Skilled Worker Visa
The UK Skilled Worker visa requires a job offer from an approved sponsor, a minimum salary of £41,700, and maintenance funds of £1,270. Here is what you need to know before applying.
Key Requirements
What is the Skilled Worker visa?
The UK Skilled Worker visa replaced the Tier 2 (General) visa in December 2020. It allows you to come to or stay in the UK to do an eligible job with an approved employer.
There is no points ballot or pool — you apply directly once you have a job offer from a licensed sponsor.
Key requirements at a glance
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Job offer | Required — from a UK Home Office licensed sponsor |
| Certificate of Sponsorship | Required — employer issues this |
| Minimum salary | £41,700/year (or the going rate for the occupation, whichever is higher) |
| Maintenance funds | £1,270 available for 28 consecutive days before applying |
| English language | B1 level (CEFR) — IELTS, OET, or exempt nationalities |
| Occupation | Must be on the eligible occupations list |
Salary threshold detail
The £41,700 figure is the general threshold. The actual minimum for your role is whichever is higher:
- The general threshold (£41,700), or
- The going rate for your specific occupation code (SOC code)
Some shortage occupations and health/education roles have different rules. Your sponsor will confirm the applicable rate.
Maintenance funds
You must show £1,270 in your bank account for 28 consecutive days ending no more than 31 days before you apply. This is a balance requirement, not an annual cost.
Exemptions: You do not need to show maintenance funds if your sponsor certifies they will cover your first month's costs.
Path to settlement
After 5 years on a Skilled Worker visa, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) — permanent residence — provided you have met the continuous residence and salary requirements throughout.
What this pathway does not cover
This page covers the core eligibility requirements. It does not cover:
- Visa fees (vary by duration and nationality — check UKVI fee guidance)
- Immigration Health Surcharge (currently £1,035/year)
- Dependant visa requirements
- Intra-company transfer routes
For the full picture, read the UK country audit or use Find MyPathway to filter work routes.