UK Skilled Worker Visa Requirements 2025

The UK Skilled worker Visa is a great option for non-UK citizens looking to work in the UK. It took the place of the Tier 2 (General) work visa back in January 2021, bringing more flexibility, lower costs, and a wider range of eligible jobs. UK Skilled Visa aims to attract talented professionals to fill gaps in sectors that are struggling to find qualified workers, like healthcare, engineering, IT, and education. The UK Skilled Worker Visa is a long-term work visa that is granted for up to 5 years. However it is only valid as long as you remain in the same job with your sponsoring employer.

According to the Skilled Worker Visa new rules, starting April 9, 2025, care providers looking to hire a new international worker will need to demonstrate that they have made efforts to find someone already in the UK who requires sponsorship. Additionally, the minimum salary requirement will increase from GBP 23,200 a year (or GBP 11.90 an hour) to GBP 25,000 a year.

The UK Skilled worker Visa presents an amazing chance to build a career in one of the most vibrant economies in the world. While the application process might seem a bit challenging, with careful planning and attention to detail, you can boost your chances. It is highly recommended to understand the UK skilled visa requirements to avoid any last minute chaos.

UK Skilled Worker Visa Requirements 2025

UK skilled visa requirements are important for aspiring professionals aiming to work in UK. It is mandatory to follow each requirement for UK skilled visa carefully to successfully obtain the visa. Applicants will need to collate a total of 70 points to be eligible for a UK Skilled worker visa. The following sections will thoroughly explain each requirement for UK Skilled visa.

A Job Offer from a Licensed Sponsor

To secure employment sponsorship, 20 points are required. Both the worker and their employer, known as the sponsor, have specific requirements to fulfill. First, the sponsor must possess a valid sponsorship license with an A rating. Additionally, they need to have paid the Immigration Skills Charge. The Home Office will also assess whether the job vacancy and employment are authentic, meaning the sponsoring organization truly requires a position. On the worker's side, they must receive a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), which is mandatory for your visa application.

Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

The Certificate of Sponsorship, or CoS, holds an important reference number required by every applicant of the Skilled Worker visa UK. This reference number should be included in their Home Office application. Only licensed sponsors have the authority to issue a CoS.

Currently, there are two types of Certificates of Sponsorship: the defined CoS and the undefined CoS. Undefined CoS are meant for workers who are already in the UK with valid leave and are looking to switch to the skilled worker category from another immigration route or for those applying under different visa routes from either within the UK or abroad. On the other hand, defined CoS are specifically for skilled worker visa applications made from outside the country. Sponsors will need to apply for a defined CoS, which involves a specific application to the Home Office, requiring details about the job and salary being offered.

An Eligible Job Role

If you hold a skilled worker visa UK, you can accept specific jobs that meet certain criteria. To qualify, the job needs to be at RQF level 3 or higher, which is equivalent to a UK A-level. Unfortunately, any positions that fall below this level would nott meet the UK skilled visa requirements 2025. The Home Office examines a job through Standard Occupation Codes (SOC).

The eligible job roles include:

• Civil engineers

• IT business analysts

• Architects

• Doctors

• Nurses

• Paramedics

• Radiographers

• Teachers

• Mechanical engineers

• Electrical engineers

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UK Skilled Worker Visa Salary Requirements

The minimum annual UK Skilled Visa salary requirements for most applicants is GBP 38,700. Apart from fulfilling the annual salary requirement, the pay also needs to meet or exceed the standard salary for their specific occupation.

The Home Office has detailed these minimum thresholds in the Appendix Skilled Worker. The first threshold is for new applicants applying for their UK Skilled Worker visa, while the second one is for those who already hold a Skilled Worker visa UK and are looking to make new applications, like extensions or switching employers.

UK Skilled Visa English Requirements

Applicants are required to show they have a certain level of English language skills. You can demonstrate your UK skilled worker visa English requirements by:

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

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

• Successfully complete a Secure English Language Test (SELT) from an approved provider like English language proficiency tests like IELTS UKVI.

Maintenance Funds Required for UK Skilled Visa

To qualify, the applicant needs to demonstrate that they meet the financial requirements and have enough funds to support themselves. According to the rules, applicants must have a minimum of GBP 1,270 in their bank account at the time of application. This amount should have been in the account for at least 28 consecutive days. If there are dependents involved, additional funds will be necessary. UK skilled worker dependent visa requirements involve additional funds, which are an extra amount to be shown.

• The partner of the main applicant - GBP 285

• First dependent child - GBP £315

• Each additional child - GBP 200

Documents Required for UK Skilled Worker Visa

Apart from the eligibility requirements for the UK Skilled worker visa, documents also play a major role in the application process. Carefully prepare the following UK skilled worker visa required documents to experience a smooth visa process.

• Your job title and annual salary

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

• The occupation code for your job

• Your Certificate of Sponsorship reference number

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

• 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

• Proof of funds

• 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)

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