How to Apply for UK Skilled Worker Visa: A Step-by-Step Guide

Alright, let’s talk about moving to the UK for work. If you’ve got skills and a job offer, the UK Skilled Worker visa is likely your main route. It sounds complicated, maybe even a bit daunting, but stick with me.

I’m here to break down the entire process, step-by-step, so you know exactly what to expect and how to nail your application.

We’ll cut through the jargon and give you the straight facts you need. Getting your Skilled Worker visa UK application right is crucial, so let’s dive in.

What Exactly is the UK Skilled Worker Visa?

Think of the Skilled Worker visa as the main gateway for qualified professionals from around the world to come and work in the UK. It replaced the old Tier 2 (General) visa back in December 2020.

It’s part of the UK’s points-based immigration system, meaning you need to score enough points based on factors like your job offer, salary, skills, and English language ability to qualify.

Essentially, the UK wants skilled individuals to fill specific job shortages and contribute to the economy, and this visa facilitates that.

Are You Eligible for the UK Skilled Worker Visa?

Before you even think about filling out forms, let’s check if you’re likely eligible. It boils down to a few core things:

1. Job Offer: You must have a genuine job offer from a UK employer.
2. Licensed Sponsor: That employer MUST hold a valid Skilled Worker sponsor licence issued by the Home Office. Not just any company can sponsor you. You can usually check the official register of licensed sponsors online.
3. Eligible Role: The job itself has to be on the list of eligible occupations and meet the minimum skill level (we’ll get into this).
4. Points: You need to score 70 points on the points-based system. Some points are mandatory (like the job offer, skill level, English), and others are ‘tradeable’ (like salary, qualifications).

If you tick these initial boxes, brilliant! Let’s move on to the nitty-gritty requirements.

Core Requirements You MUST Meet

Okay, this is where the detail matters. You need to satisfy all these requirements.

a. The Job Offer & Licensed Sponsor

As mentioned, the job offer is non-negotiable. Your employer needs to be approved by the Home Office to sponsor migrant workers. They have responsibilities they must meet, including ensuring the job is genuine and meets the visa requirements.

b. Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

Once you have the job offer from a licensed sponsor, they need to assign you a ‘Certificate of Sponsorship’ or CoS. This isn’t a physical certificate but an electronic record with a unique reference number. Make sure it’s a new, unused number! I’ve seen cases where sponsors accidentally gave out used numbers, leading to refused applications and wasted fees – double-check this with your sponsor. You absolutely NEED this reference number for your visa application.

There are two main types:

• Defined CoS: For applicants applying from outside the UK. Your sponsor applies to the Home Office for this specifically for your role.
• Undefined CoS: For applicants applying from inside the UK (switching or extending). Sponsors usually have an annual allocation of these.

c. Skill Level Requirement (RQF Level 3+)

The job you’re offered must generally be skilled to at least RQF level 3. Think of RQF level 3 as being equivalent to UK A-levels. Jobs below this level typically won’t qualify. The Home Office uses Standard Occupation Codes (SOC codes) to classify jobs. Your sponsor will identify the correct SOC code for your role (they can use the ONS occupation coding tool for this). Getting the code right is vital; using an incorrect code to make a role seem eligible when it isn’t can lead to refusal. You can often find the SOC code and typical tasks on tools like the Warwick web tool mentioned in the transcripts – the link is usually on the gov.uk site.

d. Salary Thresholds & Going Rates (The Money Talk)

Right, let’s talk money. You generally need to be paid the higher of two amounts:

1. The general minimum salary threshold for the Skilled Worker route. As of April 2024, this is often £38,700 per year for many roles (this figure increased significantly, so always check the latest!).
2. The ‘going rate’ for the specific SOC code of your job. Each eligible job code has its own minimum going rate, often based on experience level.

Your salary must meet or exceed whichever of these two figures is higher. However, there are situations where you might be able to trade points and qualify with a lower salary (though still meeting a minimum floor). These include:

• Having a PhD relevant to the job.
• Having a PhD in a STEM subject relevant to the job.
• Being a ‘new entrant’ to the labour market (e.g., recent graduate under 26, switching from a Student visa).
• Having a job on the ‘Immigration Salary List’ (this replaced the old Shortage Occupation List).
• Working in certain health or education roles.

Crucially, the rules changed in April 2024. Salary thresholds increased substantially for skilled roles, and the way discounts work was updated. It’s important to note that these specific requirements apply to the Skilled Worker route; the immigration pathways for roles considered unskilled may follow different criteria and processes.
If your Skilled Worker CoS was assigned before 4 April 2024, different (lower) thresholds might apply for extensions or job changes. If assigned on or after 4 April 2024, you’ll likely face the higher thresholds. Always check the specific requirements based on your CoS date and job details for the Skilled Worker visa.

e. English Language Proficiency (Proving You Understand)

You need to prove you can read, write, speak, and understand English to at least level B1 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) scale. You can usually meet this by:

• Being a national of a majority English-speaking country (like USA, Canada, Australia, etc. – check the official list).
• Having a degree-level qualification that was taught or researched in English (you might need verification from Ecctis, formerly UK NARIC).
• Passing an approved Secure English Language Test (SELT) from an approved provider (like IELTS for UKVI). Make sure it’s the right test (usually General Training for work visas, not Academic unless specified).
• Having previously met the requirement in a successful UK immigration application.
• Being exempt (e.g., doctors, dentists, nurses, midwives applying for Health and Care visa who have passed an English test accepted by their professional body).

f. Financial Maintenance (Showing You Can Support Yourself)

You need to show you have enough money to support yourself when you arrive in the UK. The standard amount is £1,270, which you must have held in your bank account for at least 28 consecutive days before applying. Day 28 must be within 31 days of making your application.

You might be exempt from showing this if:

• Your sponsor is an A-rated sponsor and confirms on your CoS that they will certify your maintenance (meaning they’ll cover your costs up to £1,270 if needed during your first month).
• You’ve already been living in the UK with a valid visa for 12 months or more.

If you’re bringing dependants (partner, children), you’ll need to show additional funds for them (£285 for your partner, £315 for one child, £200 for each additional child).

g. Criminal Record Certificate (Background Check)

Depending on your job and where you’re applying from, you might need a criminal record certificate. This is typically required if you’ll be working in sectors like:

• Education (teachers, teaching assistants)
• Healthcare (doctors, nurses, paramedics, pharmacists)
• Therapy (psychologists, counsellors)
• Social services (social workers, probation officers)

You’ll need a certificate from any country you’ve lived in for 12 months or more (continuously or in total) over the last 10 years (if you’re 28 or over) or since you turned 18 (if under 28). Check the specific GOV.UK guidance for your job code and country.

h. Tuberculosis (TB) Test Results

If you’re applying from a country where TB screening is required by the UK, you’ll need to provide a certificate from an approved clinic showing you’re free from TB. Check the list of countries on the GOV.UK website.

i. Valid ATAS Certificate

If your job involves research at PhD level or higher in certain sensitive subjects, your employer will tell you if you need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate.

Steps to Apply for UK Skilled Worker Visa

Okay, you’ve confirmed you meet the requirements. Now for the actual application journey. Here’s how it usually flows:

Step 1: Secure Your Job Offer & CoS
Get that eligible job offer and ensure your licensed sponsor assigns your unique CoS reference number.

Step 2: Gather Your Supporting Documents
Collect everything! Passport, CoS number, proof of English, financial evidence (if needed), TB certificate (if needed), criminal record certificate (if needed), ATAS (if needed), qualifications (like PhD certificate if claiming points), relationship proof (for dependants), etc. Get certified translations for any documents not in English or Welsh.

Step 3: Complete the Online Application Form
Head to the official GOV.UK website and start the Skilled Worker visa application. Fill everything out honestly and accurately – mistakes can cause delays or refusals. You can usually save your progress and come back later. The form will ask for personal details, travel history, job details (using info from your CoS), accommodation plans, etc. Consider writing a cover letter to explain anything complex, as suggested in the transcript.

Step 4: Pay the Fees (Application Fee & IHS)
During the online application, you’ll need to pay:

Step 5: Prove Your Identity & Provide Biometrics
How you do this depends on your nationality and where you apply from:

• App: You might be able to use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ smartphone app to scan your biometric passport and upload your photo.
• Appointment: If you can’t use the app, you’ll need to book and attend an appointment at a visa application centre (VAC) or, if in the UK, a UKVCAS centre. They’ll take your fingerprints and photograph. You might need to submit your passport here too. Book this promptly once invited. VFS Global is often the partner for overseas appointments, and they might offer priority services for faster processing (at extra cost).

Step 6: Wait for the Decision
Processing times vary. Standard times are often:

• Outside UK: Around 3 weeks after your biometric appointment.
• Inside UK: Around 8 weeks. Priority services (e.g., 5 working days or next working day) are often available for an additional fee, but availability depends on location. UKVI might contact you or your sponsor for more information.

Step 7: Receive Your Visa Decision & BRP
You’ll get an email or letter with the decision.

• If approved outside the UK: You’ll get a vignette (sticker) in your passport, usually valid for 90 days (check validity!) to allow you to travel.
• If approved inside the UK: You’ll usually be sent your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) directly.
• BRP Collection: If you applied from outside, you must collect your BRP card within 10 days of arriving in the UK (or by the vignette expiry date, whichever is later) from a designated Post Office branch (you usually choose this during the application). The BRP is your proof of right to work and stay.

Step 8: Travel to the UK (If Applicable)
If you applied from outside, travel within the dates on your entry vignette.

Step 9: Start Your New Job!
Once you have your BRP (or right after arrival if you used the app and have digital status), you can start your sponsored job. Remember to comply with all visa conditions!

Applying From Outside vs. Inside the UK

The core requirements are similar, but the process differs slightly:

a. Applying from Outside the UK (Entry Clearance) This is the standard route if you’re not currently in the UK or are in the UK on a visa you cannot switch from (like a visitor visa). You’ll apply online, attend a VAC in your home country (or where you have residence), receive a vignette to travel, and collect your BRP after arrival. You typically need a ‘Defined’ CoS.

b. Applying from Inside the UK (Switching, Extending, Updating) If you’re already in the UK on an eligible visa (e.g., Student visa (often after completing course), Graduate visa, another work visa), you can usually apply to ‘switch’ to the Skilled Worker route without leaving. You can also apply to extend your current Skilled Worker visa or update it if you change jobs or employers (you’ll need a new CoS for this). You apply online, likely use the ID Check app or attend a UKVCAS appointment, and receive your BRP by post. You typically need an ‘Undefined’ CoS. Important: You CANNOT switch from certain routes like Visitor visa, Short-term student visa, or Seasonal Worker visa. You’d need to leave the UK and apply from outside.

Visa Duration and Conditions: What Happens Next?

So, you’ve got the visa – what now?

a. How Long Does the Visa Last? You can apply for a visa duration of up to 5 years, depending on what your sponsor puts on the CoS. Before it expires, you’ll need to apply to extend it (if you still meet the requirements) or, if eligible, apply for settlement (ILR). There’s generally no maximum time limit you can spend on this visa route.

b. Changing Jobs or Employer If you want to change your job (to a different SOC code) or move to a different licensed sponsor, you MUST apply to update your visa before starting the new role. You’ll need a new CoS from the new employer/for the new role and meet the eligibility criteria again (including the salary rules applicable at the time of the new application).

c. Taking on Additional Work (Second Job) You can do extra work (‘supplementary employment’) alongside your main sponsored job, but there are strict rules:

• It must be outside the hours stated on your CoS for your main job.
• It must be no more than 20 hours per week.
• It must be in an eligible occupation code (either the same as your main job, same professional level, or on the Immigration Salary List).
• You must continue working in your main sponsored job. If these conditions are met, you usually don’t need to tell the Home Office. If not, you’d need your second employer to sponsor you and apply to update your visa. Voluntary work is usually permitted.

d. What if You Lose Your Sponsored Job? If your sponsored employment ends prematurely (e.g., redundancy), your sponsor must inform the Home Office. Your visa will usually be ‘curtailed’, meaning it will be shortened. You’ll typically have 60 days (or until your original visa expiry date, whichever is sooner) to find a new sponsored job with another licensed employer, switch to a different visa category if eligible (like a Family visa), or leave the UK. Don’t overstay!

Bringing Your Family: Skilled Worker Dependants

Good news – you can usually bring your close family members with you. Eligible dependants are typically:

• Your spouse, civil partner, or unmarried partner (must prove relationship, unmarried partners usually need 2+ years cohabitation).
• Your children under 18 at the time of application.
• Children over 18 might be eligible if they are already in the UK as your dependant.

They will need to apply separately (either with you or later), pay their own visa fees and IHS (unless exempt), and meet the financial maintenance requirements (show additional funds for them unless your sponsor certifies maintenance for the whole family). They also need to provide biometrics.

Applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)

After living and working in the UK continuously on a Skilled Worker visa (or certain other eligible visas) for five years, you may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), also known as settlement. ILR gives you the right to live, work, and study in the UK indefinitely, without immigration restrictions, and is a step towards British citizenship.

Key ILR requirements generally include:

• 5 years’ continuous residence: Time spent lawfully in the UK on eligible routes.
• Absences: You usually cannot have spent more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period during the 5 years.
• Ongoing Employment: Still employed in a skilled job with a licensed sponsor (or meet specific exemptions).
• Salary: Meet the ILR salary requirement (check current threshold, often lower than initial visa but specific rules apply).
• Knowledge of Language and Life: Pass the Life in the UK test and prove English language ability (usually B1 level, same ways as initial application).

Accommodation in the UK

While not always a primary focus like finance, you will be asked about your accommodation plans in the application. It’s good to have an idea – perhaps a temporary arrangement initially (like an Airbnb, as mentioned in the transcript), or if staying with family/friends, you might need a letter from them. If you have a rental agreement, that’s strong evidence. Sometimes, your sponsor might provide initial accommodation or a letter confirming arrangements.

A Quick Note on Health and Care Worker Visa

If your sponsored job is in an eligible health or social care role (e.g., nurse, doctor, senior care worker), you might qualify for the Health and Care Worker visa. This is technically part of the Skilled Worker route but comes with benefits like lower visa application fees, exemption from the IHS for you and your dependants, and faster processing. The eligibility criteria (job, sponsor, skill, salary, English) are similar but tailored to the sector.

Need Assistance? Seeking Expert Advice

While this guide covers the main points, immigration rules are complex and change often. If your situation is unusual, you’ve had previous refusals, or you just want peace of mind, consider getting advice from a qualified UK immigration lawyer or regulated adviser. They can provide tailored guidance for your specific circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What happens if I lose my sponsored job?
   Your visa will likely be cut short (curtailed). You typically have 60 days to find a new licensed sponsor and apply for an updated visa, switch to another visa category, or leave the UK.
2. Can I bring my family (partner/children) with me?
   Yes, usually. Your spouse/partner and children under 18 can apply as your dependants. They need to meet eligibility criteria, pay fees/IHS, and you need to show extra maintenance funds for them.
3. How much does the Skilled Worker visa cost?
   Costs vary. You’ll pay the visa application fee (depends on visa length, location, job type – check GOV.UK, but expect £700-£1600+ per person) AND the Immigration Health Surcharge (£1,035 per person per year as of 2024, check current rate). Plus potential costs for English tests, TB tests, document translations, and priority services.
4. How long does it take to get a decision?
   Standard processing is typically 3 weeks if applying from outside the UK and 8 weeks if applying from inside the UK, after providing biometrics. Priority services can significantly speed this up (often 5 days or 1 day) for an extra fee.
5. Can I switch to a Skilled Worker visa from a Visitor visa?
   No, you cannot switch from a Visitor visa (or short-term student visa) while inside the UK. You must leave the UK and apply for the Skilled Worker visa from your home country or a country where you have residency.

Conclusion

Applying for the UK Skilled Worker visa is a significant undertaking, but absolutely achievable. The key is preparation: understanding the requirements, gathering your documents meticulously, and applying correctly. The rules, especially around salaries, have tightened, so always, always double-check the very latest information on the official GOV.UK website before you apply – don’t rely solely on blog posts. With careful planning, you can successfully navigate the process and start your exciting new chapter working in the UK. Applying for your Skilled Worker visa UK might just be the start of an incredible journey.

Found this guide helpful? Give it a like, share it with friends or colleagues planning their move, and drop any questions in the comments below! Subscribe for more tips and updates on navigating life and work in the UK.