Skilled Worker Visa UK
The Skilled Worker Visa allows qualified professionals to live and work in the United Kingdom for an approved sponsor. It covers graduate-level occupations across business, science, healthcare, and technology and offers a performance-based route to settlement.
At Immigration Solicitors UK, our regulated lawyers prepare every case under the latest 2026 Home Office rules to prevent refusals and ensure compliance.
Call +44 7561 699 666 for a consultation.
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The Skilled Worker Visa allows qualified professionals to live and work in the United Kingdom for an approved sponsor. It covers graduate-level occupations across business, science, healthcare, and technology and offers a performance-based route to settlement.
At Immigration Solicitors UK, our regulated lawyers prepare every case under the latest 2026 Home Office rules to prevent refusals and ensure compliance.
Call +44 7561 699 666 for a consultation.
Why Choose the Skilled Worker Route
Graduate-level occupations only
Since July 2025, the Skilled Worker route applies only to roles at RQF Level 6 or above, except for positions on the Temporary Shortage List (TSL).
Higher salary ceiling for 2026
The minimum salary for Skilled Workers is £41,700 per year and at least £17.13 per hour, or the occupation’s median (50th-percentile) going rate, whichever is higher.
Performance-based settlement
From 2026, the standard Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) route is ten years. Skilled Workers can qualify for faster settlement if they earn above £50,270 for three consecutive years or hold approved frontline public service roles.
Digital-only visa system
All Skilled Worker visas are now eVisas. We manage your View and Prove share-code setup and liaise with employers to verify right-to-work status.
Applicants must
- Be aged 18 or over
- Hold a confirmed job offer from a licensed UK sponsor
- Possess a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
- Work in an occupation skilled to RQF Level 6 or higher unless on the TSL
- Earn at least £41,700 per year and £17.13 per hour or meet the occupation’s going rate
- Demonstrate English at CEFR B2
- Provide a TB certificate if required
- Show maintenance funds or employer certification
- Have a clean immigration and criminal record
Applicant Type | Minimum Annual Salary | Hourly Rate | Going-Rate Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
Standard Skilled Worker | £41,700 | £17.13 | 100% of the median rate |
New Entrant or Graduate Switcher | £33,400 or 70% of the going rate, whichever is higher | £13.70 minimum | 70% of rate |
STEM PhD Holder | £33,400 | £13.70 | 80% of rate |
Non-STEM PhD Holder | £37,500 | £15.40 | 90% of rate |
National Pay Scale (NHS roles) | £25,000 | As per scale | As per scale |
The New Entrant discount is limited to a total of four years. Time spent on a Graduate Visa count toward this four-year limit.
The Immigration Skills Charge increased in December 2025 to £1,320 per year for large sponsors and £510 for small companies or charities.
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Since July 2025, most roles below RQF Level 6 are not eligible for the Skilled Worker route. Only roles on the Temporary Shortage List qualify at RQF 3–5, and these roles do not allow dependants.
From 8 January 2026, Skilled Worker applicants must meet CEFR B2 in reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
Accepted evidence includes
- Secure English Language Test (SELT)
- Degree taught in English (verified by Ecctis if overseas)
- UK GCSE or A-Level in English
- Professional registration such as GMC or NMC
Dependant partners must meet CEFR A1 English at application.
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Application Type | Fee Overseas | Fee In-Country |
|---|---|---|
Up to 3 Years | £769 | £885 |
More than 3 Years | £1,519 | £1,636 |
Dependant Each | Same as main applicant | Same as main applicant |
Immigration Health Surcharge £1,035 per year
Certificate of Sponsorship Fee £525
Immigration Skills Charge £1,320 per year for large employers, £510 for small sponsors
Dependants may accompany Skilled Workers unless the main job is an RQF 3–5 shortage occupation on the TSL, which prohibits family members completely.
Financial maintenance levels
Partner £285
First child £315
Each additional child £200
Funds must be held for 28 consecutive days.
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1 Complete the online form on GOV.UK
2 Upload documents and pay the visa fee and IHS
3 Confirm identity using the ID Check app or at a visa centre
4 Receive your digital eVisa linked to your passport
Processing times
3 weeks for overseas applications
8 weeks for in-country applications
Visa holders issued after July 2025 may undertake up to 20 hours of additional work per week only if it is in the same SOC code or an RQF Level 6 occupation. Lower-skilled RQF 3–5 work is not permitted unless it is the main sponsored role.
Duration and Settlement
The Skilled Worker Visa is granted for up to five years and may be renewed as long as eligibility continues.
From 2026 the standard settlement baseline is ten years. Workers can achieve earlier settlement if they
• Maintain annual earnings of at least £50,270 for three consecutive years, or
• Work in a designated frontline public service occupation eligible for contribution reduction.
This approach, known as Earned Settlement, links the length of residence to income level or public-service contribution.
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Tier | Eligibility | Settlement Period |
|---|---|---|
Standard Skilled Worker | £41,700 base salary | 10 years |
High-Earner Route | £50,270+ maintained for 3 years | 5 years |
Frontline Public Service | Approved NHS, teaching, or emergency roles | 5 years |
Exceptional Contribution | Specific national shortage or innovation roles | 3 years |
This model replaces the automatic five-year ILR path used before 2026.
Digital Status and Employer Verification
All Skilled Worker visas are digital-only. Employers must verify the visa holder’s right to work using the View and Prove service before employment begins.
Our solicitors manage share-code generation and liaise with HR teams to prevent right-to-work delays.
Common Reasons for Refusal
- Salary below £41,700 or hourly rate below £17.13
- Job not meeting RQF Level 6 or not on the TSL
- Insufficient financial evidence
- English below B2
- Sponsor failing to pay CoS or ISC
- Missing or unlinked digital status
Each application is reviewed in detail by a senior solicitor before submission.
Transparent Investment
Item | Amount | Description |
|---|---|---|
Visa Fee up to 3 Years | £769 | Overseas application |
Visa Fee over 3 Years | £1,519 | Long-term application |
IHS Fee | £1,035 per year | Health surcharge |
CoS Fee | £525 | Paid by sponsor |
Professional Legal Fee | Fixed quote | Full application management |
Figures verified as of December 2025.
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What We Offer
Our Services
we understand that immigrating to a new country is a significant
decision that comes with its own set of challenges.
Family Visas
Partner Visas
Settlement in the UK
Settlement of EEA Nationals
British Citizenship and The Right of Abode
Challenge a Refusal
Removals/Deportations
Asylum/Human Rights
Sponsor License for a UK Business
UK Business Visas
Student Visas
Popular Work Visas
Other work visas and permits
Visas without a job offer
Work for an overseas employer
Temporary work visas
UK Visit Visas
- Regulated solicitors specialising in Skilled Worker and corporate immigration
- Precise salary and RQF compliance reviews
- Expert Earned Settlement strategy planning
- Digital visa and employer verification support
- Transparent fixed fees and personalised representation
Call +44 7561 699 666 or use our live chat for assistance.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum salary for Skilled Workers in 2026?
£41,700 per year and £17.13 per hour, or the occupation’s median rate, whichever is higher.
What about New Entrants?
New Entrants must earn at least £33,400 or 70% of the occupation’s going rate, whichever is higher.
Can I bring my family?
Yes, except if your job is an RQF 3–5 shortage role on the TSL, which prohibits dependants.
How long does it take to settle?
The standard route is ten years. High earners maintaining £50,270 for three consecutive years or those in approved public service roles can settle after five years.
Can I work a second job?
Up to 20 hours per week, but only in the same SOC code or another RQF 6 role.
