UK Work Visas

The Skilled Worker visa is the primary route for overseas workers to come to the UK for employment. Replacing the former Tier 2 (General) visa, the Skilled Worker visa allows individuals with a job offer from an approved UK employer to live and work in the United Kingdom. At MCR Solicitors in Manchester, our immigration team provides expert guidance to both workers seeking Skilled Worker visas and employers needing sponsor licences to recruit international talent.

The UK's points-based immigration system requires applicants to meet specific criteria and score sufficient points to qualify. Understanding the requirements is essential for a successful application. Whether you are a skilled professional seeking opportunities in the UK or an employer looking to hire from overseas, our experienced solicitors can guide you through the process.

What is a Skilled Worker Visa?

The Skilled Worker visa enables you to come to or stay in the UK to work for an approved employer in a job that appears on the list of eligible occupations. Key features include:

• Permission to work for your sponsor employer in the specific job stated on your Certificate of Sponsorship
• Ability to take on additional work in certain circumstances
• A pathway to permanent settlement (ILR) after 5 years
• Permission to bring eligible dependants (spouse and children)
• Access to most public services (after paying the Immigration Health Surcharge)

Eligibility Requirements for Skilled Worker Visa

To qualify for a Skilled Worker visa, you must meet several mandatory requirements:

Job Offer from a Licensed Sponsor

You must have a genuine job offer from a UK employer that holds a valid Skilled Worker sponsor licence. Your employer must issue you a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) - an electronic document containing information about the job and your personal details.

Eligible Occupation

The job must be on the list of eligible occupations at the required skill level (RQF level 3 or above - equivalent to A-level). Most professional, associate professional, technical, and skilled trade occupations qualify.

Minimum Salary Threshold

You must be paid at least the higher of:

• The general salary threshold: ¶œ38,700 per year
• The going rate for your occupation (as set by the Home Office)

Reduced Salary Thresholds

Lower salary thresholds apply in certain circumstances:

• New entrants (those under 26, new graduates, or in professional training): ¶œ30,960 or 70% of the going rate
• Health and Care Worker visa eligible roles: ¶œ29,000 minimum
• Shortage occupation roles: 80% of the going rate (shortage occupation list is being phased out)
• PhD holders in roles requiring PhD: reduced thresholds apply

English Language Requirement

You must prove your knowledge of English at B1 level (CEFR) or higher by:

• Passing an approved English language test (such as IELTS for UKVI)
• Holding a degree taught in English (with NARIC confirmation)
• Being a national of a majority English-speaking country

Salary Thresholds by Occupation

The going rate varies by occupation. Examples include:

*Health and Care Worker visa rates apply to eligible healthcare roles.

Note: You must be paid the higher of the general threshold (¶œ38,700) or the going rate, unless you qualify for a reduced threshold.

Sponsor Licence Requirements for Employers

If you are an employer wishing to recruit overseas workers, you must first obtain a sponsor licence. MCR Solicitors assists businesses of all sizes with sponsor licence applications and compliance.

Who Needs a Sponsor Licence?

Any UK employer wishing to hire workers from outside the UK (or switch existing visa holders to Skilled Worker status) needs a sponsor licence. This includes:

• Private companies of any size
• Public sector organisations
• Charities and non-profit organisations
• Educational institutions
• Healthcare providers

Sponsor Licence Application Process

1. Preparation: Ensure your business has the necessary HR systems, record-keeping procedures, and compliance frameworks
2. Online Application: Complete the sponsor licence application on the Sponsorship Management System
3. Supporting Documents: Submit evidence of your business's legitimacy, HR systems, and compliance arrangements
4. Home Office Assessment: The Home Office reviews your application and may conduct a compliance visit
5. Decision: If approved, you receive your sponsor licence and can begin issuing Certificates of Sponsorship

Sponsor Licence Fees

• Small or charitable sponsor: ¶œ536
• Medium or large sponsor: ¶œ1,476

Ongoing Compliance Duties

Sponsors must comply with ongoing duties including:

• Keeping accurate records of sponsored workers
• Reporting changes to the Home Office (absence, change of duties, termination)
• Ensuring sponsored workers have the right to work
• Cooperating with Home Office compliance visits

Skilled Worker Visa Application Process

For Workers

1. Receive Certificate of Sponsorship: Your employer issues a CoS through the Sponsorship Management System
2. Gather Documents: Collect passport, English language evidence, TB test certificate (if required), criminal record certificate (if required)
3. Apply Online: Complete the application on gov.uk and pay the visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge
4. Biometric Appointment: Attend a visa application centre to provide fingerprints and photograph
5. Wait for Decision: Standard processing takes approximately 3 weeks from outside the UK
6. Travel to UK: Once approved, travel to the UK and collect your Biometric Residence Permit

Processing Times and Fees

Visa Application Fees

• Up to 3 years: ¶œ719
• More than 3 years: ¶œ1,420

Immigration Health Surcharge

¶œ1,035 per year (so approximately ¶œ3,105 for a 3-year visa)

Certificate of Sponsorship

Your employer pays ¶œ239 per CoS

Processing Times

• Standard (outside UK): 3 weeks
• Priority service: 5 working days (additional fee)
• Super priority: Next working day (where available)
• Within UK: 8 weeks standard

Path to ILR - Permanent Settlement After 5 Years

The Skilled Worker visa provides a clear path to permanent residence in the UK:

5-Year Residence Requirement

After 5 years on the Skilled Worker route, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), provided you:

• Continue to meet the salary threshold at the time of ILR application
• Have not been absent from the UK for more than 180 days in any 12-month period
• Meet the English language requirement at B1 level
• Pass the Life in the UK test
• Meet the good character requirement

Combining Qualifying Periods

Time spent on certain other visas can count towards your 5-year qualifying period, including:

• Former Tier 2 (General) visa
• Global Talent visa
• Innovator Founder visa

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change employers on a Skilled Worker visa?

Yes, but you must apply for a new Skilled Worker visa with your new employer before starting work. Your new employer must hold a sponsor licence and issue you a new Certificate of Sponsorship.

Can I bring my family on a Skilled Worker visa?

Yes, your spouse or partner and children under 18 can apply as your dependants. They will have full work rights in the UK with no restrictions.

What happens if I lose my job?

If your employment ends, your sponsorship is cancelled. You have 60 days (or until your visa expires, if sooner) to find a new sponsor, switch to another visa category, or leave the UK.

Can I work a second job?

Yes, in certain circumstances. You can do supplementary employment (up to 20 hours per week) in the same occupation and skill level as your main job, or any hours in a shortage occupation.

Do I need IELTS for a Skilled Worker visa?

You need to prove English at B1 level. This can be through IELTS for UKVI (minimum 4.0 in each component), an English-taught degree, or nationality of a majority English-speaking country.

What is the minimum salary for a Skilled Worker visa in 2026?

The general minimum salary threshold is ¶œ38,700, though lower thresholds apply for new entrants (¶œ30,960) and Health and Care Workers (¶œ29,000).

How long can I stay on a Skilled Worker visa?

A Skilled Worker visa can be granted for up to 5 years at a time. There is no maximum period - you can keep extending until you qualify for ILR after 5 years total residence.

Can I apply for a Skilled Worker visa without a job offer?

No, you must have a genuine job offer from a licensed sponsor to apply. You cannot apply speculatively.

Contact Our Work Visa Specialists in Manchester

Whether you are a skilled professional seeking to work in the UK or an employer needing to sponsor overseas staff, MCR Solicitors can help. Our experienced immigration team provides comprehensive advice and representation for all aspects of work-related immigration.

Call us today: 0161 466 1280

Visit us: First Floor, 1024 Stockport Road, Manchester M19 3WX

We offer consultations in person, by telephone, and by video call. Contact us for expert Skilled Worker visa advice.