The UK Skilled Worker Visa is one of the main immigration routes for overseas nationals who wish to live and work legally in the United Kingdom. With frequent changes to immigration rules—especially major salary threshold updates in 2024—understanding the requirements and application process is essential to avoid delays or refusals.
At Primus Solicitors, our specialist immigration solicitors provide clear, strategic advice to both applicants and employers throughout the Skilled Worker Visa process.
Understanding the Skilled Worker Visa
The Skilled Worker Visa allows non-UK nationals to work in the UK for an employer that holds a valid Home Office sponsor licence. It operates under a points-based system, where applicants must score at least 70 points to qualify.
Key Features of the Skilled Worker Visa
Employer sponsorship required
Points-based assessment system
Allows dependants to join the main applicant
Valid for up to 5 years per grant
Provides a route to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
Duration, Extensions, and Settlement (ILR)
The Skilled Worker Visa is typically granted for up to five years and can be extended as long as the eligibility criteria continue to be met.
Settlement as a Skilled Worker (ILR)
To qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain, you must usually meet the following conditions:
Continuous Residence Requirement
Five continuous years in the UK
Time spent on eligible routes may include:
Skilled Worker
Global Talent
Innovator Founder
Scale-up
T2 Minister of Religion
International Sportsperson
Absence Limit
No more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period
Additional ILR Requirements
Pass the Life in the UK Test (unless exempt)
Sponsor must still be licensed and require your role
Salary must meet the applicable threshold or going rate
Upcoming Skilled Worker Visa Changes (2024)
⚠️ Important Update
From Spring 2024, the minimum salary threshold for most Skilled Worker roles is set to increase to £38,700 per year, with limited exemptions (including Health and Care roles).
Early legal advice is strongly recommended due to these changes.
Who Can Apply for a Skilled Worker Visa?
The Skilled Worker Visa is suitable for individuals who:
Have a job offer from a Home Office-approved sponsor
Are employed in an eligible skilled occupation
Meet the English language and salary requirements
Family Members
Applicants can bring:
A spouse or partner
Dependent children
Skilled Worker Visa Requirements
Applicants must score 70 points made up of mandatory and tradeable points.
Mandatory Requirements (50 Points)
Job Offer from Licensed Sponsor (20 Points)
Must be genuine and from an A-rated sponsor
Skilled Job Level (20 Points)
Role must meet RQF Level 3 or above
English Language Requirement (10 Points)
Minimum B1 level via approved test or degree
Tradeable Points (20 Points)
Points can be gained through:
Salary level
Shortage occupation roles
Relevant PhD or STEM PhD
New entrant status
Sponsorship and Employer Requirements
Sponsor Licence Requirement
UK employers must hold a valid Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence.
Sponsorship Obligations
No Resident Labour Market Test required
Role must be genuine and necessary
Immigration Skills Charge must be paid
Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
A Certificate of Sponsorship is mandatory.
Types of CoS
Defined CoS
For applicants applying from outside the UK
Undefined CoS
For applicants applying inside the UK
Correct allocation and timing of the CoS is critical.
Skill Level and SOC Codes
Skill Requirement
Role must meet RQF Level 3 (A-level equivalent)
Standard Occupation Codes (SOC)
The job must match the correct SOC code
Incorrect SOC selection can result in refusal or sponsor penalties
Skilled Worker Minimum Salary Requirements
Salary Thresholds (Pre-Spring 2024)
General threshold: £26,200
New entrants and shortage roles: lower thresholds apply
Salary Threshold (From Spring 2024)
£38,700 per year (most roles)
Health and Care Worker roles exempt
Who Qualifies as a New Entrant?
You may qualify for reduced salary thresholds if:
You are under 26
Switching from a Student or Graduate visa
Working toward professional qualifications
In a postdoctoral research role
❌ New entrant status is not available if total stay would exceed 4 years.
English Language Requirement
Applicants must show B1 English proficiency through:
Approved English language test
Degree taught in English
Nationality-based exemption
Financial Maintenance Requirement
Applicants must show sufficient funds unless:
Employer certifies maintenance on the CoS
This requirement also applies to dependants.
Background and Criminal Record Checks
Certain occupations require a criminal record certificate, especially in healthcare, education, and social care roles.
Health and Care Worker Visa (Alternative Route)
Healthcare professionals may qualify for the Health and Care Worker Visa, which offers:
Lower visa fees
Faster processing
Salary exemptions from the £38,700 threshold
How to Apply for a Skilled Worker Visa
Application Process
The application is completed online and includes:
Eligibility assessment
Document preparation
Online application submission
Fee payment
Biometric appointment
Supporting Documents Required
Common documents include:
Passport
CoS reference number
Proof of savings (if required)
English language evidence
Criminal record certificate (if applicable)
Application Fees and Processing Times
Processing Times
Outside the UK: approx. 3 weeks
Inside the UK: approx. 8 weeks
Priority services may be available.
Maximum Time Limit on a Skilled Worker Visa
There is no maximum stay limit on the Skilled Worker route.
Key Benefits
No 6-year cap (unlike old Tier 2 rules)
Direct route to ILR after 5 years
Changing Jobs or Employers
A new visa application is required if you:
Change employer
Change job role
Move from shortage to non-shortage role
Applications can be submitted up to 3 months before the new role starts.
Switching to the Skilled Worker Visa
Who Can Switch?
Students (subject to conditions)
Certain work visa holders
Who Cannot Switch?
Visitors
Short-term visa holders
Additional Work on a Skilled Worker Visa
Additional work is permitted if:
Same skill level
Outside sponsored working hours
Some changes must be reported to the Home Office.
How Primus Solicitors Can Help
Our Skilled Worker Visa Services
Eligibility assessment
Sponsor licence guidance
CoS compliance checks
Skilled Worker applications & extensions
Visa refusals and appeals
ILR applications
We ensure your application is accurate, compliant, and strategically prepared.
Conclusion
The UK Skilled Worker Visa is a powerful route for long-term employment and settlement in the UK. With major rule changes in 2024, professional legal guidance is more important than ever.
Whether you are an employer seeking to sponsor overseas talent or an individual applying for a Skilled Worker Visa, Primus Solicitors is here to guide you through every stage of the process.
