The UK's Skilled Worker visa is the primary route for overseas nationals to work in the United Kingdom. Following the Migration Advisory Committee's (MAC) review, significant changes took effect in April 2024. Here's what changed and how to navigate the current system.
The Points-Based System Explained
The UK uses a points-based system (PBS) where applicants must score at least 70 points across mandatory and tradeable criteria.
Mandatory Points (50 points — non-negotiable)
| Requirement | Points | |-------------|--------| | Job offer from a licensed sponsor | 20 | | Job at or above required skill level (RQF 3+) | 20 | | English language proficiency (B1 or above) | 10 |
Tradeable Points (need 20 more from the below)
| Route | Points | |-------|--------| | Salary ≥ £38,700 (general threshold) | 20 | | Salary ≥ £30,960 (new entrant rate) | 20 | | Salary ≥ £30,960 + PhD relevant to role | 20 | | Salary ≥ £30,960 + shortage occupation | 20 |
The 2024 Salary Threshold Increases
This is the most significant change. The general salary threshold jumped from £26,200 to £38,700 — a 48% increase. The impact varies by role:
- High earners in tech, finance, engineering — largely unaffected; already earning above the threshold
- Healthcare (except senior roles) — NHS pay scales now use Appendix Skilled Worker rates, not the general threshold
- Education — teachers use a separate pay scale with national rates
- Social care — the International Recruitment Fund provides supplements; the care sector has specific considerations
Going Rates by Occupation
Every SOC code has a "going rate" — the median salary for that occupation. You must be paid the higher of:
- The general threshold (£38,700 or lower new entrant rate)
- The going rate for your specific SOC code
Check your SOC code's going rate carefully. Some roles (e.g. software engineers SOC 2136) have going rates above £38,700, meaning you'd need to meet that higher bar.
New Entrant Rate
If you are a "new entrant" to the labour market, you may qualify for a 20% discount on salary requirements (dropping the threshold to ~£30,960):
- Under 26 years old
- In your first two years working in a job at your current level
- Working toward a recognised professional qualification
- Student visa holder switching to Skilled Worker
Healthcare and Education Exemptions
The NHS and education sectors operate under different pay structures:
NHS / Health and Care Visa:
- Doctors, nurses, midwives, allied health professionals use Agenda for Change (AfC) pay bands
- The going rate is set to AfC band minimums, not the general threshold
- The Health and Care Worker visa has reduced visa fees and priority processing
Teachers:
- Qualified teachers in England use the national pay spine (M1–M6 for classroom teachers)
- Current M1 is £31,650 — below the general threshold but exempt via teacher-specific rules
The Shortage Occupation List (Now "Immigration Salary List")
The MAC abolished the 20% salary discount for shortage occupations in 2024. However, roles on the new Immigration Salary List (ISL) still get a discount on the going rate (not the general threshold). The ISL is now a narrower list focused on genuine domestic shortages.
Key ISL occupations include: civil engineers, nurses, HGV drivers, welders, and specific medical specialties.
Sponsor Licence Requirements
Your UK employer must hold a valid sponsor licence. When applying:
- Your employer issues a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) — a unique reference number
- You include this in your visa application
- The CoS must be specific to your role, with the correct SOC code and salary
Without a CoS, there is no Skilled Worker visa. If your employer doesn't have a sponsor licence, they can apply for one (typically takes 8 weeks, costs £536–£1,476 depending on size).
English Language Requirement
You must demonstrate English at CEFR B1 level (equivalent to IELTS 4.0 overall). Accepted evidence:
- IELTS for UKVI / Trinity SELT — B1 or above in all components
- Degree taught in English from a UK or majority English-speaking country
- Nationality exemption (UK, US, Canada, Australia, NZ, Ireland, etc.)
Visa Costs (2025)
| Fee | Amount | |-----|--------| | Visa application (up to 3 years) | £827 | | Visa application (over 3 years) | £1,636 | | Immigration Health Surcharge (per year) | £1,035 | | Priority service | £500 | | Super priority | £800 |
For a 3-year visa plus IHS, the total cost per applicant is approximately £3,932. Employers often cover part or all of these costs.
Path to Settlement (ILR)
After 5 years on the Skilled Worker visa, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) — the UK equivalent of permanent residence — provided you:
- Have lived in the UK for 5 continuous years
- Meet the salary threshold at the time of ILR application
- Haven't spent more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period
- Pass the Life in the UK Test
- Hold B1 English
Is Skilled Worker Right for You?
If you have a job offer from a UK employer with a sponsor licence and meet the salary threshold, the Skilled Worker visa is your primary route. If you don't have a job offer, consider the Global Talent visa (for leaders in your field) or the Graduate visa (for recent UK university graduates).
ImmigrationIQ can score your eligibility across all UK routes and explain which pathway gives you the fastest route to ILR.