Skilled Worker visa
United KingdomUnited KingdomEurope
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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

At a Glance

Processing Time

Varies

Application Fee

719 GBP

Stay Duration

Up to 5 years

Renewable

Yes

Job Offer

Not Required

Dependents

Allowed

PR Pathway

Available

This visa can lead to permanent residency — the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa.

Remote Work

Not Required

Overview

Primary work visa for skilled employment in the UK. Requires a job offer from a licensed sponsor and minimum salary of £41,700 per year. Can lead to permanent residency.

The Skilled Worker visa is the main work visa route for skilled professionals coming to the UK. It requires sponsorship from a licensed employer and a minimum salary threshold. After 5 years, you can apply for permanent residency.

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Requirements

Financial

Minimum Income

38,700 GBP

per year

Minimum Savings

1,270 GBP

Language

English

Intermediate

Documentation

Applicant Documents

Valid passport

At least 6 months validity

Certificate of Sponsorship reference

From your employer

Proof of funds

£1,270 minimum for 28 days

English language proof

If required

Optional

Sponsor Documents

Job offer letter

Confirming job details and salary

Track your documents or upload them for AI-powered review

Advantages

  • Path to permanent residency after 5 years
  • Can bring dependents
  • No annual cap on applications
  • Includes healthcare surcharge

Considerations

  • Requires employer sponsorship
  • High minimum salary required
  • Healthcare surcharge (£1,035/year)
  • Tied to sponsoring employer

Application Process

1

Secure job offer

Get job offer from licensed sponsor

2

Obtain certificate of sponsorship

Employer provides CoS reference

3

Apply online

Submit visa application with CoS reference

4

Prove identity

Provide biometric information

5

Provide documents

Submit supporting documents

6

Pay fees

Pay visa fee and healthcare surcharge

7

Await decision

Wait for visa decision

Application Forms

Skilled Worker visa application

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Check your eligibility first to see how well you match this visa

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Living in United Kingdom

Cost of Living
2% cheaper than United States
Avg Salary£31,200
Quality of Life
176/200
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