation's going rate, with lower thresholds in set cases (£33,400 or £37,500)
- English at CEFR B2 for applications from 8 January 2026
- Visa fee of £819 for up to 3 years, plus the health surcharge at £1,035 a year for each person
- Money to show of £1,270, unless the employer certifies maintenance
Figures and costs
| Item | Amount | In your currency | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa fee, up to 3 years | £819 | — | gov.ukOfficial · 27 Oct 2026 |
| Visa fee, more than 3 years | £1,618 check | — | ukvisa.blogSecondary · 27 Oct 2026 |
| Immigration Health Surcharge, per year | £1,035 | — | gov.ukOfficial · 27 Oct 2026 |
| General salary threshold | £41,700 | — | gov.ukOfficial · 27 Oct 2026 |
| Lower threshold: relevant non-STEM PhD | £37,500 | — | gov.ukOfficial · 27 Oct 2026 |
| Lower threshold: STEM PhD, Immigration Salary List or new entrant | £33,400 | — | gov.ukOfficial · 27 Oct 2026 |
| Listed health and education jobs | £25,000 | — | gov.ukOfficial · 27 Oct 2026 |
| Minimum job skill level (RQF) | RQF 6 | gov.ukOfficial · 27 Oct 2026 | |
| Money to show (unless sponsor certifies) | £1,270 | — | gov.ukOfficial · 27 Oct 2026 |
| Extra for a partner | £285 check | — | jobbatical.comSecondary · 27 Oct 2026 |
| Extra for the first child | £315 check | — | jobbatical.comSecondary · 27 Oct 2026 |
| Extra for each further child | £200 check | — | jobbatical.comSecondary · 27 Oct 2026 |
| Usual decision time from outside the UK | 3 weeks | gov.ukOfficial · 27 Oct 2026 | |
| Years to settlement (current rules) | 5 years | gov.ukOfficial · 27 Oct 2026 |
Figures marked check come from secondary sources or could not be confirmed on an official page.
Costs and local steps by country
Costs in your currency, plus what's specific to applying from there, such as the approved TB test clinics.
How the route works
The employer, not the applicant, starts the process by assigning a Certificate of Sponsorship. You then apply online with its reference number, pay the visa fee and health surcharge, prove your identity and wait for a decision. The job title and occupation code on the certificate decide which salary rules apply.
Lower salary thresholds
The general threshold applies to most jobs. Lower amounts can apply to new entrants (for example under 26 or recent graduates), people with a relevant PhD, jobs on the Immigration Salary List and listed health and education jobs on national pay scales. The occupation’s going rate still applies.
Care work
Since 22 July 2025, new care worker and senior care worker roles can no longer be sponsored from overseas.
Common questions
Do I have to pay my employer for the Certificate of Sponsorship?
No. Employers must not pass the cost of the Certificate of Sponsorship or the Immigration Skills Charge on to workers. Anyone asking you to pay for a sponsorship is a warning sign.
Can I bring my family?
Usually yes. Your partner and children apply as dependants and each pays the visa fee and health surcharge. Some roles added after 22 July 2025 through the Temporary Shortage List cannot bring dependants.
How long until settlement?
The current rules allow settlement after 5 years. The UK government has proposed a longer 'earned settlement' model, which was not confirmed in force when this page was checked.
The full Skilled Worker visa guide
Step-by-step process, every cost for you and your family, document checklist, money rules, common refusal reasons and official links. The same guide for every buyer, dated.
Other UK routes
Before you pay anyone
- Nobody can guarantee a visa. Only the government of the country you apply to decides.
- UK employers must not charge you for a Certificate of Sponsorship.
- German missions say you don't need an agent to get a visa appointment.
- Check any adviser or recruitment agent on an official register before you pay.