Skilled Worker visa
A sponsored-work route for eligible professionals with a qualifying offer from a licensed employer. It can provide a pathway toward settlement after the required period, subject to current rules and individual circumstances.
Processing time
3 weeks from outside the UK, faster with priority service
Potential residence pathway
Potential settlement route after 5 years
Employer sponsorship
Required
Job offer
Required
Salary threshold
General threshold plus the going rate for the occupation code
Cost
Visa fee plus the immigration health surcharge
Permit duration
Up to 5 years, renewable
Criteria to verify
- Job offer from a licensed sponsor with a Certificate of Sponsorship.
- Role at the required skill level with a matching occupation code.
- Salary at or above both the general threshold and the going rate.
- English at B1 across all four components.
Indicative employer steps
- Hold a valid sponsor licence.
- Assign a Certificate of Sponsorship for your specific role.
- Confirm the occupation code and going rate on the application.
Watch out for
- Changing employer requires a new Certificate of Sponsorship.
- New entrant and shortage discounts have strict eligibility rules.
- Absences over the permitted limit can reset the settlement clock.
General educational information only, not immigration or legal advice or an eligibility assessment. Rules change. Confirm current criteria, thresholds, fees and outcomes with the relevant authority or an independent qualified adviser before you act.