Skilled Worker Visa: What It Is and How to Get It

If you want to work in the UK, the Skilled Worker visa is the main route. It lets you stay for up to five years, work for a sponsor, and bring family members. The system is points‑based, so you need to collect enough points from things like your job offer, salary, and English level.

Key Requirements You Must Hit

First, you need a certificate of sponsorship (CoS) from an approved UK employer. The job must be at a required skill level (usually RQF level 3 or above). Then, check the salary threshold – most roles need to pay at least £26,200 a year, though some jobs qualify with lower wages if they’re on the shortage occupation list.

English proficiency is another must. You can prove it with an approved test, a degree taught in English, or by being a national of an English‑speaking country. Each of these items gives you points; you need at least 70 to apply.

Step‑by‑Step Application Process

1. **Get a sponsor** – Find an employer who can issue a CoS. They’ll fill out a digital form and give you a reference number.

2. **Check your points** – Use the UK government calculator. Add points for your job, salary, English, and any extra bonuses like a PhD or a job in a shortage area.

3. **Gather documents** – You’ll need your passport, CoS reference, proof of salary (contract or payslips), English test result, and bank statements showing you can support yourself.

4. **Apply online** – Fill out the visa form on the official website, upload your documents, and pay the visa fee (about £610) plus the healthcare surcharge (around £624 per year).

5. **Biometrics appointment** – Book a slot at a visa centre, give your fingerprints and a photo. You’ll also hand over any original documents they ask for.

6. **Wait for a decision** – Most applications are decided within three weeks. If approved, you’ll get a vignette sticker in your passport and later a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) when you arrive.

7. **Travel to the UK** – Bring your BRP with you. When you land, a Border Officer will check your details and let you in.

Tips to speed things up: double‑check that your sponsor’s CoS is valid, keep your salary proof clear, and use an English test centre that the Home Office recognises. If you miss any point, your application will be refused, and you’ll lose the fee.

Remember, the visa can be extended for another five years as long as you keep working for the same sponsor and still meet the points. After five years, you may apply for settlement (indefinite leave to remain) if you meet the residency rules.

In short, the Skilled Worker visa is a solid path if you have a genuine job offer, meet the salary and English standards, and collect enough points. Follow the steps, keep your paperwork tidy, and you’ll be on your way to working in the UK.