I-Migrator
Guide

UK Skilled Worker Visa: The Complete Guide 2026

Everything you need to know about sponsoring employees on the Skilled Worker visa route. Expert guidance from salary requirements to ongoing compliance.

Last updated: 23 April 2026
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Overview

What Is a Skilled Worker Visa?

The Skilled Worker visa is the UK’s primary immigration route for employers to recruit overseas nationals into specific skilled roles. It replaced the former Tier 2 (General) route in December 2020 and operates on a points-based system requiring applicants to score 50 mandatory points across three categories: sponsorship by a Home Office-approved employer, a job at an appropriate skill level in an eligible occupation, and English language ability at CEFR level B2.

Additionally, applicants must satisfy salary requirements — the standard threshold is the higher of £41,700 per year or the going rate for the specific SOC 2020 occupation code. Reduced thresholds are available for new entrants at the start of their careers, PhD holders, workers in Immigration Salary List occupations, and those covered by pre-April 2024 transitional protections. Salary means guaranteed basic gross pay only — bonuses, overtime, and allowances are excluded whether or not they are guaranteed.

The visa can be granted for up to 5 years per application, is renewable without limit, and leads to settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain) after 5 years of continuous residence on qualifying routes. Employers must hold a valid sponsor licence and assign a Certificate of Sponsorship for each worker, paying the Immigration Skills Charge on top of the visa application fees.

Read the full costs guide

Key Facts

General salary threshold £41,700/yr
Going rate Varies by SOC code
New entrant salary £33,400 (70% going rate)
Visa fee (up to 3 yrs, outside UK) £819
Visa fee (over 3 yrs, outside UK) £1,618
Visa fee (up to 3 yrs, inside UK) £943
Visa fee (over 3 yrs, inside UK) £1,865
Immigration Health Surcharge £1,035/yr
ISC (small, first 12m) £480
ISC (medium/large, first 12m) £1,320
Processing (outside UK) ~3 weeks
Processing (inside UK) ~8 weeks
Max visa length 5 years
Settlement (ILR) After 5 years

Fees shown are from the most recent Home Office schedule. Always verify current fees on gov.uk.

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Costs & Salary

Skilled Worker Visa Costs UK 2026

Full breakdown of Skilled Worker visa fees including application costs, IHS, ISC, and employer obligations.

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Skilled Worker Visa Salary Requirements

General and going rate salary thresholds, new entrant discounts, tradeable points, and pay period compliance rules.

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Employment Changes

Skilled Worker Visa Promotion: Do You Need a New Visa?

When a job promotion triggers a new visa application — SOC code changes, salary threshold impacts, and employer compliance obligations.

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UK Skilled Worker Visa Compliance for Global Mobility Firms

Scaling compliance for global mobility operations — operational controls, audit readiness, and managing multiple sponsored workers.

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Settlement & Compliance

Proposed Changes to ILR: What HR Teams Should Be Aware Of

Proposed earned settlement changes, income thresholds for ILR, and what employers should prepare for in sponsored worker settlement pathways.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the most common employer questions about UK Skilled Worker visas

The general salary threshold is £41,700 per year, or the going rate for the specific occupation code, whichever is higher. Reduced thresholds apply for new entrants (£33,400 at 70% of the going rate), Immigration Salary List roles, and PhD holders. Salary means guaranteed basic gross pay only — bonuses, overtime, and allowances are excluded whether or not they are guaranteed. Read our salary guide.

From outside the UK, the visa application fee is £819 for stays up to 3 years and £1,618 for longer stays. From inside the UK (extending, switching, or updating), fees are £943 and £1,865 respectively. The Immigration Health Surcharge is £1,035 per year. Employers also pay the Immigration Skills Charge (£480–£1,320 for the first 12 months depending on company size). Read our full costs breakdown.

A visa update is generally not required if you stay with the same employer and your SOC occupation code does not change. However, you must apply to update your visa if the SOC code changes, or if you leave a job on the Immigration Salary List for one that is not on the list. You do not need to reapply if your job is removed from the list while you remain in the same role. Read our promotion guide.

The visa can be granted for up to 5 years at a time. There is no limit on extensions. After 5 years of continuous residence on qualifying routes (including Skilled Worker, Global Talent, Innovator Founder, and others), the visa holder can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (settlement).

New applicants must demonstrate English at CEFR level B2 in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Those who held the visa before 8 January 2026 and are extending retain the B1 requirement. From 26 March 2027, settlement (ILR) will require B2 in speaking and listening. English can be met via an approved test, an English-taught degree, or nationality of a majority English-speaking country.

Yes, but the new employer must hold a valid sponsor licence and assign a new Certificate of Sponsorship. The worker should not start the new role until confirmation of new permission is received. They can continue working in their current role while the application is pending.

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