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Skilled Worker Visa

Work PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa. Dependents Allowed Remote Work

At a Glance

Processing Time

5 days – 2 months

Estimated Cost

£1,824–£3,710 GBP

Varies by filing options

Stay Duration

5 years per grant (renewable indefinitely)

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

Job offer required

Work

Remote work OK

Apply Now Official Information

Living in United Kingdom

Cost of Living

2% cheaper than United States

Avg Salary£31,200

Quality of Life

176/200

Full Country Guide

Overview

The Skilled Worker Visa is the primary route for sponsored employment in the UK. It allows individuals to come to or stay in the UK to do a qualifying job with an approved, licensed sponsor employer.

The UK Skilled Worker visa is the primary sponsored employment route for international workers. Applicants need a job offer from a licensed UK employer, an RQF Level 6 role, a salary of at least £41,700 per year, and English at CEFR B2.

Each grant covers up to 5 years and is renewable indefinitely. Dependants may join and work without restriction. After 5 years of continuous residence, holders can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain. There is no annual cap.

This visa is ideal for skilled professionals worldwide who have a UK job offer and want a renewable work pathway with a direct route to permanent residence.

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Cost Breakdown

Visa Application Fee (Outside UK, up to 3 years)£819 GBP

Visa Application Fee (Outside UK, more than 3 years)£1,618 GBP

Visa Application Fee (Inside UK, up to 3 years)£943 GBP

Visa Application Fee (Inside UK, more than 3 years)£1,865 GBP

Immigration Health Surcharge (Annual)£1,035 GBP

recurring

Certificate of Sponsorship Fee£525 GBP

Immigration Skills Charge (Small/Charitable, first 12 months)£480 GBP

Immigration Skills Charge (Medium/Large, first 12 months)£1,320 GBP

Validity2 years

Processing2 weeks – 2 months

View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from an approved UK employer

Job at RQF Level 6 or above (with exceptions for jobs on the Immigration Salary List or Temporary Shortage List)

Meet minimum salary threshold (£41,700 or going rate)

Meet financial requirement (£1,270 in savings for 28 days)

English language proficiency (CEFR Level B2)

KEY CRITERIA

Education

bachelor or higher

Min. Income

41,700 EUR/yr

Min. Savings

1,270 EUR

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport

Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) reference number

Proof of English language proficiency

Bank statements (proof of savings)

Tuberculosis test certificate (if applicable)

Criminal record certificate (if applicable)

ATAS certificate (if applicable)

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Direct path to ILR
No annual quota
Allows family members
Allows supplementary work

Worth Knowing

High salary thresholds
Strict English requirements
Employer must be licensed
Lack of licensed sponsor
Salary below threshold
Inability to meet English language requirement
Criminal record in specific sectors

Application Process

Secure job offer

Employer assigns CoS and pays fees

Prepare documents

Complete online application

Pay application fee and IHS

Verify identity

Receive decision

Application Forms

Go to application portal

Skilled Worker Application

Fill online

Verified Claims (22)

Last verified May 31, 2026

Application Steps

Secure job offer; Employer assigns CoS and pays fees; Prepare documents; Complete online application…

gov.uk

Dependent Visa

Dependent visa available for spouse, civil partner, unmarried partner (2+ years), and children under…

gov.uk

Fee Breakdown

Visa Application Fee (Outside UK, up to 3 years): 819 GBP; Visa Application Fee (Outside UK, more th…

gov.uk

Fees

£819-£1,865 (Application) + £1,035/year (IHS) + £525 (CoS) + £480-£6,600 (ISC)

gov.uk

Forms

Skilled Worker Application (Outside UK); Skilled Worker Application (Inside UK)

gov.uk

Included Nationalities

—

gov.uk

Job Offer Required

true

gov.uk

Application Portal

https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa/apply-from-outside-the-uk

gov.uk

Apply Now Official Information

Living in United Kingdom

Cost of Living

2% cheaper than United States

Avg Salary£31,200

Quality of Life

176/200

Full Country Guide

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Overview

The Skilled Worker Visa is the primary route for sponsored employment in the UK. It allows individuals to come to or stay in the UK to do a qualifying job with an approved, licensed sponsor employer.

This visa is ideal for skilled professionals worldwide who have a UK job offer and want a renewable work pathway with a direct route to permanent residence.

Cost Breakdown

Visa Application Fee (Outside UK, up to 3 years)£819 GBP

Visa Application Fee (Outside UK, more than 3 years)£1,618 GBP

Visa Application Fee (Inside UK, up to 3 years)£943 GBP

Visa Application Fee (Inside UK, more than 3 years)£1,865 GBP

Immigration Health Surcharge (Annual)£1,035 GBP

recurring

Certificate of Sponsorship Fee£525 GBP

Immigration Skills Charge (Small/Charitable, first 12 months)£480 GBP

Immigration Skills Charge (Medium/Large, first 12 months)£1,320 GBP

Valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from an approved UK employer

Job at RQF Level 6 or above (with exceptions for jobs on the Immigration Salary List or Temporary Shortage List)

Meet minimum salary threshold (£41,700 or going rate)

Meet financial requirement (£1,270 in savings for 28 days)

English language proficiency (CEFR Level B2)

KEY CRITERIA

Education

bachelor or higher

Min. Income

41,700 EUR/yr

Min. Savings

1,270 EUR

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport

Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) reference number

Proof of English language proficiency

Bank statements (proof of savings)

Tuberculosis test certificate (if applicable)

Criminal record certificate (if applicable)

ATAS certificate (if applicable)

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Direct path to ILR
No annual quota
Allows family members
Allows supplementary work

Worth Knowing

High salary thresholds
Strict English requirements
Employer must be licensed
Lack of licensed sponsor
Salary below threshold
Inability to meet English language requirement
Criminal record in specific sectors