Skilled Worker Visa in the UK: Application & 2025 Guide

Looking to work in the UK? The Skilled Worker visa could be your ticket in. Designed for individuals with specific skills, this visa type allows you to live and work in the UK if you have a job offer from a recognised employer.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about applying for the Skilled Worker visa in the UK. Whether you’re looking to start a new career, progress in your field, or gain international experience, read on.

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What is a Skilled Worker visa?

A Skilled Worker visa is a UK work visa that allows individuals from abroad to live and work in the UK if they have a job offer from an approved employer. The job must meet specific skill and salary levels, allowing employers to hire workers from abroad when there’s a shortage of skilled staff in the UK.

Who needs the Skilled Worker visa?

If you’re a non-UK citizen and have received a job offer from a UK employer, the Skilled Worker visa could be your ticket to living and working in the country legally. However, it’s not just about securing a job offer. You’ll need to meet specific criteria based on the type of job, salary level, and English proficiency level.

UK Skilled Worker visa changes in 2025

The UK government regularly updates immigration rules, and 2025 brings some significant changes to the Skilled Worker visa policy. These may include updates to the eligible occupation list, adjustments to salary thresholds, or changes in the application process. For example, some shortage occupations could be added or removed, and the English language requirements might be updated. It’s essential to check the official government website or consult with your employer for the latest information before applying, as new rules could affect your eligibility and application costs.

Key application requirements

To apply for a Skilled Worker visa, you must meet the specific requirements designed to ensure that applicants are qualified for jobs in the UK, can collaborate effectively, and are likely to contribute positively to the economy.

Below is a list of key considerations to keep in mind during the Skilled Worker visa application process:

1. Your job must be eligible

To qualify for the Skilled Worker visa, your job must be listed on the eligible occupations list. This list includes a range of professions that are in demand in the UK. The job you’re applying for should typically require key skills equivalent to at least an A-level education or above (RQF level 3).

The Home Office must also approve employers in the UK who wish to hire foreign workers. Without this approval, they cannot sponsor you for the visa. If you’re offered a role that falls within an eligible occupation, and your employer holds a valid sponsorship license, you are one step closer.

2. You need to know English well enough

One of the key requirements for a Skilled Worker visa is that you must have a firm grasp of the English language. This ensures that you can communicate effectively in both professional and everyday settings in the UK.

Typically, you will need to prove your English skills through one of the following:

• Passing an approved English language test at the required level (usually B1 or higher on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages).
• Having a degree or qualification that was taught in English.
• Being a national of an English-speaking country.

This requirement is necessary to ensure that you can integrate into the workplace and daily life in the UK without significant barriers.

3. You must have a specific job offer

Before you can apply for the Skilled Worker visa, you must have a confirmed job offer from a UK-based employer. The role must meet the salary and skill requirements and be part of the eligible occupations list. Your employer will provide you with a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), which is a fundamental document required for your application.

This job offer is central to the Visa process, and without it, you can’t apply. The CoS will contain important information, such as your job title, salary, and start date, all of which will be assessed by the Home Office.

4. The role must be skilled

The role you are applying for needs to be classified as RQF Level 3 or higher. In simple terms, this is equivalent to A-levels or above in terms of the skills required.

Some examples of skilled roles include engineers, doctors, IT specialists, and certain healthcare professionals. For specific shortage occupations, the UK government has relaxed the skill level requirements, meaning you might be eligible for the Visa even if your job is slightly less skilled. However, the role must be in an area with a high demand for workers.

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How to apply for a Skilled Worker visa?

Applying for a Skilled Worker visa is a straightforward process, but it requires careful preparation and attention to detail. The UK government has streamlined the process to make it as efficient as possible, but there are several key steps to follow. Here’s a breakdown of how to apply for the visa, from preparing your documents to receiving a decision:

1. Prepare your documents

Before you begin the application process, it’s essential to gather all the necessary documents. This includes:

• Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): Issued by your employer, this confirms that you’ve been offered a job and are eligible for sponsorship.
• Proof of English proficiency: Depending on your situation, this could be your English language test results, evidence of previous study in English, or proof of being from an English-speaking country.
• Proof of funds: You must demonstrate that you have enough money to support yourself (and any dependents) while residing in the UK. Generally, this means having at least £1,270 in your bank account unless your employer can confirm that they will cover your living expenses.
• Passport or travel document: Your passport must be valid and contain sufficient pages for the visa.

Make sure all documents are up-to-date and correctly formatted to avoid any delays in your application.

2. Submit your application

Once you have gathered the necessary documents, you can submit your application online through the official UK government website. During this step, you will need to:

• Complete an online application form with personal and employment details.
• Pay the application fee: The fee for applying for a Skilled Worker visa depends on the job you're applying for, your salary level, and whether you're applying from inside or outside the UK. Generally, the fee ranges from £625 to £1,423.
• Submit your documents: Upload all the necessary documents to support your application.

It’s crucial to double-check the accuracy of the information provided, as mistakes can lead to delays or refusal of your application.

3. Prove your identity

After submitting your application, you will need to confirm your identity. This is typically done in one of the following ways:

• Biometric information: You’ll need to attend a Visa Application Centre to provide your biometric details, including fingerprints and a photograph.
• Identity document: You will also need to submit a copy of your passport or travel document to verify your identity.

Depending on where you are applying from, you may be required to attend an appointment to submit your biometric data.

4. Wait for a decision

After completing the previous steps, you’ll need to wait for a decision. The processing time will vary depending on where you’re applying from:

• Outside the UK: Generally, it takes about 3 weeks for your application to be processed and a decision to be made.
• Inside the UK: If you’re extending or switching to a Skilled Worker visa from within the UK, it may take up to 8 weeks.

During this period, the Home Office will assess your application and determine whether you meet all the eligibility criteria.

5. Pay the healthcare surcharge

As part of the application process, you will be required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge. This fee grants you access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) during your stay.

• The surcharge is typically £624 per year for each applicant, including dependents. However, if you’re applying for a job in healthcare or social care, you may be exempt from this fee.

The surcharge is an integral part of the process, so make sure to factor it into your overall cost when applying.

How much does it cost?

The approximate cost of applying for a Skilled Worker visa depends on a few factors, such as how long you plan to reside in the UK, where you’re applying from, and whether you’re bringing any dependents.

Here’s a brief overview of the typical fees:

Visa application fee: 

• Up to 3 years: £625 (outside the UK) / £719 (inside the UK)
• More than 3 years: £1,235 (outside the UK) / £1,423 (inside the UK)

Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS):

• £624 per year, per person (dependents pay this fee separately). Some healthcare and social care workers may be exempt.

Proof of funds:

• You’ll usually need at least £1,270 in your bank account unless your sponsor confirms they will cover your living costs.

Additional costs may include:

• English language test fees
• Document translation or certification
• Travel costs for appointments at Visa centres
• Priority or super priority processing fees for faster decisions (optional and location-dependent)

Be sure to budget for these costs ahead of time. If you're bringing family members, each dependent will also need to pay the same application fee and healthcare surcharge.

What can you do with a Skilled Worker visa?

Once granted, the Skilled Worker visa opens the door to not just working in the UK, but also building a life here. In addition to allowing you to bring your family and apply for permanent residency, this visa offers several benefits beyond employment.

With a Skilled Worker visa, you can:

• Work legally in your sponsored job for a UK employer.
• Bring your partner and children, formally identified as dependents.
• Stay in the UK for up to 5 years, with the option to extend.
• Apply for permanent residency (Indefinite Leave to Remain) after five continuous years.
• Take on a second job (up to 20 hours a week) in certain roles.
• Study part-time while also working.
• Use NHS healthcare services after paying the health surcharge.
• Travel freely in and out of the UK.
• Switch to another visa if your situation changes and you meet the criteria.

The Skilled Worker visa lets you do more than just take up a job in the UK. It gives you the chance to settle, bring your family, and build a stable life here. If you stay long enough and meet the requirements, you can even apply for permanent residency. It’s a solid way to make the UK your home. 

Thanks for reading. Wishing you the best of luck in your journey to live and work in the UK.

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Our editorial team has reviewed this article for compliance with LiveCareer’s editorial guidelines. It’s to ensure that our expert advice and recommendations are consistent across all our career guides and align with current CV and cover letter writing standards and trends. We’re trusted by over 10 million job seekers, supporting them on their way to finding their dream job. Each article is preceded by research and scrutiny to ensure our content responds to current market trends and demand.

Sources

• Skilled Worker visa: eligible occupations and codes. GOV UK
• Right to reside. GOV UK