Skilled Worker Visa 2026
Work in the UK for an approved employer. You need a job offer paying £38,700+ (or £30,960 for new entrants and certain shortage occupations).
Application fee
£719 – £1,500
NHS surcharge
£1,035/year
Processing time
3–8 weeks
Who is eligible?
- A job offer from a UK employer with a Home Office sponsor licence
- The job must be at RQF level 3 or above (A-level equivalent or higher)
- Salary of at least £38,700 per year (or £30,960 for new entrants and shortage occupations)
- Certificate of Sponsorship (COS) from your employer
- English language ability at B1 level or above (CEFR)
- Sufficient funds — usually £1,270 held for 28 consecutive days (unless employer certifies maintenance)
How to apply — step by step
- 1Secure a job offer from a UK employer that holds a valid sponsor licence — search the register at gov.uk
- 2Your employer issues a Certificate of Sponsorship (COS) — you need the COS reference number to apply
- 3Complete the online Skilled Worker visa application at gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa/apply
- 4Pay the visa fee (£719 for up to 3 years, £1,420 for over 3 years) and the Immigration Health Surcharge (£1,035/year)
- 5Book and attend a biometrics appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) centre
- 6Await a decision — standard processing is up to 3 weeks from outside the UK
Common reasons for refusal
- ✗Employer does not hold a valid sponsor licence at time of application
- ✗Salary falls below the going rate for the specific occupation code
- ✗Certificate of Sponsorship details do not match application
- ✗English language evidence not accepted (must be from approved provider)
- ✗Insufficient funds — bank statements must show 28 consecutive days without dropping below £1,270
Key requirements at a glance
- Job offer from approved sponsor
- Salary meets minimum threshold
- English language (B1)
- Certificate of Sponsorship
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum salary for a Skilled Worker visa in 2026?▾
The general minimum salary is £38,700 per year. New entrants (under 26, recent graduates, or switching from a student visa) can be sponsored at £30,960. Shortage occupations may also allow lower thresholds. The minimum is the higher of £38,700 or the "going rate" for the specific occupation code.
Can I bring my family on a Skilled Worker visa?▾
Yes. Your spouse or partner and children under 18 can apply as dependants. They can live, work, and study in the UK for the same duration as your visa. Each dependant must pay the visa fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge separately.
How long does a Skilled Worker visa last?▾
Up to 5 years (or the duration of your Certificate of Sponsorship plus 14 or 28 days, whichever is shorter). You can extend it as long as you remain employed by the same licensed sponsor, or switch to a new sponsor.
Does my employer pay for the Skilled Worker visa?▾
There is no legal requirement for employers to pay, but many do — especially larger companies and NHS. The employer must pay a sponsor licence fee and the Immigration Skills Charge (£1,000 per year for most employers). Ask your employer before accepting an offer.
Can I switch to a Skilled Worker visa from inside the UK?▾
Yes, from most other visa categories — including Student, Graduate Route, and Tier 2. You cannot switch from a Visitor Visa. You must have a valid COS and meet all the salary and sponsorship requirements.
Next steps
Official application
Apply for the Skilled Worker Visa on GOV.UK
All visa applications are processed by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) via the official gov.uk website.
Apply on GOV.UK