UK Skilled Worker Visa 2027: Eligibility, Costs and How to Apply

If you have a job offer from a UK employer, the UK Skilled Worker Visa is the main route into the country’s workforce and a realistic path toward long-term settlement. This guide breaks down the 2027 eligibility rules, salary thresholds, costs, and the exact steps you need to follow to apply successfully.

What Is the UK Skilled Worker Visa?

The Skilled Worker Visa replaced the old Tier 2 (General) work visa in December 2020 and remains the backbone of the UK’s points-based immigration system. It lets employers who hold a Home Office sponsor licence bring skilled workers from anywhere in the world into roles the UK labour market needs filled.

The visa is typically granted for up to 5 years at a time, can be extended, and — after enough qualifying time in the UK — can lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain (permanent residency) and eventually British citizenship.

Who Qualifies: Core Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for a UK Skilled Worker Visa, you generally need to satisfy all of the following:

1. A Genuine Job Offer From a Licensed Sponsor

Your employer must hold a valid Home Office Sponsor Licence and be willing to issue you a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). You cannot apply for this visa speculatively — the job offer must come first.

2. Minimum Skill Level

The role must be at or above RQF Level 3 (broadly equivalent to A-levels). Eligible occupations are listed against specific Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) codes published by the Home Office, and each code has its own “going rate” salary.

3. Salary Threshold

You must be offered a salary that meets or exceeds whichever is higher of:

• The general salary floor (a fixed annual minimum, reviewed periodically by the Home Office);
• The specific “going rate” for your occupation code; or
• The relevant hourly rate threshold.

Lower thresholds may apply if you’re a new entrant to the labour market, hold a relevant PhD, or work in health and education roles on national pay scales. Because these figures are adjusted from time to time, always check the current thresholds on the official UK government visa pages before you apply — do not rely solely on older figures you may see quoted elsewhere.

4. English Language Proficiency

You must prove English ability at CEFR level B1 (intermediate) through one of these:

• An approved Secure English Language Test (SELT).
• A degree taught in English, verified through UK ENIC where needed.
• Being a national of a majority English-speaking country.

5. Proof of Financial Maintenance

Unless your employer confirms they’ll cover initial costs or you’ve held a valid UK immigration status for a set period already, you’ll typically need to show at least £1,270 held in your account for 28 consecutive days before applying.

6. A Valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

Your employer issues this electronically with a unique reference number confirming your job title, salary, SOC code, and start date. You’ll need this reference to complete your online application.

Costs to Budget For

Applicants should plan for several separate charges, which typically include:

• The visa application fee, which varies by visa length and whether the role is on a discounted list.
• The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), paid upfront for the full length of your visa to grant access to the NHS.
• The Certificate of Sponsorship fee (usually paid by the employer, not you).
• Optional costs such as a priority decision service, English test fees, and document translation.

Fees change periodically, so confirm exact current amounts on the official gov.uk fee schedule before budgeting. If you’re relocating with family or need coverage before your NHS access begins, it’s worth comparing travel medical insurance options for the gap period.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility

Check your job offer, salary, and occupation code against current Home Office criteria before you commit time or money to the application.

Step 2: Receive Your Certificate of Sponsorship

Your employer’s HR or immigration team issues the CoS with your reference number. This is usually only valid for a limited window, so apply promptly once you receive it.

Step 3: Gather Your Documents

Typical required documents include:

• A valid passport or travel document.
• Your Certificate of Sponsorship reference number.
• Proof of English language proficiency.
• Bank statements showing personal savings, if required.
• Tuberculosis test results (for applicants from listed countries).
• A criminal record certificate, if required for your occupation (common in healthcare, education, and social care roles).

Step 4: Complete the Online Application

Apply through the official UK government visa portal. Create an account, fill in the application form accurately, and pay the visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge.

Step 5: Submit Biometrics

Book an appointment at a visa application centre (if applying from outside the UK) to provide fingerprints and a photograph, or use the UK Immigration: ID Check app if you’re eligible for a digital process.

Step 6: Await a Decision

Standard processing is typically around 3 weeks for applications made outside the UK and around 8 weeks for applications made from within the UK. Priority services can speed this up for an extra fee.

Step 7: Confirm Your Digital or Physical Status

Most applicants now receive an eVisa (digital immigration status) rather than a physical vignette or Biometric Residence Permit. Check your UKVI account to make sure your digital status is active before you travel, and keep your login details safe for future border checks and right-to-work verification.

Comparing Routes: Skilled Worker vs Other UK Work Options

If seasonal or entry-level agricultural work is a better fit for your circumstances right now, our guide to seasonal agricultural jobs in the UK for foreign workers covers a faster, lower-barrier alternative.

Key Considerations After You Arrive

Maintaining Your Visa Status

Stick to your visa conditions: work only for your sponsoring employer in the role listed on your CoS, avoid claiming public funds, and report any change in circumstances. Breaching conditions can lead to curtailment of your visa.

Changing Employers or Extending Your Stay

If you switch jobs, your new employer must issue a fresh CoS and you’ll need to apply again before starting the new role. Extensions follow a similar process to your original application, provided you still meet salary and skill requirements.

The Path to Settlement

After 5 continuous years in the UK on the Skilled Worker route (with allowed absences), you may become eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain, which removes visa conditions entirely and is a major step toward British citizenship.

Practical Tips Before You Apply

• Confirm your employer’s sponsor licence status is genuinely active — a licence can be suspended or revoked.
• Double-check current salary thresholds and occupation codes directly on gov.uk, since these are updated periodically.
• Speak with a regulated immigration consultant if your case involves dependents, a career change, or a previous visa refusal.
• Keep digital and printed copies of every document you submit.
• Track the foreign exchange rate today if you’re transferring savings into GBP, since timing transfers well can meaningfully affect how much you actually bring with you.

If you’re still exploring your options, it’s worth comparing this route against opportunities detailed in our roundup of in-demand healthcare roles in Edinburgh, or browsing remote jobs with visa sponsorship potential if relocating immediately isn’t feasible yet.

FAQ

Can I bring my family on a UK Skilled Worker Visa?

Yes. Eligible dependents, including a spouse or partner and children, can typically apply alongside you or join you later, provided you meet the additional financial requirements for each dependent.

Do I need a job offer before applying, or can I search after arriving?

You must secure a job offer and Certificate of Sponsorship from a licensed UK employer before applying. This is not a job seeker visa where you search for work after arrival; sponsorship is a precondition of the application itself.

How long does the whole process usually take from job offer to arrival?

Once your employer issues the Certificate of Sponsorship, most applicants receive a decision within a few weeks. Total time varies based on document preparation, biometric appointment availability, and whether you use a priority service.