• A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
• A qualifying salary
• Proficiency in the English language
• Sufficient maintenance funds
• Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): Applicants must be issued a CoS by a UK-based employer listed on the register of licensed sponsors, available on the gov.uk website. The CoS is not a physical document but an electronic record with a unique reference number. It includes details about the applicant, the job role, contract duration, and salary.
• Appropriate Salary: The minimum salary requirement varies depending on the job role. Current salary thresholds can be checked online.
• English Language Proficiency: Applicants must demonstrate English proficiency at a B1 level on the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages). This can be proven by passing an approved language test, being a national of a majority English-speaking country, or holding a degree taught in English.
• Maintenance Funds: A bank balance of at least £1,270 for at least 28 days is required unless your sponsor covers your maintenance

Skilled Worker visas are issued for the duration of the job specified by the sponsor on the Certificate of Sponsorship, plus 14 days, with a maximum limit of five years.

Skilled Worker visa holders must perform the job for which their visa was initially granted, as specified on their Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). If they change employers or switch to a different role within the same organisation they must submit a new Skilled Worker visa application.

In certain conditions, visa holders may take on a second job while working under a Skilled Worker visa. They are also permitted to study, provided it does not interfere with their sponsored employment. Self-employment is allowed under specific circumstances.

Applicants are eligible to bring their partner and children under 18 on their Skilled Worker visa unless they are a careworker or senior careworker. Their dependents will receive the same visa duration as the main applicant and will have the right to work or start their own business in the UK.

Skilled Worker visa holders can apply for settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain) after five years, provided they are still employed by a licensed sponsor in the UK.

In most cases, applicants must earn a minimum salary of £38,700, though there are exceptions:

• Jobs on the Immigration Salary List: £30,960
• First Skilled Worker visa applied before April 4, 2024, and continuously held: £29,000
• Health & Care workers: £23,200

Additionally, applicants must meet the Knowledge of Language and Life in the UK requirement and should not have spent more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period.

Dependents will typically also qualify for ILR after five years as a dependent.

Ultimate Visas can assist with all Skilled Worker visa applications, including complex cases involving self-employment. If you need help preparing your application or are unsure about your specific situation, feel free to contact us—we’ll be happy to advise you.