Migration Overseas
Since 1998
The main route for skilled professionals to work in the UK. Employer-sponsored visa with clear pathway to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 years.
Score minimum 70 points to qualify for the Skilled Worker Visa.
You must have a genuine job offer from a UK employer with a valid sponsor licence.
20 PointsJob must be at RQF Level 3 or above (A-level equivalent or higher).
20 PointsProve English skills at CEFR Level B2 through IELTS, PTE, or degree taught in English.
10 PointsMeet minimum salary of 38,700 GBP/year or going rate for your occupation.
20 PointsKey requirements to qualify for the UK Skilled Worker Visa.
You must have a genuine job offer from a UK employer with a valid sponsor licence. The employer provides a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) with details of your job and salary.
Earn at least 41,700 GBP/year or the "going rate" for your occupation (whichever is higher). ISL roles and new entrants qualify for 33,400 GBP minimum. Minimum hourly rate of 17.13 GBP applies to all roles.
Prove English skills at CEFR Level B2 through approved test (IELTS, PTE) or degree taught in English. Note: B2 requirement applies to new applicants from January 8, 2026. Some nationalities exempt from testing.
Job must be at RQF Level 6 or above (degree-level). Lower skill level roles (RQF 3-5) are only eligible if listed on the Immigration Salary List or Temporary Shortage List.
Salary requirements vary based on your situation.
| Category | Minimum Salary | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Route | 41,700 GBP/year | Or going rate |
| Immigration Salary List (ISL) | 33,400 GBP/year | ISL expires Dec 2026 |
| New Entrant (Under 26) | 33,400 GBP/year | Recent graduates |
| Health & Care Worker | 33,400 GBP/year | NHS band rates |
| PhD-level Jobs | 37,500 GBP/year | PhD required |
| Transitional (pre-Apr 2024) | 31,300 GBP/year | Before 4 Apr 2024 |
Common occupations for Indian professionals in the UK.
Jobs on the ISL receive benefits including lower salary threshold (33,400 GBP) and reduced Immigration Skills Charge. The ISL replaced the Shortage Occupation List and expires December 2026.
IT, Data, DevOps
Nurses, Doctors, Carers
Civil, Mechanical, Electrical
Accountants, Analysts
Secondary, STEM subjects
Research, Biotech, Pharma
Project Managers, Surveyors
Supply Chain, Operations
Complete guide to the Skilled Worker Visa application.
Secure job offer from UK employer with valid sponsor licence. They will assign you a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
Your employer provides a unique CoS reference number containing your job and salary details.
Gather passport, English test results, TB test (if applicable), bank statements, and qualification certificates.
Complete online application form, pay visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
Attend appointment at visa application centre to provide fingerprints and photograph.
Receive decision within 3-8 weeks. Collect BRP within 10 days of arrival in UK.
Understanding costs and processing times.
| Fee Component | Duration | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Visa Fee (Outside UK) | Up to 3 years | 719 GBP |
| Visa Fee (Outside UK) | More than 3 years | 1,420 GBP |
| Health Surcharge (IHS) | Per year | 1,035 GBP |
| Priority Processing | 5 working days | 500 GBP |
| Super Priority | Next working day | 1,000 GBP |
| Immigration Skills Charge | Per year (Small/Charity) | 364 GBP |
| Immigration Skills Charge | Per year (Large) | 1,000 GBP |
After 5 years on Skilled Worker visa, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) - permanent residency in the UK. Your family members on dependent visas can also apply.
Must not be absent for more than 180 days per year
Must meet minimum salary at time of ILR application
Pass the Life in the UK test and English language requirement
After 1 year with ILR, eligible for British citizenship
Find answers to the most common questions about this visa.
The Skilled Worker visa allows you to work in the UK for an approved employer in an eligible skilled job. It replaced the Tier 2 (General) visa after Brexit and is the main UK work visa.
A CoS is an electronic document issued by your UK employer (licensed sponsor) containing information about the job and you. You need a valid CoS to apply for the visa.
Generally, you need to be paid at least 41,700 GBP/year or the 'going rate' for your occupation, whichever is higher. Some discounts apply for certain occupations or circumstances including ISL roles and new entrants.
The job must be at RQF Level 3 or above (A-level equivalent) and on the eligible occupations list. Many professional, technical, and skilled jobs qualify.
Employers pay 364-1,000 GBP per year of sponsorship (depending on company size). This is in addition to your visa fees.
Yes, after 5 years on Skilled Worker visa (or combination with other qualifying visas), you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (settlement).
You must prove English at CEFR Level B2 (from January 2026) through approved tests (IELTS, PTE), qualifications taught in English, or being from a majority English-speaking country.
Yes, spouse/partner and children under 18 can apply as dependents. Partners can work without restrictions; children can study.
Yes, but you need a new CoS from the new employer and must apply to update your visa before starting the new job.
The Shortage Occupation List has been replaced by the Immigration Salary List (ISL). Jobs on this list receive benefits: lower salary threshold and reduced Immigration Skills Charge. The ISL expires December 2026.
Ready to work in the United Kingdom? Our expert team is here to guide you through the Skilled Worker Visa application process.
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