Skip to main content
Back to visa checker

United Kingdom · Work visa

Skilled Worker Visa

Processing
3-8 weeks
Cost
From £1,854 first year
Validity
Up to 5 years

Employer-sponsored visa for skilled professionals with an eligible UK job offer.

Requirements

  • Job offer from UK employer with sponsor license
  • Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from employer
  • Meet minimum salary threshold (£26,200 or going rate)
  • English language proficiency (CEFR B1)
  • Have enough funds (£1,270 in bank for 28 days)

Time and cost

Processing time
3-8 weeks (Priority: 5 working days for extra fee)
Validity
Up to 5 years, renewable
Cost

From £1,854 first year

Required

  • £819 application fee (up to 3 years; more than 3 years £1,618)
  • £1,035/year Immigration Health Surcharge
Path to residency
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 years

Documents

  • Valid passport

    With 6+ months validity

  • Certificate of Sponsorship

    Reference number from employer

  • Proof of English

    Nationals of majority-English-speaking countries are exempt

  • Bank statements

    Showing £1,270 for 28 days

  • TB test results (if it applies)

    Required if you have spent 6+ months in a country on the UK’s TB screening list

Tips

  • Some technology roles appear on the Shortage Occupation List and have a lower salary threshold
  • A degree taught in English satisfies the English requirement without a test
  • Priority processing can reduce the decision time to 5 working days