Key Takeaways
- To apply for a Skilled Worker visa, you must have a confirmed job offer from a licensed UK sponsor and hold a Certificate of Sponsorship.
- The minimum salary threshold is £41,700 per year as of 2026, or the going rate for the role, whichever is higher.
- English language requirements were raised to B2 on the CEFR scale from 8 January 2026.
- Processing times are currently around 3 weeks for applications made from outside the UK and 8 weeks for in-country applications.
The UK Skilled Worker visa is the main route for people outside the UK (and the EEA, following the end of free movement) to work in eligible professional roles. The process is structured around a points-based system, and understanding exactly what you need before you apply saves time and reduces the risk of a refusal.
This guide explains the eligibility requirements, how the application works and what has changed in 2026. Our UK immigration solicitors at Osbourne Pinner offer a free 30-minute consultation and can advise on your specific situation.
Who Is the Skilled Worker Visa For?
The Skilled Worker visa is for people from outside the UK who have a job offer from a licensed UK sponsor in an eligible role. The role must generally be at RQF level 6 or above (graduate level), though some roles at lower levels remain eligible under transitional arrangements or where they appear on relevant shortage occupation lists.
British and Irish citizens, and those with settled status or indefinite leave to remain, do not need a Skilled Worker visa to work in the UK. The route is primarily used by nationals of countries outside the European Economic Area and Switzerland, as well as EEA nationals who did not obtain settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme.
Step 1: Secure a Job Offer and Certificate of Sponsorship
Before you can apply, your employer must hold a sponsor licence. Once you have accepted a job offer, the employer assigns a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) through the Home Office Sponsor Management System. The CoS has a unique reference number that you will use in your visa application.
The CoS must correctly state your role, your salary, your start date and your job code. Errors on the CoS can delay your application or lead to refusal. From 8 April 2026, the date stated on the CoS (rather than the date of your visa application) is used to calculate your qualifying period for Indefinite Leave to Remain. This is an important change for those planning their route to settlement.
Step 2: Meet the Salary Requirement
As of 2026, the general minimum salary for a Skilled Worker visa is £41,700 per year, or the going rate for your specific role, whichever is higher. Going rates are set by the Home Office for each eligible occupation code and are updated periodically.
A key change introduced from 8 April 2026 affects how salary compliance is assessed. Previously, employers could rely on an annual salary figure. Under the new rules, the required salary must be met in each individual pay period. If you are paid monthly, your gross pay in each month must meet the threshold. Averaging across the year is no longer permitted. This affects workers with irregular hours and those with variable pay structures.
Step 3: Demonstrate English Language Ability
The English language requirement was raised from B1 to B2 on the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) scale from 8 January 2026. This applies to new applicants who need to evidence English through a test.
You can meet the requirement by passing an approved Secure English Language Test at B2 level, by holding a degree that was taught in English and that meets Home Office evidential requirements, or by having studied at a UK school while under 18 and obtained a relevant GCSE or equivalent qualification in English.
Step 4: Gather Your Supporting Documents
Before starting your online application, you will need to gather:
- Your Certificate of Sponsorship reference number
- Your current passport or travel document
- Evidence of your English language proficiency
- Bank statements showing at least £1,270 in savings (unless your employer certifies they will cover your maintenance)
- Evidence of any qualifications required for the role
Step 5: Submit Your Online Application and Pay the Fees
Applications are made through the GOV.UK visa application portal. You will be asked to upload your supporting documents, confirm the details from your CoS and pay the visa fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
The IHS gives you access to the NHS during your stay and is paid for the full duration of your visa at the point of application. The surcharge amount has increased in recent years and should be checked on the GOV.UK website when you apply, as it varies depending on your visa length and circumstances.
Step 6: Attend a Biometrics Appointment
After submitting your application online, you will need to attend a biometrics appointment at a visa application centre to provide your fingerprints and photograph. If you are applying from outside the UK, the appointment will be at a visa centre in your country. If you are applying from inside the UK, it will be at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) centre.
How Long Does the Application Take?
As of April 2026, the standard processing time is around 3 weeks for applications made from outside the UK and 8 weeks for applications made from inside the UK. Priority processing is available at additional cost in many countries and can reduce the outside-UK timeline to around 5 working days. If you need to start work on a specific date, factor these timelines in when planning your application.
See also: Switching Visas Within the UK
Speak to an Immigration Solicitor about Your Skilled Worker Visa Application
A visa refusal can set your plans back significantly and, depending on your circumstances, may affect future applications. The eligibility rules and documentary requirements for a Skilled Worker visa are detailed, and errors or omissions in an application are a common cause of unnecessary delays and refusals.
At Osbourne Pinner, our UK immigration solicitors advise both individuals and employers on Skilled Worker visa applications. We can review your eligibility, check your documents before submission and advise on the April 2026 changes to salary compliance and English language requirements.
Please note that this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. We always recommend speaking to a qualified solicitor for advice tailored to your specific circumstances.
We offer a free 30-minute consultation to discuss your situation. You can speak with us via video call or visit our offices in Harrow, Canary Wharf, Piccadilly Circus or Manchester. To arrange your consultation, call 0203 983 5080, email [email protected] or complete the form below.
