📋 In This Guide
- What is the Skilled Worker Visa?
- The 70-point system explained
- Salary thresholds and eligible occupations
- English language requirement
- Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
- Documents checklist
- How to apply — step by step
- Fees and total costs 2026
- Processing times
- Common refusal reasons
- Frequently asked questions
- Next steps
What Is the UK Skilled Worker Visa?
The UK Skilled Worker visa is the main immigration route for overseas nationals who have a job offer from a UK-licensed employer. It replaced the old Tier 2 (General) visa in December 2020. If you have been offered a skilled job in the UK and your employer holds a valid Sponsor Licence, this is the visa you need.
This guide covers everything required to apply successfully in 2026: the 70-point system, the updated salary thresholds, how SOC codes and going rates work, the Certificate of Sponsorship, a full documents checklist, current fees, and a complete step-by-step application walkthrough.
Who Qualifies — The 70-Point System Explained
Every Skilled Worker visa applicant must score exactly 70 points. Not one more is needed, not one less is accepted. Points come from three mandatory criteria (50 points) plus your salary level (20 points). There is no annual cap — you can apply any time once your employer issues your Certificate of Sponsorship.
Mandatory points — 50 points (all three required, no substitution)
| Criterion | Points | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Job offer from a licensed UK sponsor | 20 pts | Your employer must hold a valid Sponsor Licence — check the gov.uk Register of Licensed Sponsors before accepting the offer |
| Job at RQF Level 3 or above | 20 pts | Roughly equivalent to A-levels or an advanced apprenticeship — your SOC code determines this, not your qualifications |
| English language at B1 level or above | 10 pts | Proved by an approved SELT test, exempt nationality, or a degree taught in English |
Salary points — 20 points (needed to reach the 70 total)
| Salary level | Points | Who qualifies |
|---|---|---|
| £38,700+ per year OR the going rate (whichever is higher) | 20 pts | Standard route — qualifies outright with no additional criteria |
| £30,960 – £38,699 per year | 20 pts | Shortage occupation (Immigration Salary List) OR holds a PhD relevant to the role |
| £23,200 – £30,959 per year | 20 pts | Shortage occupation AND STEM PhD, OR new entrant to the labour market |
Salary Threshold and Eligible Occupations 2026
The salary test has two parts — and both must be met. Many applicants pass the first but fail the second. Understanding the going rate is what separates a strong application from a refused one.
The two salary tests — both are compulsory
- Test 1 — General threshold: Salary must be at least £38,700 per year (standard route)
- Test 2 — Going rate: Salary must also meet the going rate for your specific SOC code — even if higher than £38,700
- Example: If the going rate for Software Developer (SOC 2136) is £40,080, you must earn at least £40,080 — meeting £38,700 alone is not sufficient
Salary discounts — reduced thresholds in specific situations
| Situation | Reduced threshold | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| New entrant to the labour market | £30,960 per year | Under 26, recent graduate, or in first 3 years of career post-study |
| Shortage occupation (Immigration Salary List) | £30,960 per year | Role must appear on the current gov.uk Immigration Salary List |
| PhD relevant to the role | £30,960 per year | Applicant holds a doctorate directly relevant to the job offered |
| STEM PhD in a shortage occupation | £23,200 per year | Role is on the Immigration Salary List AND applicant holds a STEM PhD |
What counts — and does not count — as salary
- ✅ Counts: Guaranteed basic annual salary only
- ❌ Does NOT count: Overtime, bonuses, tips, commission, allowances (including London weighting), non-cash benefits
- ⚠️ Part-time roles: The threshold is proportional — but the hourly rate must still meet the going rate for the SOC code
Highest-demand eligible occupations — 2026 going rates
| Occupation | SOC Code | Approx. going rate |
|---|---|---|
| Registered nurses | 2231 | £29,970 (shortage occupation rate) |
| Software developers | 2136 | £40,080 |
| Civil engineers | 2121 | £38,700 |
| Secondary school teachers | 2314 | £31,350 (shortage occupation) |
| Accountants | 2421 | £38,700 |
| Social workers | 2442 | £34,113 (shortage occupation) |
| Medical practitioners (doctors) | 2211 | NHS pay scale rates — verify at gov.uk |
| Skilled chefs | 5434 | £29,570 (new entrant rate) |
English Language Requirement
To earn the 10 mandatory points for English language, you must meet one of the following. Only one is required — not all of them.
- Pass an approved Secure English Language Test (SELT) at B1 CEFR level minimum in all four components
- Be a national of a majority English-speaking country — USA, Canada, Australia, NZ, Jamaica, Barbados, and others (check current gov.uk list)
- Hold a degree taught entirely in English — must be verified by UK ENIC if awarded outside the UK
- Have previously been granted a UK Skilled Worker, Tier 2 General, or Student visa and met the English requirement at that time
| Approved test provider | Minimum score required |
|---|---|
| IELTS for UKVI | B1 — minimum 4.0 in each of the four components |
| Trinity College London ISE I | B1 — pass in speaking and listening |
| LanguageCert International ESOL SELT | B1 — pass in all components |
| Pearson PTE Academic UKVI | B1 — minimum 36 in each component |
Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) — What It Is and How to Get One
The Certificate of Sponsorship is a mandatory part of every Skilled Worker visa application — without it, your application cannot be submitted. Yet most competing guides mention it in passing without explaining what it actually is.
What the Certificate of Sponsorship is
- A unique alphanumeric reference number issued by your UK employer — not a physical certificate or document you can hold
- Contains: your employer's Sponsor Licence number, your personal details, job title, SOC code, guaranteed annual salary, and proposed start date
- Valid for 3 months from the date of issue — you must submit your visa application before it expires
How your employer issues your CoS
- Your employer must hold a valid Sponsor Licence — verify this on the gov.uk Register of Licensed Sponsors before accepting any job offer
- Your employer assigns you a CoS through their UKVI Sponsor Management System and sends the reference number by email
- You cannot begin your visa application without this reference number — do not start the online form before you receive it
UK Skilled Worker Visa Documents Checklist 2026
Gather every document below before starting your online application. One missing or incorrect document is enough to cause a refusal — there is no opportunity to add documents after submission.
Your documents (applicant)
- Valid passport — must be the same passport used when your CoS was assigned
- Certificate of Sponsorship reference number — issued by your employer via the UKVI Sponsor Management System
- Proof of English language — SELT test certificate, degree transcript, or exemption evidence
- Bank statement showing £1,270 held for 28 consecutive days — only if your employer does NOT certify maintenance on the CoS
- Passport-style photograph — white background, no glasses, neutral expression, meeting UKVI photo requirements
- Tuberculosis (TB) test certificate — if you are from a listed country; only from a UKBA-approved clinic
- Academic qualifications — if claiming a PhD salary discount or using a degree to meet the English language requirement
Your employer's responsibility
- Your employer issues the CoS — they cannot do so without a current, valid Sponsor Licence
- Your employer may certify maintenance on the CoS — if they do, you are exempt from providing the £1,270 bank statement
- Your employer's written confirmation of your guaranteed annual salary must match the CoS exactly — any discrepancy will cause a refusal
How to Apply — Step by Step
Follow these steps in order. Do not begin Step 4 until Steps 1 to 3 are fully complete — applications without a valid CoS or unconfirmed points are refused and fees are not refunded.
Confirm your employer holds a valid Sponsor Licence
Search the gov.uk Register of Licensed Sponsors before accepting the job offer — not after.
Receive your Certificate of Sponsorship reference number
Your employer issues this via the UKVI Sponsor Management System and emails it to you.
Confirm you score 70 points
Verify your SOC code, check your salary meets both tests, and confirm your English language evidence is in order.
Create a UKVI account and complete the online form
Go to gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa. Allow 60–90 minutes. Save your progress regularly.
Pay the visa application fee and IHS
Both are required before your application is submitted. Payments are non-refundable.
Book your biometric appointment
Book at your nearest Visa Application Centre (VAC) through gov.uk.
Attend the biometric appointment
Your fingerprints and photograph are taken. Your passport is retained at the VAC during processing.
Upload your supporting documents
Via the UKVI document upload portal or at the VAC, depending on your country.
Track your application
Use gov.uk/track-your-application. Check your spam folder for the decision email.
Collect your BRP on arrival
Collect your Biometric Residence Permit from the named Post Office branch within 10 days of arriving in the UK.
Where to apply — by country
| Country | Application method | VAC provider |
|---|---|---|
| 🇮🇳 India | Online + in-person biometrics | VFS Global |
| 🇳🇬 Nigeria | Online + in-person biometrics | TLScontact |
| 🇵🇰 Pakistan | Online + in-person biometrics | VFS Global |
| 🇵🇭 Philippines | Online + in-person biometrics | VFS Global |
| 🇺🇸 USA | Online + in-person biometrics | VFS Global |
| All other countries | Online at gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa | Local VAC — check gov.uk |
UK Skilled Worker Visa Fees and Total Costs 2026
The Skilled Worker visa has a more complex fee structure than most UK visas — the application fee varies by duration and whether your role is on the shortage occupation list. The table below covers all costs for 2026.
| Fee type | Amount (2026) | Paid to |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee — standard, up to 3 years | £827 | UKVI online |
| Application fee — standard, more than 3 years | £1,636 | UKVI online |
| Application fee — shortage occupation, up to 3 years | £551 | UKVI online |
| Application fee — shortage occupation, more than 3 years | £1,084 | UKVI online |
| Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) per year | £1,035 per year | UKVI online |
| IHS total — 3-year visa | £3,105 | UKVI online |
| IHS total — 5-year visa | £5,175 | UKVI online |
| Priority service (optional) | Approx. £500 extra | VAC |
| Super priority service (optional) | Approx. £1,000 extra | VAC |
| IELTS for UKVI test (if required) | Approx. £200–£225 | Test centre |
| TB test (if required) | Approx. £50–£80 | Approved clinic |
Processing Times 2026
| Service type | Processing time | Additional cost |
|---|---|---|
| Standard service | Up to 3 weeks (15 working days) | Included in fee |
| Priority service | Up to 5 working days | Approx. £500 extra |
| Super priority service | Next working day (limited availability) | Approx. £1,000 extra |
Common Refusal Reasons — and How to Avoid Them
Each of the following refusal reasons appears regularly in UKVI decision letters. All are avoidable with proper preparation.
| Refusal reason | How to avoid it |
|---|---|
| Salary below £38,700 OR below the going rate for the SOC code | Confirm salary meets both tests before applying — check the going rate for your exact SOC code at gov.uk/guidance/skilled-worker-visa-eligible-occupations |
| Employer not on the Register of Licensed Sponsors or licence has lapsed | Search the public register at gov.uk before accepting the offer — a revoked licence means your CoS is invalid |
| CoS reference number has expired (over 3 months old) | Submit your visa application within 3 months of CoS issue — if it expires, ask your employer to issue a new one |
| Wrong English language test — standard IELTS instead of IELTS for UKVI | Only book tests from the gov.uk approved SELT list — standard IELTS is not accepted under any circumstances |
| Maintenance not proved — £1,270 not held for 28 consecutive days | Ensure £1,270 is in your account for 28 days before applying, OR ask your employer to certify maintenance on the CoS |
| SOC code mismatch — job duties do not match the stated occupation code | Ensure your employer uses the correct SOC code that accurately reflects your actual role — a mismatch is treated as deception |
| TB test from a non-approved clinic | Only use clinics on the current gov.uk approved clinic list — an unofficial TB test is treated as no test having been submitted |
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Your spouse or civil partner and children under 18 can apply as your dependants. They receive a visa with the same end date as yours and have full rights to work and study in the UK without restriction. Separate fees and IHS payments are required for each dependant.
Yes, in most cases. If you are already in the UK on a valid visa — such as a Student visa, Graduate visa, or another work visa — you can switch to a Skilled Worker visa without leaving the UK, provided your current visa has not expired and your new employer is a licensed sponsor.
Changing employers almost always requires a new Skilled Worker visa application under your new employer's sponsorship. Your new employer must be a licensed sponsor and issue a new CoS. Apply before leaving your current employer — your right to live in the UK is tied to your current sponsorship and there is no grace period.
No. There is no annual cap or quota. You can apply at any time once your employer issues your Certificate of Sponsorship — you do not need to wait for an allocation round or invitation.
The Health and Care Worker visa is a sub-category of the Skilled Worker route available to doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals employed by the NHS or a CQC-regulated care provider. Health and Care Workers pay a reduced visa application fee and are completely exempt from paying the IHS — saving thousands of pounds.
Yes. After 5 years of continuous lawful residence on a Skilled Worker visa (or a combination of eligible routes), you may apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). After a further 12 months of ILR, you may be eligible to apply for British citizenship by naturalisation.
You do not legally need one. However, using an OISC-registered adviser or SRA-regulated solicitor significantly reduces refusal risk if your case is complex — for example, if you have a previous refusal, a criminal record, unusual employment circumstances, or are applying from a country with a high visa refusal rate.
Next Steps — What to Do Now
Before submitting your application, confirm all three essentials are in place:
- A Certificate of Sponsorship from an employer with a current, valid Sponsor Licence
- A salary that meets both the £38,700 general threshold and the going rate for your specific SOC code
- 70 points confirmed — all three mandatory criteria satisfied plus the appropriate salary band
All salary thresholds and fees in this guide are verified as of January 2026. Check gov.uk before applying — these figures are reviewed annually by the Home Office each April and may increase.
Bookmark this page — we update it every January when the Home Office reviews fees and salary thresholds for the new year.
🏛 Official Sources Used in This Guide
gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa — Skilled Worker Visa Main Page gov.uk — Eligible Occupations and SOC Codes gov.uk — Register of Licensed Sponsors gov.uk — Immigration Salary List (Shortage Occupations) gov.uk/track-your-application — Track Your Visa📖 Related Guides on VisaPathGuide.com
- UK Spouse Visa Requirements 2025 — Complete Step by Step Guide
- UK Student Visa 2026 — Requirements, Fees and How to Apply
- UK Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) — Eligibility Checklist 2026
- IELTS vs PTE — Which English Test is Best for UK Immigration?
- UK Visa Refused? Reasons and How to Appeal Successfully
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