UK Skilled Worker Visa 2025: Fees, Requirements and Process

The UK Skilled Worker visa has replaced the old Tier 2 (General) visa and is the primary work visa for international workers. What is UK Skilled Worker Visa? This visa enables employers in the UK to sponsor non-UK nationals for skilled positions that meet certain criteria. To qualify, applicants need to score 70 points by fulfilling specific requirements, which include having the right skills and salary, demonstrating English language proficiency, and securing a job offer from a UK employer who holds a valid sponsorship license. The UK Skilled Visa is a long-term work visa initially granted for up to 5 years. It is crucial to remember that your visa remains valid only as long as you stay in the same job with your sponsoring employer. If you decide to switch jobs or employers, you will need to apply for a new UK Skilled visa. A recent report from Prospects and AGCAS stated that the career outcomes in the UK showed that 57.3% of the recent graduates were working full-time jobs in the UK. While 11.4% found part-time work, 10.6% were working and studying at the same time. The UK has always been a popular choice for skilled professionals planning to take their careers to the next level. UK is an attractive spot not only for international students but also for professionals due to its economy, wide range of job opportunities, and high quality of life. One of the most common ways for international workers who wish to live and work in UK is through the UK Skilled Visa. The following article will help you explore everything you need to know about the UK Skilled Visa 2025, including UK Skilled Worker Visa Requirements, the application process, eligibility and more.

This Story also Contains

1. UK Skilled Worker Visa Latest News
2. UK Skilled Visa 2025 - Key Features
3. UK Skilled Worker Visa Eligibility Criteria
4. UK Skilled Worker Visa Duration
5. How to Apply for the UK Skilled Worker Visa 2025?
6. UK Skilled Visa Processing Time 2025
7. Dependants on a UK Skilled Worker Visa 2025
8. What Can You Do With a UK Skilled Visa 2025?
9. What You Cannot Do With a UK Skilled Worker Visa?
10. UK Skilled Worker Visa Application Tips
11. Other Ways to Migrate to the UK

UK Skilled Worker Visa Latest News

• May 12th, 2025: New, stricter rules were released through the United Kingdom’s new Immigration White Paper. These rules are likely to affect Indian nationals aiming to study and work in the UK. The goal is to reduce the number of immigrants in the UK for several reasons. In addition, through stricter rules, there will be restrictions on the UK skilled worker visa, difficult language requirements, and more time required to attain residency.
• April 9, 2025: The UK Skilled Worker Visa overhaul 2025 focuses on hiring international care workers who are already in the country and looking for new sponsorship, rather than recruiting from abroad. Care providers requiring a new international worker will first have to show that they have made an effort to find an international worker who is already in UK and needs sponsorship. Another UK skilled worker visa latest news is that the minimum salary is increasing from GBP 23,200 a year, or GBP 11.90 an hour, to GBP 25,000 a year, which will be about GBP 12.82 an hour. These salary figures are calculated based on a standard 37.5-hour work week.

Based on the UK Skilled Worker Visa overhaul 2025, applicants for UK Skilled Visa have to spend a higher amount than before. However, the application fee for the UK Skilled Worker Visa will vary under different conditions. These conditions are mentioned below.

• For sponsorships for 3 years or less, the application fee for UK Skilled Visa will be GBP 769.

• For sponsorships for 3 years or more the application fee for UK Skilled Visa will be GBP 1,519.

• For sponsorships for 3 years or less but with a job which is mentioned on the Immigration Salary List, the application fee for UK Skilled Visa will be GBP 590.

• For sponsorships for 3 years or more but with a job that is mentioned on the Immigration Salary List, the application fee for UK Skilled Visa will be GBP 1,160.

Also Read: Impact of UK Skilled Worker Visa Changes on International Students

UK Skilled Visa 2025 - Key Features

• Duration: The UK Skilled Visa is a long-term work visa valid for up to 5 years, depending on how long your job offer lasts. If you decide to switch jobs or employers, you will need to apply for a new UK Skilled visa.

• Work: You will only be allowed to work in the position mentioned in your visa application and with the employer who sponsors you.

• Eligibility: To qualify, applicants need to meet certain criteria, which include having a job offer from a licensed sponsor, possessing a specific skill level, and meeting minimum salary requirements.

• Family Members: You can bring eligible family members, like your partner and children under 18, to the UK with you on a UK Skilled Visa.

• Obtain Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR): After five years of living legally in the UK on a UK Skilled Worker visa, individuals might qualify to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which grants them permanent residency without immigration restrictions.

UK Skilled Worker Visa Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria for the UK Skilled Worker visa route require applicants to gather a total of 70 points. This 70-point requirement consists of 50 points for essential or ‘non-tradeable’ criteria, which include having a job offer, demonstrating English proficiency, and meeting the necessary skill level for the job. Additionally, there are 20 points available for what are known as ‘tradeable’ criteria, like minimum salary.

1. Job Offer from a Licensed Sponsor

To qualify for the UK Skilled Worker Visa, you need to have a confirmed job offer from an employer who has a sponsorship license. These employers are approved by the UK Home Office to sponsor skilled workers for immigration. The job you are offered must be on the list of eligible occupations and usually needs to be at RQF Level 3 (A-level) or higher. However, based on the new updates, RWF level 6 will be the requirement soon. Candidates can explore if their job is eligible for th UK Skilled visa by searching for the job through the 4-digit occupation code. Professions like nursing, engineering, and IT are often in high demand. It is also crucial to ensure that your employer is licensed to hire international workers under the Skilled Worker Route and that they hold an A-rating.

2. Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is a digital document that provides details about the job you are being sponsored for, including your job title, type, start and end dates of your work, gross salary, sponsor license number, and the expiration date. Candidates must apply for the UK Skilled Worker Visa within 3 months of receiving the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).

3. Minimum Salary Requirement

For the UK Skilled Visa 2025, the minimum salary requirement is GBP 38,700 a year. This minimum salary requirement for UK Skilled visa is decided based on the type of work and the date you got your CoS.

In case your job is eligible for the UK Skilled Worker visa, but you are not being paid the minimum salary of GBP 38,700 per year, you can still be eligible for the visa. Candidates must be paid 70 - 90% of the going rate if the salary is GBP 30,690. However, you must meet one of the following parameters.

Note:

• Immigration Salary List is a list of all the jobs that have low salary requirements.

• Going Rate refers to the standard salary for that particular job.

4. English Language Proficiency

Applicants are required to show they have a certain level of English language skills. You can demonstrate your English proficiency by:

• Passing an approved English language test at CEFR Level B1 (Intermediate) or above.

• Holding a degree-level qualification that was taught in English.

• An English language proficiency test like IELTS UKVI.

• Complete a Secure English Language Test (SELT) from an approved provider.

Also Read: UK Skilled Worker Visa English Requirements

5. Application Fee and Financial Requirements

When applying for a visa, you will need to pay an application fee, which varies based on factors like your salary and the type of job you are applying for. Additionally, you will have to demonstrate that you can financially support yourself when you arrive in the UK by showing you have a specific amount of savings, unless your employer is covering this expense for you.

• Visa Application Fee: This fee can range from GBP 719 to GBP 1639, depending on your job, salary, and duration of your stay.

• Healthcare Surcharge: You might be required to pay around GBP 1,035 per year for healthcare coverage.

• Maintenance Funds: You need to prove that you have at least GBP 1,270 in savings unless your employer confirms they will sponsor your living expenses during your first month in the UK.

Based on the UK Skilled Worker Visa latest updates 2025, applicants for the UK Skilled Visa have to spend a higher amount than before. However, the application fee for the UK Skilled Worker Visa will vary under different conditions. These conditions are mentioned below.

6. Background Check

Some applicants might be required to submit a criminal record certificate from any country where they have lived for a total of 12 months or more in the last 10 years, as long as they are 18 years or older.

7. Documents Required for UK Skilled Visa 2025

The following are the required documents for a UK Skilled Worker visa. Make sure to prepare the documents well in advance.

• Your passport (make sure it has a blank page)

• The occupation code for your job

• Your Certificate of Sponsorship reference number

• Your job title and annual salary

• Your employer's name and their sponsor licence number (as listed on your Certificate of Sponsorship)

• Proof of funds

• Evidence of your relationship to your spouse/partner and children (like marriage and birth certificates)

• A UK PhD certificate or an Ecctis reference if your PhD is from outside the UK

• A criminal record certificate (only needed for certain jobs that involve working with vulnerable individuals, such as in healthcare and education)

• Proof of your English language skills

• TB test results (if you're from a country where this is required)

• ATAS certificate if involved in sensitive research at Phd level (if required)

• If you have lived in multiple countries, then a certificate from each country is required.

UK Skilled Worker Visa Duration

If you obtain a UK Skilled Worker Visa, you will be eligible to stay in the UK for 5 years. However, you need to work with the same sponsor for the entire 5 years duration. If you plan to switch your job or sponsor, then you will be required to apply for the UK skilled worker visa again. To extend the duration of a UK skilled worker visa, you need to meet the following criteria:

• You are working at the same job

• Your job has the same occupation code

• You are working for the same employer

Note that if you have a dependent with you, their visa will be renewed separately.

How to Apply for the UK Skilled Worker Visa 2025?

The application process for the Skilled Worker Visa involves several key steps. The UK skilled visa processing time is 3 weeks. Here’s a general outline of how to apply:

Step 1: Secure a job offer from a licensed sponsor.

Step 2: Obtain your Certificate of Sponsorship from your UK employer.

Step 3: Gather the required documents.

Step 4: Submit your application online through the official UK government website and pay the application fee.

Step 5: Attend a biometric appointment at a visa application center to provide your fingerprints and a photograph.

Once your application has been processed, you will be notified of your UK skilled visa status.

Also Read:

UK Skilled Visa Processing Time 2025

For international applicants, the processing time for the UK skilled worker visa 2025 is approximately 3 weeks. Applicants can pay an additional fee for faster processing, depending on where their application is being handled.

Reasons for Delay

You may face delays in receiving your UK skilled visa 2025. Some of the common reasons include:

• An interview is required for clarification or verification.

• Verification of documents submitted for the skilled visa,

• In case of a criminal conviction or any other specific circumstances.

How to Expedite the Processing Time?

Applicants have the option to get the decision on their UK Skilled worker visa application faster than the general 3 weeks time. However, an additional fee will be charged for the same. You can use the UK Immigration: ID Check application to apply for a faster decision. The following table states the faster decision option for the applicants.

Dependants on a UK Skilled Worker Visa 2025

You can have your family members accompany you on a UK skilled worker visa. However there are limitations on who can join you. In addition, your dependent will be required to provide relevant evidence and documentation for the same. The following family members can accompany you.

• Partner: This includes your spouse, civil partner, or unmarried partner (proven relationship).

• Children: Your child under the age of 18 years. If he/she is older than 18 years, then they need permission for ‘leave to enter’ or ‘leave to remain’ in UK.

For each dependent on a UK Skilled Worker Visa the key requirements include:

• Application form for each dependent.

• Proof of Relationship such as a certificate of marriage or proof that you live together for a minimum of 2 years.

• Provide proof of funds to support dependents. You will be required to pay GBP 285 for a partner, GBP 315 for first child, and GBP 200 for subsequent children.

Note that the dependents can live, work and study in UK, but they can not claim public funds. If you have a dependent with you, their visa will be renewed separately.

What Can You Do With a UK Skilled Visa 2025?

If you successfully receive a UK Skilled Visa 2025, then you are eligible to perform the following.

• Work in a qualifying job in UK

• Bring your partner and children as your dependents, if they qualify under the eligibility criteria

• Take up extra work in certain situations

• Engage in voluntary work

• Study in UK

• Travel abroad and come back to the UK

• Apply for permanent residency in the UK (also known as ‘indefinite leave to remain’) after living in the UK for 5 years and meeting other eligibility criteria

What You Cannot Do With a UK Skilled Worker Visa?

On UK Skilled Worker visa, there are a couple things that you cannot do and should avoid.

• Apply for benefits like public funds or the State Pension

• Change jobs or employers unless you need to update your visa

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UK Skilled Worker Visa Application Tips

• Prepare your documents early: Make sure you have your passport, Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), proof of your English test, and financial documents all set. If you miss anything, it could slow down the process.
• Verify your employer’s license: Double-check that your job sponsor is listed on the official UK government-approved employers list.
• Prepare well for the English test: If it is necessary, book your English test early and prepare for it in advance.
• Fill out the application accurately: Take your time with the online form and make sure not to make any errors. Double-check your information before uploading.
• Keep copies of everything: It is advisable to save copies of your application, receipts, and all your documents.

Other Ways to Migrate to the UK

Apart from the UK Skilled Visa, there are other pathways such as:

• Student Route

• UK Family Visa

• UK Business Visa

• UK Investor visa

• Senior or Specialist Worker visa

• Graduate Trainee visa

• India Young Professionals Scheme visa