Our Visa Processes
UK Skilled Worker visa
A Skilled Worker visa allows you to come to or stay in the UK to do an eligible job with an approved employer.
This visa has replaced the Tier 2 (General) work visa.
It also allows you to work in UK waters.
Eligibility
Your job
To qualify for a Skilled Worker visa, you must:
Work for a UK employer that’s been approved by the Home Office
do a job that’s on the list of eligible occupations
be paid a minimum salary - how much depends on the type of work you do and the date you got your CoS
The specific eligibility depends on your job.
You must have a confirmed job offer before you apply for your visa.
Knowledge of English
You must be able to speak, read, write and understand English.
If you’re not eligible for a Skilled Worker visa
You may be eligible for another type of visa to work in the U like HPI eVisa.
How long you can stay
Your visa can last for up to 5 years before you need to extend it. You’ll need to apply to extend or update your visa when it expires or if you change jobs or employer.
If you want to stay longer in the UK
You can apply to extend your visa as many times as you like as long as you still meet the eligibility requirements.
After 5 years, you may be able to apply to settle permanently in the UK (also known as ‘indefinite leave to remain’). This gives you the right to live, work and study here for as long as you like, and apply for benefits if you’re eligible.
How to apply
You must apply online.
How you apply depends on whether you’re:
outside the UK and are coming to the UK
inside the UK and extending your current visa
inside the UK and switching from a different visa
If you want to change your job or employer, you must apply to update your visa.
Your partner and children may be able to apply to join you or stay in the UK as your ‘dependants’.
How long it takes
You can apply for a visa up to 3 months before the day you are due to start work in the UK. This date is listed on your certificate of sponsorship.
As part of your application, you’ll need to prove your identity and provide your documents.
You may need to allow extra time if you need an appointment to do this. You’ll find out if you need one when you start your application.
Getting a decision
Once you’ve applied online, proved your identity and provided your documents, you’ll usually get a decision on your visa within:
2-3 weeks, if you’re outside the UK
6-8 weeks, if you’re inside the UK
You may be able to pay to get a faster decision - you’ll be told if you can when you apply.
If your application is successful, your decision email will tell you what you’ll get to prove your immigration status and what you need to do next.
How much it costs
You, your partner or children will each need to:
pay the application fee £819
pay the healthcare surcharge for each year of your stay £1,035 per year
prove you have enough personal savings £1,270
Check how much money you’ll need.
How much it costs
When you apply for a Skilled Worker visa, you’ll need to have enough money to:
pay the application fee - the standard fee ranges from £819 to £1,865 depending on your circumstances
pay the healthcare surcharge - this is usually £1,035 per year
support yourself when you arrive in the UK - you’ll usually need to have at least £1,270 available (unless you’re exempt)
You’ll pay a lower application fee if your job is on the immigration salary list.
You’ll be told how much you need to pay when you apply.
Example
You’re applying to come to the UK from Argentina for 2 years on a Skilled Worker visa.
Your job is not on the immigration salary list so your visa will cost £819, plus £1,035 for each year of your stay for the healthcare surcharge. This means you’ll pay a total of £2,889 when you apply for your visa.
You’ll also need to prove you have £1,270 available to support yourself in the UK if your employer cannot cover these costs.
Application fees
If you’re applying from outside the UK, the standard fee depends on whether you’ll be in the UK for:
up to 3 years - £819 per person
more than 3 years - £1,618 per person
If you’re applying from inside the UK to extend, switch or update your visa, the standard fee depends on whether you’ll be in the UK for:
up to 3 years - £943 per person
more than 3 years - £1,865 per person
If your partner or child applies to join you in the UK, they’ll pay the fee for the same length of time as you even if they apply after your visa has been granted.
Example
If your 5-year certificate of sponsorship expires in 2027 and your child applies to join you in 2025, they’ll need to pay the application fee for more than 3 years.
If your partner or child applies to join you in the UK as your ‘dependant’, they’ll pay the fee for the same length of time as you.
Money to support yourself
You must have at least £1,270 in your bank account to show you can support yourself in the UK.
You will need to have had the money available for at least 28 days in a row. Day 28 must be within 31 days of applying for this visa.
You’ll usually need to show proof of this when you apply, unless either:
you’ve been in the UK with a valid visa for at least 12 months
your employer can cover your costs during your first month in the UK, up to £1,270
Your partner and children will also need to prove they can support themselves while they’re in the UK. Check how much money your dependants will need to support themselves.
Read the guidance on financial evidence for more information about the money you need and how to prove it.