UK Skilled Worker Visa: Sponsorship and Application

The job must be at RQF Level 3 or above (A-level equivalent). Check the UK SOC code list to verify your occupation qualifies. The job must be offered by a UK employer with a valid sponsor license. The employer assigns the SOC code based on the job duties. Not all jobs qualify, even if the employer is willing to sponsor.

The general salary threshold is 38,700 GBP per year or the going rate for the occupation (whichever is higher). New entrants (under 26, switching from student visa, or in a PhD-level role) have a reduced threshold of 30,960 GBP. Some occupations on the Immigration Salary List have lower thresholds. Check the gov.uk immigration salary list for your specific role.

Your employer must hold a valid sponsor license to hire overseas workers. Check the public register of licensed sponsors at gov.uk. If your employer does not have a license, they must apply for one (processing takes 8-12 weeks, costs 536-1,476 GBP). You cannot apply for the visa until the employer has the license and issues your Certificate of Sponsorship.

The CoS is a virtual document with a unique reference number, not a physical certificate. Your employer creates it through the Sponsorship Management System (SMS). It contains your personal details, job title, SOC code, salary, and start date. Defined CoS (for workers outside the UK) requires Home Office approval and takes 1-3 weeks.

Check your name, date of birth, passport number, job title, salary, and SOC code on the CoS. Errors on the CoS can result in visa refusal. Your employer can amend the CoS through the SMS, but amendments may trigger a new approval process. Confirm all details match your passport and employment contract.

Complete the application at gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa/apply. The form requires your personal details, CoS reference number, travel history, and criminal record disclosure. The application takes 30-60 minutes. Have your passport, CoS reference, and financial documents ready before starting.

The visa fee is 719 GBP for up to 3 years or 1,420 GBP for up to 5 years. The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is 1,035 GBP per year (prorated for the visa duration). A 3-year visa with IHS costs approximately 3,824 GBP. The employer may pay some or all of these fees. Payment is online during the application process.

You must prove English at CEFR B1 level through an approved test (IELTS Life Skills, Trinity GESE), a degree taught in English (from a majority English-speaking country or verified by ENIC-NARIC), or citizenship of a majority English-speaking country. Nationals of the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and other English-speaking countries are exempt. Test results are valid for 2 years.

You must show 1,270 GBP held in your bank account for at least 28 consecutive days ending within 31 days of your application. Your employer can certify maintenance instead, confirming they will support you up to 1,270 GBP during your first month. Bank statements must show your name, account number, and the 28-day balance history.

After submitting the online application, book a biometrics appointment at a UK Visa Application Centre (VAC) in your country. Bring your passport, appointment confirmation, and printed application. Biometrics include fingerprints and a digital photo. Some VACs offer priority or super priority services for faster processing at additional cost (250-800 GBP).

Standard processing outside the UK takes 3-8 weeks from the biometrics appointment. Priority processing (5 business days) costs 250 GBP. Super priority (1 business day, where available) costs 800 GBP. Inside the UK, standard processing takes 8 weeks. Priority (5 days) and super priority (next working day) are available for in-country applications.

If approved from outside the UK, you receive a vignette sticker in your passport valid for 90 days to enter the UK. After arriving, collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) from the designated post office within 10 days. If approved inside the UK, the new BRP is mailed to you or your employer's address.

The BRP is your proof of immigration status, right to work, and identity in the UK. Collect it from the post office specified in your decision letter. Bring your passport and the BRP collection letter. Your employer needs to see the BRP for right-to-work verification. Failure to collect within 10 days can result in a 1,000 GBP fine.

Skilled Worker visa holders can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR/settlement) after 5 years of continuous residence. You must have been earning at least the minimum salary threshold throughout. Absences from the UK must not exceed 180 days in any 12-month period. The ILR application costs 2,885 GBP. After ILR, you can apply for British citizenship after 1 additional year. This guide is informational only, not legal advice.