Why apply for UK Skilled Worker Visa?

International professionals who want to establish both their life and career in the United Kingdom should consider the UK Skilled Worker Visa as their optimal and secure pathway for future immigration. The visa provides qualified professionals with legal job market entry and permanent settlement rights along with extended family benefits.

 The United Kingdom is experiencing critical staff shortages in its core industries which has led the government to make the visa application process faster for international professionals who are highly qualified. The UK Skilled Worker Visa gives eligible healthcare workers along with tech experts and engineers and educators legal employment rights to work in one of the world’s best economies while providing them with competitive earnings and permanent settlement opportunities.

•  Stay up to 5 years, with options to extend or apply for permanent residency.
• Over 1.02 million job vacancies in 2024 show high demand for skilled workers.
• Strong hiring in healthcare, IT, engineering, education, and construction.
• Starts at £26,200/year or £10.75/hour; lower for shortage roles and new entrants.
• Apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 years—a path to UK citizenship.

*Planning to migrate to UK? Talk to Y-Axis expert to get advice on migrating to the UK.
 

UK Skilled Worker Visa

The UK Skilled Worker Visa serves as a long-term work permit that provides international professionals with the ability to establish residence and employment inside the United Kingdom. The UK Skilled Worker Visa serves as the successor to the Tier 2 (General) visa in the Points-Based Immigration System established post-Brexit to recruit worldwide talent based on professional qualifications instead of nationality.

 Applicants must first obtain a confirmed job offer from a UK employer that has obtained a skilled worker sponsorship license to meet the visa requirements. The UK Skilled Worker Visa allows for a 5-year stay which can turn into permanent residency through extension. The visa targets professionals who work in fields with severe personnel shortages including healthcare, tech, construction, finance, and education.

The UK Skilled Worker visa allows worker dependents to join the visa holder in the UK while granting them work and education access. Skilled Worker visa holders can use NHS services and have legal employment rights which provide them with an established pathway to permanent G7 economic settlement. The Skilled Worker Visa provides a solution to the more than 1 million job positions available throughout the UK and the persistent workforce gaps in essential sectors by offering both employment and permanent residency in one of the most diverse and opportunity-rich countries.

Benefits of UK Skilled Worker Visa 

The UK provides numerous advantages to employees who choose to work within its borders such as

• Global Career Hub: This country offers employment opportunities in one of the premier economic hubs worldwide.
• Permanent Residency Pathway: You will be able to seek Indefinite Leave to Remain status after completing five years of employment in the UK.
• Free Healthcare: Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge fee to receive UK National Health Service benefits.
• Bring Family: Both your spouse and children can join you in the UK to work or study.
• Cultural Diversity: Experience life in the UK through its diverse population and expatriate networks.

UK Immigration Points-based Assessment System

The UK immigration system used by the United Kingdom operates through a point-based evaluation system for skilled workers. The Points-Based Immigration System in the UK bases its selection of professional workers on their skills instead of their country of origin. People who wish to apply must achieve 70 points through a system of professional abilities and personal criteria. The following system explains how points are distributed:

• Receiving a UK job offer from a licensed sponsor – 20 points

• A job that meets the necessary skill requirements – 20 points

• English language ability – 10 points

• A job that meets the minimum requirements or appears on the shortage list – 20 points Additional points become available if:

1. You have obtained a relevant PhD for your work
2. A work position is included in the Shortage Occupation List
3. You meet the qualifications to begin working in the job market

The system determines visa approvals based on the ability of applicants to contribute value to the United Kingdom workforce through immediate economic participation. International applicants receive a transparent and predictable visa assessment system which ensures fair treatment.

Who Should Apply For A UK Skilled Worker Visa?

A UK Skilled Worker visa is intended for individuals who have received a formal job offer from an approved UK employer licensed by the Home Office to sponsor foreign workers. You should apply if you:

• Have a confirmed job offer in an eligible role from a registered Skilled Worker sponsor.
• Meet the skill and salary thresholds – generally a minimum annual salary of £26,200 (£23,040 for new entrants or £20,960 for certain shortage occupations), unless applying under an exception.

• Demonstrate English language proficiency at the required level.
• Have sufficient maintenance funds unless exempt.
• Intend to work in eligible sectors such as healthcare, education, engineering, technology, or other roles listed in the UK’s Skilled Worker shortage list.

*Note: This visa is also suitable for those seeking a pathway to permanent residency (Indefinite Leave to Remain) after five years of continuous lawful residence in the UK.

Eligibility for a UK Skilled Worker Visa

The United Kingdom requires specific criteria for obtaining a Skilled Worker Visa. For the UK Skilled Worker Visa, applicants need to fulfill the following conditions:

• A UK licensed sponsor must provide job offers to applicants.
• Employment opportunities must be available in professions listed as eligible.
• Applicants must receive a salary that meets the minimum threshold which usually is £26,200 or £10.75/hour.
• The ability to prove English language proficiency through IELTS or equal certification is mandatory.
• Applicants must demonstrate their ability to maintain themselves by having at least £1,270 in savings.
• All applicants must successfully complete background checks and criminal record investigations.

Requirements for UK Skilled Worker Visa

The necessary requirements for obtaining a work visa consist of several key elements which are as follows:

• Obtaining a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from an officially recognized UK employer serves as a primary requirement.
• The job offer must fulfill both the defined skill standards and salary conditions.
• It is necessary to submit the English language test results from either IELTS UKVI or any equivalent examination.
• The applicant needs to provide documented proof of adequate financial resources.

Documents required for a UK skilled worker visa 

To obtain a UK Skilled Worker Visa, applicants need specific documentation for their application process. To get a UK Skilled Worker Visa, applicants must submit the following documents:

• A valid passport
• A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) reference number
• Job details such as title, salary and occupation code
• Evidence demonstrating English language skills
• Bank statements documenting minimum maintenance funds of £1,270
• Some roles need a criminal record certificate submission 
• Residents from listed countries need to provide TB test results if necessary
• Dependent family members of the applicant must submit relationship documents as part of the application process.

Top in-demand occupations in the UK

Most required job roles across the United Kingdom shows high demand for competent professionals across various fields including the following:

• Healthcare: Nurses together with doctors and care workers
• Technology: Software developers and data analysts and cybersecurity experts
• Engineering: Civil alongside mechanical and electrical engineers
• Construction: Surveyors together with bricklayers and electricians
• Education: Secondary school teachers who specialize in maths, physics, and computer

 

Job Sector	Example Roles	Estimated Average Annual Salary
Healthcare	Nurses, Doctors, Care Workers	£28,000 – £50,000
Technology	Software Developers, Data Analysts, Cybersecurity Experts	£35,000 – £70,000
Engineering	Civil, Mechanical, Electrical Engineers	£32,000 – £60,000
Construction	Surveyors, Bricklayers, Electricians	£30,000 – £45,000
Education	Secondary Teachers (Maths, Physics, Computer Science)	£30,000 – £42,000
Hospitality	Chefs, Senior Care Workers	£25,000 – £38,000

 

UK Skilled Worker Visa Application Process

Here is the process of UK Skilled Worker Visa application in step-by-step format:

Step 1 – Confirm Eligibility

• Check that your job is on the list of eligible Skilled Worker occupations.
• Ensure your employer is a licensed sponsor approved by the UK Home Office.

Step 2 – Obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

Your UK employer issues an electronic CoS reference number detailing your job role, salary, and sponsorship details.

Step 3 – Prepare Supporting Documents

• Valid passport or travel document
• CoS reference number
• Proof of English language ability
• Proof of maintenance funds (unless exempt)
• TB test results (if applicable)

Step 4 – Submit Online Application

Apply via the official UK Government visa portal and pay the application fee plus Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).

Step 5 – Biometrics & Documents Submission

Attend a Visa Application Centre (outside UK) or UKVCAS (inside UK) to provide fingerprints, photo, and documents.

Step 6 – Wait for a Decision

Standard processing: 3 weeks (outside UK) or 8 weeks (inside UK).

 

UK Skilled Worker Visa Processing Time

Below is the UK Skilled Worker Visa Processing Time:

Application Location	Standard Processing Time	Priority Processing (Optional)	Super Priority Processing (Optional)
Outside the UK	3 weeks (15 working days)	5 working days	1 working day
Inside the UK (switching or extending)	8 weeks	5 working days	1 working day
Health & Care Worker Visa (inside or outside UK)	3 weeks	N/A	N/A
Complex Applications	Varies (can exceed 12+ weeks)	N/A	N/A

UK Skilled Worker Visa Fees

The payment system requires each individual to submit their fee during the application process. The cost of the application decreases for candidates who work in positions listed on the UK Shortage Occupation List. If you need a detailed explanation of the expenses which include charges for dependents and employer sponsorship costs please inform me. Applicants need to submit their payments individually when they apply. The UK government provides discounts for roles that are part of the shortage occupation list. Below are the application fee for UK skilled worker visa:

Visa Category	Fee (in GBP)	Notes
Standard (up to 3 years)	£719	For general skilled worker applications under 3 years
Standard (more than 3 years)	£1,420	For general skilled worker applications over 3 years
Shortage Occupation (up to 3 years)	£551	Discounted rate for listed shortage roles
Shortage Occupation (more than 3 years)	£1,084	Discounted rate for listed shortage roles over 3 years
Immigration Health Surcharge (per year)	£1,035	Mandatory healthcare contribution per applicant per year

Financial Requirements for a UK skilled worker visa

The financial requirements for a UK Skilled Worker visa ensure that applicants can support themselves upon arrival without needing public funds. Currently, the key criteria are as follows:

• Maintenance Funds – Applicants must show they have at least £1,270 in their bank account for a minimum of 28 consecutive days before applying.
• Additional Dependants – If applying with family members:

1. £285 for a partner
2. £315 for the first child
3. £200 for each additional child

Exemptions – This requirement does not apply if:

• The applicant has been in the UK for at least 12 months on a valid visa; or
• The UK sponsor certifies on the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) that they will cover maintenance for the first month.
• Applicants must also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) and the visa application fee separately from maintenance funds.

Duration of a UK skilled worker visa

The duration of a UK Skilled Worker visa depends on the length of employment stated in the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) issued by the sponsoring employer, plus an additional period of 14 days.

In most cases, the visa is granted for a maximum period of up to five years before renewal is required. If the CoS covers a shorter period, the visa will match that duration accordingly.

Holders may apply to extend their visa or switch to another category before expiry, provided they continue to meet eligibility requirements. After five continuous years in this category (or an eligible combination of categories), visa holders may apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), granting permanent residence rights in the UK.

How can Y-Axis assist you?

At Y-Axis Australia, we simplify your UK migration journey with end-to-end support:

• Check your eligibility to work in the UK through the Y-Axis UK immigration points calculator
• Avail Y-Axis Job Search Services to look for jobs in the UK
• Support with IELTS and document preparation
• Visa filing and tracking
• Family visa guidance and post-landing support

With decades of experience, expert consultants, and global presence, Y-Axis is your trusted partner for UK Skilled Worker Visa success.