The UK Skilled Worker visa replaced Tier 2 Work visa and allows overseas workers to come to or stay in the UK to do an eligible job with an approved employer. It requires a Certificate of Sponsorship from your employer.
- Certificate of Sponsorship (CAS) from a UK employer with a Home Office sponsor licence
- Job on the eligible occupations list (SOC code)
- Salary meeting the general threshold (£38,700 per year) or going rate for the occupation
- English language proof (IELTS 4.0+ in all four components or approved equivalent)
Your employer must have a sponsor licence and issue you a CAS
Not all UK employers can sponsor overseas workers — they must hold a Home Office Sponsor Licence. Ask your employer to confirm their sponsor licence number (starts with “T”). They assign you a Certificate of Sponsorship (CAS) reference number, which you use in your visa application.
Check your salary meets the threshold
From April 2024: general salary threshold is £38,700/year or the “going rate” for your occupation (whichever is higher). Some occupations (health, social care, education) have specific going rates. Check the official shortage occupation and going rate list at gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa.
Apply online at gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa
Create a UKVI account. Fill in the application with your CAS number, personal details, travel history, and financial information. Upload: passport, English language test certificate, qualifications (if required for the job), and financial evidence (if required).
Pay visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge
Fee for skilled worker visa: £827 (up to 3 years) or £1,636 (more than 3 years). Immigration Health Surcharge: £1,035 per year. These are paid during the online application. For a 3-year visa, total cost is approximately £4,932.
Biometrics, passport, and BRP collection
After applying, book a biometrics appointment at a UKVI application centre in your country. Your passport is returned with a vignette (entry clearance). Collect your Biometric Residence Permit from a Post Office or your employer within 10 days of arrival in the UK.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes — your partner and children can apply as dependants on a Skilled Worker visa. Each dependant pays their own visa fee and IHS. Partners get an open right to work in the UK. The salary threshold and sponsor requirements apply only to the main applicant.
You must apply for a new Skilled Worker visa for each new job, using the new employer’s CAS. You can continue working for your current employer until the new visa is approved. The new employer must also hold a sponsor licence.