The UK Skilled Worker Visa is the main route for overseas professionals to work and live in the UK long term. Effective 22 July 2025, the Home Office updated the rules in Statement of Changes (HC 997), including:
- Higher salary thresholds for Skilled Worker roles
- An updated Temporary Shortage List 2025
- Revised Standard Occupation Codes (SOC 2020)
This guide covers everything you need to know to apply for a Skilled Worker Visa jobs in UK successfully.
What Is the UK Skilled Worker Visa?
The Skilled Worker Visa allows professionals to live and work in the UK with a Home Office-approved sponsor. It replaced the old Tier 2 (General) visa and can lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after five years of continuous residence.
Applicants need a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from an approved employer. Changing jobs or employers requires a new application.
Skilled Worker Visa Jobs in UK: Key Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for a Skilled Worker Visa in 2025, you must meet the following:
- Job Offer from an A-Rated Licensed Sponsor Your employer must be on the Home Office Register of Licensed Sponsors. B-rated employers cannot issue new CoS.
- Valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) The CoS confirms your job title, SOC code, salary, and employment dates. Applications must be submitted before the CoS expires.
- Eligible Occupation Code The role must appear on Appendix Skilled Occupations (2025) using updated SOC 2020 codes. Eligible fields include healthcare, IT, engineering, education, finance, and creative sectors.
- Required Skill Level Your role must be at least RQF Level 6 (Bachelor’s degree level or equivalent). No formal degree is required if the role itself meets the skill level.
- Salary Thresholds for 2025
Minimum salaries from 22 July 2025 are as follows:
- General threshold: £41,700 per year or the job’s going rate
- STEM PhD roles: £33,400 or 80% of the going rate
- Relevant PhD (non-STEM): £37,500 or 90% of the going rate
- New entrants & Immigration Salary List roles: £33,400 (RQF 6+) or £23,200 (RQF 3–5)
- English Language Requirement Applicants must demonstrate B1 CEFR English (reading, writing, speaking, listening). From 8 January 2026, the requirement increases to B2. Acceptable proofs include SELT, a degree taught in English, or citizenship of a majority English-speaking country.
- Financial Maintenance Applicants need at least £1,270 in personal savings unless covered by a sponsor letter.
2025 Skilled Worker Visa Salary Bands
| Category | Minimum Annual Salary | Applicable Scenarios |
|---|---|---|
| General threshold | £41,700 | Most Skilled Worker roles |
| Relevant PhD (non-STEM) | £37,500 | Option B |
| STEM PhD | £33,400 | Option C |
| Immigration Salary List (RQF 6+) | £33,400 | Option D |
| Immigration Salary List (RQF 3–5) | £23,200 | Option D |
| New Entrants | £33,400 | Option E |
| Health & Care Worker | £31,300 | Option F |
| Transitional rates (pre-July 2025 CoS) | £38,700 or lower | If CoS issued before 22 July 2025 |
Source: Statement of Changes HC 997 — Appendix Skilled Worker updates
Temporary Shortage List 2025 – Roles Eligible for Faster Processing
- Logistics managers and consultancy directors
- Engineering and IT support technicians
- Authors, translators, and design professionals
- Data analysts, marketing and business associate professionals
- Trades: welders, electricians, plumbers, vehicle technicians, shipbuilders
Required Documents for Skilled Worker Visa 2025
- Valid passport
- Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) reference number
- Job title and SOC code
- Employer name and sponsor licence number
- Proof of funds (£1,270) or sponsor letter
- Proof of English language ability
- TB test results (if required)
- Criminal record certificate (if required)
- Marriage or birth certificates for dependants
How to Apply for a Skilled Worker Visa in the UK 2025
- Secure a confirmed job offer and CoS from a licensed sponsor
- Complete the online application via the Home Office website
- Pay the visa fee (£719–£1,500) and Immigration Health Surcharge (£1,035 per year)
- Upload supporting documents and submit biometrics at a visa centre or via ID Check app
- Wait for a decision (usually within 3 weeks for overseas applicants)
Changing Employers or Extending Your Skilled Worker Visa
Switching employers or occupation codes requires a new Skilled Worker Visa application. Extensions are permitted indefinitely if you stay with the same sponsor and role.
From Skilled Worker Visa to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
- Five years of continuous residence (maximum 180 days outside UK per year)
- Same sponsor and current salary threshold
- Pass the Life in the UK test
- Meet English language requirement
After ILR, you can apply for British citizenship after 12 months.
Tips for a Strong Skilled Worker Visa Application
- Double-check SOC codes match job title and duties
- Ensure employer licence is A-rated and valid
- Confirm salary meets £41,700 threshold or going rate
- Provide complete documents to avoid delays
- Seek guidance for complex or dual-role jobs
While some might question the benefits of moving to the uk, the Skilled Worker Visa remains the UK’s main route for global talent. With the new salary thresholds, Temporary Shortage List roles, and updated SOC codes, planning your application carefully is key.
Need Help with Your Skilled Worker Visa Application?
At Inmigra, we simplify UK immigration so you can focus on your career goals. We guide you through eligibility checks, document preparation, and Home Office compliance.
Book a consultation or leave a comment below to discuss your Skilled Worker Visa plans for 2025.