Skilled Worker Visa

The Skilled Worker Visa is the main route for overseas nationals who have been offered a skilled job with a UK employer that holds a valid sponsor licence. It replaced the Tier 2 (General) Visa in December 2020 as part of the points-based immigration system.

To qualify, you must have a confirmed job offer from a licensed UK sponsor, a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your employer, and the role must appear on the eligible occupations list. You must also be paid at least the general salary threshold — currently £38,700 per year, or the ‘going rate’ for your specific occupation code, whichever is higher.

There are some exceptions to the salary threshold, including for new entrants to the labour market (typically those under 26 or recent graduates), shortage occupations, and roles in health and education. These tradeable points allow some flexibility in the points calculation.

A Skilled Worker Visa can be granted for up to five years. After five continuous years of lawful work in the UK, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain, provided you continue to meet the salary and other eligibility requirements at the time of application.

You may bring your spouse, civil partner, unmarried partner, and dependent children to the UK as your dependants. Adult dependants can work without restriction.

Terence Ray Solicitors advises both workers and employers at every stage of the Skilled Worker process — from sponsor licence applications and compliance to individual CoS and visa applications.

Call 020 3367 1430 or email info@trsolicitors.co.uk.