Overview of The Skilled Worker Visa
The Skilled Worker visa is a key route for UK employers seeking to recruit skilled professionals from abroad. As part of the UK’s Points-Based System, it facilitates the employment of overseas workers across a broad range of roles.
As a sponsored route, applicants must have a confirmed job offer from a UK employer holding a valid UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) approved sponsor licence. Employers are required to meet UKVI criteria, ensuring that roles are genuine and meet the appropriate skill and salary thresholds. In addition, applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency and score an overall total of 70 points.
Points Based Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for a Skilled Worker visa, an applicant must score a minimum of 70 points under the UK’s Points-Based System.
These points are awarded for satisfying requirements relating to sponsorship, skill level, salary, and English language ability as follows:
| Requirement | Description | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Sponsorship | The applicant must have a valid job offer from a UKVI-approved sponsor, who must assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). | 20 |
| Skill Level | The role must meet the minimum skill level required for the Skilled Worker route. | 20 |
| Salary | The role must meet the applicable salary thresholds. | 20 |
| English Language | The applicant must demonstrate English language proficiency at B2 level or above on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). | 10 |
| Total | 70 |
Certificate of Sponsorship
The Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is central to the Skilled Worker visa process. It is an electronic record held by UKVI, containing key details about the applicant and the sponsored role, and is identified by a unique reference number.
Applicants must have a valid CoS to apply for a Skilled Worker visa. By assigning a CoS, the sponsor confirms that the role meets all relevant UKVI requirements. A CoS is valid for three months from the date it is assigned.
Immigration Skills Charge
Sponsors are required to pay any applicable Immigration Skills Charge (ISC) in full when assigning a Certificate of Sponsorship. The amount payable depends on the size of the organisation and the length of the role, with discounted rates for small or charitable sponsors.
The ISC is designed to support investment in the resident labour market by requiring sponsors to make a financial contribution when employing overseas workers. Exemptions apply to certain roles, including specified research and academic positions.
Licensed Sponsor
To sponsor a Skilled Worker, an organisation must hold a valid sponsor licence issued by UKVI and maintain an A-rating. This rating demonstrates compliance with sponsorship duties and enables the organisation to assign Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) to eligible candidates.
Genuine Vacancy
Before sponsorship can be considered, the role must satisfy the genuine vacancy requirement. This means the position must represent a legitimate role, with duties that accurately reflect the responsibilities at the appropriate skill level. The role must not contain exaggerated responsibilities, unnecessary requirements, or be established primarily for the purpose of facilitating entry to the UK.
To be eligible for a Skilled Worker visa, the role must meet a minimum skill level set by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). This ensures that sponsored roles are appropriate and meet UKVI requirements.
RQF Level 6
From 22 July 2025, the Skilled Worker route generally requires roles to meet a minimum skill level of Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) Level 6, equivalent to bachelor’s degree level. Exceptions apply to certain shortage occupations and to Skilled Worker visa holders granted permission prior to 22 July 2025.
This requirement ensures that sponsored roles are appropriately skilled and aligned with recognised professional or graduate-level occupations, as defined by Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) codes.
Standard Occupation Classification Codes
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) codes are the UK’s official system for categorising jobs by occupation and skill level. They play a central role in the Skilled Worker visa process, determining whether a role is eligible for sponsorship, the applicable salary thresholds, and how compliance is assessed.
Applicants can only be awarded points for skill level if they are sponsored in an eligible SOC code. These are four‑digit codes defined by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Employers must select a code that accurately reflects the role, ensuring it aligns with the job’s duties and responsibilities and appears on the list of eligible occupations for the Skilled Worker route.
RQF Level 3-5
Roles at Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) Levels 3–5, often referred to as “medium‑skilled” occupations, are being phased out of sponsorship on the Skilled Worker route following the introduction of a higher minimum skill threshold on 22 July 2025 (uplift to RQF 6).
These roles typically require skills equivalent to A‑levels through to foundation degree level and include a broad range of technical, administrative, and supervisory positions.
Sponsorship may still be permitted in limited circumstances, including for individuals who were granted Skilled Worker permission prior to 22 July 2025, or where the role is included on the Temporary Shortage List (TSL).
Temporary Shortage List
The Temporary Shortage List (TSL) allows certain roles at RQF Levels 3–5 to be sponsored under the Skilled Worker route on a temporary basis where there is a recognised labour shortage. These roles are exceptions to the standard minimum skill requirement of RQF Level 6 and are subject to time‑limited provisions.
Sponsorship under the TSL is subject to specific conditions and eligibility criteria. The TSL is reviewed periodically by the UK Government, and occupations may be added or removed in line with labour market needs. The route is also subject to key limitations, including:
- 31 December 2026 deadline: Applications relying on roles listed on the TSL must be submitted by this date, unless the provisions are extended.
- Dependants Excluded: Individuals sponsored under the TSL are not permitted to bring dependants to the UK, which may impact recruitment and retention.
Applicants under the Skilled Worker route must demonstrate sufficient English language proficiency to meet the English language requirement. This requirement can be met in a number of ways, as summarised in the table below.
| Category | Requirement | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Majority English Speaking Country | National of a majority English-speaking country | Applicants who hold nationality of a recognised majority English-speaking country automatically meet the requirement. |
| UK Degree | Degree awarded in the UK | A Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD awarded by a UK institution meets the requirement. |
| Previous Application | Previously met requirement | Applicants who have already met the English requirement at the required level in a successful previous application do not need to demonstrate it again. |
| English Language Test | Secure English Language Test (SELT) | Must pass a SELT from an approved provider at CEFR level B2, covering reading, writing, speaking, and listening. The test must be taken within the last 2 years. Applicants extending a Skilled Worker visa who previously passed at B1 may not need to retake the test. |
| Overseas Degree | Degree taught in English | A Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD taught entirely in English can be used. UK-awarded degrees require standard documentation. Overseas degrees require Ecctis (QLS) verification to confirm equivalency and English language level. |
| School Qualification | UK school-level English | GCSE, A Level, Scottish National Qualification (level 4 or 5), Higher or Advanced Higher in English, obtained from a UK school attended before age 18. |
To be eligible for a Skilled Worker visa, an applicant must meet the relevant salary requirement. This requires the applicant to be paid at or above both of the following:
- General salary threshold – the minimum salary requirement that applies regardless of the applicant’s occupation
- Going rate – the salary level specific to the applicant’s Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code
Where these salary requirements are met, the applicant will be awarded 20 points.
General Salary Threshold
The general threshold refers to the minimum salary requirement that applies irrespective of the applicant’s occupation code.
This may be set at £41,700, £37,500, £33,400, £31,300, £28,200, or £25,000, depending on the applicable tradeable points option and whether transitional arrangements apply.
Going Rate
Transitional Arrangements
Transitional arrangements are in place to protect existing Skilled Worker visa holders from the salary increases introduced on 4 April 2024. Where an individual’s first Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) was issued before 4 April 2024, they may continue to benefit from lower, discounted salary thresholds when applying to extend their visa, change employer, or apply for settlement.
These thresholds are typically based on the 25th percentile of pay data, rather than the higher standard rates that apply to new applicants.
Pre 4 April 2024 Skilled Worker Visa Holder
Applicants who were granted permission as a Skilled Worker under the rules in place before 4 April 2024, have held permission as a Skilled Worker continuously since and apply for further leave before 4 April 2030 may be paid a salary which equals or exceeds the following:
- The general salary threshold – for most jobs this is £31,300 per year, but may be £28,200 or £25,000 per year if the worker scores ‘tradable points’ (see below); and
- The applicable ‘going rate’ for the SOC 2020 occupation code in Appendix Skilled Occupations – or a percentage of the ‘going rate’ if the worker scores ‘tradable points’ (see below).
Post 4 April 2024 Skilled Worker Visa Holder
Applicants who were granted permission as a Skilled Worker under the rules in place from 4 April 2024 onward must be paid a salary which equals or exceeds the following:
- The general salary threshold – for most jobs this is £41,700 per year, unless a lower threshold applies where the worker qualifies for ‘tradeable points’ (see below); and
- The applicable ‘going rate’ for the SOC 2020 occupation code in Appendix Skilled Occupations – or a percentage of the ‘going rate’ where the worker qualifies for ‘tradable points’ (see below).
Tradeable Points
Tradeable points allow applicants to meet the Skilled Worker visa requirements in different ways by balancing salary with other factors.
For example, an applicant may be able to qualify with a lower salary if they meet certain criteria, such as being a ‘new entrant’, working in a shortage occupation, or holding a relevant PhD. In these cases, the lower salary is accepted because additional points are awarded for these attributes.
| Option | Category | Key Requirements | Additional Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| PhD Qualification | Relevant PhD | PhD must be relevant to the role and credible justification provided | Applies to roles listed in Appendix Skilled Occupations. UK qualifications require certificate (or academic reference). Overseas qualifications must be verified by Ecctis (QLS) with a Unique Person Identifier (UPI). |
| STEM PhD | Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics | Relevant STEM PhD linked to the role | Allows eligibility for lower salary thresholds due to high demand for STEM skills in the UK labour market. |
| Immigration Salary List (ISL) | Shortage / priority roles | Role must be listed on the Immigration Salary List | Enables applicants to meet reduced salary thresholds where roles are in shortage or of strategic importance. |
| New Entrant | Early career applicant | Must meet one of the “new entrant” criteria | Allows reduced salary thresholds for those at an early stage in their career. Total time as a new entrant cannot exceed 4 years. |
Non-Points Based Eligibility Requirements
In addition to meeting the core sponsorship and role requirements, Skilled Worker applicants must also satisfy key non-points-based criteria.
Most applicants must show they can financially support themselves on arrival in the UK, unless this is certified by their sponsor. Depending on circumstances, applicants may also need to provide a valid TB certificate, an ATAS certificate for certain specialist roles, or overseas criminal record certificates.
| Requirement | Description | Details | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Requirement (Maintenance) | Proof of Maintenance Funds | Applicants must demonstrate sufficient funds to support themselves. Where sponsored by an A-rated sponsor (such as the University of Glasgow), maintenance may be certified on the Certificate of Sponsorship, removing the need to provide separate evidence. | Link |
| TB Test Certificate | Tuberculosis screening | Required if applying from certain countries specified by the Home Office. Applicants must provide a valid TB test certificate from an approved clinic where applicable. | Link |
| Criminal Record Certificate | Criminal History Check | Required for applicants applying from outside the UK for roles in education, health, or social care (under specified SOC codes). Must cover any country (excluding the UK) where the applicant has lived for 12 months or more in the past 10 years, while aged 18 or over. | Link |
| ATAS Certificate | Academic Technology Approval Scheme | Required depending on nationality and role. Applies to certain research roles at PhD level or above in relevant subject areas. Must be obtained before submitting the visa application. | Link |
The Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS)
The Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS), administered by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), requires certain individuals subject to UK immigration control to obtain clearance before researching in sensitive subject areas.
These areas are those where knowledge could potentially contribute to the development of advanced military technologies or weapons systems. Non‑exempt researchers must therefore secure an ATAS certificate before starting their research in the UK.
The requirement to obtain an ATAS certificate applies to all relevant applications, including visa extensions, where the following conditions are met:
- Exempt National: The applicant is not an exempt national
- Applicable SOC Code: The role falls within a relevant SOC code
- ATAS-Categorised Subject Area: The role includes elements of research at PhD level or above in an ATAS‑relevant subject area
Where an ATAS certificate is required, the University will not assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) until the applicant has obtained the necessary ATAS clearance.
Nationals of certain countries are exempt from the requirement to obtain an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate.
This exemption applies to nationals of:
- Australia
- European Economic Area (EEA)
- Canada
- Japan
- New Zealand
- Republic of Korea
- Singapore
- United States of America
Individuals from these countries do not need to apply for ATAS clearance when undertaking eligible study or research in the United Kingdom.
Certain roles at the University of Glasgow fall within the scope of the Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) due to their involvement in advanced research within sensitive subject areas.
The following Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) codes are commonly associated with ATAS‑relevant roles:
- 2119 – Natural and Social Science Professionals (Not Elsewhere Classified)
- 2161 – Research and Development (R&D) Managers
- 2162 – Other Researchers (unspecified discipline)
- 2311 – Higher Education Teaching Professionals, such as Lecturers and Professors
- 3111 – Laboratory technicians
- 3112 – Electrical and electronics technicians
- 3113 – Engineering technicians
Roles aligned to these SOC codes may require an ATAS certificate where they involve research at PhD level or above in subject areas subject to ATAS controls.
The University is committed to ensuring compliance with UKVI requirements and will advise applicants where ATAS clearance is required before employment or study can commence.
|
Biological Sciences: |
Engineering: |
Mathematical and Computer Sciences: |
Medicine (and Allied Subjects): |
|---|---|---|---|
|
CAH03-01-02 - Biology (non-specific) |
CAH10-01-01 - Engineering (non-specific) | CAH09-01-01 - Mathematics | CAH02-02-01 - Pharmacology |
|
CAH03-01-03 - Ecology and Environmental Biology |
CAH10-01-07 - Civil Engineering | CAH09-01-02 - Operational Research | CAH02-02-02 - Toxicology |
|
CAH03-01-06 - Zoology |
CAH10-01-02 - Mechanical Engineering | CAH11-01-01 - Computer Science | CAH02-02-03 - Pharmacy |
|
CAH03-01-04 - Microbiology and Cell Science |
CAH10-01-04 - Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering | CAH11-01-02 - Information Technology | CAH10-01-06 - Bioengineering, Medical and Biomedical Engineering |
|
CAH03-01-05 - Plant Sciences |
CAH10-01-05 - Naval Architecture | CAH11-01-03 - Information Systems | |
|
CAH10-03-05 - Biotechnology |
CAH10-01-08 - Electrical and Electronic Engineering | CAH11-01-04 - Software Engineering | |
|
CAH03-01-07 - Genetics |
CAH10-01-09 - Chemical, Process and Energy Engineering | CAH11-01-05 - Artificial Intelligence | |
|
CAH02-05-03 - Biomedical Sciences (non-specific) |
|||
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CAH03-01-08 - Molecular Biology, Biophysics and Biochemistry |
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CAH03-01-01 - Biosciences (non-specific) |
|||
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CAH03-01-10 - Others in Biological Sciences |
|
Physical Sciences: | Technologies: |
Veterinary Sciences, Agriculture and Related Subjects: |
|---|---|---|
|
CAH07-02-01 - Chemistry |
CAH10-03-03 - Polymers and Textiles | CAH05-01-02 - Others in Veterinary Sciences |
|
CAH10-03-07 - Materials Science |
CAH10-03-01 - Minerals Technology | CAH06-01-02 - Agricultural sciences |
|
CAH07-01-01 - Physics |
CAH10-03-02 - Materials Technology | |
|
CAH07-01-02 - Astronomy |
CAH10-03-04 - Maritime Technology | |
|
CAH26-01-05 - Others in Geographical Studies |
||
|
CAH07-04-01 - Physical Sciences (non-specific) |
||
|
CAH07-04-03 - Sciences (non-specific) |
||
|
CAH07-04-04 - Natural Sciences (non-specific) |
Visa Application
Once a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) has been issued by a licensed UK sponsor, the applicant can submit their Skilled Worker visa application online via the Home Office website. The CoS must be used within three months of issue.
A summary of the process has been provided below:
| Stage | Requirement | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Application Process | Submit Application | Complete the online form, enter CoS reference, upload documents, and pay the application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge. |
| Identity Verification | Biometric Enrolment | Verify identity using the UK Immigration: ID Check app or attend a VAC/UKVCAS service point (as instructed during application). |
| Processing Times | Application Processing | Outside UK: 3-4 weeks. Inside UK: up to 8 weeks. Priority services may be available. |
If successful, permission is granted and immigration status is usually issued digitally as an eVisa.
Applicants outside the UK must submit their application from their home country or from a country where they have permission to reside for at least six months.
For further information and to access the application, please see the following link:
Travelling to the UK
The visa will specify a start and end date, and the applicant must travel to the UK on or after the visa start date.
If the applicant enters the UK before the visa becomes valid, they will be admitted as a visitor and will not have permission to work. To activate the visa, the applicant would need to leave and re-enter the Common Travel Area (CTA).
The applicant should travel within the validity period of the visa and avoid booking travel until the visa decision has been received.
Switching
Applicants may be able to switch into the Skilled Worker route from within the UK if they hold valid immigration permission and meet all relevant requirements.
However, switching is not permitted for certain visa categories. Individuals in the UK as visitors, short‑term students, or on other temporary routes are generally unable to apply for a work visa from within the UK. Requirements can vary, so applicants should always check the guidance for their specific route.
A link to apply to switch from within the UK is provided below.
Student Visa Holder Switching
Student visa holders in the UK may be able to switch into the Skilled Worker route if they meet the relevant requirements.
The following additional conditions apply:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Course Completion | Applicants must have either completed their sponsored course, or completed at least 24 months of a UK PhD. |
| Financial Sponsorship | Applicants who received funding from a government or international scholarship agency in the 12 months before applying (covering both tuition fees and living costs) must provide written consent from their sponsor. |
Change of Employment
An existing Skilled Worker visa holder may need to submit a new visa application if there is a significant change to their employment circumstances. This may include:
- Moving to a different employer
- Changing to a role with a different occupation (SOC) code
- Moving from a role on the Immigration Salary List (ISL) to a role that is not on the list
Dependants
Family members who meet the eligibility requirements may apply for permission to accompany or join a Skilled Worker visa holder in the UK. Dependants can apply at the same time as the main applicant or submit an application at a later date, provided they continue to meet the relevant immigration requirements.
Under the UK Immigration Rules, the following family members may qualify as dependants of a Skilled Worker visa holder:
| Dependant Type | Definition under the UK Immigration Rules |
|---|---|
| Partner | A husband, wife, civil partner or unmarried partner of the main visa holder. |
| Child under 18 | A child under the age of 18, including a child born in the UK during the visa holder's stay. |
| Child aged 18 or over | A child who is already in the UK with immigration permission as a dependant of the main visa holder and continues to meet the relevant requirements. |
How To Apply
An application for a dependant can be made online at the same time as the application of the main Skilled Worker visa applicant who will be sponsored by the University of Glasgow.
If you and your dependants are applying from outside the UK at the same time, each dependant will need to complete a separate application form.
Dependants can also apply separately to join the main Skilled Worker visa holder in the UK.
Financial Requirement
As an A-rated Sponsor, the University of Glasgow will certify the maintenance for the main applicant and their dependants on the main applicant’s Skilled Worker Certificate of Sponsorship.
Dependants may also be required to provide a Tuberculosis Test Certificate and/or Criminal Record Certificate if this is applicable to them.
Costs
Skilled Worker Visa Costs
When applying for a Skilled Worker visa, applicants should be prepared for several associated costs, including the visa application fee, and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). Visa fees vary depending on the length of sponsorship and whether the application is made from inside or outside the UK. Understanding these costs in advance can help ensure a smooth and successful application process.
Skilled Worker Visa Fee Summary
| Application Type | Up to 3 Years | More Than 3 Years |
|---|---|---|
| Applying from outside the UK | £819 | £1,618 |
| Applying from inside the UK (extend, switch or update) | £943 | £1,865 |
| Immigration Salary List occupations (inside or outside the UK) | £628 | £1,235 |
Fees are payable per applicant, including any dependants applying with the main applicant.
Additional Costs
| Cost | Amount |
|---|---|
| Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) | £1,035 per year of visa granted |
Please note that visa fees and immigration charges are subject to change. Applicants should always check the latest Home Office guidance before submitting an application.
Please refer to the University of Glasgow’s reimbursement guidance to determine which of these costs may be covered by the employing department or faculty.
Existing Skilled Worker Visa Holders
A Skilled Worker visa is typically granted for the duration of the sponsored role, up to a maximum of five years. Sponsors are expected to assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) that reflects the length of the employment contract.
Throughout the sponsorship period, visa holders must comply with the conditions of their visa and the requirements of the Immigration Rules, including working in their sponsored role and keeping their employment details accurate and up to date.
Key responsibilities and permissions include:
- Sponsorship responsibilities: Both the visa holder and sponsor must remain compliant where there are any changes in circumstances, such as role, salary, or employment status. These changes may need to be reported or approved in line with the Immigration Rules.
- Supplementary employment: Visa holders may undertake additional work alongside their sponsored role, subject to specific conditions, including limits on hours and eligible roles.
As the visa approaches expiry, further options may be available:
- Extensions: Visa holders can apply to extend their permission to continue living and working in the UK, typically for up to a further five years, provided they continue to meet the relevant requirements.
- Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR): After five continuous years in the Skilled Worker route, individuals may be eligible to apply for settlement, allowing them to remain in the UK on a permanent basis.
Sponsoring a Skilled Worker comes with a range of ongoing responsibilities for both the employer and the visa holder. Sponsors must ensure they continue to meet the Home Office requirements throughout the sponsorship period, including maintaining accurate records and reporting any relevant changes in a timely manner.
Equally, visa holders must comply with the conditions of their visa and ensure that their employment and personal circumstances remain consistent with the details provided to the Home Office.
Failure to meet these responsibilities can result in compliance action, including penalties for the sponsor and potential impacts on the visa holder’s permission to remain in the UK.
Reporting
| Category | What Must Be Reported |
|---|---|
| Absence & Attendance | • Unauthorised absence of 10 consecutive working days (reported within 10 working days) • Failure to start employment (non‑starters), including reasons |
| Job Changes | • Change in role within the same SOC code • Changes to core duties (within same SOC code and appropriate salary) • Changes to job title or responsibilities |
| Salary & Working Conditions | • Salary increases not previously declared on the CoS • Salary changes due to family leave or long-term sickness (over one month) • Changes to regular working patterns (e.g. hybrid working) |
| Work Location | • Changes to the main work address from that stated on the CoS |
| Leave | • Maternity, paternity, adoption leave • Long-term sick leave |
| End of Employment / Sponsorship | • Early termination (resignation, dismissal, or project ending) • TUPE transfers (e.g. mergers, acquisitions, restructures) • Details of new employer where known |
Skilled Worker visa holders may, in certain circumstances, take on additional work alongside their sponsored role. This is known as supplementary employment.
This can include paid or voluntary work, provided the individual continues to be employed in their main sponsored role and meets the relevant conditions set out in the Immigration Rules.
The supplementary work conditions are summarised in the table below:
| Requirement | Eligible Roles (RQF 6) | Eligible Roles (RQF 3–5) |
|---|---|---|
| Occupation Eligibility | Must be in an occupation listed in Tables 1, 2 or 3 of Appendix Skilled Occupations. | Allowed where the individual has had continuous Skilled Worker permission under rules in place before 22 July 2025, in occupations listed in Tables 1a, 2aa or 3a. |
| Working Hours | Maximum of 20 hours per week. | Maximum of 20 hours per week. |
| Timing of Work | Must be undertaken outside the hours of the sponsored role. | Must be undertaken outside the hours of the sponsored role. |
To extend a Skilled Worker visa, the applicant must submit an online application from within the UK, supported by the required documentation.
A new Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is required as part of the extension application. Applicants will also need to verify their identity, with the method depending on their nationality and the type of passport they hold. Instructions are provided during the application process.
In some cases, applicants may need to attend a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) appointment to provide fingerprints and a photograph. Alternatively, they may be able to use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to confirm their identity digitally without attending an appointment.
The Skilled Worker route allows visa holders to work in the UK with a licensed sponsor for up to five years at a time, with the option to apply for extensions. It also provides a clear pathway to settlement.
Individuals who complete a continuous qualifying period of five years in the Skilled Worker route—either through an initial grant or subsequent extensions—may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
To qualify for settlement, applicants must meet the requirements set out in Appendix Skilled Worker of the UK Immigration Rules.
| Requirement | Summary |
|---|---|
| Continuous Residence | Must complete 5 years’ lawful residence in the UK on eligible routes (including Skilled Worker and others). Absences must not exceed 180 days in any 12-month period, unless exceptions apply (e.g. pandemic disruption or compassionate circumstances). |
| Sponsorship Requirement | The current sponsor must remain licensed and confirm ongoing employment, including that the role and salary meet ILR requirements. A new CoS is not required. |
| Salary Requirement (CoS issued ≥ 4 April 2024) | Must meet the experienced worker threshold: typically at least £41,700 or the going rate (whichever is higher). Lower thresholds apply for specific health and care roles. No tradeable points allowed. |
| Salary Requirement (CoS issued < 4 April 2024) | Transitional rules may apply (until 2030). Typically requires £31,300, £25,000 (if eligible role), or the applicable going rate. Some protected SOC codes may qualify at lower thresholds. |
| Knowledge of Life in the UK | Must pass the Life in the UK Test (unless exempt due to age or medical condition). |
| English Language | Must meet the English language requirement at the correct level. |
Letter from Employer
As part of the Indefinite Leave to Remain application, you will be asked to submit a letter from your current employer confirming your employment, SOC code, salary and absences from the UK (including confirmation of any research-related absences).
Please contact the Staff UKVI Compliance Team in order to request this:
If you were previously employed with another sponsoring employer during your qualifying period, you will also be required to obtain a letter from your previous employer confirming your employment and absences from the UK.
Costs and Processing Timescales
Applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) under the Skilled Worker route costs £3,226 per applicant. Most applications are processed within 6 months using the standard service.
As part of the application process, you will need to provide your biometric information (fingerprints and a photograph), which is included in the application fee. Applicants should also remain in the UK while their application is being considered, as travelling outside the Common Travel Area may result in the application being withdrawn.
Please note that the above information is not intended to be an exhaustive overview of visa categories and requirements. Although we try to ensure that all information is accurate at the time of publishing, the general information on these pages may not fully apply to your specific circumstances and immigration rules and policies may change on short notice.
You should always refer to the Immigration Rules and UKVI Policy Guidance for the full requirements and conditions in the first instance before making an application.