The UK Skilled Worker Visa is the primary route for overseas nationals who have a job offer from a licensed UK employer. It replaced the Tier 2 (General) visa in December 2020 and has undergone significant changes since, most recently in July 2025 when major reforms raised both the salary threshold and the minimum skill level required for eligible roles. This guide explains the current requirements for 2026, who qualifies, what employers need to do, and how the application works.
What the Skilled Worker Visa allows
The Skilled Worker Visa allows you to live and work in the UK in a specific role with a specific licensed sponsor employer. You can bring your partner and dependent children with you — subject to the conditions explained below. After five years of continuous residence on the Skilled Worker route, you become eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain.
The July 2025 reforms — what changed
The most significant overhaul of the Skilled Worker route since Brexit took effect on 22 July 2025. The reforms had two headline effects: the minimum skill level for eligible roles was raised from RQF Level 3 (A-level equivalent) to RQF Level 6 (degree level), and the general salary threshold was increased to £41,700. These changes removed approximately 180 previously eligible occupations from the standard route and significantly increased the minimum pay required for sponsorship.
Core eligibility requirements
A job offer from a licensed sponsor
You must have a confirmed job offer from a UK employer who holds a valid Skilled Worker sponsor licence. The employer assigns you a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) — a unique digital reference number confirming details of the role, salary, and the employer’s licence — which you use when submitting your visa application. You cannot apply for a Skilled Worker Visa without a CoS.
The role must be at RQF Level 6 or above
From 22 July 2025, the role must be classified at RQF Level 6 — degree level — or above to qualify for sponsorship under the standard Skilled Worker route. Roles below this level are only eligible if they appear on the Immigration Salary List (ISL) or the new Temporary Shortage List (TSL), which covers a limited number of critical shortage occupations at RQF Levels 3 to 5. The ISL is due to expire in December 2026.
Workers in RQF 3-5 roles who were already sponsored before 22 July 2025 are protected by transitional arrangements, which allow them to extend their visa and switch employers within eligible occupations until July 2028. However, no new RQF 3-5 sponsorships outside the shortage lists are permitted.
Salary requirements
The salary must be the higher of the general threshold or the going rate for the specific occupation code. For new applicants from 22 July 2025:
- General threshold (Option A): £41,700 per year or 100% of the going rate for the role, whichever is higher
- Relevant PhD (Option B): £37,500 or 90% of the going rate, whichever is higher
- PhD in a STEM subject (Option C): £33,400 or 80% of the going rate, whichever is higher
- New entrant (Option E): £33,400 or 70% of the going rate, whichever is higher
A new entrant is generally someone under 26, within the first year after completing a UK degree, or switching from a Student or Graduate Visa. New entrant rates can only be used for the first grant of leave — at extension stage, the full threshold must be met.
Only guaranteed contractual salary counts towards these thresholds. Bonuses, tips, commission, or any element that is not contractually guaranteed cannot be included in the calculation.
English language — B2 from January 2026
For new Skilled Worker applications made on or after 8 January 2026, the English language requirement has increased to CEFR B2 level — a higher standard than the B1 previously required. The B2 requirement applies to first-time applicants. Those extending an existing Skilled Worker visa may be subject to different rules depending on when their original visa was granted. Verify the specific requirement for your situation before applying.
Dependants
You can bring your partner and dependent children to the UK — but only if your role is at RQF Level 6 or above. Workers sponsored in RQF 3-5 roles via the ISL or TSL cannot bring new dependants to the UK. Existing families of workers already in the UK in these roles before 22 July 2025 are protected.
How to apply
The Skilled Worker Visa application is made online through the UKVI portal. You will need your Certificate of Sponsorship reference number, passport, evidence of English language ability, and any other supporting documents required for your specific role — which may include a criminal record certificate, TB test certificate (depending on your country), and academic credentials.
The application fee depends on the length of the visa and whether you are applying from inside or outside the UK. For a Skilled Worker visa of up to 3 years made from outside the UK, the fee is £769. For a visa over 3 years made from outside the UK, the fee is £1,618. In-country applications are £885 for up to 3 years and £1,872 for over 3 years. You also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge of £1,035 per year upfront.
Processing times
Standard processing for Skilled Worker applications made from outside the UK is typically around 3 weeks. For in-country applications, standard processing is around 8 weeks. Priority and super-priority services are available at additional cost of £500 and £1,000 respectively.
The route to ILR
After five years of continuous lawful residence on the Skilled Worker route, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain. At ILR stage, your salary must still meet the applicable threshold — assessed against the going rates in force at the date of the ILR application, not the rates that applied when you were first sponsored. This means workers in roles where going rates have increased significantly since their original visa may need to ensure their salary has kept pace.
After ILR you can apply for British citizenship after 12 months, or immediately if married to a British citizen and meeting the residence requirements.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum salary for a Skilled Worker Visa in 2026?
The general minimum salary is £41,700 per year or the going rate for the occupation code, whichever is higher. This has applied to new applications from 22 July 2025. Reduced thresholds of £37,500 and £33,400 apply in specific circumstances — relevant PhD holders, STEM PhD holders, and new entrants. Only guaranteed contractual salary counts.
What is the minimum skill level required for a Skilled Worker Visa in 2026?
Roles must be at RQF Level 6 — degree level — or above for the standard route. This requirement took effect on 22 July 2025, removing approximately 180 previously eligible occupations. Limited exceptions apply for roles on the Immigration Salary List or Temporary Shortage List, which cover certain critical shortage roles at RQF Levels 3 to 5.
Can I bring my family on a Skilled Worker Visa?
Yes, if your role is at RQF Level 6 or above. Workers in RQF 3-5 roles sponsored via the ISL or TSL cannot bring new dependants to the UK. Existing families of workers already sponsored in these roles before 22 July 2025 are protected under transitional arrangements.
I am currently on a Skilled Worker Visa in an RQF 3-5 role. Am I affected by the July 2025 changes?
If you were already sponsored before 22 July 2025, you are protected by transitional arrangements and can extend your visa and switch employers within eligible occupations until July 2028. You cannot, however, be sponsored in a new RQF 3-5 role that is not on one of the shortage lists. Take legal advice before making any changes to your sponsorship to ensure you remain within the transitional protections.
How long does a Skilled Worker Visa application take?
From outside the UK, standard processing is typically around 3 weeks. From inside the UK, standard processing is around 8 weeks. Priority service (£500) targets 5 working days and super-priority (£1,000) targets the next working day.
JPS Immigration advises employers and workers on Skilled Worker Visa eligibility, sponsor licence applications, and compliance. Call +44 (0) 333 577 0034 or visit jpsimmigration.com/assessment for a free initial assessment.
