How to Apply for a UK Skilled Worker Visa

The Skilled Worker visa is the main way to come to the UK for work. It lets you work for an approved employer in an eligible job. This guide explains the main requirements in 2026 and how to apply. For a wider view of your options, see our overview of UK visa types.

What you need

To qualify, you must:

• Have a job offer from a UK employer with a sponsor licence.
• Have a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from that employer describing your role.
• Do a job at the required skill level — since July 2025 most jobs must be at degree level (RQF level 6) or above. You do not need a degree yourself, but the job must be skilled to that level.
• Be paid enough (see below).
• Prove your English — from 8 January 2026 the level for this route is B2.

The salary rules

You usually need to be paid the higher of:

• the standard rate of £41,700 a year, or
• the going rate for your specific job.

There is also an absolute minimum floor (£25,000 as of 2025). Some workers can be paid a lower rate, for example from £33,400, if they qualify — such as recent graduates, workers under 26, holders of a relevant STEM PhD, or those in a job on the Immigration Salary List. These figures change, so confirm the current ones on gov.uk before you rely on them.

How to apply

1. Get a job offer and a Certificate of Sponsorship from a licensed sponsor.
2. Check you meet the skill, salary and English rules for your job.
3. Apply online on gov.uk, usually from outside the UK, or by switching if you are already here on an eligible visa.
4. Pay the fees — the visa fee plus the Immigration Health Surcharge, which gives you access to the NHS.
5. Prove your identity and give biometrics, then wait for a decision.

After you arrive

A Skilled Worker visa can lead to settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain) after a qualifying period, and later to British citizenship. Note that the government has proposed changes to settlement timelines, so read our ILR guide and check gov.uk for the current rules.