The UK Skilled Worker Visa is the main route for non-UK nationals to live and work in the United Kingdom. After Brexit, the points-based immigration system replaced free movement for EU nationals. This guide covers the 2025 eligibility rules, the updated salary thresholds, and exactly how to apply.
Who can apply for a UK Skilled Worker Visa?
You can apply for a Skilled Worker Visa if you have a confirmed job offer from a UK employer who holds a valid sponsor licence. The job must be at a required skill level and meet the salary threshold. The visa is available to people from any country worldwide — there are no nationality restrictions.
- You must have a job offer from a UK-licensed sponsor
- The job must be at RQF Level 3 or above (equivalent to A-level standard)
- Your salary must meet the minimum threshold for the specific occupation code
- You must be able to speak English at B1 level on the CEFR scale
- You do not need to be currently in the UK to apply
What are the salary thresholds in 2025?
The government significantly raised salary thresholds in April 2024. As of 2025, the general minimum salary for most Skilled Worker Visa roles is £38,700 per year. This replaced the previous £26,200 threshold.
- General threshold: £38,700 per year (or the "going rate" for the occupation, whichever is higher)
- New entrant rate: £30,960 per year (for those under 26, recent graduates, or those switching from a student visa)
- Healthcare roles (NHS): separate going rates apply — often lower than £38,700
- Shortage occupation list roles: some roles qualify at 80% of the going rate
- The salary must be paid in full — it cannot include tips, bonuses, or non-guaranteed pay
💡 Tip
Healthcare workers (nurses, doctors, care workers) have different salary rules. NHS employers and care sector sponsors often offer roles below the general £38,700 threshold through separate Appendix Skilled Worker guidance. Always check the specific occupation code.
How the points system works
The Skilled Worker Visa uses a points-based system. You need 70 points to qualify. Points are awarded for having a sponsor (20 points), a job at the required skill level (20 points), English language ability (10 points), and salary (20 points). The system is designed to be transparent and predictable.
- 20 points: Offer from an approved sponsor
- 20 points: Job at the required skill level (RQF 3+)
- 10 points: English language at B1 level
- 20 points: Salary meets the going rate for the occupation
- Total needed: 70 points
How to find a licensed sponsor
Not every UK employer is licensed to sponsor overseas workers. You can only apply for a Skilled Worker Visa if your employer appears on the official GOV.UK Register of Licensed Sponsors. Relocly gives you direct access to this register — updated daily.
Search our database of 90,000+ UK licensed visa sponsors by city and sector to find employers who can legally hire you.
Find Visa Sponsor Employers →Step-by-step application process
- Step 1: Get a job offer from a licensed UK sponsor and receive your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
- Step 2: Check your occupation code qualifies and your salary meets the threshold using the Home Office guidance
- Step 3: Gather documents — passport, CoS reference number, English language test results, TB test results (if applicable)
- Step 4: Apply online at gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa — the application fee is £719–£1,500 depending on the role and duration
- Step 5: Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) — currently £1,035 per year
- Step 6: Provide biometric information at a visa application centre
- Step 7: Wait for a decision — typically 3 weeks from outside the UK, 8 weeks from inside the UK
Costs of the Skilled Worker Visa in 2025
- Application fee: £719 (up to 3 years) or £1,500 (over 3 years) for most roles
- Healthcare roles: £247 (up to 3 years) or £479 (over 3 years)
- Immigration Health Surcharge: £1,035 per year per person (paid upfront for the full visa duration)
- Priority service: additional £500 for a decision within 5 working days
- Super priority: additional £1,000 for a decision the next working day
- Some employers cover these costs — always ask during negotiation
💡 Tip
Your employer can legally pay your visa costs and IHS as part of your package. Many NHS trusts and large corporations do this. Always negotiate this upfront — it can save you thousands of pounds.
Can your family come with you?
Yes. Your spouse or partner and children under 18 can apply as dependants on your Skilled Worker Visa. They can live, work, and study in the UK. Each dependant must pay their own application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge.