The Skilled Worker visa allows eligible overseas workers to come to the UK to do an eligible job with an approved employer. Here is everything you need to know for 2025.
| Job offer required? | Yes — from a licensed UK sponsor |
| Minimum salary (general) | £38,700/year (from April 2024) |
| Minimum salary (new entrant) | £30,960/year |
| Minimum skill level | RQF Level 3 (A-level equivalent) |
| English language | Required — B1 level minimum |
| Visa length | Up to 5 years (can extend) |
| Path to settlement | ILR after 5 years |
| Application fee (up to 3 yrs, outside UK) | £769 per person |
| Application fee (over 3 yrs, outside UK) | £1,519 per person |
| IHS (Immigration Health Surcharge) | £1,035/year per adult |
You can apply for a Skilled Worker visa if you have a job offer from a UK employer that holds a valid sponsor licence, the job is at the required skill level (RQF Level 3 or above), your salary meets the minimum threshold, and you can prove your English language ability.
From 4 April 2024, the general salary threshold increased significantly. The current thresholds are:
Your employer must hold a valid Sponsor Licence. They issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) for your specific role. The CoS number is included in your visa application. As of April 2025, the CoS fee is £525 (paid by the employer).
You must prove English at B1 level (CEFR). Acceptable proof includes an approved English language test (IELTS, PTE, etc.), a degree taught in English, or being a national of a majority English-speaking country.
Your partner and children under 18 can usually apply as your dependants. Each pays the same visa fee and IHS as the main applicant. Use our Visa Fee Calculator to estimate the total cost for your family.
After 5 years of continuous residence on a Skilled Worker visa (or combination of eligible work routes), you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). Use our ILR Eligibility Checker to check if you qualify.
If you are a doctor, nurse, or other health or care professional, you may qualify for the Health & Care Worker visa — a sub-route of the Skilled Worker visa with lower fees and an IHS exemption. Check GOV.UK for the eligible occupations list.
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