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Sponsor skilled international workers to fill key roles in your organisation
The UK Skilled Worker visa allows overseas nationals to live and work in the UK in an eligible role with an approved employer. It is the main immigration route for skilled professionals and provides a pathway to long-term residence and settlement in the UK.
To qualify, the role must be at the required skill level (RQF Level 3 or above), meet minimum salary thresholds, and be sponsored by a UK employer with a valid Skilled Worker sponsor licence. The worker must also meet English language and maintenance requirements and be issued a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
The Skilled Worker visa offers a clear route to long-term residence in the UK. It can be granted for up to 5 years at a time and can be extended. After 5 continuous years on this route (and meeting the other requirements), the worker can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
At Mohmand Immigration Legal Services, we support Skilled Worker visa applicants with eligibility assessments and carefully prepared applications, helping you understand the rules, avoid common pitfalls, and present a strong case to the Home Office.
Both the UK employer and the sponsored worker must meet specific requirements for a successful Skilled Worker visa application.
The Skilled Worker route is salary‑driven. From 22 July 2025, most applicants must meet a higher general salary threshold, but some categories can qualify on lower rates if they meet specific criteria.
The exact salary you need will depend on your occupation code, whether you are a new entrant, and whether your role appears on the Immigration Salary List. We can review your offer and confirm which salary threshold applies before you apply.
The exact documents depend on your circumstances, but most Skilled Worker visa applications require you to provide proof of your identity, job offer, sponsorship, finances, and eligibility.
The Skilled Worker visa process involves several stages for both the sponsoring employer and the worker. We guide you through each step.
Skilled Worker visas can be extended and you can change employer, provided you continue to meet the route requirements.
The Skilled Worker visa is a direct route to settlement in the UK. After 5 continuous years on this route, Skilled Workers can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain, subject to meeting the ILR requirements.
For more detailed information on settlement, see our Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) page.
Find answers to frequently asked questions about the Skilled Worker visa.
The general salary threshold is £38,700 per year or the "going rate" for the specific occupation, whichever is higher. However, there are reduced thresholds for certain categories: new entrants (£30,960), shortage occupation roles, PhD-level roles, and some health and education roles. The going rate varies by occupation and is set by the Home Office based on UK salary data.
The role must be at RQF Level 3 or above (equivalent to A-level) and be on the list of eligible occupations. Most professional, technical, and skilled roles qualify. The job must also be genuine, meaning there's a real need for the role and it's not been created solely for immigration purposes. We can advise whether your specific role qualifies.
A Skilled Worker visa can be granted for up to 5 years at a time. You can extend it as many times as you need, as long as you continue to meet the requirements. After 5 years on the Skilled Worker route, you become eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (settlement), provided you meet the salary threshold and other requirements.
Yes, Skilled Worker visa holders can bring their spouse/partner and children under 18 as dependants. Dependants have full working rights in the UK and can work in any job. Each dependant needs their own visa application and must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge. They can apply at the same time as the main applicant or join later.
A Certificate of Sponsorship is a virtual document issued by the employer through the Sponsorship Management System (SMS). It contains details about the job, salary, and worker. The employer must assign a CoS before the worker can apply for their visa. CoS are either "defined" (for workers outside the UK) or "undefined" (for workers already in the UK).
Processing times can vary, but in most straightforward cases you should receive a decision within around 3 weeks if you apply from outside the UK, and within around 8 weeks if you apply from inside the UK.
Book a free consultation with our business immigration experts today. We'll guide you through the entire process from CoS to visa approval.