Guide on Skilled Worker Visa in the UK in 2025: UK Bloom

Updated on 27/07/2025

Welcome to UK Bloom. Navigating the process of securing a Skilled Worker visa in the UK is a pivotal step for many international professionals seeking to live and work there. This detailed guide provides a comprehensive walkthrough on how to apply, find UK sponsorship jobs, understand the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), meet English language requirements, and evaluate educational qualifications necessary for eligibility.

What Is the UK Skilled Worker Visa?

The Skilled Worker visa allows overseas nationals to come to or stay in the UK to do an eligible job with an approved employer. This visa replaced the Tier 2 (General) work visa and is designed to attract highly qualified professionals across multiple sectors such as healthcare, IT, engineering, and education.

Key features include:

Eligibility for permanent settlement after 5 years
Ability to bring dependents
Option to switch employers under specific conditions

For full details, visit the UK Government’s official Skilled Worker visa page.

How to Apply for a Skilled Worker Visa

Applying for the Skilled Worker visa involves a multi-step process. Here’s a structured breakdown:

You must receive a formal job offer from a UK employer that holds a valid sponsorship licence. The job must be on the list of eligible occupations and meet the required salary threshold.

Minimum salary: £26,200/year or £10.75/hour (exceptions apply for shortage occupations)
Check job codes: Skilled Worker eligible occupations

Step 2: Receive a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

Your employer must issue a Certificate of Sponsorship, a digital document that includes your job role, salary, start date, and sponsor licence number.

Type: Defined CoS (outside UK) or Undefined CoS (inside UK)
CoS is valid for 3 months from issue
Non-transferable between employers

Step 3: Prepare Required Documents

You will need:

Valid passport
CoS reference number
Proof of English language proficiency
Proof of personal savings (unless the sponsor certifies maintenance)
Tuberculosis test results (if applicable)
Criminal record certificate (for certain roles)

For official documentation details, refer to the UK Skilled Visa Checklist

Step 4: Apply Online

Applications are made online via the UK Home Office portal.

Fee: £719 to £1,500 depending on job and duration
IHS (Healthcare surcharge): £1,035 per year
Processing time: 3 to 8 weeks, depending on country and priority service

Finding UK Sponsorship Jobs

1. Use Government and Official Databases

UK Register of Licensed Sponsors – Updated list of UK employers approved to sponsor Skilled Worker visas.
Filter by industry and company name.

2. Job Boards with Sponsorship Filters

Indeed UK – Use “Skilled Worker visa sponsorship” in the search bar.
LinkedIn – Filter jobs by “Visa Sponsorship”.
Tier2Jobs – A niche platform focused solely on visa sponsorship roles.

3. Direct Company Careers Pages

Many UK firms in IT, engineering, healthcare, and finance advertise visa sponsorship roles directly on their websites. Focus on:

NHS (National Health Service)
Capgemini
PwC
Amazon UK
KPMG

Understanding the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

The Certificate of Sponsorship is a pivotal element of your visa application. It is not a physical document, but an electronic reference number.

Key CoS Features:

Issued by a licensed sponsor
Contains a unique reference number
Valid for one job and one applicant
Includes the employer’s sponsorship details and your job information

Your visa application must be submitted within three months of receiving the CoS.

For more, visit the CoS guidance.

English Language Requirement

Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English to meet the visa requirement.

Accepted Proofs:

IELTS for UKVI: Minimum CEFR Level B2 (Reading, Writing, Speaking, Listening)
Trinity College London tests
A degree taught in English from a UK university or a recognized overseas institution (with NARIC statement)
Nationals of majority English-speaking countries (e.g., USA, Australia, Canada) are exempt

Check approved English tests on the UKVI list.

Educational Requirements for Skilled Worker Visa

The Skilled Worker visa doesn’t require a degree for all roles, but certain jobs (e.g., medical, IT, teaching) require specific qualifications.

Credential Evaluation:

If your qualification was obtained overseas, you may need to submit a UK ENIC (formerly NARIC) certificate for:

Academic recognition
English language equivalency

More info: UK ENIC service

Examples of Required Qualifications:

Occupation	Educational Requirement
Software Developer	Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
Nurse	Nursing degree + NMC registration
Teacher	Degree + QTS or equivalent
Civil Engineer	Degree in engineering discipline

Visa Validity and Extensions

Initial validity: Up to 5 years
Extension: Yes, as long as the eligibility criteria are met
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR): After 5 continuous years on the visa

Applicants must not spend more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12 months.

Skilled Worker Visa Extension Guide UK?

You can apply to extend your visa if:

You are still working for the same sponsor.
Your job remains on the Skilled Occupation List.
You meet the salary requirements and English language criteria.
Your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is valid for extension purposes.

If your job title has changed or you’ve switched employers, a new visa application may be required instead of a standard extension.

Useful External Resource: Skilled Occupation List – GOV.UK

Key Requirements for Visa Extension

To qualify for a Skilled Worker Visa extension in 2025, applicants must satisfy the following conditions:

1. Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

Must be issued by your current UK employer.
Should not be older than 3 months before application.

2. Salary Threshold

Minimum annual salary must be £26,200 or £10.75 per hour, whichever is higher.
Some job roles may require higher thresholds or may be eligible for lower thresholds depending on the shortage occupation list or new entrant category.

3. English Language Proficiency

You must prove English language skills to at least B1 level on the Common European Framework.

4. Financial Requirement

You must have at least £1,270 in your bank account for 28 consecutive days unless your sponsor is covering this cost.

Documents Required

Ensure the following documents are prepared in advance:

Current passport or travel document.
Biometric Residence Permit (BRP).
Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) reference number.
Proof of English proficiency (e.g., IELTS, degree taught in English).
Bank statements (if applicable).
Criminal record certificate (if required for your role).
Tuberculosis test results (if from listed countries).

Tip: All documents must be in English or Welsh, or accompanied by certified translations.

Application Process – Step-by-Step

Step 1: Prepare Documents

Ensure all supporting documentation is ready before applying.

Step 2: Apply Online

Visit the official Skilled Worker extension portal.

Step 3: Pay the Application Fee

You’ll pay both the visa application fee and the immigration health surcharge (IHS).

Step 4: Book a Biometrics Appointment

You may need to visit a UKVCAS service centre to provide fingerprints and photographs.

Step 5: Await Decision

Decisions usually take 8 weeks. Priority and super priority services are available for faster decisions.

Costs and Processing Time

Application Fees

Up to 3 years: £825
More than 3 years: £1,500

Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)

£624 per year of stay

Optional Priority Services

Priority (5 working days): £500 additional
Super Priority (1 working day): £1,000 additional

Note: These fees are per applicant. Dependants pay the same fees.

Common Reasons for Rejection

Incomplete documentation
Insufficient salary
Expired CoS
Criminal records or immigration breaches
Applying too early or too late

To avoid delays or rejection, triple-check your documents and eligibility.

Switching Employers or Job Roles

If you’re changing:

Your employer (sponsor), or
Your job role and it’s not on the same occupation code,

You must apply for a new Skilled Worker Visa instead of an extension.

Learn more in our detailed guide: Switching Visas on a Skilled Worker Visa

Rights During Extension

While your extension is pending:

You can continue working for the same employer.
You maintain your legal immigration status under Section 3C of the Immigration Act 1971.
You can travel but may face re-entry delays; avoid non-essential travel.

How to Prepare for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)

If your goal is settlement in the UK, you can apply for ILR after 5 years on the Skilled Worker route.

ILR Preparation Checklist:

Ensure continuous residence (no more than 180 days outside UK per year).
Maintain employment with sponsorship.
Meet the salary threshold for ILR (£25,600 or as applicable).
Pass the Life in the UK Test.
Meet B1 English requirement.

Related Resource: Indefinite Leave to Remain Guide

FAQs

Q: Can I include dependants in my extension?
Yes. You can include your partner and children in the same application.

Q: When should I apply for the extension?
No more than 60 days before your current visa expires.

Q: Will my visa be refused if I change my job title?
Not if the new title falls under the same SOC code. Otherwise, a new application is required.

Q: Can I extend my visa multiple times?
Yes. There is no limit, but ILR is preferable after 5 years.

External Resources for Further Help

Conclusion

The UK Skilled Worker visa serves as a gateway to building a career in one of the world’s most robust economies. With the right job offer, a valid CoS, and verified documentation, applicants can enjoy long-term professional growth and potential settlement in the UK. For those with in-demand skills, the UK remains an open and attractive destination.