UK Skilled Worker Visa: Application Guide and Salary Threshold
The UK Skilled Worker Visa allows qualified foreign professionals to live and work in the United Kingdom with a job offer from an approved employer. It replaced the Tier 2 (General) visa and is one of the most common immigration routes for skilled migrants. In this article, we will explain the eligibility criteria, salary thresholds, required documents, application process, and official resources to help you navigate your UK work visa application.
Who Can Apply for a Skilled Worker Visa?
You can apply for this visa if you:
- Have a confirmed job offer from a licensed UK sponsor employer.
- Work in an eligible skilled occupation.
- Meet the English language requirement (speaking, reading, writing, listening).
- Earn the minimum required salary according to the visa rules.
Eligible Occupations
The UK government publishes a list of eligible jobs for Skilled Worker visas, including roles in healthcare, engineering, IT, education, and skilled trades. Some of the most in-demand categories include:
- Healthcare workers (nurses, doctors, care workers).
- IT business analysts, programmers, and software developers.
- Secondary education teachers in specific subjects.
- Engineering professionals.
Salary Threshold for the UK Skilled Worker Visa
One of the key requirements is meeting the minimum salary threshold. Generally, the thresholds are:
- £26,200 per year (or £10.10 per hour) – the standard threshold.
- £23,040 per year (or £10.10 per hour) – for shortage occupations and applicants under 26 years old.
- £20,960 per year (or £10.10 per hour) – for healthcare and education workers on the shortage occupation list.
Salary exceptions apply based on job type, experience, and shortage occupation status. Healthcare and social care workers often qualify for lower thresholds.
Required Documents
When applying, you need to provide:
- Valid passport or travel document.
- Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) reference number from your employer.
- Proof of English language ability (IELTS or equivalent).
- Proof of financial support (bank statement showing at least £1,270 unless employer covers costs).
- Tuberculosis test results (if applicable).
- Criminal record certificate (for certain jobs).
Application Process
- Get a Job Offer: From a licensed UK sponsor employer.
- Receive a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): Provided by your employer.
- Gather Required Documents: Passport, CoS, proof of English, financial evidence.
- Apply Online: Submit your application on the UK Government visa website.
- Pay Visa Fees and Health Surcharge: Standard fee ranges from £625–£1,423 depending on stay length; healthcare surcharge is £624 per year.
- Provide Biometrics: Fingerprints and photo at a visa application center.
- Wait for Decision: Standard processing time is 3 weeks if applying from outside the UK.
Visa Duration and Extensions
The Skilled Worker visa is usually granted for up to 5 years. After that, you can extend it or apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) if you meet the eligibility conditions.
Healthcare and Education Workers
Special rules apply for healthcare and education professionals, including reduced application fees, lower salary thresholds, and fast-tracked processing. This is part of the UK’s effort to address labor shortages in critical sectors.
Costs Involved
- Visa application fee: £625–£1,423 depending on circumstances.
- Healthcare surcharge: £624 per year.
- Biometric fee: £19.20 (if applicable).
Benefits of the UK Skilled Worker Visa
- Right to live and work in the UK legally.
- Bring dependents (spouse and children) with you.
- Access to public healthcare (NHS) through the surcharge.
- Pathway to permanent settlement (ILR) after 5 years.
- Opportunities in one of the world’s most diverse job markets.
Official Resources
Conclusion
The UK Skilled Worker Visa provides a clear pathway for skilled migrants to live and work in the United Kingdom. By securing a job offer from an approved sponsor and meeting the salary threshold, applicants can unlock career opportunities in healthcare, technology, engineering, and education, while also moving closer to permanent settlement in the UK.