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The Skilled Worker visa lets non-UK nationals work in the UK for a Home Office-approved sponsor in a skilled job on the SOC list. To be eligible you need a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), meet the 70-point requirement (mandatory sponsorship, appropriate skill level and English), and usually earn at least the applicable salary threshold or the going rate for the occupation.

You must score at least 70 points: 50 points are mandatory (valid job offer, sponsorship and appropriate skill level) and the remaining 20 are awarded for salary level, shortage occupation status, and qualifications/education — for example, earning the going rate or a specified higher salary and/or a relevant PhD can earn points.

You must meet the higher of the general minimum threshold (set by Home Office rules) or the occupation-specific 'going rate' for your SOC code; there are permitted reductions for new entrants and shortage occupations (commonly 20–30% reductions). Check the current Home Office 'going rates' tables for the exact salary for your job title.

A CoS is an electronic reference issued by a licensed UK employer confirming your job details and sponsorship; it is required to apply. Most CoSs are valid for 3 months from the date of issue, and you must apply for your visa while it's valid.

Yes — spouses/partners and children under 18 can usually join you as dependents if you can financially support them (maintenance funds may be required) and they pay the Immigration Health Surcharge; dependents can work in most jobs but must apply as dependents on the same application or separately with evidence of relationship.

Standard applications from outside the UK are typically decided within about 3 weeks, while in-country decisions may vary; priority/visa premium services can be faster for a fee. You can stay for up to 5 years before extending; you can extend multiple times and may be eligible for settlement after 5 continuous years if you meet requirements.

Expect the Home Office application fee (varies by length and whether your job is shortage or new entrant), the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) charged per year of visa — recently in the hundreds per year — and potential maintenance funds of around £1,270 unless your sponsor certifies maintenance. Employers sometimes cover fees and IHS, but this should be agreed and documented.

You can usually switch into the Skilled Worker route from inside the UK if you have a valid CoS and meet the points and salary requirements; some categories (for example, Visitor visas) cannot be switched from. Timing and documentary requirements differ by route, so follow the specific Home Office guidance and allow time for employer sponsorship set-up.

Sponsors must hold a valid sponsor licence, issue CoSs correctly, monitor sponsored workers' attendance and salary, keep records, report changes (e.g. non-attendance, salary changes, dismissal) to UKVI promptly, and cooperate with audits. Non-compliance can lead to licence suspension, civil penalties or downgrading of licence tier.

Yes — most skilled workers can apply for ILR after 5 years’ continuous lawful residence under the Skilled Worker route, subject to meeting salary and absence rules, passing the Life in the UK test, and proving English ability if not already exempt. Specific salary thresholds and permitted absences can affect eligibility so plan extensions and job moves carefully.

If you change employer you need a new sponsor and a fresh CoS and may have to apply to update your visa; short-term gaps triggered by redundancy require quick action — you may have a limited time to find another sponsor or to switch to another eligible route. Sponsors must notify UKVI of redundancies; you should seek legal advice immediately to avoid unlawful overstays.

Yes — jobs on the Shortage Occupation List typically attract a lower salary threshold (a percentage reduction) and healthcare/social care roles have specific guidance on acceptable NHS contracts and salary measurement. New entrants (recent graduates and some under-26 applicants) benefit from reduced salary requirements but must meet age/qualification criteria.