UK Skilled Worker Visa 2025: Step-by-Step Guide & Latest Salary Changes

If you are planning to settle and work in the UK you must be aware of the requirement for a skilled worker visa in UK. Working in the UK is surely a rewarding experience with higher standards of living, better pay and lots of opportunities and work benefits. Nevertheless, one should always remain up-to-date with the latest guidelines for the work routes in the UK. This is utterly important for the smooth flow of events and to ensure that there is no misinformation on your end.  

What is a Skilled Worker Visa in the UK?

A skilled worker visa is a visa stamp that allows you to enter/stay and work in the UK for the mentioned period of time. To avail of this visa, you must have first secured an eligible job in the UK and that too with an employer approved by the UK Home Office. 

Also, it is important to note here that the Tier 2 (General) work visa in the UK has been replaced by this visa. Hence, candidates who fall under the category must possess this visa to be eligible to work in the UK. 

How Can I Get UK Skilled Worker Visa?

The UK Skilled Worker Visa is one of the most sought-after UK visas. You can get this visa if you have received a job offer from an employer approved by the Home Office. Moreover, the employer must be sponsoring your visa and issue you a ‘certificate of sponsorship’ (CoS). You must also ensure that the job pays you the minimum required salary. 

To get a UK Skilled Worker Visa, ensure you meet the eligibility requirements and have the necessary documents. Thereafter, you can apply for the visa by visiting your nearest visa application centre. Follow the application process properly, and submit your application. Once you have received your visa, you can stay in the country for 5 years. After staying in the country for 5 years, you become eligible to become a permanent resident. 

What is the Minimum Qualification for a Skilled Worker Visa UK?

Without being eligible for the visa, you won’t be able to get through the visa process, it is hence mandatory to check your eligibility before applying and fulfilling any requirements that might be lacking. The UK Skilled Worker Visa eligibility criteria is as follows-

1. Must possess a work offer from a UK employer whom the UK Home Office approves. 
2. You must also have a certificate of visa sponsorship from your employer. This certificate must detail your job role in the organisation.
3. Additionally, your job role must be on the list of eligible occupations for a UK skilled worker visa.  
4. Moreover, your employer must be paying a fair amount to encompass your expenses of living in the UK. 
5. The minimum salary requirements mentioned by the UK Home Office are £26,200 per year or £10.75 per hour. 
6. Otherwise, it must be the minimum ‘going rate’ for the kind of job you have been shortlisted for. 
7. The job must also fall within the matrix UK rules for weekly working hours. 
8. There are different visas and rules for those in Healthcare. 
9. You must have a certain level of proven English proficiency. This includes the ability to speak, read, write and understand the English language. 

The table below showcases the UK Skilled Worker Visa eligibility criteria checklist:

UK Skilled Worker Visa Eligibility Criteria Checklist	Details
Job	You must work for a UK employer approved by the Home Office
Certificate of Sponsorship (COS)	The Employer must provide the COS. The certificate must contain the details of your job offer.
Eligible occupation	Your job must be an eligible occupation
Minimum Salary	Additionally, you must earn the minimum salary. That is EUR 38,700 per year or the going rate for the job you are doing
Acceptable Minimum Salary (for those in the healthcare and educational sectors only)	The minimum EUR 23,200, or the going rate for the job (whichever is higher).
Job offer	You must receive a job offer from the employer and know the occupation code. You can ask your employer for this.
Knowledge of English	Prove your English language skills. At least B1 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) scale.
Must not have a criminal record	Particularly if you want to work in the healthcare or social sector
Does not have TB	Need to prove the same by submitting a medical test
Finances	You must have a minimum bank balance to support your living expenses

*Applicants must note that, if your job does not fall under the skilled visa category, there might be another visa type that you would require to work in the UK. You can check the UK visa types and choose the one that is eligible for your work requirement. 

Also Read: Part-Time Jobs in UK for International Students

What is the Minimum Salary for a Skilled Worker Visa?

It is not sufficient to get a job offer. Your job must provide you with a minimum salary. If you are not offered the minimum required salary, you will not get a skilled worker visa!

Particulars	Minimum Required Salary for a Skilled Worker Visa
Minimum required salary for healthcare workers and those working in the educational sectors	Minimum EUR 23,200, or the going rate for the job (whichever is higher).
Minimum required salary for all other occupations	Additionally, you must earn the minimum salary. That is EUR 38,700 per year or the going rate for the job you are doing

Note- As per recent reports, the salary required can be increased from EUR 36,000 and to EUR 40,000 per year.

What is the English Requirement for a Skilled Worker visa?

One must know English up to level B1 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) scale to be eligible for a skilled worker visa. Eligible tests include. 

1. Secure English Language Test (SELT) 
2. GCSE, A-level
3. Scottish National Qualification level 4 or 5
4. Or a degree-level academic qualification in the English language.

Who is Not Eligible for a UK Skilled Worker Visa?

You are not eligible for a UK Skilled Worker Visa if you do not meet all the requirements. Some of the categories of people who are ineligible for a skilled worker visa are provided below:

1. If your occupation is not listed under the eligible occupation category
2. You are not offered the minimum salary
3. You have a criminal record 
4. Do not have the minimum bank balance required for a skilled worker visa
5. Your employer is not sponsoring your visa
6. You cannot speak in at least B1 level English
7. You have TB

Also Read: How to Get Visa Sponsorship Jobs in UK?

UK Skilled Worker Visa Requirements 2025

The UK Skileed Worker Visa application can be rejected if you miss even 1 document! Therefore, it is important to ensure that you meet the UK work visa requirements. The following are the requirements for a Skilled Worker Visa. 

UK Skilled Worker Visa Requirements 2025	Details
Certificate of Sponsorship	You can ask your employer for this
Proof of English language skills	For example, Clear IELTS/SELT exam
A passport	Your passport must be valid and must show your nationality
Job Title & Occupation Code	You must know your job title & occupation code. Your job must come under the list of eligible occupations
Annual salary	Submit proof of annual salary. For example, employment contract
Proof of Funds	Show your bank statements as proof
Proof of relationship	If your partner or child is applying with you, proof of relationship needs to be submitted. For example, the birth certificate of your child.
TB test results	Show this if you are from India
Criminal record certificate	To prove you have no criminal record
Valid ATAS certificate	If your employment requires it. For example, if you are a PHD student and researching a sensitive subject.

Note- Depending on your circumstances (For example, if you have lived in more than 1 country) you will have to submit additional documents.

Also Read: UK Visa Requirements for Indians

How to Apply for a Skilled Worker Visa in UK?

There are three subcategories to a skilled worker visa application in the UK. These include; 

1. Applying when you are outside the UK. 
2. Application for an extension of your current visa. 
3. Lastly, if you are applying to switch from another visa. 

Let’s discuss the three of them one by one. 

Steps to Apply for a Skilled Worker Visa UK

The UK skilled worker visa application process is listed below. The application process provided is for those who are applying from outside the United Kingdom.

Ensure You Meet the Requirements

The first step before applying for any visa is to ensure that you meet the visa requirements. You must make sure that you are meeting the eligibility criteria and the documentation requirements.

Gather the Documents

Your visa application will be 100% rejected if you miss any document. Therefore, you must gather all the documents beforehand. Get the documentation checklist from the visa application centre, and ensure that you are submitting all the documents.

Apply Online 

Create a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account. You can use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to upload your documents. For example, the passport. 

Submit Biometric Information

Schedule your appointment at a visa application centre and submit your biometric information. You may be asked to submit your visa fees on the same date (if you haven’t already done so). If there are any additional steps you need to take, you will be told.

Attend Visa Interview 

Since you are going to work, you are required to attend a visa interview. Prepare well in advance for the same. Also, bring your documents along with you. 

Get Your Skilled Woker Visa 

After the visa application is processed (it will take around 8 weeks), you will be informed of the same. You will know if your visa is approved or rejected. If your visa application is rejected, a rejection letter will be sent.

To learn about the UK Skilled worker visa COS allocation time, watch this video:

How Much Bank Balance is Required for a UK Skilled Worker Visa?

To get the UK Skilled Worker Visa, you must meet the minimum bank balance. The bank balance you need to get a Skilled Worker Visa is as follows:

Particulars	Minimum Bank Balance Required
Minimum bank balance you need	EUR 1,270 for 28 days in a row
Amount your family needs (if they are applying with you)	EUR 285 for your partner, EUR 315 for one child, and EUR 200 for each additional child

Note: Your sponsor is allowed to fund your living expenses for the first month. For up to EUR 1,270  

Decision on A Skilled Worker Visa Application

 As for application, you can make an application for a skilled worker visa about 3 months before your joining date. Getting a decision takes shorter if your affairs are sorted. In case you need an appointment to submit documents and biometrics, it can take a while longer.

Usually, it takes 3 weeks to get a decision on your visa application if you are applying from outside UK and 8 weeks if you are applying from inside the UK. An extra fee is charged to get your visa decision faster. 

How Much is the UK Visa Fee for Skilled Workers?

Finances are to be considered before applying for a visa in the UK; therefore, it is better to be aware of such expenditures. You will need funds for three main things, 

1. UK Visa fee, which can be somewhere between  EUR 719 to EUR 1,500. 
2. Immigration Health Surcharg,e which is EUR 624 per year. 
3. Proof of funds for sustenance. There should be at least EUR 1,270 in your account. 

Visa fees are charged under different conditions, 

1. If you are applying from outside UK, the fee is EUR 719 per person for up to 3 years and EUR 1,420 per person for more than 3 years. 
2. If you are applying from within the UK to extend or switch your visa then it will be £827 per person for up to 3 years and EUR 1,500 per person for more than 3 years. 
3. Moreover, if your job is in shortage on the occupation list the fee will be EUR 551 for up to 3 years and EUR 1,084 for more than 3 years. 

What is the Validity of a UK Skilled Worker Visa?

Initially, the validity of the skilled worker visa in the UK is 5 years. You can extend the visa or re-apply in case your employer or job changes. There is no limit to the number of extensions you can ask for on your visa as long as you match the eligibility criteria. However, you can also apply for other more permanent options, like Indefinite Leave to Remain after the expiration of this visa on completion of at least 5 years on the UK skilled worker visa. 

Why Would a Work Visa Be Denied to Indians?

Can the UK Skilled Worker Visa Be Extended?

Yes. Your UK Skilled Worker Visa can be extended. However, you must meet the requirements for the visa extension. That is, 

1. You have the same job as when you applied for the previous visa and with the same occupation code. 
2. Also, you must be working for the same employer who sponsored your visa application. 
3. If not, you will have to re-apply for a visa. 

How to Extend Your UK Skilled Worker Visa?

Follow the given steps to apply for an extension. 

1. Fill out an online application form for a visa extension. 
2. Do not leave the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man till the time your decision is pending. 
3. You might require a new certificate of sponsorship, so better be ready with it. 
4. Submit all required documents and pay the application fees. 
5. Schedule and attend the interview if necessary. 
6. Wait for the results.

Can I Switch to a Skilled Worker Visa?

Yes. You can switch to a skilled worker visa from another visa. To switch to a Skilled Worker Visa in the UK from any other visa, you will have to make sure you fulfil all the criteria based on the requirements of a skilled worker visa. This also includes English proficiency. If you are switching from a student visa, make sure; 

1. Your course for which you got the student visa is complete. 
2. The date of joining your job is after the completion of your course. 
3. If it is a PhD course, make sure you have studied for 24 months. 
4. Lastly, for switching from any kind of visa, including the student visa, you must not leave the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man. 
5. Apply for the switch at the UK government website before your current visa expires.

To know the key updates for the UK Skilled Worker Visa, watch this video:

How to Switch Your Graduate Visa to UK Skilled Worker Visa?

Follow the given steps to apply for a switch; 

1. Get a Certificate of Sponsorship from your employer. 
2. Complete the application on the website of UK Home Office. 
3. Pay application fees and provide identification documents. 
4. Submit all the required documents and wait for the decision. 

Also Read: UK Student Dependent Visa: New Rules, Requirements, Guide

FAQs

This was all about the application requirements and procedure for the skilled worker visa in the UK. Want to apply for a Visa for your study abroad journey? Drop us a comment in the section below or you can connect with a visa expert at Leverage Edu and we will guide you on your dream journey!

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