Skilled Worker Visa

Licensed Sponsor Eligible Occupation Salary Threshold English B1

Work in the UK with a clear **route to ILR after 5 years**.

You’ll need an offer from a Home Office–licensed employer in an eligible occupation, meeting salary and English requirements. Valid CoS required.

At a glance
  • Duration: up to 5 years per grant (extendable)
  • Settlement: ILR possible after 5 years (eligibility rules apply)
  • Dependants: spouse/partner & children usually allowed
  • Processing: ~3 weeks from outside the UK (varies)
Eligibility
Licensed sponsor
Offer from a Home Office–licensed employer.
Eligible occupation
Role must be on the Skilled Worker occupation list (SOC).
Salary threshold
Meets the general threshold (e.g., £26,200/yr) or the role’s going rate (concessions may apply).
English B1 (CEFR)
Or an accepted exemption via nationality/qualification.
Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
Valid CoS issued by your sponsor for the role.
Maintenance (if needed)
Funds unless your sponsor certifies maintenance.
Fees & Processing
Visa fee
Varies

Depends on length (≤3y / >3y) and where you apply (inside/outside UK).

IHS (per year)
£1,035 per person

Charged for each year of permission granted.

Priority options
Optional

Priority/Super Priority may be available for additional fees.

SubmissionBiometricsDecision ~ ~3 weeks (outside UK)
How it works
1
Offer & CoS

Accept an eligible role with a licensed sponsor; receive your Certificate of Sponsorship.

2
Apply & Biometrics

Submit the online application, pay fees & IHS, and attend biometrics (or use the app).

3
Decision & Start

Typical decision in ~3 weeks from outside the UK. Start only after permission is granted.

Work rights & Family
Work rights
  • Full-time in the sponsored role; limited supplementary work rules apply
  • Switching employer/role usually needs a new application & new CoS
  • Route to ILR after 5 years (meeting salary & role continuity)
Family
  • Spouse/partner and dependent children can accompany you
  • Dependants can usually work and study
  • Maintenance funds required unless certified by sponsor
Documents (Typical)
ItemDetails
PassportValid travel document
Certificate of SponsorshipIssued by your licensed employer for this role
English EvidenceB1 CEFR (or exemption via nationality/qualification)
Salary/OccupationProof that salary meets general/going-rate thresholds and role is eligible
MaintenanceFunds unless your sponsor certifies maintenance
FAQs

Yes—after 5 years of qualifying residence if you meet salary, role, and continuity rules (plus Life in the UK & English at ILR stage).

Yes—normally with a new application and fresh CoS before starting the new job.

Yes—some roles, new entrants, health/education occupations, and national pay scales can have specific salary rules or concessions.

Let’s Get in Touch

How we can help you
to acheive your goals.

Let’s Talk!