In this guide, you will learn about the latest UK Skilled visa requirements in 2024, including job skill level, minimum salary, and English language requirements.

If you have any questions regarding the eligibility criteria and requirements of a UK Skilled Worker visa, call our immigration solicitor today at 0203 417 3700. or fill in our online enquiry form.

Table of Contents

  1. What is a UK Skilled Worker visa?
  2. Who is eligible for a UK Skilled Worker visa?
  3. What are the Skilled Worker visa requirements?
  4. Minimum salary requirement for a Skilled Worker visa
  5. Required Documents for the UK Skilled Worker visa
  6. Changing employers on a Skilled Worker Visa
  7. UK Skilled Worker visa processing time 2024
  8. How much does a Skilled Worker visa cost?
  9. How do we help with your application
  10. Need Legal Advice & Assistance?

What is a UK Skilled Worker visa?

The Skilled Worker visa, formerly known as 'Tier 2 (General) Work visa' permits overseas skilled workers to work in the UK with an approved employer.

UK Skilled Worker visa is a long-term work visa and route to the settlement which means you can apply for ILR as a skilled worker after a qualifying period of five years.

Who is eligible for a UK Skilled Worker visa?

To qualify for a Skilled Worker visa, you must have a confirmed job offer from a UK employer who is an approved sponsor and can provide a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).

In addition to that your job must be at or above the required skill level, typically RQF Level 3 (equivalent to A-level) and you must do a job that’s on the list of eligible occupations.

What are the Skilled Worker visa requirements?

To be eligible to apply for a UK Skilled Worker visa, you must meet several criteria related to your job, your skills, and your financial situation.

1. Age Requirement

You must be at least 18 years old to be eligible to apply for a UK Skilled Worker visa.

2. Job Offer from an Approved Sponsor

You must have a job offer from an employer who is approved by the Home Office and has a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).

The employer must issue you a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) which includes details about the job role and your personal information.

3. Genuine Job Requirement

The job must be a genuine vacancy that you are qualified to undertake. The Home Office must be satisfied that the job is real and not created just to facilitate a visa application.

You may need to provide evidence of your qualifications and experience that are relevant to the job you have been offered.

4. Job Skill Level

The job must be at or above the required skill level, typically defined as RQF Level 3 or above (equivalent to A-levels).

The job must be on the list of eligible occupations, which can be found on the UK government’s official website.

5. Minimum Salary Requirement

Your job must meet the minimum salary threshold, which is generally:

  • £38,700 per year,
  • £15.88 per hour, or
  • The 'going rate' for the type of work you’ll be doing, whichever is higher.

Some roles in specific shortage occupations or for new entrants (such as recent graduates) have different salary requirements.

6. English Language Requirement

You must demonstrate proficiency in English at a B1 level (intermediate) according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

This can be proven by passing an approved English language test or by having a relevant academic qualification that was taught in English.

7. Financial Requirement

You must have enough personal savings to support yourself when you arrive in the UK. Generally, you need to show you have at least £1,270 in your bank account for 28 consecutive days before you apply.

8. Tuberculosis Test

If you are from a country where tuberculosis (TB) is common, you may need to provide a valid TB test certificate as part of your application.

9. Criminal Record Check

Depending on your job role (especially if working with vulnerable individuals), you may need to provide a criminal record certificate from any country where you have lived for 12 months or more in the last 10 years.

Minimum salary requirement for a Skilled Worker visa

From 4 April 2024, to be eligible to update a Skilled Worker visa, applicants must now earn at least £38,700 gross per year.

The minimum salary requirement for the UK Skilled Worker visa generally must meet either the general salary threshold which is usually £38,700 per year or the 'going rate' for the specific job, whichever is higher.

Required Documents for the UK Skilled Worker Visa

When applying for a UK Skilled Worker Visa, you will need to provide several documents to support your application. Here is a comprehensive list of the required documents:

1: Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) Reference Number

  • Issued by your UK employer, who must be an approved sponsor.

2: Proof of English Language Proficiency

  • An approved English language test result (e.g., IELTS for UKVI).
  • A degree certificate that was taught in English (if applicable).
  • Nationals of majority English-speaking countries may be exempt.

3: Proof of Salary and Job Details

  • Job title and annual salary.
  • Job’s occupation code.
  • Proof that the job is at the required skill level.
  • Confirmation that the salary meets the required threshold.

4: Educational Qualifications and Evidence of Skills

  • Certificates, transcripts, and other proof of your qualifications.
  • References or evidence of your relevant work experience.

5: Passport or Other Valid Travel Identification

  • A valid passport or travel document with at least one blank page for your visa.

6: Proof of Financial Support

  • Bank statements show you have at least £1,270 in savings for 28 consecutive days before applying unless your sponsor is covering your costs.
  • A letter from your employer confirming they will cover your maintenance for the first month, if applicable.

7: Tuberculosis Test Results (if applicable)

  • Required if you are from a country where TB is common, and you have lived there for more than 6 months in the last year.

8: Criminal Record Certificate (if applicable)

  • Required for certain job roles, particularly those involving vulnerable individuals.
  • Certificates from any country where you have lived for 12 months or more in the last 10 years.

You may need to provide additional supporting documents depending on your circumstances.

Book an appointment with our work visa solicitor in London for your Skilled Worker visa eligibility assessment and to get a comprehensive UK Skilled Worker visa document checklist.

Changing employers on a Skilled Worker visa

As a skilled worker visa holder, you can change jobs if your new job is within the same occupation code (SOC) as your current job with the same employer.

You must apply to update your Skilled Worker visa if your new job is in a different occupation code or with a different employer approved by the Home Office.

You do not need to update your Skilled Worker visa if your new job is within the same occupation code and meets the salary requirements. However, informing the Home Office of significant changes to your role is good practice.

UK Skilled Worker visa processing time 2024

In 2024, Skilled Worker visa applications from inside the UK take 8 weeks on average.

Usually, you receive a decision on your Skilled Worker visa application within 3 weeks if you’re applying from outside the UK.

Visa application using super priority service

You may be eligible to apply for a visa using the "Super Priority Service" to get a faster decision by the end of the next working day (within 24 hours). You'll need to pay the "Super Priority Service" fee in addition to the visa application fee.

Visa application using priority service

You can choose the "Priority Service" when you apply for a visa to get a faster decision within 5 working days. You'll need to pay the "Priority Service" fee in addition to the visa application fee.

How much does a Skilled Worker visa cost?

To apply for a UK Skilled Worker visa you must have enough money to pay a visa application fee that ranges from £719 to £1,636 and a healthcare surcharge usually £1,035 per year.

If you're applying from outside the UK

  • Visa fee if you'll be in the UK for up to 3 years - £719 per person.
  • Visa fee if you'll be in the UK for more than 3 years - £1,420 per person.

If you're applying from inside the UK

  • Visa fee if you'll be in the UK for up to 3 years - £827 per person.
  • Visa fee if you'll be in the UK for more than 3 years - £1,636 per person.

Costs associated with Skilled Worker visa applications

  • Pay the Skilled Worker visa application fee which is between £719 to £1,636 per person.
  • Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) which is usually £1,035 per year.
  • You must have at least £1,270 in your bank account to show you can support yourself in the UK

The current fee for a UK Skilled Worker visa application is set by the Home Office and is subject to change. You should always check the most up-to-date information on the UK government's official website before applying for a visa.

How do we help with your application?

Our expert team of UK immigration solicitors and lawyers in London will be able to assist you with any type of UK Skilled Worker visa application.

Immigration solicitors at Wembley Solicitors will:

  • Provide detailed immigration advice.
  • Assess your circumstances and eligibility for a UK visa application.
  • Explain the entire UK visa application process.
  • Give you a completed checklist of documents according to the type of visa application and your circumstances.
  • Check all the supporting documents to ensure that they are sufficient and in the correct format.
  • Fill out the complete application form and prepare detailed representations/cover letter for the Home Office UKVI about the Immigration Rules.
  • Book an appointment for you to enrol your biometrics.
  • Upload all the supporting documents.
  • Liaise with the Home Office UKVI throughout the process until we receive the decision.
  • Keep you updated with every stage of your visa or immigration application.

Contact our immigration solicitors in Wembley, London on 020 3417 3700 or fill in the enquiry form for immediate legal advice & assistance with your UK visa application.

We provide expert advice, practical assistance, and professional representation to guide you through the application and decision-making process, from start to finish. 

We're authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), so you know you're in safe hands.

Contact our solicitor today to get legal advice and assistance with your UK immigration matters.

You can call us on 02034173700 or leave your details here for a callback request regarding your legal matter.

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