A plain-English guide to the UK Skilled Worker route — covering eligibility, salary thresholds, SOC codes, sponsor duties, and the application process — based on the published Home Office rules.
The UK Skilled Worker visa is the main route for sponsored long-term employment requiring a job offer from an approved sponsor in an eligible occupation that meets the route's skill and salary thresholds. From 22 July 2025, jobs normally must be at RQF 6 (graduate level) unless covered by specific exceptions such as the Immigration Salary List or the Temporary Shortage List, with limited transitional protections.
From a UK employer with a valid sponsor licence and a Certificate of Sponsorship.
RQF Level 6 or above as standard, with exceptions via ISL/TSL and transitional rules.
Minimum B2 CEFR across speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
Pay must meet the applicable threshold (general or discounted option) and the occupation's going rate; salary points are tradeable via set options.
An overview of the process from a sponsor's perspective, with tools and information I-Migrator provides at each stage.
Look up the Skilled Worker route's published requirements — skill level, SOC code data, and salary thresholds — alongside the role you're hiring for.
Assign the Certificate of Sponsorship through SMS, with reference information on the published CoS categories and the supporting documents listed in Home Office guidance.
The worker applies to the Home Office using the CoS reference.
Complete right-to-work checks, record the worker in your sponsored worker register, and track ongoing reporting duties.
Look up the Skilled Worker route's published requirements — skill level, SOC code data, and salary thresholds — alongside the role you're hiring for.
Assign the Certificate of Sponsorship through SMS, with reference information on the published CoS categories and the supporting documents listed in Home Office guidance.
The worker applies to the Home Office using the CoS reference.
Complete right-to-work checks, record the worker in your sponsored worker register, and track ongoing reporting duties.
Skilled Worker visa applications are assessed on a 70-point system comprising 50 mandatory points and 20 tradeable salary points.
Appropriate skill level is normally RQF 6+ from 22 July 2025, subject to ISL/TSL and transitional exceptions.
Pay must meet the applicable option's minimum and the occupation's going rate. Sponsors must assign the correct CoS type and pay the Immigration Skills Charge where applicable.
Check if an offered salary meets the published Skilled Worker visa thresholds for the relevant SOC code.
Try the CalculatorExamples of roles that typically qualify for Skilled Worker visas, subject to current skill and salary rules.
Structured tools and information for UK sponsors hiring under the Skilled Worker route.
Sponsors have ongoing reporting duties to the Home Office for each sponsored worker.
Home Office compliance visits can occur at any time after licence approval.
Read our Skilled Worker visa guide covering salary requirements, sponsor costs, ongoing compliance duties, and what to expect through the application process.
Read the Skilled Worker Visa GuideUse I-Migrator's tools and information to prepare your sponsor licence application, manage sponsored workers, and stay audit-ready — with the option to connect with a regulated immigration solicitor for advice on specific cases.
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