All-Visas
Skilled Worker
work · United Kingdom
The Skilled Worker visa is the UK's central employer-sponsored route. From 22 July 2025 the minimum skill level was restored to RQF 6 (degree level) and the general salary threshold rose to £41,700/yr, with a lower floor of £33,400 for new entrants (under 26, recent graduates, in professional training), Immigration Salary List jobs, and STEM PhD holders; non-STEM PhD holders use a 90% discount with a £37,500 minimum. Salary paid must be the higher of the route threshold and the occupation-specific going rate. Applicants need a valid CoS from a licensed sponsor and English at CEFR B1. Settlement (ILR) after 5 years.
- Minimum stay / validity
- Up to 5 yrs per grant; ILR after 5 yrs
- Processing time
- 3 weeks (outside UK) / 8 weeks (inside)
- Official source
- https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa
- Last verified
- May 2026
Requirements & criteria
- [Mandatory] Sponsoring employer in the country
- [Mandatory] Concrete job offer / employment contract
- [Mandatory] No criminal record
- [Mandatory] ≥ £33,400 (new entrants / ISL / STEM PhD)
- [Mandatory] ≥ £37,500 (non-STEM PhD 90% discount)
- [Mandatory] ≥ £41,700 (general threshold)
- [Mandatory] RQF 6 (degree-level role, from 22 July 2025)
- [Mandatory] English CEFR B1 (all four skills)
- [Bonus] £1,270 maintenance (28-day rule) unless sponsor-certified