Skilled Worker Visa

Program Overview

The UK Skilled Worker Visa is the United Kingdom's primary work-based immigration route, replacing the previous Tier 2 (General) visa in December 2020. It allows non-UK nationals to live and work in the UK in a wide range of eligible occupations, provided they have a job offer from a UK Home Office-licensed sponsor and meet the salary and skills thresholds.

The UK is the world's sixth-largest economy and one of the most internationally connected labour markets. London is a global financial centre, and the UK's technology, healthcare, engineering, finance, and creative industries sectors all have significant demand for international talent. The Skilled Worker Visa is the most widely used immigration route into the UK and offers a clear, well-established pathway to indefinite leave to remain (ILR) and British citizenship.

The visa is employer-sponsored, meaning applicants must have a confirmed job offer from a UK employer holding a valid sponsor licence. The minimum salary threshold was significantly increased in April 2024 to £38,700 for most roles (with lower thresholds for some shortage occupations and roles in health and education). After five years of continuous residence on the Skilled Worker Visa, holders can apply for ILR and, after a further year, British citizenship.

Key Highlights

Suited For

Eligibility Requirements

• Job offer from a UK Home Office-licensed sponsor in an eligible occupation
• Minimum salary of £38,700 per year (or the going rate for the occupation, whichever is higher) — lower thresholds apply for some shortage occupations and health/education roles
• Job must be at RQF Level 3 or above (equivalent to A-level or higher)
• English language proficiency: B1 level (IELTS 4.0 or equivalent)
• Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) issued by the employer
• Sufficient personal funds: at least £1,270 held for 28 consecutive days (unless the employer certifies maintenance)
• Clean criminal record and no adverse immigration history

Investment Options

Key Benefits

• Live and work in the UK in one of the world's most internationally connected economies
• Path to indefinite leave to remain (ILR) after five years of continuous residence
• British citizenship eligible after six years total
• British passport: visa-free access to 185+ countries
• Spouse and dependent children can accompany the main applicant with full work rights
• Access to the UK's National Health Service (NHS) via the Immigration Health Surcharge
• Broad sector eligibility — thousands of qualifying occupations across all major industries
• One of the fastest processing timelines of any major work visa — typically 3 to 8 weeks