The Skilled Worker visa replaces the old Tier 2 (General) route and is now the workhorse of the UK immigration system. It sits at the centre of the country's points-based approach to skilled migration.
The Points You Need
You must score 70 points in total. Of those, 50 points are mandatory and 20 are "tradeable" — meaning a higher salary can offset a lower one in some scenarios.
| Requirement | Points | Mandatory? |
|---|---|---|
| Job offer from a licensed sponsor | 20 | Yes |
| Job at the appropriate skill level (RQF 6 / graduate) | 20 | Yes |
| English at B1 or above | 10 | Yes |
| Salary at or above the going rate | 0–20 | Tradeable |
| PhD in a relevant subject | 10–20 | Tradeable |
| Job on the Immigration Salary List | 20 | Tradeable |
Salary Thresholds
The general minimum salary is the higher of the published threshold (currently £38,700 for most roles) or the "going rate" for your specific occupation code. Lower thresholds apply for new entrants, eligible health/education roles, and PhD holders.
Your Employer's Role
Your employer must hold a Home Office sponsor licence and issue you a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). They take on legal duties, including reporting changes in your role, salary, or employment.
Switching Into the Route
You can usually switch to a Skilled Worker visa from inside the UK if you're on certain visas (such as the Student or Graduate visa). You don't need to go home to apply — but you do need a CoS, qualifying salary, and language evidence.
Bringing Your Family
Skilled Worker visa holders can bring a partner and dependent children. Each dependant pays the visa fee and full IHS.
The Path to ILR
After five continuous years on a qualifying work visa, you can usually apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain — provided you meet the salary, residence, and language requirements at the time.
"Sponsorship is a partnership. Both you and your employer have to play your parts cleanly all the way to ILR."
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