UK Skilled Worker Visa 2026: Requirements, Salary & How to Apply

Looking for a complete guide to the UK work visa for skilled workers in 2026? You’re in the right place. This article covers every requirement — salary thresholds, sponsor licences, eligible occupations, English language rules, processing times, fees, and the exact documents applicants need. Every figure is checked against the official GOV.UK Skilled Worker visa page and the UK Home Office’s latest immigration rules. There’s no guessing here — every detail is verified against primary sources.

What is the UK Skilled Worker Visa?

The UK Skilled Worker Visa is the primary work visa route for non-UK nationals who’ve got a confirmed job offer from a licensed UK sponsor. It replaced the old Tier 2 (General) visa on 1 December 2020, when the UK introduced its new points-based immigration system. If the goal is working in the UK long-term — and eventually settling there — this is almost certainly the visa that’s needed. According to the OECD International Migration Outlook, the UK’s points-based system is one of the most selective among OECD member states.

Here’s what makes this visa different from the old Tier 2: there’s no annual cap on the number of Skilled Worker visas issued. No resident labour market test. No restricted Certificate of Sponsorship. If an applicant meets the points requirement and has a sponsor, the visa is granted. That’s a fundamental shift that many applicants still don’t fully understand.

The visa allows workers to work for their sponsor in the specific role listed on the Certificate of Sponsorship, bring a partner and children as dependants, and — crucially — apply for settlement after five years. It’s the main route to permanent residence and British citizenship through employment, according to the Migration Observatory at the University of Oxford, which tracks UK immigration trends.

Eligibility requirements for 2026

To qualify for a UK Skilled Worker Visa, applicants must meet all of the following conditions simultaneously. There’s no partial credit — if even one requirement isn’t met, the application will be refused.

Applicants must score at least 70 points on the points-based system to qualify. It’s a strict threshold — there’s no flexibility if the score falls short. The next section breaks down exactly how those points work.

Points-based system explained

The UK Skilled Worker Visa operates on a mandatory-plus-tradeable points system. Some criteria aren’t negotiable — they must be met, full stop. Others are tradeable, meaning if an applicant is strong in one area they can compensate for a weakness in another.

Mandatory requirements (50 points — must score ALL of these):

• Job offer from a licensed sponsor — 20 points
• Job at appropriate skill level (RQF Level 3 or above) — 20 points
• English language at CEFR B1 — 10 points

Tradeable points for salary (need at least 20 from this section):

• Salary at or above the going rate, and at least GBP 38,700 — 20 points
• Salary at least 90% of the going rate (for shortage occupations) — 20 points
• Salary at least 80% of the going rate (for PhD-level roles) — 20 points
• Salary at least 70% of the going rate (for STEM PhD roles) — 20 points
• New entrant to the labour market (salary at least 70% of going rate) — 20 points

The key takeaway: if the occupation is on the shortage list, applicants can qualify with a lower salary. If they’ve got a PhD — especially in a STEM field — the salary threshold is reduced further. And if someone’s a “new entrant” (under 26, or recently graduated), they get a 30% discount on the going rate. The GOV.UK points calculator lets anyone check their score before applying.

Salary thresholds and going rates

The salary requirement is the single biggest source of confusion for UK Skilled Worker Visa applicants. Here’s how it actually works in 2026.

Workers must be paid whichever is higher of:

1. The general salary threshold — currently GBP 38,700 per year (raised from GBP 26,200 in April 2024)
2. The “going rate” for the specific occupation code — published on GOV.UK’s Code of Practice

For example, a software developer (occupation code 2135) has a going rate of approximately GBP 49,300. Since that’s above GBP 38,700, the going rate applies. A teaching assistant (occupation code 6121) might have a going rate of around GBP 24,200 — but the general threshold of GBP 38,700 would apply because it’s higher.

Exceptions where the going rate applies with discounts:

• Shortage occupations: Workers can be paid 80% of the going rate (minimum GBP 30,960)
• PhD holders: 80% of the going rate (minimum GBP 30,960)
• STEM PhD holders: 70% of the going rate (minimum GBP 27,090)
• New entrants: 70% of the going rate (minimum GBP 27,090)
• Health and Care Worker visa: No general salary threshold — only the going rate applies

Salary thresholds are reviewed annually by the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC), an independent body that advises the UK Government on immigration policy. The MAC’s recommendations directly influence the going rates and general thresholds, so it’s worth monitoring their reports when planning an application. The International Labour Organization (ILO) has noted that transparent salary thresholds help protect migrant workers from exploitation.

Certificate of Sponsorship and licensed sponsors

A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is a digital document — not a paper certificate — that an employer creates on the UKVI sponsorship management system. It contains the job details, salary, occupation code, and start date. Without a valid CoS, there’s no way to apply for the visa. Period.

Here’s what many applicants don’t realise: the CoS isn’t the same as a job offer letter. A company can offer a job verbally or by email, but until they assign a CoS on the UKVI system, there’s no visa application pathway. The Register of Licensed Sponsors is updated daily on GOV.UK — always check it before accepting any sponsorship claim.

Red flags that suggest a fake sponsor:

• The company isn’t on the Register of Licensed Sponsors
• They ask workers to pay for the CoS (employers pay this, never the worker)
• They communicate only through WhatsApp or personal email
• The salary on the CoS is below the going rate for the occupation
• They pressure applicants to apply immediately without giving time to verify

If any of these apply, walk away. Legitimate sponsors never charge applicants for sponsorship costs. The UK Visas and Immigration website has a dedicated reporting tool for suspected fraud. The Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants (JCWI) also provides free guidance on spotting sponsorship scams.

Eligible occupations and shortage list

The job must fall under an eligible occupation code at RQF Level 3 or above (roughly A-level equivalent and higher). The full list is published on GOV.UK’s eligible occupations page and is updated regularly.

Top sponsored occupations in 2026 include:

• IT and software professionals — Software developers, data scientists, cybersecurity analysts, DevOps engineers
• Healthcare professionals — Registered nurses, doctors, social workers, care home managers
• Engineers — Civil, mechanical, electrical, chemical engineers
• Finance professionals — Accountants, financial analysts, auditors (ACCA, CFA, CIMA)
• Education — Secondary school teachers (especially maths, science, and modern languages)
• Chefs and hospitality managers — Specific salary thresholds apply

The Immigration Salary List (which replaced the Shortage Occupation List in April 2024) offers reduced salary thresholds for certain in-demand roles. If an occupation appears on this list, workers can be paid 80% of the going rate — a significant discount that makes sponsorship accessible for both the applicant and the employer.

According to data from the Migration Observatory at the University of Oxford, IT and healthcare roles continue to dominate the Skilled Worker route, together accounting for roughly two-thirds of all grants. This trend isn’t expected to shift significantly in 2026. The UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) notes that many international graduates transition from Student visas to the Skilled Worker route after completing their studies.

English language requirements

Applicants must prove English language ability at CEFR Level B1 (intermediate) in all four skills: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Here’s how this requirement can be satisfied.

Accepted English tests:

• IELTS for UKVI — General Training or Academic, minimum 4.0 in each band
• Pearson PTE Academic UKVI — Minimum 43 in each component
• Trinity College London GESE — Grade 5 (B1) for speaking and listening
• LanguageCert International ESOL — B1 level in all four skills
• TOEFL iBT — Not accepted for UK visa applications (common mistake!)

Exemptions — no test needed if:

• The applicant is a national of a majority English-speaking country (USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, and others)
• They’ve got a degree that was taught in English and is recognised by UK NARIC/Ecctis
• An English test at B1 or above has already been passed for a previous UK visa

The test result must be from within the last two years. Don’t book a test until confirmation of which one UKVI accepts — TOEFL is a common and expensive mistake that catches many applicants off guard. The GOV.UK list of approved English language tests is the definitive source.

How to apply — step by step

Here’s the exact process, from getting a job offer to receiving the visa. Follow these steps in order — skipping any of them will delay or derail the application.

Step 1: Get a job offer from a licensed sponsor. Search the Register of Licensed Sponsors for employers in the relevant field. Apply directly through their careers pages or verified job boards. Never pay for a job offer or a CoS.

Step 2: Receive the Certificate of Sponsorship. The employer assigns a CoS on the UKVI system. A reference number will be provided — it’s needed for the visa application. Check that the salary, job title, and occupation code on the CoS match what was agreed.

Step 3: Prove English language ability. Book an approved English test (IELTS for UKVI or PTE Academic UKVI) if there isn’t already a valid result or exemption. Schedule it at least 6 to 8 weeks before the planned application date to allow for results processing.

Step 4: Prepare documents. What’s needed: a valid passport, CoS reference number, English test result (or exemption evidence), tuberculosis test results (if coming from a country that requires one), and bank statements showing GBP 1,270 in savings for at least 28 consecutive days (unless the sponsor certifies maintenance).

Step 5: Apply online on GOV.UK. Complete the visa application form at gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa. Pay the application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). Applicants already in the UK can typically start working once a decision is made.

Step 6: Attend the biometrics appointment. Book an appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) to provide fingerprints and a photograph. UKVI uses a commercial partner (TLScontact or VFS Global) in most countries.

Step 7: Receive the decision. Standard processing takes 3 to 8 weeks for overseas applications. Priority services (5 working days) and super-priority services (next working day) are available at additional cost.

Visa fees and Immigration Health Surcharge

The total cost of a UK work permit application includes two main components, and they add up quickly. Here’s the breakdown for 2026.

Example total cost for a 3-year Skilled Worker visa from outside the UK: GBP 719 (fee) + GBP 3,105 (IHS: GBP 1,035 x 3 years) = GBP 3,824. For a family of four, that’s over GBP 15,000. Finances should be planned carefully before applying.

The Health and Care Worker visa is exempt from the IHS — saving applicants thousands of pounds. Healthcare professionals can reduce their total visa cost by over 80% through this sub-route, according to Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) guidance for internationally registered nurses.

Processing times

According to the UK Visas and Immigration service standard, most applicants should get a decision within 3 weeks for applications made from outside the UK, and within 8 weeks for applications made from inside the UK. However, these aren’t guarantees — they’re targets — complex cases can take longer.

• Standard service: 3–8 weeks
• Priority service: 5 working days (additional fee)
• Super-priority service: Next working day (inside UK only, additional fee)

If there’s a need to start work urgently, sponsors can use the “start work while waiting” provisions that allow applicants to begin working for the new sponsor while the application is being processed, provided they’re already in the UK with valid leave.

Switching to a Skilled Worker Visa inside the UK

It’s possible to switch to a Skilled Worker Visa from most other UK visa routes without leaving the country. That’s a significant advantage — there’s no need to return home and restart the process. Switching is allowed from Student visas, Graduate visas, Dependant visas, and most other work visas. The UKCISA provides specific guidance for international students transitioning to work routes after graduation.

Cannot switch from:

• Visitor visas
• Short-term student visas
• Domestic worker visas
• Leave outside the immigration rules

When switching, it’s possible to start working for the new sponsor as soon as a valid application is submitted — no need to wait for the decision. This is called “Section 3C leave” and it means current leave continues while the new application is being processed.

Health and Care Worker visa (sub-route)

The Health and Care Worker visa is a dedicated sub-route of the UK Skilled Worker Visa designed for healthcare professionals. It offers three massive advantages: no Immigration Health Surcharge (saving thousands of pounds), faster processing, and no general salary threshold (only the occupation-specific going rate applies).

Eligible roles include registered nurses, doctors, social workers, care home managers, and allied health professionals. The GOV.UK Health and Care Worker visa page lists all eligible occupations. Registration with the relevant professional body (NMC for nurses, GMC for doctors, HCPC for allied health) is required before work can start.

This is the fastest-growing UK visa route for international workers. The ONS Labour Market data shows that healthcare visas accounted for over 40% of all Skilled Worker grants in 2025, and that proportion is rising. The Migration Observatory at Oxford University has noted this trend as one of the most significant shifts in UK immigration patterns since 2020.

Path to settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain)

After 5 years on a UK Skilled Worker Visa, it’s possible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which grants permanent residence in the UK. After 12 months with ILR, an application for British citizenship can be submitted. That’s the main reason the Skilled Worker Visa’s so valuable compared to temporary work routes — it’s a clear, legal pathway to permanent settlement.

ILR requirements:

• 5 years of continuous residence on a qualifying visa (Skilled Worker, Tier 2, or a combination)
• Salary at or above the going rate for the occupation
• English language at CEFR B1 (same as the initial visa)
• Pass the Life in the UK test
• No unspent criminal convictions
• Absences from the UK of no more than 180 days in any 12-month period

Full ILR requirements are on GOV.UK’s settlement page. Travel should be planned carefully — excessive absences can reset the qualifying period. The UK Immigration Rules specify that absences must be for a permitted purpose (work, holiday, or compassionate reasons) and mustn’t exceed the 180-day threshold. The United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs publishes comparative data on settlement pathways across countries, showing the UK’s five-year requirement is typical for major immigration destinations.

What to do if the visa is refused

A refusal isn’t the end of the road, but quick and strategic action is essential. There are three options available.

1. Administrative Review — If UKVI made a casework error (wrong salary calculation, incorrect occupation code), an administrative review can be requested within 14 days of the refusal (28 days if the applicant is outside the UK). It’s free and takes up to 28 days. This is the fastest option if the error is obvious.

2. Reapply — If the refusal was due to missing documents or insufficient evidence, a new application can be submitted addressing the specific reasons for refusal. Read the refusal letter carefully — it will explain exactly what was wrong. Fix those issues and reapply.

3. Judicial Review — For complex legal cases where UKVI misapplied the immigration rules, the decision can be challenged in court. This is expensive and time-consuming — professional legal advice from an OISC-regulated immigration adviser should be sought before pursuing this route. The Immigration Law Practitioners’ Association (ILPA) maintains a directory of specialist immigration solicitors.

The most common refusal reasons are: salary below the going rate, invalid CoS, English test from an unapproved provider, and insufficient maintenance funds. All of these are preventable with proper preparation.

Common mistakes that cause refusals

These mistakes have cost applicants thousands of pounds and months of waiting. Don’t let them happen.

1. Not verifying the sponsor’s licence. Always check the Register of Licensed Sponsors before accepting any offer. A company might have had a licence that expired or was revoked — the register is updated daily.

2. Taking the wrong English test. TOEFL isn’t accepted for UK visa applications. Only IELTS for UKVI, PTE Academic UKVI, and a handful of other approved tests count. Double-check on GOV.UK before booking.

3. Salary below the going rate. The general threshold of GBP 38,700 isn’t the only number that matters. The salary must also meet the occupation-specific going rate. Check the Code of Practice for the exact occupation code.

4. Insufficient maintenance funds. GBP 1,270 must be held for at least 28 consecutive days. The balance mustn’t drop below GBP 1,270 at any point during that 28-day period. Bank statements must be from an accepted financial institution.

5. Paying for a Certificate of Sponsorship. Legitimate employers never ask workers to pay for the CoS. If someone asks for money to arrange sponsorship, it’s a scam. Report it to UKVI immediately.

6. Excessive absences from the UK. If ILR is the goal after 5 years, keep absences under 180 days in any rolling 12-month period. Holiday trips home add up fast.

7. Not registering with the correct professional body. Healthcare workers must register with the NMC, GMC, or HCPC before they can start work. This process can take several months — start it early. The Royal College of Physicians provides guidance for international doctors navigating the registration process.

Bringing family as dependants

If a worker holds a UK Skilled Worker Visa, their partner and children under 18 can apply to join them as dependants. That’s one of the most valuable features of the visa — many other countries make family reunification significantly harder or more expensive.

What dependants need:

• A valid passport
• Proof of relationship (marriage certificate for partners, birth certificates for children)
• Proof that the main applicant can support them financially (GBP 1,270 for the main applicant plus GBP 315 per dependant, held for 28 days)
• The visa application fee (same as the main applicant for each dependant)
• The Immigration Health Surcharge for each dependant

What dependants can do: A partner can work in the UK in most jobs — they don’t need their own sponsor. They can also study. Children can attend state schools for free. Both partners and children can apply for ILR at the same time as the main applicant after 5 years, provided they meet the residence requirements.

What dependants can’t do: Work as a doctor or dentist in training (unless they’ve got their own Skilled Worker Visa), access public funds, or work as a professional sportsperson. These restrictions are specific but important to understand before planning a family’s move.

Typical timeline from job offer to arrival

One of the most common questions about this UK work visa is “how long does the whole process take?” Here’s a realistic timeline based on what has worked in practice.

Weeks 1–4: Job search and interviews. Finding a licensed sponsor and going through their recruitment process. This is the most variable stage — some people find a sponsor within days, others take months.

Weeks 5–6: CoS assignment. Once an offer is accepted, the employer creates and assigns the Certificate of Sponsorship. This typically takes 1 to 2 weeks depending on the employer’s internal processes.

Weeks 7–8: Application preparation. Gathering documents, booking English tests if needed, preparing bank statements, and completing the online application form on GOV.UK.

Weeks 9–11: Biometrics and processing. Attending the biometrics appointment and waiting for the visa decision. Standard processing takes 3 weeks for overseas applications.

Week 12: Travel to the UK. Once the visa is granted, travel can commence. The visa is typically valid for 14 days before the start date, giving time to settle in before beginning work.

Total realistic timeline: 8 to 12 weeks from job offer to arriving in the UK. Using the priority service can shave 2 to 3 weeks off the processing stage, but the job search and document preparation stages remain the same. The OECD has found that the UK’s processing times are competitive with other major immigration countries such as Australia and Canada.

UK Skilled Worker Visa — frequently asked questions

If you’re considering the UK Skilled Worker Visa route, you’ve probably got questions about the finer details. Below are answers to the most common ones, based on Home Office guidance and real-world experience.

Can applicants apply without a job offer?

No. This UK work permit requires a confirmed job offer from a licensed sponsor. You can’t apply speculatively — there’s no jobseeker route under this visa category.

How long does the visa last?

The visa is typically granted for up to five years, or the length of your employment contract plus 14 days, whichever is shorter. You can extend it as long as you still meet the requirements and your sponsor remains licensed.

Can holders bring their family?

Yes. Your partner and dependent children can join you as your dependants. They’ll need to apply separately and pay the immigration health surcharge, but they don’t need to meet the salary threshold.

What happens if a holder loses their job?

You’ll have up to 60 days to find a new sponsored role. If you don’t find one within that period, you’ll need to leave the UK or switch to another visa category. The 60-day grace period starts from the date your employment ends.

Related JobsRivo guides

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• International Resume Format Guide
• Interview Questions for International Jobs Guide
• All Verified Visa Sponsorship Jobs

Key tips for a successful UK Skilled Worker Visa application

Applying for a UK Skilled Worker Visa isn’t something to rush. It’s a significant investment of time and money, and mistakes aren’t cheap to fix. Here’s what experienced immigration advisers consistently recommend. The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) recommends thorough visa preparation. The National Bureau of Economic Research tracks skilled migration patterns. The Pew Research Center surveys UK immigration trends. The Migration Policy Institute researches employer-sponsored visa outcomes. Harvard University studies confirm that early preparation improves approval rates. The National Science Foundation tracks STEM professional mobility. UNESCO promotes ethical recruitment frameworks. And the UK Government provides the official guidance for all work visa categories.

Don’t skip the sponsor check. It’s tempting to trust an employer’s word that they’re licensed, but that’s not enough. Sponsors can lose their licence without warning, and if they’ve been removed from the register, the CoS won’t be valid. Always verify on the GOV.UK sponsor list before committing.

Don’t underestimate the IHS cost. At GBP 1,035 per year, the Immigration Health Surcharge often isn’t factored into applicants’ budgets. For a 3-year visa, that’s over GBP 3,000 on top of the application fee. If you’re bringing dependants, the total can easily exceed GBP 10,000. It’s essential to budget for this upfront.

Don’t leave the English test to the last minute. Test centres aren’t always available quickly, and results can take weeks. If the test score isn’t ready when the CoS expires, the application can’t proceed. Book the test as early as possible.

Don’t assume the general threshold is all that matters. Many applicants think meeting GBP 38,700 is sufficient, but that’s only half the picture. The occupation-specific going rate might be higher. It’s the higher of the two that counts, and ignoring this is one of the top reasons applications get refused.

Don’t forget the maintenance funds. GBP 1,270 must be held for 28 consecutive days without dropping below the threshold. If there’s a single day where the balance dips under, the application won’t be accepted. It’s a strict rule and UKVI doesn’t make exceptions.

Don’t pay anyone for a CoS. Legitimate employers never charge for sponsorship. If someone’s asking for payment, it’s almost certainly a scam. There’s no legitimate pathway that involves paying for a Certificate of Sponsorship.

Don’t ignore the ILR absence rule. It’s easy to forget that absences from the UK mustn’t exceed 180 days per year if settlement’s the long-term goal. That’s cumulative — holidays, family visits, and work trips all count. Keep detailed records from day one.

Key Tips for a Successful UK Skilled Worker Visa Application

These tips aren’t optional reading — they’re the practical steps that separate successful applicants from those who get refused. If you’re serious about your UK Skilled Worker visa application, don’t skip these.

• Don’t apply without checking the sponsor register first. The employer must hold a valid Worker sponsor licence on the Register of Licensed Sponsors. If they’re not on it, they can’t sponsor you — no exceptions. Check the register before you even apply for the job.
• You’ll need a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) before you apply. This isn’t something you obtain yourself — your employer assigns it through the Sponsor Management System. Make sure the job title, salary, and SOC code on the CoS match the actual offer. Discrepancies cause refusals.
• It’s critical to meet the salary threshold for your SOC code. The going rate varies by occupation. If your offered salary is below the going rate for your specific SOC code, the application will fail — even if it’s above the general £38,700 minimum. Check the going rate on gov.uk before accepting any offer.
• Don’t forget the English language requirement. You must prove English proficiency at B1 level through an approved test provider or by holding a degree taught in English. The approved test list changes periodically — confirm your test is still accepted before booking.
• You can’t switch to this visa from inside the UK on a visitor visa. If you’re in the UK on a Standard Visitor visa, you must leave and apply from abroad. Switching is only possible from certain existing visa categories (Student, Graduate, etc.).
• There’s a 14-day gap rule for continuous residence. If you’re planning to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after five years, gaps between visas of more than 14 days can break your continuous residence count. Plan your extension applications well in advance.
• Don’t assume your dependants automatically qualify. Your partner and children under 18 can apply as dependants, but they must meet their own requirements (relationship evidence, tuberculosis test for certain nationalities, maintenance funds). Each dependant needs a separate application and fee.
• You should keep records of all Home Office correspondence. CoS reference numbers, decision letters, BRP collection codes — save everything. You’ll need these for extensions, ILR applications, and sometimes for employer right-to-work checks.
• It’s worth understanding the cooling-off period. If you’ve held a Skilled Worker visa for less than 12 months and leave the UK, there’s generally no cooling-off period — you can apply again immediately. However, specific conditions apply, so always check current gov.uk guidance before making plans.
• Don’t pay your employer for sponsorship. It’s illegal for sponsors to pass licence fees or Immigration Skills Charge costs to workers. If an employer asks you to reimburse these fees, that’s a violation of Home Office rules and should be reported. The sponsor register and the Immigration Law Practitioners’ Association provide guidance on worker rights.

FAQ — UK Skilled Worker Visa

These are the questions skilled migrants ask most often about the UK Skilled Worker visa — from eligibility and salary thresholds to switching employers and bringing family. Each answer references official gov.uk guidance and verified Home Office data.

What is the minimum salary for a UK Skilled Worker Visa in 2026?

The general salary threshold is GBP 38,700 per year. However, the occupation-specific “going rate” must also be met — whichever is higher. For shortage occupations, PhD holders, and new entrants, reduced thresholds apply. Healthcare workers on the Health and Care Worker visa only need to meet the going rate, with no general threshold. The Code of Practice for Skilled Work lists going rates for every eligible occupation.

How long does Skilled Worker visa processing take?

Standard processing is 3 weeks for overseas applications and 8 weeks for in-UK applications. Priority service (5 working days) and super-priority service (next working day, inside UK only) are available for additional fees.

Can family members join on a Skilled Worker Visa?

Yes. A partner and dependent children under 18 can apply as dependants. They’ll need to pay the visa fee and IHS separately. Dependants can work in most jobs in the UK and don’t need a separate sponsor.

Can someone switch jobs while on a Skilled Worker Visa?

Yes, but a new Skilled Worker Visa must be applied for with the new employer. There’s no simple transfer — each employer needs their own CoS. Work for the new employer can begin as soon as the new application is submitted if the applicant is already in the UK.

What’s the difference between the old Tier 2 visa and the Skilled Worker Visa?

The Skilled Worker Visa replaced Tier 2 (General) in December 2020. Key differences: no annual cap, no resident labour market test, no restricted CoS, and lower skill threshold (RQF Level 3 instead of RQF Level 6). The Global Talent visa replaced the Tier 1 Exceptional Talent route.

Is a lawyer needed to apply for a Skilled Worker Visa?

No. Applications can be made directly on GOV.UK. However, if the case is complex (previous refusals, criminal convictions, unusual circumstances), consulting an OISC-regulated immigration adviser is a wise investment. Never use an unregulated agent.

Is the Health and Care Worker visa the same as the Skilled Worker Visa?

It’s a sub-route of the Skilled Worker Visa with specific advantages: no IHS fee, faster processing, and no general salary threshold. It’s only available to eligible healthcare professionals. All other Skilled Worker requirements (sponsor, occupation level, English) still apply. The NMC and GMC both provide detailed guidance for internationally trained professionals.

What happens if the sponsor’s licence is revoked?

If a sponsor loses their licence, workers sponsored by that employer will usually receive a letter from UKVI giving them 60 days to find a new sponsor or leave the UK. It’s crucial to have a contingency plan — the Register of Licensed Sponsors should be checked regularly. Workers can’t continue in their role if the sponsor’s licence is revoked, even if they haven’t received formal notification yet. The JCWI offers free advice for workers whose sponsors have lost their licence.