跳转至
自定义菜单 自定义菜单 自定义菜单

Advertising Space 1A

Advertising Space 2AAdvertising Space 3A
Advertising Space 1BAdvertising Space 2BAdvertising Space 3B
Advertising Space 1CAdvertising Space 2CAdvertising Space 3C

A1.26 Skilled Worker Visa

Skilled Worker Visa – September 2025 Update

Official application link: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa

 

Key Features

  • Replaces former Tier 2 (General) work visa

  • Settlement pathway: Eligible for      ILR after 5 years continuous residence

  • Renewable and transferable between employers

  • Permits supplementary work under specific conditions

 

Eligibility Requirements

All criteria must be met:

Job Offer:

  • From Home Office-approved sponsor

  • Role must be on eligible occupations list

  • Employer provides Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) reference      number

Occupation Codes:

Salary Requirements:

  • Standard threshold: £41,700/year OR      going rate for role (whichever higher)

  • Transitional arrangement (pre-4      April 2024 CoS): £31,300/year OR lower going rate

  • Health/Education sectors: £25,000/year OR      national pay scale rates

  • PhD discount: 70% of going rate for      specific postdoctoral roles (SOC codes 2111-2119, 2162, 2311)

English Language:

  • CEFR B1 level required

  • Proven via approved test/UK qualification/English-taught degree

  • Exemptions: Majority-English      country nationals, regulated healthcare professionals

 

Costs & Financial Requirements

Application Fees:

  • Outside UK: ≤3 years £769 / >3      years £1,519

  • Inside UK: ≤3 years £885 / >3      years £1,751

  • Discount rate (Immigration      Salary List): ≤3 years £590 / >3 years £1,160

Immigration Health Surcharge: £1,035 per person per year

Maintenance Funds:

  • £1,270 personal savings held      for 28 consecutive days before application

  • Exempt if:

    • UK resident for 12+ months

    • Employer certifies support for first month (max £1,270)

 

Required Documents

  • Valid passport/travel document

  • CoS reference number

  • English language proof

  • Financial evidence

  • Job role and salary evidence

  • Criminal record certificate (education/health/social care      sectors)

  • Dependant relationship proof

 

Application Process

 

Dependants

  • Eligible: Spouse/civil      partner/unmarried partner/children under 18

  • Additional funds required:

    • Partner: £285

    • First child: £315

    • Each additional child: £200

  • Important restrictions (from      11 March 2024):

    • New Care Workers/Senior Care Workers: Cannot bring dependants

    • Other medium-skilled roles (from       22 July 2025): New applicants cannot bring dependants

    • Existing visa holders may maintain dependant rights under       specific conditions

 

Visa Duration & Settlement

  • Maximum initial grant: 5 years

  • Extensions: Unlimited (if      requirements met)

  • Settlement: Eligible after 5 years      continuous residence

 

Permitted Activities

  • ✓ Work in sponsored role

  • ✓ Study

  • ✓ Volunteer

  • ✓ Travel freely

  • ✓ Supplementary work (≤20 hours/week in eligible skilled role)

  • ✗ Claim most public funds

  • ✗ Change jobs/employers without visa update

 

Special Circumstances

Changing Jobs/Employers: Must update visa if changing role/employer/SOC code

Switching to This Visa:

  • Possible from most UK visas (except Visitor/Short-term Student      etc.)

  • Student/Graduate visa holders eligible

Supplementary Work:

  • ≤20 hours/week in additional skilled role

  • Must be same profession/level as main job OR eligible      high-skilled occupation

  • Overtime in main job unlimited

 

Salary Discounts

May qualify with salary ≥£33,400 (transitional: £25,000) if:

  • Aged under 26/student/recent graduate: 70% of going rate

  • STEM PhD holder: 80% of going rate

  • Other PhD holder: 90% of going rate

  • Postdoctoral researcher: 70% of      going rate

 Note: Discounted routes may have maximum 4-year stay limit