Skilled Worker Visa

Apply for a UK Skilled Worker Visa with expert legal guidance. Our immigration solicitors help you secure sponsorship, meet eligibility requirements, and achieve a smooth visa approval. Contact us today for professional assistance.

Once in the UK, you can extend your visa if you continue in your role and meet the necessary conditions, and after five years of continuous residence, you may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), opening the door to permanent settlement.

Our experienced immigration solicitors in London are here to help with all types of UK visas, asylum, nationality, appeals, or immigration issues. Call us today on 02039300554 to speak with our London immigration solicitors or book an appointment online for a confidential consultation.

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Table of Contents

What is A Skilled Worker visa?

The Skilled Worker visa is the primary UK work visa for overseas nationals looking to live and work in the UK. It is designed to attract skilled professionals to roles that are in demand and offers opportunities for career growth, family settlement, and long-term residence. To qualify, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• A job offer from a licensed sponsor – The employer must hold a valid Home Office sponsor licence, demonstrating that they are authorized to hire skilled workers from outside the UK. This ensures that applicants are joining reputable organizations that meet UK employment standards.
• A job on the list of eligible skilled occupations – The offered role must be included in the government’s list of recognized skilled occupations, covering professions that are in demand across the UK, such as healthcare, engineering, IT, and certain science and education roles.
• A salary that meets the minimum threshold – The wage offered must satisfy the visa’s minimum salary requirements, which vary depending on the role and experience, ensuring that applicants are compensated appropriately for their skills.

Holding a Skilled Worker visa provides a range of benefits, including:

• The ability to live and work in the UK legally, contributing to your profession and the wider economy.
• The opportunity to bring eligible family members (spouse/partner and children) to join you in the UK.
• The option to extend your visa or switch to another eligible route if your circumstances or employment change.
• After five years of continuous residence, the possibility to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), offering a pathway to permanent settlement and long-term security.

The Skilled Worker visa is not just a short-term work permit—it provides a stable, structured pathway for skilled professionals and their families to build a career, establish roots, and plan for the future in the UK.

Skilled Worker Visa Requirement

To qualify for a Skilled Worker visa, both you and your UK employer must meet specific requirements set by the Home Office. These rules are designed to ensure that only eligible jobs are filled by genuine applicants, maintaining the integrity of the UK’s immigration system and supporting its workforce needs. The key requirements include:

• A confirmed job offer from a licensed UK employer
• A job on the list of eligible skilled occupations
• A valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
• English language requirement
• Financial maintenance requirement
• Age requirement
• Salary and skill thresholds
• Criminal record check
• Health and tuberculosis (TB) checks
• Shortage occupation consideration

By meeting these requirements, applicants can ensure their visa application is genuine, compliant, and more likely to be approved. The Skilled Worker visa therefore provides a reliable pathway for skilled professionals to live, work, and eventually settle in the UK, while contributing to sectors where their skills are most needed.

Job Eligibility for Skilled Worker Visa

To qualify for a Skilled Worker visa, your job must be included on the list of eligible skilled occupations approved by the UK Home Office. Not all jobs in the UK qualify—only roles that are skilled enough and in demand are eligible.

Some of the key sectors that commonly qualify include:

• Health and social care jobs – including nurses, care workers, senior care workers, and other health professionals. These roles are often in high demand across the UK.
• Education roles – certain teaching positions, particularly in maths, physics, computer science, and SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) teaching.
• Skilled trade jobs – such as butchers, bricklayers, and welders, depending on current demand in the UK labour market.
• Other professional roles – including IT specialists, engineering professionals, and specific managerial positions that are recognised as skilled occupations.

Being in an eligible occupation ensures that your application meets the Home Office’s requirements for the Skilled Worker visa, allowing you to live and work in the UK, contribute to sectors in demand, and progress toward long-term settlement.

Shortage Occupation list for Skilled Worker Visa

The Shortage Occupation List identifies jobs in the UK that are currently experiencing a significant shortage of skilled workers. If your role is included on this list, you may enjoy several benefits designed to make it easier and more affordable for overseas professionals to fill these essential positions.

Shortage occupations include:

• Lower minimum salary threshold – the minimum salary requirement for the Skilled Worker visa may be reduced, making it easier for eligible applicants to meet the financial criteria.

• Reduced visa application fees – applicants in shortage roles often pay lower visa fees, helping to reduce the overall cost of moving to the UK.

• Greater flexibility in meeting requirements – certain eligibility criteria, such as maintenance funds or English language requirements, may be easier to satisfy for shortage occupations.

• Priority in processing – although not guaranteed, applications for shortage occupations may be given priority due to the high demand for these roles.

The Shortage Occupation List is regularly reviewed and updated by the Home Office to reflect the evolving needs of the UK labour market. It primarily covers sectors such as healthcare, social care, education, and certain skilled trades, where there is a consistent demand for qualified professionals. Applicants are encouraged to check the latest list before applying, as inclusion can change over time based on labour shortages across the country.

By applying under a shortage occupation, skilled workers not only benefit from these advantages but also play a crucial role in supporting the UK’s economy and addressing key skills gaps.

Documents needed for skilled worker visa application

When applying for a Skilled worker visa, you will need to provide several key documents. the exact list may vary depending on your job, employer, and personal circumstances, but typically includes:

• Current passport or travel document
• Certificate of sponsorship (CoS)
• Proof of English language ability
• Evidence of salary and job details
• Bank statements
• Tuberculosis (TB) Test Certificate
• Police Clearance certificate

All Documents not in English must be accompanied by a certificate translation. Submitting incomplete or unclear evidence is one of the most reasons skilled worker visa applications are refused.

Skilled Worker Visa Processing times & Priority services

The time it takes to process a Skilled Worker visa depends on where you apply from and whether you choose a priority service.

• Outside the UK (Entry Clearance) – Most applicants applying from abroad receive a decision within 3 weeks after submitting their biometrics and supporting documents. Processing times may vary slightly depending on the country and local visa centre workload.
• Inside the UK (Switching or Extending) – Applications to switch to a Skilled Worker visa or extend an existing visa are usually processed within around 8 weeks.

Priority and Super Priority Services

For applicants who need a faster decision, additional services are available for an extra fee:

• Priority Service – Available in certain countries, this service typically provides a decision within 5 working days after submitting your application.
• Super Priority Service – Available in the UK, this service guarantees a decision by the end of the next working day after your appointment, offering the fastest route for urgent cases.

Choosing a priority service can significantly reduce waiting times, but applicants should ensure their application is complete and accurate, as missing information may delay the process even with these services.

Applications for Skilled Worker Visa

Skilled worker visa duration and extension

The Skilled worker visa is normally granted for up to 5 years at a time. The Exact length depends on your details of your job and the length of sponsorship provided by your UK employer.

• If you are applying for the first time, your visa will usually match the length of your job contract (up to 5 years)
• If your contract or sponsorship is shorter, your visa will be granted for that period.
• You can apply to extend your skilled worker visa as many times as you need, provided you still meet the requirement and have a valid sponsorship

After 5 continuous years on a skilled worker visa, you may be eligible to apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR)

What If My Skilled Worker Visa Application Is Refused?

If your UK Skilled worker visa application is refused, you will typically have a right of appeal against the decision.

Why Choose Our Immigration Solicitors In London?

Are you looking for trusted immigration solicitors in London to help you with your UK visa or immigration matter? Here are a few good reasons of why you should choose our immigration solicitors:

• Our team of expert immigration solicitors in London has years of experience handling all types of UK visa and immigration matters.
• We offer clear and competitive fees with flexible payment options, so you know exactly what to expect—no hidden costs.
• Every case is different. We give personalised advice and solutions based on your unique situation.
• We respond quickly, keep you updated, and work to meet all Home Office deadlines.
• Whether it’s a Skilled Worker visa, Spouse visa, or British citizenship—we handle all UK immigration applications and appeals.
• Our London immigration lawyers have a strong track record in winning difficult cases, including visa refusals and Judicial Reviews.
• You can speak to our solicitors via phone, video call, or email—no need to travel to our office.
• We are fully regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, ensuring you get trusted and professional legal services.
• Need urgent help? We offer same-day appointments to assist with last-minute applications or legal emergencies.
• We help UK employers with Sponsor Licences, Skilled Worker visas, and compliance with immigration law.
• Our office is based in London, Croydon, easily accessible by public transport for in-person appointments.

FAQs-Skilled Worker Visa