The UK Skilled Worker visa helps skilled professionals work in the UK and settle permanently through Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). With new rules in 2025 raising job and salary standards, this guide explains the process, requirements, and recent changes using simple language for clarity.
What is the Skilled Worker Visa?
The Skilled Worker visa allows people to work in approved UK jobs with a licensed employer. It replaced the Tier 2 General visa and covers fields like healthcare, tech, and engineering. Holders can stay up to five years, change jobs with approval, and apply for ILR after meeting conditions.
Key points:
- Stay for up to five years, with extensions possible.
- Work extra hours in certain jobs.
- Bring family if eligible.
Visit the Skilled Worker visa page on GOV.UK for more details.
Who Can Apply for the Skilled Worker Visa?
To get this visa, you need a job offer from a UK employer with a sponsor licence. The job must meet skill and salary rules, and you need enough points (70) to qualify.
Job and Employer Rules
- The job must be listed in the UK’s eligible occupations.
- Your employer needs a valid sponsor licence.
Skill Level
From 22 July 2025, jobs must be at degree level (RQF 6 or higher). Some medium-skilled jobs (RQF 3-5) are allowed if they are on the Temporary Shortage List or Immigration Salary List. If you got your visa before July 2025, you can stay in a lower-skilled job for extensions.
Salary Rules
You must earn at least £41,700 per year or the job’s standard rate, whichever is higher. Lower salaries are allowed for:
- New workers (under 26 or recent graduates): 70% of the standard rate.
- PhD holders in related fields: 80% or 90% of the rate.
Other Requirements
- Speak English at B1 level, shown by a test or degree taught in English.
- Extra points for shortage jobs or PhDs.
| Requirement | Standard Rule (2025) | Exceptions |
|---|---|---|
| Skill Level | Degree level (RQF 6+) | Lower for shortage jobs or pre-July 2025 visas |
| Salary | £41,700 or job rate | Lower for new workers or PhDs |
| English | B1 level | Waived if degree is in English |
| Residence | Not needed for visa | Needed for ILR |
How to Apply for the Skilled Worker Visa
Follow these steps to apply:
- Get a Job Offer: Your employer gives you a Certificate of Sponsorship with job and salary details.
- Prepare Documents:
- Passport.
- Proof of English skills.
- Proof of £1,270 savings (unless employer covers this).
- TB test if required.
- Apply Online: Use the GOV.UK website. Fees start at £719 for three years, plus £1,035 per year for healthcare. It takes three weeks (outside UK) or eight weeks (inside UK).
- Submit Biometrics: Give fingerprints and a photo at a visa centre.
You’ll get a visa sticker or digital eVisa if approved. For extensions, check the visa extension guide.
Moving from Skilled Worker Visa to ILR
ILR lets you live and work in the UK without time limits. You need five years on the Skilled Worker visa or similar visas to apply.
Time Needed
Live in the UK for five years without breaks longer than 180 days in any 12 months. Work-related absences (up to 180 days per year) are allowed.
ILR Requirements
- Five years of continuous UK residence.
- A job meeting 2025 salary rules (£41,700 or job rate).
- English at B1 level (if not shown before).
- Pass the Life in the UK test.
- No serious crimes or visa rule breaks.
Family members can apply for ILR after five years as dependants.
New Rules in 2025
In July 2025, new immigration rules started based on the March 2025 White Paper. These changes make the visa system stricter.
Changes from 22 July 2025
- Jobs must be degree-level, except for some shortage roles.
- Temporary Shortage List allows certain medium-skilled jobs, but no family or fee discounts.
- Social care jobs cannot hire overseas workers.
- Salaries updated using 2024 earnings data.
Effect on Current Holders
If you got your visa before July 2025, you can extend it under old rules. You can also do extra work in approved jobs.
Future Plans
The government may raise English requirements to B2 for ILR. A 10-year ILR option is under review but not active in October 2025. For updates, see the GOV.UK ILR page.
FAQs
Can I change jobs on a Skilled Worker visa?
Yes, you can switch to a new job with a licensed employer if it meets 2025 rules. Apply within three months of starting.
What counts for the five-year ILR period?
Time on Skilled Worker or Tier 2 visas counts. Dependant time as a child or partner does not.
How do the 2025 changes affect my visa extension?
If your visa started before July 2025, you can extend under old rules. New applicants need degree-level jobs.
