It is no news that most professionals are navigating their way to the UK through the sponsored worker visa because of the economic opportunities, personal growth opportunities, and competitive salaries for professionals.
The common legal route qualified individuals take to come to the UK is through the Skilled Worker visa. The UK Skilled Worker Visa allows these professionals to come to the UK and work for a licensed employer.
You can stand a chance to move to the UK through the Skilled Worker Visa if you meet the requirements. This article will guide you on the major things you need to know about this visa type, the eligibility criteria, and how to apply.
Understanding the Fundamentals of the UK Skilled Worker Visa
The UK Skilled Worker Visa replaced the old Tier 2 (General) visa, but still offers a similar opportunity. Interested applicants need to secure a qualifying job offer from an employer licensed to sponsor Skilled Worker visas and must meet specific criteria.
Coming through this visa route has lots of benefits – you can legally work and study with this visa, bring dependents, have access to healthcare services, travel outside the UK and return, apply for ILR, and can apply for UK citizenship after a certain period.
The eligibility criteria you have to meet relate to salary, skills, English language proficiency, job offer, financial requirements, etc, which will be properly discussed in the next section.
How to Know If You Are Eligible for the Skilled Worker Visa in 2025
A licensed sponsor can be an individual or organization that has been authorized by the UK government to sponsor foreign nationals who wish to enter and work in the UK.
The licensed sponsor will provide a guarantee to the immigration authorities on your behalf that they will support you financially, ensure you meet the visa requirements and abide by the visa terms, and will assign you a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
The CoS is an electronic record that the UK employer will give to you to confirm the genuineness of your job offer so you can apply for the Skilled Worker visa.
To know if your occupation qualifies for this visa, please check the SOC code attached to that occupation. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) uses the SOC code to classify jobs based on skill level and responsibilities.
If your occupation (such as finance professionals) falls under the 3-digit code, then it falls under the minor groups; however, if your occupation (such as chartered and certified accountants) falls under the 4-digit code, then it falls under the lowest, most detailed definition of occupation.
Although the standard minimum salary threshold for this visa type is 38,700 annually, it can be adjusted based on the ‘going rate’ of the specific job. The standard minimum salary for those in the Health and Care sector is 25,000 annually.
You also need to prove you can read, write, speak, and understand English at an intermediate level (i.e., a CEFR level B1). You can demonstrate your proficiency by writing the Secure English Language Test (SELT), having a degree or other academic qualification taught in English, or by being a national of a majority English-speaking country (exemption).
If you are applying from outside the UK, you need to show that you have enough funds to support yourself at least for a month after you arrive UK. Your bank statements need to show that the funds have been in your account for at least 28 days.
You may be asked to present a police certificate that shows a clean criminal record. If you have ever been convicted of any crime, no matter how minor, your visa application may be denied.
Step-by-Step Application Guide for the Skilled Worker Visa in 2025
To begin your application process, look for licensed employers on job boards and company websites who are willing to hire, sponsor, and assign a CoS to you. Once you have accepted the job offer and received the CoS, you will go to the official online application portal to apply.
Fill out the form with accurate and complete information, and upload all required documents. You may be asked to pay the visa application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (so that you can get access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS).
Schedule and attend your biometrics appointment to provide your fingerprints, a photograph, and submit supporting documents. It is advisable to start your application early and to translate all documents not in English or Welsh.
The final step is to wait for the emails informing you of their decision and how to pick up your passport.
