UK Skilled Worker Visa 2026: Complete Guide to Eligibility, Salary Threshold, Sponsorship & Application Process

 Complete 2026 guide to the UK Skilled Worker Visa. Learn salary requirements, sponsorship rules, processing time, costs, eligibility, and how to apply successfully.

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The UK Skilled Worker Visa is the primary route for professionals who want to live and work in the United Kingdom legally with employer sponsorship.

If you're searching for:

• UK Skilled Worker visa requirements

• UK work visa sponsorship jobs

• UK Skilled Worker visa salary threshold

• UK visa processing time

• UK Health and Care Worker visa

• UK visa application fees

This comprehensive guide provides a detailed, authority-level breakdown using official government sources and strategic insights for applicants.

Primary authority reference:

UK Visas and Immigration

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What Is the UK Skilled Worker Visa?

The UK Skilled Worker Visa allows foreign nationals to work in the UK for an approved employer who holds a sponsor licence.

It replaced the Tier 2 (General) visa system and is points-based.

The visa enables you to:

• Work legally in the UK

• Bring eligible dependents

• Extend your stay

• Apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)

• Eventually apply for British citizenship

Official guidance is published by:

UK Visas and Immigration

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Who Is the UK Skilled Worker Visa For?

This visa is ideal for professionals in:

• Healthcare and nursing

• Information technology

• Engineering

• Finance

• Education

• Skilled trades

Demand is especially high in healthcare under the Health and Care Worker route.

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UK Skilled Worker Visa Eligibility Requirements (2026)

To qualify, you must:

1. Have a confirmed job offer from a UK employer

2. Employer must be an approved sponsor

3. Receive a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

4. Meet minimum salary threshold

5. Meet English language requirement

6. Have sufficient maintenance funds

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UK Skilled Worker Visa Salary Threshold (2026 Update)

Salary requirements vary based on role and occupation.

General salary threshold:

• £38,700 per year (standard threshold as updated policy baseline)

However, lower thresholds may apply for:

• Health and Care Worker roles

• Shortage occupations

• New entrants

Salary must meet:

• The general salary threshold
  OR

• The “going rate” for your occupation (whichever is higher)

Always check occupation codes under official guidelines:

UK Visas and Immigration

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UK Skilled Worker Visa Points System

You must score 70 points.

Requirement	Points
Job offer from approved sponsor	20
Job at appropriate skill level	20
English language	10
Salary meeting threshold	20
Shortage occupation / PhD	10

Mandatory points come from sponsorship and job offer.

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UK Skilled Worker Visa English Language Requirement

Applicants must demonstrate English proficiency through:

• IELTS UKVI

• Approved Secure English Language Test (SELT)

• Degree taught in English

Minimum requirement: CEFR B1 level.

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UK Skilled Worker Visa Sponsorship Explained

The employer must:

• Hold a valid sponsor licence

• Issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

• Pay the Immigration Skills Charge

You cannot apply without employer sponsorship.

Search queries often used:

• UK visa sponsorship jobs

• Companies sponsoring Skilled Worker visa UK

• UK employer sponsor list

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How to Apply for UK Skilled Worker Visa (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Secure a Sponsored Job Offer

Use UK job portals and filter for sponsorship.

Step 2: Receive Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

Your employer issues a digital reference number.

Step 3: Prepare Required Documents

You will need:

• Valid passport

• Certificate of Sponsorship reference

• English language proof

• Proof of maintenance funds

• TB test (if applicable)

• Criminal record certificate (healthcare roles)

Step 4: Apply Online

Submit application through official portal:

UK Visas and Immigration

Step 5: Pay Visa Fee & Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)

Step 6: Attend Biometric Appointment

Step 7: Wait for Decision

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UK Skilled Worker Visa Processing Time

Typical processing times:

• Outside UK: 3 weeks

• Inside UK: 8 weeks

Priority processing may reduce wait time.

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UK Skilled Worker Visa Fees (2026)

Category	Fee (Approx.)
Visa (up to 3 years)	£719
Visa (over 3 years)	£1,420
Immigration Health Surcharge	£1,035 per year
TB Test	£65–£120
English Test	£150–£250

Total estimated upfront cost: £3,000–£6,000 depending on visa length.

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UK Skilled Worker Visa vs Health and Care Worker Visa

Feature	Skilled Worker Visa	Health and Care Worker Visa
Salary Threshold	Standard threshold	Lower threshold
Visa Fees	Standard	Reduced
IHS Fee	Required	Exempt
Eligible Roles	Broad	Healthcare only
Processing Time	Standard	Faster

Healthcare route offers cost advantages.

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UK Skilled Worker Visa Without Job Offer – Is It Possible?

No. This visa requires:

• A confirmed job offer

• A licensed sponsor

Alternative routes may include graduate visa or global talent route.

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Bringing Family on UK Skilled Worker Visa

You may bring:

• Spouse or partner

• Dependent children

Dependents must apply separately and pay visa + IHS fees.

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UK Skilled Worker Visa Extension & Settlement

After 5 years, you may apply for:

• Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)

Requirements:

• Continuous residence

• Meeting salary requirements

• Life in the UK test

Eventually, you may apply for British citizenship.

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Common Reasons for Visa Refusal

• Incorrect salary documentation

• Employer sponsorship issues

• Insufficient funds

• English test not approved

• Inconsistent job details

Always verify via official sources:

UK Visas and Immigration

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Best Industries for Skilled Worker Visa Applicants

High-demand sectors:

• NHS healthcare roles

• Software development

• Civil engineering

• Accounting

• Education

• Skilled construction trades

Healthcare roles are frequently recruited through:

National Health Service

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UK Skilled Worker Visa vs Canada Express Entry

Feature	UK Skilled Worker Visa	Canada Express Entry
Job Offer Required	Yes	Not always
Points-Based	Yes	Yes
Path to PR	5 years	Direct PR
Language Requirement	English	English/French
Processing Speed	Fast	Moderate

Each route suits different applicant profiles.

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Is the UK Skilled Worker Visa Worth It?

Advantages:

• Clear pathway to settlement

• Family inclusion

• Access to UK job market

• High-income potential

Challenges:

• Requires sponsorship

• Rising salary thresholds

• High upfront costs

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Comparison Table (Optimized for CTR)

Category	Requirement	Key Detail	Difficulty
With Sponsor	Mandatory	Employer licence required	Medium
Salary ≥ £38,700	Standard threshold	Must meet occupation rate	Medium
Healthcare Role	Lower threshold	Reduced fees	Easier
5-Year Route	Continuous employment	ILR eligible	Achievable
No Job Offer	Not eligible	Sponsorship required	High

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Final Thoughts

The UK Skilled Worker Visa remains one of the most structured and reliable routes for professionals seeking long-term employment in the United Kingdom.

Success depends on:

• Securing legitimate sponsorship

• Meeting salary requirements

• Preparing documentation carefully

• Following official guidance

For the most accurate and up-to-date rules, consult:

UK Visas and Immigration